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Best Moving Companies in New York (2024)

Author Image Written by Shane Sentelle + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by Kent Sisneros Updated 06/28/2024

New York has a lot to offer, from the bustle of the Big Apple to the quiet solitude of the Catskills. Whether it’s city life or country living you’re after, a reliable, professional mover can help make your relocation to the Empire State stress-free.

We researched dozens of providers and analyzed hundreds of online reviews to determine our picks for the best moving companies nationwide and our top choice is International Van Lines (IVL). We narrowed that list down to the top movers serving New York City and elsewhere in the state.


Top 9 Moving Companies in New York

The highest-rated moving companies in New York include the following:

Best Service Offerings: International Van Lines
Most Reliable Pricing: Safeway Moving Inc.
Best Overall Moving Labor: American Van Lines
Best Customer Service: Moving APT
Best Specialized Packing: JK Moving Services
Best for Vehicle Relocation: Allied Van Lines
Best for Claims: North American Van Lines
Most Convenient: PODS

Compare the Top Moving Companies in New York

Overall Rating

4.5 / 5
3.9 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.9 / 5
4.8 / 5

BBB Rating

A+
B
B-
A+
B+
A+
A+
A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier
Broker
Carrier
Carrier
Broker
Carrier
Carrier/Broker
Carrier/Broker

Average Price*

$5,250
$5,054
$5,631
$5,625
$4,683
$7,171
$5,370
$5,969

Deposit Required

Up to 25%
Up to 33%
Up to 40%
Up to 50%
Varies
$250
None
None

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Offers a quick quote process for last-minute moves
  • Prescreens all third-party movers in its network
  • Provides full-service packing and crating for all moving customers
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Free month of storage for all customers
  • Light packing is available for long-distance moves
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • Offers an online cost estimator
  • Offers price-matching
  • Provides quick service
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping
  • Budget-planning service
  • No deposit
  • Only provides binding estimates

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • No customer service on the weekends
  • No refund on your deposit if it's more than 72 hours after booking
  • Not responsible for damage due to broker status
  • Can’t promise extra services, such as fragile packing and crating
  • No upfront pricing
  • Reputation for difficult communication during the first phase of a move
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • Not responsible for any damage due to broker status
  • Service varies by location according to reviews
  • Unwanted contact from partner companies may occur
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process
  • Items may take 10–14 days to arrive
  • Limited storage services according to zip code
  • Three-day requirement for cancellations

Summary

We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.

We recommend Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as a reputable broker if you need to move quickly. The company’s customer service is prompt, and its broker network helps you find a vetted mover fast.

We recommend Safeway Moving Inc. for condo or HOA residents. The company has a special focus and training on the regulations and problems that may arise with these moves.

We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.

We recommend Moving APT because of its highly rated customer service and its ability to quickly provide you with multiple quotes for its partner companies.

We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.

Rating Categories

Customer Service

5 / 5
3.8 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
2.9 / 5
4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.9 / 5
5 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
4.2 / 5
3.3 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
3.5 / 5
4.3 / 5
5 / 5
4.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
3.9 / 5
4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
Company Star Rating BBB Rating Deposit Required Visit Site
4.5
A+ 25% GET ESTIMATE
4.3
A+ Up to 50% up-front GET ESTIMATE
4.3
B- Up to 40% GET ESTIMATE
3.9
B Up to 33% GET ESTIMATE
4.2
B Varies between partners GET ESTIMATE
4.7
A+ $250 up-front GET ESTIMATE
4.9
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
4.8
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
4.8
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
4.0
A+ None GET ESTIMATE

Why Trust Us? We conducted 4,800+ hours of research on moving companies and crafted a ranking system based on the following research
31
Companies Considered
1000
Homeowners Surveyed
21000
Reviews Analyzed
22
Providers Compared

Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In New York

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5

We chose International Van Lines (IVL) as our overall pick for best movers serving New York based on the company’s widespread availability, comprehensive menu of services, and experience in the industry. IVL handles local, long-distance, cross-country, and international moves of all sizes. You can choose various add-on options like vehicle shipping and short- and long-term storage to customize your move.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides special handling of large or high-value pieces, such as fitness equipment and antiques Partners with some of the best movers in NYC Refunds deposits on moves canceled with at least 48 hours’ notice Cons Charges an additional $150 for large items that can’t be stacked and $350 to handle motorcycles Outsources most local moves within NYC OUR RATING: Best Service Offerings 4.9/5

Services

International Van Lines provides full- and partial-packing services supported by add-on options. The company offers two contents coverage plans, which cover your items based on their actual estimated value. The total-loss coverage is the more affordable option but only applies when entire moving shipments are damaged or lost. All-risk insurance will provide you with coverage of individual items that are broken, damaged, stolen, or lost during transit. Here are some of the primary services most IVL partners can provide:

  • Crating
  • International moving
  • Local and long-distance moving
  • Packing
  • Piano moving
  • Unpacking

Cost

International Van Lines’ website features a list of industry-standard moving fees that might apply to your relocation. Since IVL does not provide binding estimates—prices that will not change on moving day—it may be helpful to review the fees so you are not surprised by additional charges.

IVL requires a 25% deposit to book a moving date and accepts cash and credit card payments.

Sample Quote: $4,200–$6,150 (three-bedroom house moving 1,400 miles away)

Get a Quote: To receive a more detailed estimate, take this brief online survey to find out how much your move with IVL would cost.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Most Efficient
3.9

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a moving broker that can handle your relocation from NYC to anywhere in the tri-state area and beyond. Its qualified teams offer residential and commercial moving services plus various specialty add-ons. IMRG will price-match moves of any size.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has breakdowns of the best NYC movers on its website Offers price matching to ensure you don’t overpay Provides free guides and resources for urban moving Cons Has no moving trucks of its own Provides varied service across the five boroughs

Services

IMRG’s qualified moving teams offer several basic and specialty services. From local moves within Brooklyn or Manhattan to long-distance moves to California, IMRG can provide the following services:

  • Crating
  • Disassembly and reassembly
  • Insurance coverage
  • Packing
  • Storage
  • Vehicle shipping

Cost

IMRG’s cost calculator yielded a quick quote of $3,900–$7,000 for a two-bedroom move between Manhattan and Brooklyn. We factored a long carry and three flights of stairs into the cost to account for typical city moving conditions. You should factor extra charges for conditions such as these into any quote you receive.

Safeway Moving Inc.

Most Reliable Pricing
4.3

Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving broker and carrier that provides long-distance moving services in NYC and beyond. Although Safeway doesn’t offer carrier services within the NYC area, its partner moving companies are among the best NYC has to offer.

Pros and Cons

Pros Partners with some of the best movers in NYC Requires moving partners to have $1 million insurance policies, which complies with the highest standards of any apartment building or HOA Offers flat-rate pricing for all moves Cons Requires a 40% deposit Provides no local moving help

Services

Safeway Moving Inc. offers long-distance moving assistance for clients relocating anywhere in the United States. Many of its partners have years of experience providing standard and specialty moving services, including the following:

  • Fine art and antique moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Packing
  • Packing supplies
  • Piano moving
  • Vehicle shipping

Cost

Safeway bills every move at a flat rate. No matter which services you need, your moving quote will include tolls, long carries for walk-up apartments, heavy item moving, and more. Safeway bills a 40% deposit to reserve one of its moving partners. Availability will vary depending on the date and your exact moving route.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3

If you want added reassurance that your belongings will be safely handled while en route to or from New York, American Van Lines may be a residential moving company to consider. The company is a full-service local, long-distance, and international mover with highly skilled moving crews.

