10 best movers in Cumberland, Rhode Island

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

Long-distance movers in Cumberland

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or over 50 miles away. If you're moving across state boundaries, you must be especially careful that the mover you use has the right 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 long-distance movers below are experienced and have an active license. They can help get your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

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

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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 Cumberland is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Cumberland is above 86.8% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly, as there are numerous factors involved. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

Your final moving bill may also be impacted by these extra factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or oversized items. These items commonly are more expensive to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional but common if they take good care of your belongings or make your move easier. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for a variety of reasons, including limited supplies, traffic, bad weather and transportation emergencies. These issues may add to the duration and cost of your move. There’s no way to combat delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving costs in Cumberland.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, your movers can usually add small items to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed ahead of time. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these item, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can save some money and ensure you get the movers you want.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during less hectic months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you can't find an affordable that meets your needs.

Handling the move by yourself is one option. Before going this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

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

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another option. While hiring hourly help can cost less, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Cumberland

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will manage all aspects of the moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack 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 a justifiable expense when you take into account the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're arranging an interstate move, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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?

Approximate the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire 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 warmer months from May to September is the best time to move. This results in a limited supply of available moving companies, and higher costs for moves of all sizes. 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 valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and computers.

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

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Fuel sources
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fertilizers
• Perishable foods and produce
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• 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.