10 best movers in Boston, Massachusetts

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

Long-distance movers in Boston

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or to a different state. If you're crossing state lines, you need to be especially careful that the mover you hire has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The experienced and reliable long-distance moving companies below 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?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Boston is higher than the national average, making itrelatively costly. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Boston is above 98.6% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly, as there are numerous factors involved. The following are common moving expenses:

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

These extra factors can add even more cost to your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

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

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

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or reduced the stress of your move. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

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

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving expenses in Boston.

Be communicative

To avoid unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after getting a quote from the movers.

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 before the move. The movers may need to adjust their charges for these item and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, cost-effective movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still book your preferred relocation service.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during less busy months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you have difficulty finding a cheap moving team that works for you.

Move yourself is an option. Before going this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

You may also need to ask family, friends or neighbors for help loading and unloading heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you lack the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

Another alternative is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Boston

What’s full-service moving?

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

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be challenging.

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 estimates and agreements. If you're planning an interstate move, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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?

Approximate the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak moving time is from May to September, creating high demand for moving teams and significantly elevated pricing nationwide for all moves. The inflated summer rates may deter you from a move at that time of year. However, you may want to bypass moving in the winter as well, since Massachusetts' low temperatures and possible snowfall could present a challenge to your 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?

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

Moving companies frequently restrict insurance coverage on expensive goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're worried about loss or damage.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

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

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.