10 best movers in North Bethesda, Maryland

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

Long-distance movers in North Bethesda

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

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 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 North Bethesda is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in North Bethesda is higher than 98.0% of the country.

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

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

Your total cost may also be influenced by these additional considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are valuable, breakable or particularly large. Some common items that can cost more to move include these:

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

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 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

Bad weather, traffic, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. 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

Keeping these ways in mind can save you money on moving in North Bethesda.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

Small items may not pose an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, budget-friendly movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and still book your preferred moving company.

Peak moving season is between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective mover.

While you can move on your own, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

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

FAQ about moving in North Bethesda

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of the entire 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 materials it saves. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be tough.

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 thoroughly before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Maryland are also required to have a license from the Maryland Department of Labor.

How does moving insurance work?

Review 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. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving valuable goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak moving time is between May to September, leading to much higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both big and small. The high summer rates could understandably steer you away from moving at that time of year.

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?

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

Moving companies often limit insurance coverage on costly items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.