History of San Rafael Van and Storage
The oldest moving company in Marin county

If you are looking at moving companies in San Rafael or Marin county, you will not find a moving company with a richer history than San Rafael Van and Storage.  Harry Hansen started his hauling business before the 1906 earthquake using a hay wagon and a team of horses.  He contracted moving grapes, lumber, furniture and most anything that needed delivery.  He would pickup shipments from the ferry and deliver to the rich customers in the Ross area.  Most of these shipments were deliveries from expensive retail stores to their customers.  He worked out of his home on Latham Street in San Rafael and stored his goods initially in his basement.   In 1939 he helped move and set up Hamilton Air Force Base by moving all the palm trees from the port to Hamilton. 

During the war effort San Rafael Express started specializing in moving household goods and moved a lot of the workers to Vallejo for shipbuilding.  In 1946, Harry transferred his ownership to his son Clarence and he grew the business, moving into a new warehouse on Dubois Street.

When Angel Island became a state park, San Rafael Van and Storage moved the first park rangers via ferries to the island.  In the 60's, Clarences's son Bud joined the business and together they prospered for almost 30 years as one of the most well known moving companies in San Rafael and Marin county. 

They then sold to Dick Hettrick in 1989 and in 1996 David & Vicki Pitchford added this company  to their family of moving and storage companies.  A tradition of good service to the Marin and Sonoma county homeowners means a lot to the Pitchford's as they continue the long-standing history of this business with their family.

If you would like a free estimate for your moving or storage needs, please call us at 415-382-1840 or fill out our Request a Moving Quote form on-line.