Best 5 Movers in Rochester, NY

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Rochester

Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in Rochester.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, Rochester moving companies charge $48 per hour on average. The average local move costs $4,281 total for two-bedroom homes. Your actual cost will vary depending on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, move distance, and the season.

We advise obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on platforms such as social media, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Yelp will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Rochester must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within New York, make sure your mover holds a New York Department of Transportation license.

If you're moving to or from another state, 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 look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.

Services

Assess whether your chosen mover can deliver the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you might require. Inform your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to evaluate whether the company can provide satisfactory service.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will include 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

When asking for a quote from your moving company, discuss any additional services you require. Services that can contribute to higher pricing are:

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

Tips To Consider When Moving in Rochester, NY

Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when moving in Rochester.

Schedule an Early Move

Rochester usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge by the hour. We advise planning before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid heavy traffic and complete the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the busiest moving season and Rochester's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you start searching for a mover too late. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. 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 still present challenges for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies won't move items that haven't been packed by the time your move begins. Start packing around six weeks before your move so you can avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful.

How Much do Movers Cost in Rochester, NY

Movers in Rochester cost $2,654 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,365 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.