Whether you’re moving to the Big Apple or a town in the Hudson Valley, American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines are our top choices for the best moving companies in New York. While American Van Lines specializes in flat-rate pricing that can help prevent billing surprises, Allied Van Lines offers local moves throughout the whole state.
We also looked at parking laws in New York City, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) regulations, and local climates to help you prepare for your upcoming move. Read on to see all our picks for the best moving companies in New York and see which provider meets your needs.
Key Takeaways
- American Van Lines is our top pick for New York movers, which made our list for its transparent pricing structure.
- The average cost of a move in New York is $2,845, which we based on quotes we gathered for local and long-distance moves across various home sizes.
- Our 2025 survey of moving customers nationwide showed that 80% of New York respondents moved locally within the same state, and 42% moved out of an apartment building rather than a home.
Top Moving Companies in New York
From the streets of Brooklyn to the mountains upstate, the right moving company can help make your move simple and hassle-free. Here’s our list of the best moving companies in New York:
- American Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
Compare the Top Moving Companies in New York
When narrowing down the best moving companies, it helps to compare your options side-by-side. Use the table below to see how our top providers stack up against each other.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Average Price | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A- | $3,218 | 10%–50% | ||
A+ | $3,520 | None | ||
A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | ||
A+ | $2,273 | $250 | ||
A+ | $3,601 | None |
Notes: The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of June 2025.
We determined average prices by gathering roughly 4,000 free quotes from 15 different moving companies nationwide, including more than 200 quotes from cities in New York. We then averaged those costs by provider, home size, distance, and geographical location.
Our Top Picks For Moving Companies in New York
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is one of our top choices for New York movers because of its flat-rate pricing structure and bottom-line estimates. This flat-rate system includes certain services for free, like piano moving, antique services, furniture assembly and disassembly, and fine art moving. American Van Lines also uses bottom-line estimates, so you won’t have to worry about your rate changing at the last minute. As long as you don’t add on any unexpected items, your initial quote is the price you pay.
American Van Lines also offers price matching—a benefit for budget-conscious customers. If you get a quote from another company that’s lower than American Van Lines’ estimate, you can talk with a representative and see if they can match that rate. However, American Van Lines lacks a few features that can offer convenience, like vehicle shipping services, a mobile app, and online GPS shipment tracking. Still, the company’s transparent prices and service selection make it a good option for people moving to or from New York.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers price-matching to compete with other movers
- Has a flat-rate pricing structure
- Serves all lower 48 U.S. states
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moves in New York
- No online shipment tracking available
Cost and Services
American Van Lines has an average moving cost of $3,218, placing the company in the middle of our list when it comes to overall price. American Van Lines offers the following services for New York moves:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
Notably, American Van Lines lacks vehicle shipping and the appliance and electronics disconnection services that other competitors offer. However, it specializes in military moves and can help customers submit their list of goods to the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), making it a good choice for those shipping off to boot camp at any military base in the lower 48 states.
Allied Van Lines
As one of the oldest and widest-reaching companies in the industry, Allied Van Lines is another one of our top choices for moves to or from New York. Allied Van Lines has been in business since 1928 and services all 50 U.S. states as well as more than 130 countries. Allied also has more resources than some competitors with more than 3,500 vehicles and over 4,200 drivers at its disposal.
However, what Allied excels at most is its practical perks. The company doesn’t require a deposit, leaving more money in your pocket leading up to your move. This can especially benefit movers in areas with a higher cost of living, such as New York City. It also offers more exhaustive vehicle shipping options than competitors, including both open and enclosed carrier transport vehicles for cars, trucks, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and more. Plus, you can track your shipment online or using the company’s mobile app, Allied VIP, at any time. While Allied doesn’t offer many discounts, the company makes up for it with a wide range of services and convenient, customer-friendly features.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Handles local and long-distance moves in all 50 U.S. states
- Doesn’t require a deposit to book a move
- Offers 24/7 online shipment tracking
Cons
- Doesn’t offer many discounts
- Has fewer online reviews than other providers
Cost and Services
Allied Van Lines has an average moving cost of $3,520, making it one of the pricier options on our list. The company offers the following services for New York moves:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
Allied is also one of the few full-service moving companies we’ve reviewed that offer portable shipping container services through Allied Express. Comparable to companies like PODS and Zippy Shell, Allied can deliver you a metal storage container for your belongings and then ship it to your new house or apartment instead of using a moving truck. However, rather than using a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach like its competitors, Allied provides a crew of 2–4 movers to help you load and unload your belongings. Alternatively, you can store your container at a long-term storage facility until you’re ready to move into your new place.
