Best 5 Movers in New York City, NY

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in New York City

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in New York City.

Determine Your Budget

Based on our findings, the average cost of hiring a local mover in New York City is $87 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,724 for a two-bedroom move. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional services you need will contribute to your actual cost.

You should get quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area. Request written estimates that outline the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Positive customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot to identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.

Ensure Proper Licensing

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

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the specific services you need during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by making a thorough inventory of your possessions and noting any services you might require. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to determine if the company can accommodate your particular needs.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will provide these moving services in the base price for standard moves:

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

Inform your moving company about the special services you need during the quote process. Services that result in higher pricing include the following:

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

Tips To Consider When Moving in New York City, NY

Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in New York City.

Schedule an Early Move

New York City sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. You can prevent this by scheduling your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.

Avoid Busy Season

Moving season peaks between May and September. In New York City, this time coincides with hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your moving experience. You should be able to book the moving company you desire by contacting companies well in advance. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.

Pack in Advance

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

How Much do Movers Cost in New York City, NY

Movers in New York City 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.