American Van Lines only hires full-time, fully vetted movers and requires them to complete ongoing training and certification. Additionally, there are specific moving crews for antiques and pianos to ensure movers are certified in one or both of those areas.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has climate-controlled storage units with 24/7 security monitoring Offers price matching for competitor estimates Provides a guaranteed delivery date (at an additional cost) Cons Does not provide online instant quotes Outsources in-state moves

Services

American Van Lines can handle full-service and fragile-only packing requests in New York. The company has a variety of add-on services, which include the following:

  • Antique moving
  • Custom crating
  • Furniture assembly/disassembly
  • Heavy item moving
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Secure storage options

Cost

American Van Lines does not provide instant quotes online or over the phone but will give you a binding estimate, or flat-rate pricing, after a thorough home review. The virtual review includes evaluating your home’s layout and size and a detailed inventory of items in your moving shipment. The exact price of your move will use that information, along with the distance and date of your move, to calculate a binding estimate.

To schedule a move with American Van Lines, you’ll need to pay a deposit of up to 50% of your total moving cost, which is a bit heftier than deposits required by other companies on our list. You can pay with a credit card or cash.

Sample Quote: $6,000 (three-bedroom move from White Plains, NY, to New Orleans, LA in mid-June)

Get a Quote: Fill out this quick questionnaire or call 877-960-3186 to get a free quote from American Van Lines.

Moving APT

Best Customer Service
4.2

Although Moving APT does not directly provide moving services, the brokerage stands out for its quality customer service. As a moving broker, Moving APT utilizes its network of more than 2,500 independent providers to help plan your move to or from New York. Moving APT will oversee the entire process once it connects you with a mover in your area.

The company’s website includes helpful resources, such as annual ratings on the best long-distance moving companies in its network, advice on packing, and articles specific to the top moving destinations. Moving APT claims to give accurate and reliable instant online quotes utilizing a research database on pricing. The website also has a live chat feature if you need assistance planning your move.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has resources and guides to help with last-minute and urban moves Provides 24/7 support through its website Offers multiple discounts, including one for senior citizens Cons Has received customer complaints through the U.S. Department of Transportation Will not cover damages caused by in-network moving companies, which could be concerning if your old or new apartment has tight hallways and stairwells

Services

Moving APT can coordinate local, long-distance, and international moves throughout the United States. Customers can opt for full or partial-service packing plans and choose from add-on options, such as vehicle shipping. Here are some add-ons you can expect from Moving APT:

  • Antique and fine art moving
  • Car shipping
  • Custom crating
  • Full-service and fragile-only packing
  • Local and long-distance moving

Cost

Like moving carriers, Moving APT will calculate your moving estimate based on the date, distance, and size of your move. In most cases, the company can conduct a virtual home review and provide you with a binding estimate.

Moving APT offers military and senior citizen discounts and discounts for differently abled individuals. If you are making a local move (50 miles or less) within New York or decide to book a move of any distance well in advance, Moving APT will provide you with a lower rate.

Sample Quote: $8,000 (three-bedroom move from New Orleans, LA to White Plains, NY in mid-June)

Get a Quote: Take this brief online survey or call 833-916-3463 to get a free quote from Moving APT.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7

JK Moving is an excellent option for those who want to create a customized moving plan. The full-service moving company provides various optional services from which to choose. Customers can choose the options that best meet their needs and moving budget by using JK Moving’s user-friendly website and mobile app.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has a mobile app to speed up the quote process for clients in a hurry Offers live 24/7 customer support Provides in-house financing Cons Requires a virtual consultation for all NYC moves Only provides long-distance service in NYC

Services

JK Moving offers standard full-service moves that include packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading. Customers can customize their move to or from New York with optional services, such as short- and long-term storage and vehicle relocation. Other offerings include the following:

  • GPS tracking
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Valuation coverage options
  • Vehicle shipping
  • Virtual estimates via mobile app

Cost

JK Moving assigns a personal moving coordinator to all customers to help them create a moving package. Factors that impact the cost of your move with JK Moving include when and where you plan to move and the size of your move, measured in total weight.

To schedule a move with JK Moving, you must pay a $250 deposit via cash, check, or credit card.

Sample Quote: $14,000 (three-bedroom moving from White Plains, NY to New Orleans, LA)

To get started with JK Moving, call 1-571-487-8929.

