10 best movers in Cleveland, Tennessee

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Tennessee. For a local move in the Cleveland area, use the filters below to find other local companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Cleveland

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or to a different state. If you're moving across state boundaries, you need to be especially careful that the mover you use has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT 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 are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly 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

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?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Cleveland is higher than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Cleveland is above 53.0% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly based on what services you need. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

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

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

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move less stressful. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as transportation emergencies, a lack of supplies, traffic and inclement weather. These can inflate your moving costs and prolong your timeline. Prepare for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Cleveland.

Be communicative

Prevent surprise charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Tell them about additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory.

Small items may not pose an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can save some money and ensure you book your preferred moving team.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find a cheap moving company that meets your needs.

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

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another alternative. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Cleveland

What’s full-service moving?

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

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an interstate move, you should screen companies for compliant USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Tennessee are also required to have a license from the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be sensible if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to explore rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months between May to September is the peak moving time. This results in a limited supply of available moving companies, and higher costs for moves of any size. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from going with a summer 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.

Moving companies often restrict insurance coverage on expensive goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Bring irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

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

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

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.