10 best movers in Lawrence, Indiana

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. For a local move in the Lawrence area, use the filters below to find other movers that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Lawrence

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or to another state. When crossing state lines, ensure your mover has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to 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 confirm a carrier's licensing status.

We've verified 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 Lawrence is greater than the national average, making itrelatively expensive. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Lawrence is above 71.0% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are various factors involved. Here are some common moving costs:

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

Your total moving cost may also be impacted by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are valuable, breakable or particularly bulky. These items often are more expensive to move:

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

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge additional fees.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's customary to tip if they provide good 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 several reasons such as traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies. These issues may add to the time and money required. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can reduce your moving expenses in Lawrence.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Notify them about additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

For example, your movers can likely add small items to the truck without issue, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and cost-effective movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to keep costs down while still getting your preferred moving team.

Most people hire movers 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 budget - friendly mover that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

Handling the move on your own is an option. Before choosing this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. If you don't have the time or support system required for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Lawrence

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers take care of the entire moving process, including 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 cost can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to the packing materials costs it covers. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be challenging to get approved.

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 coordinating an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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?

Check what insurance policies your movers provide. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The ideal moving time is between May and September, creating lower availability and inflated rates countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, this might cause you to think twice about making a move during the summertime.

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?

To be safe, keep important financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your personal car. We also recommend keeping expensive technology with you while moving.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

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

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