10 best movers in Santa Fe, New Mexico

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. For a local move around Santa Fe, use the filters below to find other local companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Santa Fe

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move from one state to another. Hiring a mover with the right federal licensing is essential if you're moving across state boundaries. 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 these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The long-distance movers below are experienced and actively licensed. They can help get 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?

Moving within or out of Santa Fe is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Santa Fe is above 86.4% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved when moving, resulting in expenses adding up quickly. Here are some common moving costs:

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

These extra considerations can cause your total moving cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are breakable, valuable or oversized. Some common items that can be more expensive to move include these:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's customary to tip if they provide good service. 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

Delays can happen for a variety of reasons such as transportation emergencies, limited supplies, bad weather and traffic. These issues may add to the duration and cost of your move. You can't avoid unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can reduce your moving expenses in Santa Fe.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

Small items may not be an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to adjust their charges for these item and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, cost-effective movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still get your preferred relocation service.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you have difficulty finding a cheap that works for you.

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

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a DIY move, hiring movers is worth it.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be more affordable. However, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Santa Fe

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers manage all aspects of the moving process for you. They supply packing materials, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is pricier 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, in addition to the packing supplies costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving may provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are usually only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're arranging an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in New Mexico are also required to have a license from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best moving time is May to September, creating lower availability and inflated rates countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, this might cause you to think twice about making a move during the summertime.

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

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.