10 best movers in Brookline, Massachusetts

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

Long-distance movers in Brookline

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

We’ve confirmed that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. These reliable movers can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

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 Brookline is higher than the national average, making itrelatively costly. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Brookline is above 99.5% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay extra for moving valuable, breakable or oversized items. These items typically cost more to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons such as transportation emergencies, bad weather, limited supplies and traffic. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. There’s no way to prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can save you money on moving in Brookline.

Be communicative

Avoid unexpected charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not be an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and reserve your movers of choice.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during less hectic months may result in lower rates or less competitionfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a cheap moving service that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

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

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Enlisting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving large items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you don't have the time or support system required for a self-move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.

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

FAQ about moving in Brookline

What’s full-service moving?

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

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged items.

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 Massachusetts are also required to have a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

How does moving insurance work?

Approximate the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best 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 steer clear of moving in the winter as well, since Massachusetts' cold 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?

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

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, keep those possessions with you.

There are certain goods and materials prohibited for transportation by movers. These include the following:

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

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.