Best Moving Companies in New York in 2024
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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 providers 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 Moving Companies in New York
The highest-rated moving companies in New York include the following:
- International Van Lines: Our Top Pick
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Safeway Moving Inc.
- American Van Lines: Best Overall Moving Labor
- Moving APT: Best Customer Service
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
- North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
- PODS: Most Convenient
Compare the Top Moving Companies in New York
Our Pick
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#1 out of 28 companies | #2 out of 28 companies | #3 out of 28 companies | #4 out of 28 companies | #5 out of 28 companies | #6 out of 28 companies | #7 out of 28 companies | #8 out of 28 companies | |
A+ | B | B- | A+ | B+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | |
FMCSA Licensing |
Carrier/Broker | Broker | Carrier | Carrier | Broker | Carrier | Carrier | 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 |
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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 |
International Van Lines | Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | Safeway Moving Inc. | American Van Lines | Moving APT | JK Moving Services | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines |
Customer Service |
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Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In New York
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, the average statewide moving labor cost is $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 that allow movers to operate elevators. This will require that you hire a punctual professional moving company to help with your move.
If you are moving from the New Jersey area, check out our top recommendations for moving companies in New Jersey.
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.