International Van Lines
As its name suggests, International Van Lines (IVL) is popular for its international moving services, handling moves to over 140 different countries. The company also serves all 50 U.S. states, offering plenty of international and domestic moving options for New Yorkers and new residents. Although IVL has only been in business since 2000, it’s built a large client base thanks to its user-friendly features, including 24/7 customer service, online chat, and free 30-day storage services with each move.
However, IVL doesn’t offer local moves in the state of New York, so you can’t use this company to move across town or between the five boroughs. Instead, IVL can offer services for those moving into or out of New York from a different state or country. Residents of New York City may experience additional struggles—IVL charges fees for long carries, shuttle services, and extra flights of stairs. If your apartment building has an elevator or several flights of stairs up to your home, you could face a fee of $75 for each additional flight. Additionally, if your street can’t accommodate a semi-truck, the crew will have to use a shuttle service or long carry to move your belongings from a distance, which also comes with a fee.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Handles moves in more than 140 countries
- Offers customers 30 days of free storage with each move
- Offers 24-hour customer support and an online chat feature
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moves in New York
- Imposes fees for long carries, shuttle services, and extra flights of stairs
Cost and Services
International Van Lines has an average moving cost of $3,112, making it one of the cheaper options on our list. IVL offers the following services for moves to and from New York:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Office moves
- Vehicle shipping
While it’s not the only company with moving deals, IVL offers American Automobile Association (AAA) member, senior, and military discounts. The company also frequently advertises discount codes on its website, giving customers more financial wiggle room than other companies in the industry that don’t advertise any deals whatsoever.
JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services differs from some of the other companies on this list because it prides itself on its white glove moving services, meaning movers take extra care to pack, wrap, and deliver specialty or valuable items. JK Moving also trains its employees in-house with a model home at its company headquarters, giving new employees a rundown on how to safely transport fragile objects like pianos, paintings, sculptures, wine collections, antiques, and more. The company’s financing options through Enhancify only sweeten the deal, offering customers more financial freedom to offset the initial costs of moving.
While JK Moving has many positive reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB, not all customer experiences live up to the company’s reputation of being a white-glove provider. Some reviewers have reported damages to their belongings, which may lessen the company’s appeal as a luxury mover. Additionally, JK Moving doesn’t handle local moves in New York, which is a downside for residents, but can move you to or from the state. Still, the company has reasonable average costs considering its comprehensive services, plus financing options, which can benefit movers on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Charges an affordable flat-rate deposit of $250
- Offers financing options through Enhancify
- May charge lower rates than competitors
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moves in New York
- Doesn’t advertise any deals on its website, based on our experience
Cost and Services
JK Moving Services has an average moving cost of $2,273, making it the cheapest moving company on our list. JK Moving offers the following services for people moving to or from New York:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
While JK Moving Services has an impressive list of services for residential moves, it offers additional options for commercial moves and office relocation.
- Archive services
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment services
- Laboratories and medical services
- Technology services
- Warehousing and storage
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been in business since 1933, opening more than 500 locations across the U.S. in the last 90 years. NAVL functions as a carrier and a broker, which is both a pro and a con. A carrier uses its own trucks and employees to complete moves, while brokers facilitate moves through third-party companies. Since NAVL can outsource moves to third-party companies, it has more availability to book moves in areas where it lacks a location. However, third-party movers can sometimes provide sub-par service, and NAVL may not end up handling everything from start to finish.
Still, NAVL has plenty of useful features, like deposit-free booking, GPS shipment tracking, 24-hour customer service, and temperature-controlled storage. NAVL also has more pricing options than the competition, offering customers bottom-line pricing, guaranteed-not-to-exceed pricing, and customizable pricing. With these different options, customers can choose transparency instead of worrying about hidden fees when their final bill comes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Doesn’t charge a deposit
- Has temperature-controlled storage solutions
- Offers local and long-distance moving in all 50 U.S. states
Cons
- May assign third-party contractors to your move, which can impact service quality
- Has pricier rates than competitors, based on our average quotes
Cost and Services
North American Van Lines has an average moving cost of $3,601, making it the most expensive option on our list. However, the company also offers more services to New York movers than most competitors.
