10 best movers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for relocating out of Louisiana. If you're moving in the Baton Rouge area, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Baton Rouge

A long-distance move is when you relocate to another state or over 50 miles away. If you're crossing state boundaries, you need to be especially careful that the moving company you choose has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

The long-distance movers below are experienced and have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

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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 Baton Rouge is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Baton Rouge is higher than 73.4% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are numerous factors involved. Common moving expenses include the following:

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

These additional considerations can cause your total moving cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, fragile or oversized items. These common items can cost more to move:

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

Find out from potential movers whether they move these items and if so, how much they charge.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s common if your movers provided good service. 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

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as transportation emergencies, inclement weather, traffic and a lack of supplies. These can raise your moving costs and prolong your timeline. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Baton Rouge.

Be communicative

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

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 ahead of time. The movers may need to adjust their charges for these item, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before starting the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or during the week to save money and book the movers you want.

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

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find a cheap moving service that works for you.

One alternative is handling the move on your own. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving yourself:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky or heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Professional movers provide significant value if you lack the time or support to commit to self-moving.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can cost less, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Baton Rouge

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your movers take care of the entire moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and moving your belongings. The cost 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 usually only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're coordinating an interstate move, confirm the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Louisiana are also required to have a license from the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

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. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting valuable goods — just understand that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime moving time stretches from May through September, resulting in limited supply and elevated pricing nationwide for relocations of all scopes. The steep rates may prevent you from a summer move. Moreover, you may wish to avoid relocating in the summer given Baton Rouge's extreme heat, which could further complicate a 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 valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and electronics.

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

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

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

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.