10 best movers in Lowell, Massachusetts

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of Massachusetts is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Lowell area.

Long-distance movers in Lowell

A long-distance move is when you move to a different state or over 50 miles away. Check that the moving company you hire has the right federal licensing when crossing state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We've verified that the long-distance movers 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?

Relocating within or out of Lowell is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Lowell is above 91.8% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are many factors involved. The following are common moving expenses:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move fragile, oversized or valuable items. Some common items that can cost more to move include these:

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

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees 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 several reasons, including limited supplies, traffic, bad weather and transportation emergencies. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. You can't prevent unexpected 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

Keeping these ways in mind can lower your moving expenses in Lowell.

Be communicative

Avoid unexpected charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Be especially communicative 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 these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and cost-effective movers are highly sought after, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to save some money while still hiring your preferred moving team.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cost - effective moving provider.

One alternative is moving yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving yourself:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system required for a DIY move, hiring movers is worth it.

Another alternative is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Lowell

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of every part of the moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are typically only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration completely before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Massachusetts are also required to have a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

How does moving insurance work?

Check what insurance policies your movers provide. 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. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to explore rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months from May to September is ideal time to move, leading to less availability of movers and boosted costs for moves both big and small. Understandably, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to steer clear of a winter move, too, as Massachusetts' icy conditions and snowy weather are less than ideal conditions for a move.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving 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 photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Most moving companies limit insurance coverage for high-value possessions, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, take those possessions with you.

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

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

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.