10 best movers in Johnston, Rhode Island

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Johnston area.

Long-distance movers in Johnston

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or from one state to another. When crossing state boundaries, make sure your moving company has the necessary federal licensing. 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 confirm a carrier's licensing status.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.

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 relocating within or out of Johnston is higher than the national average, making itfairly expensive. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Johnston is above 85.2% of the country.

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

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

These extra factors can bring up the cost of your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay extra for moving breakable, valuable or oversized items. These items can cost more to move:

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

When deciding between movers, ask whether they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s a common practice if your movers provided quality service. For local moves, a standard 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 a variety of reasons, including bad weather, transportation emergencies, limited supplies and traffic. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. There’s no way to combat unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving expenses in Johnston.

Be communicative

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

Small items may not be a problem, 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 start the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

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

Movers are busiest between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, 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 budget - friendly relocation service that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

Move yourself is an option. Before going this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Enlisting help from friends, family or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Movers are worth the cost if you don't have the time or anyone to help you move.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Johnston

What’s full-service moving?

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

Standard moving services cost less 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 consider the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods 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 valid 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?

Estimate the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. 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 hotter months from May to September is peak moving time, leading to less availability of movers and boosted costs for moves both sizable and small. For good reason, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to steer clear of a winter move, too, as Rhode Island's icy roads and snowy weather are less than ideal conditions for a move.

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?

On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any expensive 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 possible loss or damage, take those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.