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
NAVL also has a collection of helpful moving resources on its website, including a packing calculator, a mover checklist, tips for a stress-free move, and a long-distance moving cost calculator. These digital tools can help customers prepare a moving budget and get a better idea of what their moving process will look like.
How Much Does a New York Move Cost?
The average cost of a move in New York is $2,845. However, your individual costs may vary based on the distance you’re traveling to your new home or apartment and how many belongings you have. For instance, local moves often cost less than long-distance moves because moving rates get more expensive the further you travel to accommodate for fuel, labor, and lodging for the crew. Likewise, the bigger your house is and the more belongings you have, the more time and labor that will go into your move, increasing your overall cost.
Check out the table below to see how home size can affect your average moving cost.
| House Size | Average Cost in New York |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $2,242 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,742 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,212 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,469 |
How We Collected Moving Cost Data
To generate accurate average costs, we requested roughly 4,000 quotes from 15 different moving companies nationwide, including more than 200 quotes for moves to and from New York. These quotes included local and long-distance moves of differing home sizes, from studio apartments to four-bedroom homes. Then, we averaged prices by provider, home size, distance, and geographical location to see how each variable affects the cost.
Additional Factors Affecting Move Costs
Aside from the size of your home and the distance you’re traveling, other factors can affect the cost of your move. Think about the following before you book:
- Time of year: Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for movers, leading to higher rates because of increased demand. Try booking your move on a weekday during the fall or winter when there’s less demand to negotiate a lower rate.
- Services: Loading and unloading services are included with professional moves, but extra services like packing, unpacking, and vehicle shipping almost always come at an additional cost. To keep prices low, try cutting down on services you can do yourself and only investing in the ones you absolutely need.
- Home layout: Some moving companies charge a fee if you have flights of stairs or elevator access leading up to your front door, rather than having ground-level access.
- Tipping: Just like eating at a restaurant or getting a haircut, you’re expected to tip when you hire movers. A good rule of thumb is to set aside at least $5–$10 per mover per hour for great service, lowering the amount slightly if there were any damages or the service was sub-par.
How Do New York Moving Costs Compare to Nearby States?
The average moving cost in New York for local and long-distance moves combined is $2,845, which is 6% cheaper than the national average cost of $3,020. This cost is similar to the closest five states’ average cost of $2,836.
| State | Average Moving Cost | % Difference from New York |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $2,859 | – |
| Connecticut | $3,236 | +14% |
| Massachusetts | $3,271 | +15% |
| Vermont | $2,141 | -25% |
| New Jersey | $2,672 | -6% |
Note: Data based on a 2025 survey of people who have moved within the past 3 years
Moving Factors To Consider in New York
If you’re moving to the Empire State for the first time, there are a few things to know to help prepare you for your move. Here’s what we suggest keeping in mind:
- Weather considerations: Upstate New York is prone to severe snowstorms in the winter, which could interfere with your moving plans. If you’re moving to the Tug Hill region of the state, try to avoid booking during the wintertime so you don’t risk moving while with several feet of snow on the ground.
- Landscape considerations: The mountainous terrain in parts of New York, including the Catskills, may make it difficult for large moving trucks to reach your home if you live on a steep mountain road. Scope out the location ahead of time and let your movers know what the road access is like. If a truck can’t make it up to your front door, your crew may have to use a shuttle service on moving day, which will take more time and add a hefty fee to your total bill.
- Parking considerations: If you’re moving into Midtown Manhattan or other parts of New York City, special parking rules may apply to moving trucks. For example, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, except Sundays, moving trucks can’t double park or stay parked in one location for more than three hours. For more information, refer to the New York City Department of Transportation.
- New resident requirements: New residents must change their address within 10 days of moving into the state, according to the New York State government. Visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to change your address online.
- Vehicle registration: If you move to New York from another state, you must register your vehicle with the New York State DMV within 30 days. For more information on the registration process, see the DMV’s instructions for registering an out-of-state vehicle.
How Does New York Regulate Moving Companies?
While the federal government regulates interstate movers through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), individual state governments regulate local movers within that state. New York regulates local moving companies through the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). Keep in mind the NYSDOT only has jurisdiction over moves that begin and end in the state, not for long-distance interstate moves.
Here are a few things to consider if you run into any issues with your move:
- If you have a problem with a local move, you can file a complaint with the NYSDOT by filling out a consumer complaint form and mailing it in. You can also contact the department directly by emailing nymoving@dot.state.ny.us or by telephone at 518-457-6512.
