10 best movers in Valley Stream, New York

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. If you're moving around Valley Stream, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Valley Stream

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. Check that the moving company you hire has the necessary federal licensing when moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To check a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The long-distance moving companies below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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?

Relocating within or out of Valley Stream is fairly 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 Valley Stream is above 97.9% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. Here are some common moving costs:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are valuable, fragile or oversized. These items can cost more to move:

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

When vetting moving companies, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or reduced the stress of your move. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons, including traffic, limited supplies, transportation emergencies and bad weather. These issues may add to the duration and cost of your move. 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

The following tips can save you money on moving in Valley Stream.

Be communicative

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

While small items can typically be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed in advance. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or on a weekday to save money and reserve your movers of choice.

Most people book movers from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during less hectic months may result in lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a budget - friendly moving provider that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

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

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading large items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you lack the time or support system needed for a DIY move, hiring movers is worth it.

Another alternative is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Valley Stream

What’s full-service moving?

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

Full-service moving costs more than standard moving services, which typically only include the loading up and transport of your belongings. The cost can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers save you, in addition to covering the cost of packing materials. Additionally, full-service moving can offer better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim accepted 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 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 New York are also required to have a license from the New York Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to learn about your mover’s insurance policies. 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 review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

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

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 high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

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

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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