10 best movers in Brookhaven, New York

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

Long-distance movers in Brookhaven

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

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and have an active license. They 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?

Relocating within or out of Brookhaven is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Brookhaven is above 97.5% of the country.

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

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

Your final moving bill may also be affected by these extra factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay extra for moving valuable, breakable or very large items. Some common items that can incur higher fees include these:

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

When researching moving companies, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s common if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local 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 inflate your moving costs and extend your timeline. 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

The following tips can lower your moving expenses in Brookhaven.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting an estimate from the movers.

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed beforehand. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these item, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can lower the cost and ensure you get 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 won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find an affordable relocation service.

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

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you don't have the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack, which can be more cost-effective. However, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Brookhaven

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers handle every part of the moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Additionally, full-service moving may provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items 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 verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in New York are also required to have a license from the New York Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting valuable goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months of May through September is best time to move, leading to less availability of movers and boosted costs for moves both big and small. Understandably, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to bypass a winter move, too, as New York's icy conditions and snowy weather are far from ideal conditions for 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?

To be safe, keep important financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping valuable technology with you while moving.

Many moving companies put limits on insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.

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

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