10 best movers in Waltham, Massachusetts

The best moving company for relocating out of Massachusetts is International Van Lines. For a local move around Waltham, use the filters below to find other movers that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Waltham

A long-distance move is when you relocate to a different state or over 50 miles away. If you're moving across state boundaries, you should be especially careful that the moving company you use has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To verify 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

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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 Waltham is greater than the national average, making itrelatively expensive. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Waltham is above 98.2% of the country.

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

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

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

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving breakable, valuable or oversized items. Some items that can be more expensive to move include these:

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

Ask potential movers if they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional, but it’s common if your movers provided good service. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as traffic, inclement weather, transportation emergencies and a lack of supplies. These can add to your moving costs and extend your timeline. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving expenses in Waltham.

Be communicative

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

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — need to be discussed in advance. The movers may charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve agreed to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and budget-friendly movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to keep costs down while still getting your preferred movers.

Most people book moving companies from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving service that meets your needs.

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

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large or heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack, which can cost less. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Waltham

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers tackle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and transporting your belongings, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Full-service moving may also offer more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

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

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. 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 of May through September is optimal moving time, leading to less availability of movers and boosted costs for moves both big and small. Understandably, 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 conditions and snowy weather are far from ideal conditions for a move.

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?

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 restrict insurance coverage for costly items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about possible loss or damage, take those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

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

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

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.