10 best movers in South Laurel, Maryland

The best mover for moving out of Maryland is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the South Laurel area.

Long-distance movers in South Laurel

A long-distance move is when you move more than 50 miles away or relocate from one state to another. Make sure the mover you choose has the proper federal licensing when crossing state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving services 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?

Moving within or out of South Laurel is relatively 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 South Laurel is above 94.4% of the country.

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

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

These extra factors can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, breakable or very bulky items. The following items typically are more expensive to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. For long-distance moves, a standard tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as transportation emergencies, inclement weather, a lack of supplies and traffic. These can increase your moving costs and extend your timeline. You can't avoid delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

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

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Inform them of additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed before the move. 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

Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and reserve your movers of choice.

Movers are busiest between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, consider moving outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

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

One alternative is handling the move on your own. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving yourself:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

You may also need to get help from family, friends or neighbors for moving large items such as furniture. Professional movers are worth it if you don’t have the time or support to commit to self-moving.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack, which can be cheaper. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in South Laurel

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers tackle all aspects of the moving process for you. They supply packing materials, provide packing services for 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 a justifiable expense when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should confirm a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking 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?

Approximate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be sensible if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable moving time falls during May to September, leading to notably higher demand and pricing for moves both sizable and small. The high summer rates could understandably dissuade you from moving at that time of year.

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?

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

Many moving businesses limit insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, take those belongings with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Fertilizers
• Fuel sources
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Perishable foods and produce
• 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.