10 best movers in Brooklyn, New York

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of New York is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move around Brooklyn.

Long-distance movers in Brooklyn

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or over 50 miles away. Hiring a moving company with the necessary federal licensing is essential if you're moving across state boundaries. 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 these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We've verified that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

While the moving process can be expensive, the average hourly rate for moving services in Brooklyn is lower than the national average. Interestingly, the cost of living in Brooklyn is higher than 98.4% of the country, so moving prices are more affordable than expected.

Various factors are involved when moving, so expenses add up fast. The following are common moving expenses:

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

Your total moving cost may also be influenced by these additional considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are fragile, valuable or particularly large. Some common items that can incur higher fees include the following:

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

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as a lack of supplies, traffic, transportation emergencies and inclement weather. These can inflate your moving costs and prolong your timeline. Be prepared for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can reduce your moving expenses in Brooklyn.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

While small items can usually be accommodated without issue, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed ahead of time. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and cost-effective movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to save some money while still booking your preferred moving team.

Most people schedule moves between May and September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a budget - friendly relocation service that works for you, there are several alternatives to consider.

You can move on your own, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system required for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack is another option. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Brooklyn

What’s full-service moving?

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

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are typically only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for compliant USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting 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?

Estimate the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving expensive goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable moving time is between the warmer months of May to September, resulting in fewer available movers and considerably increased prices across the U.S. for moves of all kinds. This could deter you from a summer move, given the increased costs. However, you may also want to avoid moving in the winter because of New York's cold and potentially icy conditions.

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 photos, financial records, identification documents and technology.

Moving businesses often restrict insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Take irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're worried about loss or damage.

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

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