Best 5 Movers in Manhattan, NY

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Manhattan

Some factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include customer reviews, cost, services offered, and licensing.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, Manhattan moving companies charge $67 per hour on average. The average cost overall is $4,724 for two-bedroom homes. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.

Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is complete.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies depend on customer feedback. Visit websites such as the Better Business Bureau, social media, Google Reviews, Yelp, and Trustpilot to learn about customer experiences with that mover.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Manhattan must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within New York, verify that your moving company holds a New York Department of Transportation license.

If you're moving across states, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.

Services

Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your belongings before requesting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to evaluate whether the company can fulfill your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the starting cost:

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

When seeking a quote from your moving company, disclose any extra services you require. Services that can contribute 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 Manhattan, NY

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Manhattan.

Schedule an Early Move

Manhattan sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Aim to plan your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Manhattan's hot weather. This can adversely affect your move if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.

Pack in Advance

We suggest you begin packing around six weeks in advance to prevent rushing to pack when moving day comes. Spending time packing some items each day can get the task done without overwhelming you. Most moving companies won't move items that aren't packed by the time your move begins.

How Much do Movers Cost in Manhattan, NY

Movers in Manhattan cost $2,807 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $9,240 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.