10 best movers in Woodlawn, Maryland

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for moving out of Maryland. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Woodlawn area.

Long-distance movers in Woodlawn

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. Make sure the moving company you choose has the proper federal licensing when crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We've verified that the long-distance moving companies below have an active license. They can help get 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?

Relocating within or out of Woodlawn is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Woodlawn is above 85.5% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly based on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

These extra factors can bring up the cost of your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, valuable or oversized items. Some common items that can incur higher fees include the following:

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

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, how much they charge.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s a common practice if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, traffic, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. You can't avoid unexpected 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

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

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed before the move. 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

Reliable, cost-effective movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and still reserve your preferred moving team.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable mover that meets your needs.

Handling the move on your own is one option. Before going this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help moving large items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone who can help you move.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another alternative. While hiring hourly help can be more affordable, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Woodlawn

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers take care of every part of the moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Additionally, full-service moving can get you more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are generally only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for valid USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Maryland are also required to have a license from the Maryland Department of Labor.

How does moving insurance work?

Review what insurance policies your movers provide. 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. A full-value protection policy may be practical 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 most favorable time to move in the U.S., which creates substantially increased demand and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all kinds. Understandably, 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?

On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving companies limit insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about potential loss or damage, take those invaluable or irreplaceable possessions in your own car.

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

• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fuel sources
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• 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.