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
4.8

Allied Van Lines may be a good fit if you need to ship your car or boat as part of your move to or from New York. The company has been in business for nearly a century and is well-equipped to accommodate moves of all distances and sizes.

Additionally, Allied owns and operates its own fleet of open and enclosed vehicle carriers. Open car carriers are the more affordable of the two options but don’t provide protection from the elements. While pricier than open carriers, enclosed carriers might be better if you have a classic car or another high-value vehicle, as they don’t expose cargo to inclement weather and roadway hazards.

Pros and Cons

Pros Assigns a personal moving consultant to each move Covers vehicles up to $100,000 with no deductible during transit Provides a container service called Allied Express that is ideal for city moves Cons Requires customers to schedule their long-distance move at least a month in advance Does not have 24/7 customer support for claims

Services

Allied Van Lines provides standard full-service offerings like packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading. The company can also handle fragile-only packing requests and offers add-on options such as appliance disconnection and reconnection and furniture disassembly and reassembly. Allied Van Lines also has its own mobile moving-and-storage container line, similar to PODS.

Allied also offers the following services:

  • Commercial moving
  • Crating
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Loading and unloading
  • Packing
  • Packing supplies
  • Storage
  • Vehicle shipping services for cars, boats, motorcycles, and more

Cost

According to the online tool on Allied’s website, it would cost between $11,179 and $12,355 to move a three-bedroom home from White Plains, N.Y., to New Orleans in early summer. Allied Van Lines can give you a binding estimate following a virtual assessment of your home and moving inventory.

You do not have to pay a deposit to schedule a move with Allied Van Lines.

Get a Quote: Start your free quote with Allied Van Lines with this simple online form or by calling 877-483-9424.

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.9

North American Van Lines is an experienced full-service company that can handle local, long-distance, and international moving requests. North American’s standout service is its streamlined claims process. For example, if one or more of your items is damaged, stolen, broken, or lost during the move, you can easily file a claims form directly through the company’s website.

If you prefer to speak to a representative, North American has a dedicated claims support line, so you won’t have to navigate a general customer service automated menu.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has locations in Queens, Long Island, and Poughkeepsie to help service NYC moves Offers discounts to members of the American Legion and trade unions Provides a Not-to-Exceed pricing option that allows actual costs to be less—but never more—than estimated Cons Provides limited storage options, depending on location Has mixed customer reviews due to outsourcing some of its moving requests

Services

North American Van Lines provides customizable full-service and partial-packing moves. Add-on options include vehicle transport and appliance disconnection and reconnection. Service offerings typically depend on location, but can include the following:

  • Fragile-only packing and crating
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Storage
  • Valuation coverage for high-value items
  • Vehicle shipping

Cost

We used the calculator tool on NAVL’s website to determine the cost of moving a three-bedroom home from New Orleans to White Plains, N.Y., in early summer. According to the online calculator, that cost would be approximately $8,179–$9,758. Like most companies, North American Van Lines determines cost based on the distance, size, and date of your move.

NAVL offers a discount program for American Legion members that includes $100,000 in protection of household items, exclusive moving and storage discounts, guaranteed estimates, and nonpeak rates year-round. Union members and their families have access to a similar program that includes a $50,000 contents protection plan, packing, moving, and storage discounts, and year-round nonpeak rates.

North American Van Lines does not require a deposit and accepts cash, credit cards, and certified checks.

Get a Quote: Take this quick online survey or call 877-624-0912 for your free quote from North American Van Lines.

PODS

Convenience
4.8

PODS is a convenient alternative to the full-service approach to moving. The company provides mobile moving-and-storage containers delivered directly to your home and gives you up to 30 days to load and unload your items. PODS will then pick up your filled containers and take them to your new home in New York or elsewhere. The company provides services and storage facilities in every state except Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, with limited availability in West Virginia and Vermont.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers containers in multiple sizes Provides optional moving labor through a third-party partner Ships vehicles Cons Offers varied container availability across its three NYC locations May not be a good fit for apartments, condominiums, or neighborhoods with restrictions on parking

Services

PODS has 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot steel-framed containers. An 8-foot container is ideal for studio apartments, while a 16-foot container can hold belongings from a typical 1,200-square-foot home. Note that PODS only rents 12-foot containers for local moves under 50 miles. PODS units are available for the following:

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • On-site or climate-controlled storage

Cost

PODS only gives online price quotes for local moves, so you must call a customer service representative for any relocation over 50 miles. PODS will honor your quote, which includes a one-month container rental and pickup and delivery fees, for up to seven days.

