10 best movers in Owings Mills, Maryland

The best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Maryland is International Van Lines. If you're moving around Owings Mills, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Owings Mills

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate from one state to another. When crossing state lines, make sure your mover has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving firms below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

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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 Owings Mills is higher than the national average, making it a relatively costly process. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Owings Mills is above 92.2% of the country.

Various factors are involved when moving, resulting in expenses adding up fast. Common moving expenses include the following:

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

These extra considerations can cause your final moving bill to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay extra for moving valuable, fragile or very large items. The following items typically are more expensive to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's customary to tip if they provide good service. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as inclement weather, a lack of supplies, transportation emergencies and traffic. These can add to your moving costs and extend your timeline. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving expenses in Owings Mills.

Be communicative

To avoid unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, especially about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or on a weekday to lower the cost and reserve the movers you want.

Most people book movers from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there may be lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find an affordable moving company that meets your needs.

You can handle the move on your own, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

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

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

FAQ about moving in Owings Mills

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will manage every part of the moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect 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?

See 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, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. 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 warmer months between May to September is the optimal time to move. This results in a limited supply of available moving companies, and higher costs for moves of all sizes. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from going with a summer move.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, keep 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 put limits on insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

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

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.