10 best movers in Middletown, Delaware

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for moving out of Delaware. If you're planning to move in the Middletown area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Middletown

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

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving firms below have an active license. These reliable movers can help get your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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?

Moving within or out of Middletown is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Middletown is higher than 90.3% of the country.

Various factors are involved when moving, leading to expenses adding up quickly. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

Your total moving cost may also be influenced by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

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

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

Ask movers if they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or reduced the stress of your move. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as traffic, inclement weather, a lack of supplies and transportation emergencies. These can increase your moving costs and extend your timeline. You can't avoid unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in Middletown.

Be communicative

To prevent unexpected charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not be an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to adjust their charges for these additions and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, budget-friendly movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still book your preferred moving company.

Peak moving season is from May through 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

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cost - effective relocation service that meets your needs.

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

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

You may also need to ask family, friends or neighbors for help loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture. Professional movers are worth it if you lack the time or support to commit to self-moving.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack, which can be less expensive. However, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Middletown

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will tackle the entire moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

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 save you, as well as the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are generally only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're arranging an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Delaware does not mandate licensure for moving companies at the state level, but federal regulations still are in effect.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. Every moving company 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 necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime time to move is May to September, creating limited availability and inflated costs countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, you might hesitate to make a move during the summertime.

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?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

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

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

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