Best 5 Movers in Albany, NY

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Albany

You should consider a few crucial factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Albany.

Determine Your Budget

A local move costs $65 per hour on average. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,326 overall. Your home size, move distance, move date, and any additional services you need will determine your actual cost.

You should get quotes from at least three movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the moving process is finished to ensure fair pricing practices.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies need customer reviews. You can identify movers with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like social media, Trustpilot, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Albany must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, make sure your moving company holds a New York Department of Transportation license.

The requirements are different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether the mover provides the specific services you need during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by making a thorough inventory of your belongings and writing down any services you may need. Tell the moving company about any special conditions or needs to evaluate if the company is a good fit.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will provide the following services in the base price for standard moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Make sure that your moving company is aware of any special services you need during the quote process. Services that can lead to higher pricing include:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Albany, NY

Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Albany.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Albany are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. You can prevent this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.

Avoid Busy Season

Moving season peaks between May and September. In Albany, this time corresponds to fairly hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your moving experience. You should be able to schedule with your preferred moving company by reaching out to companies well in advance. However, keep in mind that the heat may impact your movers.

Pack in Advance

Begin packing around six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable. Most moving companies won't move items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.

How Much do Movers Cost in Albany, NY

Movers in Albany cost $2,670 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,559 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.