10 best movers in Tucson, Arizona

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

Long-distance movers in Tucson

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or over 50 miles away. If you're crossing state boundaries, you should be especially cautious that the mover you choose has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To look up a carrier's licensing status, you can input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving services below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly 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

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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 Tucson is below the national average. Although the cost of living in Tucson is higher than 76.4% of the country, moving prices in the area are lower than expected.

Numerous factors are involved in moving, causing expenses adding up fast. Common moving expenses include the following:

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

Your total moving cost may also be influenced by these extra factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, breakable or very large items. Some items that can incur higher fees include these:

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

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 required, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for several reasons such as bad weather, traffic, limited supplies and transportation emergencies. These issues may increase the time and money required. Be prepared for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can save you money on moving in Tucson.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not pose a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, affordable movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and still book your preferred moving team.

Most people hire movers from May through 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

If you have difficulty finding a cheap mover that works for you, there are several alternatives to consider.

Handling the move yourself is one option. Before going this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for moving large items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a DIY move, employing movers is valuable.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be cheaper, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Tucson

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers handle 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 the loading up and transport of your belongings. The cost can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to covering the cost of packing materials. Additionally, full-service moving can provide more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

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

Approximate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. Getting this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months, May to September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to limited availability and inflated costs countrywide for large and small moves alike. This might dissuade you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid Tucson's scorching summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating exceptionally difficult.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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 photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving companies 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 possible loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

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

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.