10 best movers in Arlington, Massachusetts

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. For a local move in the Arlington area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Arlington

A long-distance move is when you relocate over 50 miles away or move from one state to another. Hiring a mover with the necessary federal licensing is especially important if you're crossing state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To look up a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving companies below are actively licensed. These experienced and reputable movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Arlington is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Arlington is above 98.2% of the country.

Many factors are involved in moving, resulting in expenses adding up fast. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Storage
• Professional labor
• Supplies
• Junk removal
• Fuel
• Packing

These extra considerations can cause your final moving bill to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move oversized, valuable or fragile items. Some common items that can incur higher fees include the following:

• Pianos
• Artwork and sculptures
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Safes

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge additional fees.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. For long-distance moves, a standard tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Limited supplies, traffic, bad weather and transportation emergencies can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Prepare for delays by allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can save you money on moving in Arlington.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

Small items may not be a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to adjust their charges for these item, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, affordable movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still book your preferred moving team.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, consider moving outside of those months, as there may be lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving provider that meets your needs.

Move on your own is an option. Before choosing this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

You may also need to get help from family, friends or neighbors for moving large items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system needed for a DIY move, employing movers is valuable.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can cost less, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Arlington

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will tackle all aspects of the moving process. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you consider the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Massachusetts are also required to have a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

How does moving insurance work?

Check what insurance policies your movers provide. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include high-worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable moving time is between the warmer months of May through September, resulting in fewer available movers and significantly increased prices across the U.S. for moves of all sizes. This could prevent you from a summer move, given the inflated costs. However, you may also want to put off moving in the winter because of Massachusetts' cold and potentially icy conditions.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about possible loss or damage, keep those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

• Plants
• Aerosols
• Fuel sources
• Fertilizers
• Batteries
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Perishable foods and produce
• Flammable chemicals of any kind

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.