How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Brooklyn
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Brooklyn.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of hiring a local mover in Brooklyn is $46 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,247 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include move distance, any additional tasks you need done, the season, and your home size.
You should get quotes from three or more movers in your area. Request written estimates that outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the moving process is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Reading customer reviews on platforms such as Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and social media will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Brooklyn must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within New York, verify that your mover 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 have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Take inventory of your belongings before getting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative to evaluate whether the company can accommodate your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include the following services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is aware of any extra services you require during the quote process. Services that contribute to higher pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Brooklyn, NY
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving in Brooklyn.
Schedule an Early Move
Brooklyn sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Brooklyn. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. You should be able to schedule with your preferred moving company by contacting movers well in advance. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers treat same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to begin. You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Brooklyn, NY
Movers in Brooklyn cost $2,643 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,224 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.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,643 | $3,128 | $7,224 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,256 | $3,756 | $10,693 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,295 | $4,308 | $11,083 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,214 | $5,376 | $13,225 |
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This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.
Brooklyn Moving FAQ
What is the job market like in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn’s current unemployment rate is 4%. It has a strong economy with a large number of tech jobs. This makes the city an excellent place to begin or continue your career.
What is the housing market like in Brooklyn?
The cost of housing in Brooklyn falls into the top percentile. Brooklyn's median home value is currently $707,530 and rent is $3,039, according to the most recent U.S. Census.
How much do movers cost in Brooklyn?
You can anticipate paying between $93 and $137 per hour for two movers and a truck. The final cost of your move will vary based on several factors, such as the size of your home, additional services, insurance, and how long the move takes.
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
Contacting movers six to eight weeks before you plan on moving gives you enough time to compare companies and secure one. During this process, you can gather quotes, learn more about the services offered, and read reviews to gauge customer satisfaction.
How long should my move take?
The duration of your move will vary depending on a few factors. These include the distance between your current and new location, the number of belongings you have, and the size of your home. For a local move, a one-bedroom home may require about 3-5 hours, a two-bedroom home 5-7 hours, and a three-bedroom home 7-10 hours or more. How long an interstate move will take depends on the distance between your current location and the state you're relocating to.
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