10 best movers in New York City, New York

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of New York is International Van Lines. If you're planning a local move in the New York City area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in New York City

A long-distance move means moving over 50 miles away or from one state to another. Check that the moving company you hire has the right federal licensing when crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers must 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 confirm a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The reliable long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They 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?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of New York City is greater than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in New York City is above 98.4% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly based on what services you need. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

These extra factors can bring up the cost of your total:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move valuable, fragile or oversized items. These items can be more expensive to move:

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

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's common to tip if they provide good service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Traffic, bad weather, transportation emergencies and limited supplies can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving costs in New York City.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Inform them of additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory.

While small items can usually be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, affordable movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to save some money and still book your preferred moving company.

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

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you have difficulty finding an affordable mover that meets your needs.

Move on your own is one option. Before going this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

You may also need to ask family, friends or neighbors for help moving large or heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial 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, which can be less expensive. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in New York City

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your movers take care of all aspects of the moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you take into account the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are generally only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

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 New York are also required to have a license from the New York Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to ask 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 optimal time to move falls during May to September, leading to notably higher demand and pricing for moves both big and small. The high summer rates could understandably deter you from moving at that time of year.

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.

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage for costly items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about possible loss or damage, keep those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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