10 best movers in Salem, Massachusetts

The best mover for relocating out of Massachusetts is International Van Lines. If you're moving around Salem, use the filters below to find other local movers.

Long-distance movers in Salem

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to a different state. If you're moving across state boundaries, you need to be especially cautious that the moving company you hire 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 moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.

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 relocating within or out of Salem is greater than the national average, making it a relatively costly process. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Salem is higher than 93.8% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are numerous factors involved. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

Your total moving cost may also be influenced by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move fragile, valuable or oversized items. These items commonly are more expensive to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons, including transportation emergencies, limited supplies, bad weather and traffic. These issues may add to the time and money required. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can save you money on moving in Salem.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

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

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can reduce costs and ensure you get your preferred moving team.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during less busy months may result in lower rates or less competition.

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.

While you can move yourself, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Getting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. If you lack the time or support system required for a self-move, hiring movers is worth it.

Another alternative is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Salem

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration completely before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Massachusetts are also required to have a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

How does moving insurance work?

Approximate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months of May through September is peak time to move, leading to less availability of movers and inflated costs for moves both big and small. For good reason, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to steer clear of a winter move, too, as Massachusetts' icy conditions and snowy weather are less than ideal conditions for a 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?

Load up your car with anything too important to lose, such as photographs, financial records, identification documents and computers.

Most moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for high-value possessions, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those belongings with you.

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

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