10 best movers in Cranston, Rhode Island

The best interstate mover for relocating out of Rhode Island is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move around Cranston.

Long-distance movers in Cranston

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. Hiring a moving company with the proper federal licensing is especially important if you're moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to 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 look up a carrier's licensing status.

The experienced and reliable long-distance movers below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

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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?

Moving within or out of Cranston is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Cranston is above 87.0% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

Your total cost may also be affected by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, fragile or oversized items. Some items that can be more expensive to move include the following:

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

When deciding between moving companies, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

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

Delays happen. Traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all add time and money to your move. 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

Keeping these ways in mind can reduce your moving costs in Cranston.

Be communicative

To prevent unexpected charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not pose a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions and get your consent to these fees before starting the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and budget-friendly movers are highly sought after, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to keep costs down while still reserving your preferred relocation service.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap moving company that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

While you can move on your own, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Cranston

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will handle all aspects of the moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only cover loading and moving your belongings. The price can be justified, considering the time and labor packers save you, in addition to covering the cost of packing materials. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be difficult 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 official files. If you're making an interstate move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Rhode Island are also required to have a license from the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers of the R.I. Public Utilities Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to review your mover’s insurance policies. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months between May and September is best time to move, leading to less availability of movers and inflated costs for moves both sizable and small. Understandably, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to bypass a winter move, too, as Rhode Island'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?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving companies cap insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about possible loss or damage, pack those priceless or irreplaceable possessions in your own car.

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

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

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.