10 best movers in Staunton, Virginia

The best moving company for relocating out of Virginia is International Van Lines. If you're moving in the Staunton area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Staunton

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or over 50 miles away. When moving across state boundaries, ensure your mover has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

We've confirmed that the long-distance movers below have an active license. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.

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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 is an expensive process, but the average hourly moving rate in Staunton is lower than the national average. Despite the cost of living in Staunton only being higher than 59.6% of the country, moving prices in the area are lower than expected.

Many factors are involved in moving, resulting in expenses adding up fast. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

Your total moving cost may also be affected by these additional considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are valuable, fragile or oversized. Some items that can incur higher fees include these:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional but common if they take good care of your belongings or make your move easier. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as traffic, a lack of supplies, transportation emergencies and inclement weather. These can inflate your moving costs and extend your timeline. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Staunton.

Be communicative

Prevent unexpected charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without a problem, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed beforehand. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these item and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, budget-friendly movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still get your preferred moving company.

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

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find an affordable moving company that works for you, there are several alternatives to consider.

You can move yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Getting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

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

FAQ about moving in Staunton

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will manage every part of the moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking everything for you.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're planning an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Virginia are also required to have a license from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the peak time to move in the U.S., which leads to substantially increased demand and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all kinds. With good reason, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

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

Moving businesses often restrict insurance coverage on high-value goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Bring irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

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

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