How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Staten Island
Some factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include cost, services offered, licensing, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $79 per hour on average. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,381 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, the season, your home size, and move distance.
Consider obtaining quotes from three or more reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should contain a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Take the time to read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, social media, Yelp, and Google Reviews to identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Staten Island must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within New York, verify that your moving company 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 check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover offers the specific services you need during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your belongings when requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Discuss any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to assess if the company is able to meet your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers deliver the following standard services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need special services from your moving company, disclose these during the quote process. The following services may lead to increased pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Staten Island, NY
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Staten Island.
Schedule an Early Move
Staten Island sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Planning your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Staten Island. This can negatively impact your moving experience. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to lock in the moving company you want. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies handle same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin. We recommend you begin packing about six weeks in advance to prevent rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing some items each day can make the process less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Staten Island, NY
Movers in Staten Island cost $2,689 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,789 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 | $2,689 | $3,380 | $7,789 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,305 | $4,036 | $11,203 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,351 | $4,602 | $11,834 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,312 | $5,682 | $14,002 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Staten Island
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