10 best movers in Baltimore, Maryland

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. For a local move around Baltimore, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Baltimore

A long-distance move is when you relocate over 50 miles away or move to another state. Hiring a mover with the proper federal licensing is essential if you're crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. These reliable movers can help get your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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?

While moving can be an expensive process, the average hourly rate for moving services in Baltimore is lower than the national average. Although the cost of living in Baltimore is higher than 81.0% of the country, moving prices in the area are more affordable than expected.

Numerous factors are involved in moving, leading to expenses adding up fast. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

Your total moving cost may also be impacted by these extra factors:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are fragile, valuable or oversized. These common items can cost more to move:

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

If you have 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 provide good service. 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

Delays can happen for a variety of reasons such as transportation emergencies, traffic, limited supplies and bad weather. These issues may increase the time and money required. Be prepared for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving costs in Baltimore.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Tell them about additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory.

For example, your movers can usually add small items to the truck without issue, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed in advance. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can save some money and ensure you reserve the movers you want.

Peak moving season is from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding an affordable moving service that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

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

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system needed for a DIY move, employing movers is valuable.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another option. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these independent contractors may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Baltimore

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will manage the entire moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking 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 a justifiable expense when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're coordinating an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Maryland are also required to have a license from the Maryland Department of Labor.

How does moving insurance work?

Estimate the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving expensive goods — just understand that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

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

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

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

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

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials that moving companies aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

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