10 best movers in Athens, Georgia

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Athens area.

Long-distance movers in Athens

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or over 50 miles away. Make sure the mover you choose has the right federal licensing when moving across state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

We've verified that the long-distance moving companies below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Athens is higher than the national average, making itfairly expensive. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Athens is above 72.6% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

These extra factors can cause your total moving cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, valuable or fragile items. These common items can cost more to move:

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

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they take good care of your belongings or make your move easier. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, limited supplies, traffic and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. You can't avoid delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Athens.

Be communicative

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

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed ahead of time. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can save some money and ensure you book your preferred moving team.

Movers are the most booked from May through September. You may get less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find a cheap moving team that meets your needs.

You can handle the move yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help moving large or heavy items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another option. While hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Athens

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers take care of the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than standard moving services, which typically only cover loading and moving your belongings. The price can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to covering the cost of packing supplies. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be difficult to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration thoroughly before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Georgia are also required to have a license from the Motor Carrier Division of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to learn about your mover’s insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months from May to September is the peak time to move. This means a limited supply of available moving companies, and increased costs for moves of all sizes. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from going with a summer move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

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

Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and electronics.

Moving companies frequently limit insurance coverage on high-value goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Take irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're worried about loss or damage.

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

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

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.