10 best movers in Stoneham, Massachusetts

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of Massachusetts is International Van Lines. If you're planning a local move in the Stoneham area, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Stoneham

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move from one state to another. If you're crossing state lines, you must be especially cautious that the mover you use has the necessary federal licensing. 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.

The experienced and reputable long-distance moving companies below are actively licensed. They can help get 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

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 Stoneham is relatively costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Stoneham is above 96.2% of the country.

Many factors are involved in moving, leading to expenses adding up quickly. The following are common moving expenses:

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

These additional factors can cause your final moving bill to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, fragile or valuable items. Some common items that can cost more to move include the following:

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

Ask movers if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

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

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Bad weather, traffic, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all make your move more expensive and take longer. 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

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in Stoneham.

Be communicative

To avoid surprise charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, especially about items you add to your inventory after getting an estimate from the movers.

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 quote for these item, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and reserve your movers of choice.

Most people hire movers between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, consider moving outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cost - effective moving service that meets your needs.

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

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Getting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Professional movers provide significant value if you lack the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

Another alternative is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Stoneham

What’s full-service moving?

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

Full-service moving is pricier than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. The cost can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving may offer more comprehensive 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?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration thoroughly 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?

See what insurance policies your movers provide. 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 expensive items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months of May through September is best time to move, leading to limited availability of movers and boosted 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 roads and snowy weather are far from ideal conditions 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?

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.

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

There are certain goods and materials that moving services aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

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

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.