10 best movers in Parkville, Maryland

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

Long-distance movers in Parkville

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

We’ve confirmed that the long-distance moving firms below have an active license. These experienced movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently 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 Parkville is greater than the national average, making it a fairly costly process. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Parkville is higher than 87.4% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are numerous factors involved. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

Your final moving bill may also be affected by these extra factors:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, fragile or valuable items. The following items commonly cost more to move:

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

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move less stressful. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for several reasons such as bad weather, limited supplies, traffic and transportation emergencies. These issues may add to the time and money required. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving costs in Parkville.

Be communicative

Avoid unexpected charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While small items can typically be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed ahead of time. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions and get your consent to these fees before starting the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and budget-friendly movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to save some money while still reserving your preferred moving company.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, consider moving outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a cheap moving provider that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

You can handle the move yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

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

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack is another option. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Parkville

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing 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 the extra cost when you take into account the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves mandate 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?

Learn what insurance policies your movers provide. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to explore rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months between May and September is best moving time, leading to limited availability of movers and boosted costs for moves both sizable and small. Understandably, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to avoid a winter move, too, as Maryland's icy conditions and snowy weather are less than ideal conditions for a move.

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?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping valuable technology with you while moving.

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

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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