10 best movers in Carmel, Indiana

The best mover for moving out of Indiana is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move around Carmel.

Long-distance movers in Carmel

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move from one state to another. When crossing state boundaries, make sure your moving company has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers must 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 long-distance moving companies below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently 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 moving within or out of Carmel is greater than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Carmel is above 84.3% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

Your total cost may also be impacted by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move oversized, fragile or valuable items. These common items can cost more to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they provide quality service. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, traffic, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving costs in Carmel.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

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

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and budget-friendly movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to save some money while still reserving your preferred movers.

Movers are busiest between May and September. You may get lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

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

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

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you don’t have the time or support to commit to self-moving.

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

FAQ about moving in Carmel

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will manage the entire moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking everything for you.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

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 quotes and agreements. If you're coordinating an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Indiana are also required to have a license from the Indiana Department of Revenue.

How does moving insurance work?

Check what insurance policies your movers provide. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to ask about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include expensive items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak time to move is between May to September, leading to notably higher demand and pricing for moves both big and small. The high summer rates could understandably steer you away from moving at that time of year.

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 valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and technology.

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

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

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