10 best movers in Queens, New York

The best mover for moving out of New York is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Queens area.

Long-distance movers in Queens

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. If you're moving across state lines, you should be especially careful that the mover you use has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to verify a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get you and 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?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Queens is greater than the national average, making itrelatively expensive. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Queens is above 97.7% of the country.

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

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

These additional considerations can cause your final moving bill to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. These items typically cost more to move:

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

When deciding between movers, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s a common practice if your movers provided quality service. 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 are common due to issues such as a lack of supplies, traffic, transportation emergencies and inclement weather. These can inflate your moving costs and prolong your timeline. You can't avoid 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 the following tips in mind can reduce your moving costs in Queens.

Be communicative

Prevent unexpected 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.

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

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, affordable movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still get your preferred moving company.

Peak moving season is between May and September. You may get lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find an economical mover that works for you.

Handling the move yourself is an option. Before choosing this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help loading and unloading large items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system required for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

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

FAQ about moving in Queens

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers tackle the entire moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are more affordable 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 factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are generally only covered 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?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in New York are also required to have a license from the New York Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

Check 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, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. Adding 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 moving time, which results in increased demand for moving companies and substantially higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost. However, you might also want to avoid a winter move, as the colder weather and potentially snowy conditions that New York winters present can be tough for a move.

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?

On moving day, carry 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 companies restrict insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about possible loss or damage, take those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.