10 best movers in Oakton, Virginia

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move around Oakton.

Long-distance movers in Oakton

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or over 50 miles away. Check that the moving company you hire has the necessary federal licensing when crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to verify a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The long-distance movers below are experienced and 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?

Moving within or out of Oakton is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Oakton is above 98.5% of the country.

Various factors are involved when moving, leading to expenses adding up fast. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

These extra considerations can cause your total moving cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, breakable or particularly bulky. The following items often are more expensive to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as a lack of supplies, inclement weather, transportation emergencies and traffic. These can raise your moving costs and prolong your timeline. You can't avoid unexpected 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

Consider these ways to lower moving costs in Oakton.

Be communicative

Avoid unexpected charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Tell them about additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory.

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 adjust their charges for these item and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can lower the cost and ensure you book your preferred moving team.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a budget - friendly moving company that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

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

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving bulky or heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Professional movers are worth it if you lack the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Oakton

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers handle all aspects of the moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can offer more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim accepted 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 planning an interstate move, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Virginia are also required to have a license from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the full 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. A full-value protection policy may be sensible if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the prime moving time in the U.S., which leads to substantially increased demand and notably higher rates across the country for moves of all types. Rightfully so, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

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 valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Moving companies often limit insurance coverage on costly goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Bring irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials that moving services aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

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