10 best movers in Carney, Maryland

The best moving company for relocating out of Maryland is International Van Lines. If you're planning to move in the Carney area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Carney

A long-distance move means moving over 50 miles away or from one state to another. Make sure the mover you hire has the right federal licensing when crossing state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

The experienced and reputable long-distance moving services below 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?

Relocating within or out of Carney is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Carney is above 86.2% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast based on what services you need. Common moving expenses include the following:

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

These extra factors can bring up the cost of your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay extra for moving breakable, valuable or oversized items. These common items can be more expensive to move:

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

Find out from potential movers whether they move these items and if so, how much they charge.

Tipping your movers

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

Unexpected delays

Limited supplies, transportation emergencies, traffic and bad weather can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. Be prepared for delays by allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Carney.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed in advance. 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

Since dependable and cost-effective movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to lower the cost while still booking your preferred movers.

Most people book movers between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, consider moving outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a budget - friendly 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 on your own:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be more affordable. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Carney

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of all aspects of the moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration thoroughly before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Maryland are also required to have a license from the Maryland Department of Labor.

How does moving insurance work?

Estimate the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. Adding this extra 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 hotter months between May and September is peak time to move, leading to less availability of movers and inflated costs for moves both sizable and small. For good reason, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to bypass a winter move, too, as Maryland'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?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about potential loss or damage, take those priceless or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

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

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

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.