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Sean DonnellyHome Improvement Reporter
Sean informs readers of all the issues that moving clients may encounter during any relocation....
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 moving companies that operate within 50 miles of Dedham. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
The best interstate mover for relocating out of Massachusetts is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Dedham area.
Below are additional moving companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
A long-distance move is when you relocate over 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 are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to confirm a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.
We’ve verified that the long-distance moving companies below have an active license. These experienced and reputable movers can help get your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.
Massachusetts moving companies that operate across state lines must have state and federal licensing. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates Massachusetts movers. All licensed moving companies in the state are alphabetically listed on the DPU’s page.
Relocating within or out of Dedham is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Dedham is higher than 97.7% of the country.
Moving expenses add up quickly based on what services you need. The following are common moving expenses:
Your total cost may also be impacted by these additional factors:
Professional movers may charge more to move valuable, fragile or oversized items. Some common items that can cost more to move include the following:
When vetting movers, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.
While tipping your movers is optional, it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.
Delays happen. Traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.
Experts Ready to Help
The following tips can lower your moving expenses in Dedham.
Prevent unexpected 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.
Small items may not be an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve consented to the charges.
Since dependable and affordable movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to lower the cost while still getting your preferred moving company.
The busiest moving period is from May through September. You may get less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.
There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective moving company that meets your needs.
One alternative is handling the move by yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving on your own:
You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.
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.
When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will handle the entire moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.
Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only cover loading and transporting your belongings. The price can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving can get you better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are generally only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.
Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Massachusetts are also required to have a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.
Determine the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.
The warmer months — May through September — are the prime moving time in the U.S., which creates substantially increased demand and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. With good reason, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.
We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.
On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.
Many moving companies limit insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about potential loss or damage, keep those priceless or irreplaceable possessions in your own car.
Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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