10 best movers in Pikesville, Maryland

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

Long-distance movers in Pikesville

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

We've confirmed that the long-distance movers below have an active license. They can help get you and 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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Pikesville is relatively costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Pikesville is above 84.4% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

Your total cost may also be impacted by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. Some items that can cost more to move include these:

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

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

Tipping your movers

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

Unexpected delays

Transportation emergencies, traffic, limited supplies and bad weather can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. Be prepared for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving costs in Pikesville.

Be communicative

Prevent surprise charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, your movers can usually add small items to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed in advance. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can reduce costs and ensure you get the movers you want.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective moving company that meets your needs.

Move on your own is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Professional movers provide significant value if you don’t have the time or support to commit to self-moving.

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

FAQ about moving in Pikesville

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle the entire moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than standard moving services, which typically only cover the loading up and transport of your belongings. The cost can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers save you, as well as the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving may offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. 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?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

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

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for 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 high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving businesses put limits on insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.

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

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

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.