When we called PODS, we were given a quote of $3,750 to move a 16-foot container from New Orleans to White Plains, N.Y.

The company offers a 15% discount on container rentals with the purchase of at least three months of storage, but this deal only only applies to local moves. You can pay online by credit card. Cash and checks may be accepted at some physical locations.


How Much Does It Cost To Hire Movers in New York?

Moving labor in any location typically comes with two- to four-hour minimum charges. This means that no matter how little work your movers have to do, you’ll have to pay a minimum fee for booking assistance. According to U-Haul, statewide average moving labor costs are $273 for two hours of help from two movers.

HireAHelper currently puts the average cost of NYC moving from a full-service provider at $457. This assumes a two-hour move with two movers in a 16-foot truck. Your costs will vary depending on the elevator or stairwell access in your building, the carrying distance between your building and the moving truck, and any specialty moving requests you made. Get your quote well in advance to ensure that you book with the best movers for you.


Is It Worth It To Hire Movers in New York?

New York’s tight streets and busy roads make hiring movers a necessity for moves requiring anything beyond basic services. Qualified professionals are better equipped to move furniture and household goods through tight stairwells, cope with elevator constraints, and deal with long carries. Aside from this, some high-rise apartment buildings have narrow time windows in which they allow movers to operate elevators. This will require that you hire a punctual professional moving company to help with your move.


Our Conclusion

If you are looking for a full-service moving experience, we recommend looking into International Van Lines or American Van Lines, since both companies are experienced and offer a variety of add-on options. While these recommendations are good starting points, it’s important to consider your particular needs and budget. It’s also prudent to contact at least three moving companies to request quotes and review services before making your decision.


FAQs About Moving Companies in New York

What's considered a long-distance move in New York?

Most moving companies qualify moves further than 100 miles as long-distance. Within New York City, however, a large enough move between boroughs could be billed as a long-distance move at a flat rate. Most movers will bill any multi-day moves this way.

What is the most reputable moving company in New York?

In our opinion, the most reputable moving companies in New York are International Van Lines and IMRG. Each works with a variety of moving partners to provide basic and specialized services to clients in NYC and beyond. We recommend getting quotes from at least three movers before booking.

Is there a checklist I should go through before moving in NYC?

While it isn’t a formal checklist, there are some things you should do specifically for an NYC move. Aside from shutting off utilities, filing a change-of-address form with the post office, and updating your contact information with your banks and other vital institutions, you should handle the following before moving day:

  • Arrange for parking outside your building. Your movers will need a place to park that is large enough for their moving trucks. For a 16-foot truck, 25 feet of space is usually sufficient, while 26-foot trucks may need as much as 40 feet. Be sure to handle this at your current address and your new one, if possible.
  • Reserve elevator time. If your move is in a high-rise apartment building, you will typically have to reserve elevator time to ensure that your move goes well.

How do I know if my NYC movers are licensed?

New York movers must be licensed through the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). This body issues numbers and permits for all movers within the state. Beyond this, movers offering interstate service must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carry U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers. Ask for proof of this during any quote you receive.

What popular add-on services should I expect New York movers to provide?

Aside from packing, unpacking, and general labor, you should expect New York movers to have experience crating fine art, moving heavy items such as pianos, attaching and detaching appliances, and offering similar specialized services.

What is the cheapest way to move in NYC?

The cheapest way to move in New York is to rent your own moving truck and handle your relocation entirely on your own. Doing so will likely cost a few hundred dollars. The larger the move, the more money you stand to save by doing it on your own. That said, increased manual labor poses higher risks if you aren’t experienced in this area.


Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.