We rated United Van Lines as the best option for long-distance and interstate moves in Massachusetts. Its Canton-based affiliate, Humboldt Storage & Moving, offers comprehensive service packages and receives primarily positive customer reviews.
For local relocation assistance, A-Plus Moving & Storage is our top-rated option. Its trained professional movers, decade-plus of industry experience and ample service options make it a top choice in the Bay State.
Hiring a qualified moving company will simplify your moving process and ensure your belongings are properly handled. Each moving company we reviewed scored highly on our proprietary grading scale for availability, services offered, customer ratings and more.
Here, we’ve listed the best moving companies for Massachusetts relocations, detailing their pricing practices, service offerings and general reputations.
Our top choices for Massachusetts movers
We review moving companies based on pricing practices, service offerings, insurance options and industry reputation. We find that customer reviews are one of the most telling metrics when evaluating a moving company, so all of our provider reviews are backed by positive feedback from real clients.
Best long-distance movers for Massachusetts
The movers below have the required registrations and operating authority to provide long-distance and interstate service. We recommend these providers when planning an out-of-state move from Massachusetts.
Best movers for a local Massachusetts move
The following providers offer intrastate moves at hourly rates. Each is locally owned and has a similar service range to its interstate and national counterparts.
Making an informed choice: A guide to professional movers
The best way to find the right mover for you is to evaluate several companies before requesting quotes. Don’t commit to a provider without obtaining a signed copy of your moving estimate with itemized fees. Review any mover you consider for the following:
Moving services
Your moving service requirements will mainly depend on your inventory, the value of your belongings and the time frame you have to plan and execute your move. We recommend
conducting a full walk-through of your home before getting quotes. Write down comprehensive inventory lists that break down your home room by room, and note any add-on services you could need.
Most movers offer the following basic and additional services:
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Packing supplies
- Storage
- Vehicle shipping
- Debris removal
- Custom crating for antiques and fine art
Carriers vs. brokers
Be aware of a moving company’s service model when you book your move. Moving carriers are companies that directly handle all moving services they book. This is the type of company most moving clients think of when they consider booking professional movers.
Moving brokers, on the other hand, work as middlemen between clients and carriers. These providers contract services out to carriers and take a large upfront payment as a booking fee.
Ask about any mover’s operational status when you book to ensure that you’re fully informed before your movers arrive on moving day.
Moving regulations
Local and long-distance moving companies each have distinct registration requirements.
Regulations for interstate and long-distance movers
Long-distance moving companies must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) monitors and regulates all moving companies that offer interstate service and ensures that they carry these two registrations. The FMCSA also maintains a database where you can look up a moving company’s operating status.
Regulations for intrastate and local movers
All Massachusetts moving companies must be registered with the state Department of Public Utilities (DPU). This governing body maintains a list of registered moving companies. Scan the list to ensure the local moving company you’re vetting is registered.
All local movers in the state must also maintain tariffs with the same governing body. Tariffs state a company’s rates for basic services and can be found on the DPU’s website.
Moving costs
In short, your total moving cost will depend on how far your move takes you. Local and long-distance movers break these costs down differently, however.
Long-distance moving costs
Your long-distance moving costs will largely depend on your move distance and the total weight of your goods. Movers that specialize in long-distance relocations weigh their trucks before and after loading your household goods to determine your exact price. These companies charge more transparent, all-inclusive rates for service. Add-on services can substantially increase these rates.
We got quotes from several nationwide moving companies for three-bedroom, 1,800-mile moves. Our quoted price averaged $9,155, with packing services included. The same move would cost about $7,329 without packing.
Local moving costs
Local movers charge hourly rates. When we requested quotes, we got hourly rates between $149 and $199 for three movers and a truck in the Boston area. These rates usually included all transportation and associated labor, along with basic furniture protection.
Local movers don’t charge a fixed cost for add-on services. Rather, adding services such as packing will increase the time your move takes, and since these movers charge by the hour, this added time will increase your overall cost.
Moving insurance
All moving companies provide released liability insurance coverage, as required by federal regulations. This provides 60 cents of reimbursement per pound per item for any goods that are damaged or lost during your move. This coverage is free with any moving package.
Most movers offer valuation coverage at an added cost. This provides full-value reimbursement for all lost or damaged items. This will cost either a flat fee or a percentage of the total dollar amount of your coverage, depending on your mover.
Final take: Humboldt and A-Plus are our top picks for Massachusetts moves
We recommend starting your Massachusetts moving plan with a quote from United Van Lines’ local agent, Humboldt Storage & Moving, if you’re planning a long-distance move. United’s nationwide network can assist you whether you’re moving a state over or across the country.
We also like A-Plus Moving & Storage’s wide service profile, decade-plus of experience and access to quality local moving teams. If you’re moving locally in Massachusetts, we recommend starting with a quote from this provider.
Having pricing figures in hand at least a month ahead of any residential move will allow you the time to survey your options and make an informed choice. We recommend using the tips outlined here to get quotes from at least three of the moving companies we’ve reviewed.
Our rating methodology for moving companies
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB and Google Review ratings are accurate as of April 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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