- If you have a problem with an interstate move, you can contact the FMCSA at 888-368-7238.
- New York moving companies need a license called the “Authority to Transport Household Goods” in order to operate in the state.
- If you discover lost or damaged items, contact your moving company within 30 days. The company will have 120 days to settle your claim out of court. If you can’t come to an agreement, you can pursue restitution through small claims court.
Insights from Movers in New York
New York’s population has been declining since 2020, and the state ranks third on the list of states with the most outbound moves, according to the United Van Lines 2024 National Movers Study. According to Property Shark, roughly half the outgoing residents migrate close by and stay within the tri-state area of New Jersey and Connecticut. In 2024, 26% of outgoing New York moves were because of family, and almost 8% of residents left the state because of the cost of living.
For more insights into the moving industry, we surveyed 1,000 customers nationwide in 2025 to learn more about their experiences and what they looked for in a moving company. We discovered that 80% of New York respondents moved locally with the help of professional movers, either within state lines or in a single-day move. More customers moved out of apartments than homes, roughly 42% and 34%, respectively. In terms of extra services, 41% of customers declined to purchase any services. For those who did, packing materials and packing services were the two most popular choices.
More than 90% of our New York respondents said they would hire professional movers again, showing a high rate of satisfaction. Out of the 10% who said they wouldn’t, the majority cited damaged goods and unpunctual crews as the reasons why. Still, roughly 84% of movers said their initial estimate aligned with their final bill, suggesting companies stayed true to their quotes.
FAQs About Moving Companies in New York
How much does a moving company cost in New York?
The average cost of a move in New York is $2,845. However, your moving costs may vary depending on the company you choose, where you live, how far you’re traveling, the time of year you book, and how many items you have.
How do I know if a moving company is reputable?
Legitimate interstate moving companies must register with the USDOT and receive a corresponding number. Local moving companies don’t need a number, but if a long-distance mover doesn’t have one, the company likely isn’t reputable. You can also read reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot to get an idea of other customer experiences and common complaints.
What is the highest-rated moving company?
According to our methodology, the highest-rated moving company is American Van Lines. American Van Lines scored especially high for its customer service and reputation, plus it offers transparent pricing and services to meet the needs of various moving customers.
What are some good moving companies in New York City for a local move?
Two highly rated local movers in New York City include Perfect Moving NYC and NYC Great Movers, based on our research. However, for customers concerned about nationwide industry experience, Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines also handle local moves in the city.
How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies in New York
When ranking the best moving companies in New York, we prioritized full-service movers offering a variety of services, competitive pricing, and customer service benefits. We excluded moving companies not registered with the USDOT, as well as providers that don’t offer a full range of moving services or operate in the state of New York. We also surveyed 1,000 moving customers nationwide to learn more about what people look for in a moving company, filtering responses to draw insights from New York customers specifically.
To fairly and thoroughly evaluate moving companies, we developed a 100-point rating system grounded in real customer feedback, regulatory data, and hands-on testing. We gathered quotes, verified licensing and safety records, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and even conducted secret shopping to get a full picture of the customer experience. Each company was scored across six essential categories and then given a final rating out of 5 stars.
Here’s how we broke down our review:
- Customer service (18%): We looked at reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot, surveyed 1,000 recent customers, and tested each company’s website and support team ourselves. Companies earned higher marks for having clear communication, responsiveness, and a helpful, user-friendly online experience.
- Reputation (14%): We verified that each mover has proper licensing through the USDOT and checked FMCSA safety records, specifically truck maintenance data. We also gave extra credit to companies that publicly commit to background-checking their crews, showing they prioritize customer safety.
- Value (18%): Using real quotes for 3-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles, we compared average prices across providers. We also considered whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they have a clear and simple billing process.
- Service offerings (19%): We evaluated the range of services available, from full packing and unpacking to piano moving and junk removal. Movers that offer more options, including DIY solutions like portable storage, scored higher for flexibility and convenience.
- Item protection (20%): We reviewed each company’s insurance offerings and how well they prevent damage during the move. Higher scores went to movers that offer full-value protection and use best practices like shrink wrap, padding, and floor guards.
- Scheduling (11%): We assessed how easy it is to request a quote, speak to a representative, and manage a move from start to finish. Companies with multiple contact options, digital tools like apps or customer portals, and streamlined booking processes stood out from the rest.
