10 best movers in Tempe, Arizona

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of Arizona is International Van Lines. For a local move around Tempe, use the filters below to find other moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Tempe

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. Check that the mover you choose has the right federal licensing when crossing state boundaries. 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 verify 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 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 Tempe is higher than the national average, making it a relatively costly process. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Tempe is higher than 85.7% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are many factors involved. The following are common moving expenses:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or very bulky items. These items can be more expensive to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or reduced the stress of your move. 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 happen. Limited supplies, traffic, bad weather 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 adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving costs in Tempe.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Inform them of additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory.

While small items can usually be accommodated without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed ahead of time. The movers may need to charge more for those additions and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, affordable movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still reserve your preferred relocation service.

Movers are busiest 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 have difficulty finding an affordable moving provider that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

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

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be more cost-effective. However, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Tempe

What’s full-service moving?

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

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. The cost can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to covering the cost of packing materials. Full-service moving may also provide better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're coordinating an interstate move, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Arizona does not mandate licensure for moving companies at the state level, but federal regulations still are in effect.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to check out your mover’s insurance policies. 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. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving high-worth goods — just understand that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months (stretching from May through September) are the most favorable time to move, which makes for heightened demand and higher rates across the country for moves of all dimensions. This may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost. You may also want to avoid moving in the summer because of the sweltering heat that Tempe can encounter, which could make moving in those months extremely challenging.

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?

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

Many moving businesses put limits on insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.