10 best movers in Indianapolis, Indiana

The best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Indiana is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Indianapolis area.

Long-distance movers in Indianapolis

A long-distance move means moving over 50 miles away or from one state to another. Hiring a moving company with the right federal licensing is especially important if you're crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving services below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Indianapolis is greater than the national average, making itfairly expensive. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Indianapolis is above 70.7% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast depending on what services you need. The following are common moving expenses:

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

Your final moving bill may also be affected by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving breakable, valuable or oversized items. Some common items that can be more expensive to move include these:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's common to tip if they provide good service. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons such as bad weather, transportation emergencies, traffic and limited supplies. These issues may increase the time and money required. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving expenses in Indianapolis.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any changes 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 appliances or furniture should be discussed ahead of time. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, cost-effective movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and still get your preferred moving team.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find an economical that works for you.

Handling the move on your own is one option. Before going this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have 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 hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Indianapolis

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and transporting your belongings, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can offer better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on all official documents like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Indiana are also required to have a license from the Indiana Department of Revenue.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to learn about 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, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving valuable goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the ideal moving time in the U.S., which creates considerably increased demand and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. Rightfully so, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for 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 valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Moving businesses often limit insurance coverage on expensive items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.