Moving in New York can be a mixed bag of excitement and “oh no, what now?” moments. A lot rides on picking the right crew to help out. While many New York movers might seem the same at first glance, there are definitely some standouts.
We’ve done the homework for you, sifting through the good, the bad, and the meh movers in the Empire State. In this guide, you’ll find the best moving companies in New York, picked based on things like services, ease-of-use, and real feedback from folks who’ve been in your shoes.
Top 10 Local New York Movers
Here are our ratings of the 10 best moving companies in New York
- Dumbo Moving and Storage, 4.9 out of 5.0
- Gentle Giant Moving Company, 4.86 out of 5.0
- Roadway Moving , 4.86 out of 5.0
- The Moving Doctor, 4.86 out of 5.0
- Al’s Moving and Storage, 4.86 out of 5.0
- Triangle Movers Inc., 4.86 out of 5.0
- Shleppers Moving & Storage, 4.8 out of 5.0
- Interior Moving Services Inc, 4.8 out of 5.0
- Seka Moving, 4.8 out of 5.0
- Mabey’s Moving & Storage, 4.8 out of 5.0
Dumbo Moving and Storage
- BBB Rating: B
- Reviews analyzed: 1688
- Years in business: 2008
- State License: 36990
- Phone: (718) 222-8282
- Address: 15 N Oxford St, Brooklyn, NY, 11205
Dumbo Moving and Storage is a trusted name in the moving business, providing an extensive range of services around Brooklyn, NY and beyond since 2007. Compared to many local moving companies, Dumbo offers not only local and long distance residential moving, but also international moving services. This company stands out for not only making office moves easier but also providing packing and unpacking services, with an option for delicate items packing. Their versatility extends to labor-only services and the flexibility to handle specialized items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, and safes. Payments can be made conveniently via credit card while a deposit gives assurance of commitment. Complete peace of mind is offered through full valuation insurance coverage. With 1587 Yelp reviews and a 3.0 rating, plus 2706 Google My Business reviews with a 4.4 rating, Dumbo Moving and Storage exhibits a solid presence in the online space. Although their Better Business Bureau rating of B could be better, they demonstrate a strong commitment to customer satisfaction compared to other local moving companies.
Gentle Giant Moving Company
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 24
- Years in business: 1981
- State License: 36518
- Phone: (718) 907-1830
- Address: 100 Bowne Street, New York, NY, 11231
Gentle Giant Moving Company, based in New York, NY, has been a stalwart in the moving industry since 1980, offering not just local residential moving services, but also long distance and international moves. Compared to other local companies, Gentle Giant’s comprehensive services set it apart – it assists with office moves, expertly handles piano transport, provides packing and unpacking services, and even offers crane vans when needed. Additionally, storage is also available, enhancing the flexibility and convenience for their clients. Unlike many of its competitors, no deposit is required, and the firm proudly accepts credit cards. Impressively, Gentle Giant boasts high customer satisfaction as evidenced by its average Yelp rating of 4.7 from 24 reviews, a Google My Business rating of 4.9 from 67 reviews, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. These exceptional ratings place Gentle Giant Moving Company a cut above the rest in the New York moving scene.
Roadway Moving
- BBB Rating: A
- Reviews analyzed: 447
- Years in business: 2009
- State License: 38589
- Phone: (212) 812-5240
- Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 11232
Operating since 2008, Roadway Moving sets the benchmark for moving services in and around New York, NY, faring exceptionally well among its local and international competitors. This company offers a comprehensive suite of services that goes beyond ordinary home moving. Not only do they perform local, long-distance, and international residential moving, but they also specialize in office relocations, piano moving, and a range of packing services including unpacking and crating. Standing in contrast to many other moving companies, Roadway Moving does not require a deposit, and conveniently accepts credit cards. With an impressive A rating from the Better Business Bureau, over 2,000 reviews across Yelp and Google My Business boasting high average ratings of 4.6 and 4.9 respectively, it’s clear to see Roadway Moving is a standout choice in the industry.
The Moving Doctor
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 59
- Years in business: 1992
- State License: 35616
- Phone: (718) 206-3860
- Address: 108-20 180th Street, Hollis, NY, 11433
With an impressive three-decade history in the moving industry, The Moving Doctor positions itself as a stalwart among the Hollis, NY moving companies. More than just a local residential mover, their services encompass long-distance and office moves as well. They stand out from their competitors with specialized offerings like military and senior moving services. Notably, they have the expertise to handle sensitive items such as pianos, art, antiques, and safes with utmost care.
Their packing services encompass everything from simple boxing to intricate crating, and they even extend their services to unpacking at your new location – a comprehensive offer not always matched by local rivals. They accept credit card payments, require no deposit, and provide full valuation insurance coverage, providing customers with ease and peace of mind. Online presence reveals strong customer satisfaction, demonstrated by commendable Yelp and Google My Business average ratings of 4.0 and 4.1 respectively – a testament to their dedication to quality service. The Moving Doctor’s A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau further validates their credentials, placing them firmly within the upper echelons of moving companies in the Hollis, NY area.
Al’s Moving and Storage
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 120
- Years in business: 1949
- State License: 10492
- Phone: (800) 766-3229
- Address: 120 Fulton St, White Plains, NY, 10606
Al’s Moving and Storage, with over seven decades of proven excellence in the moving industry, goes above and beyond traditional moving services. Unlike most local moving companies around White Plains, NY, Al’s offers a comprehensive range of services including local, long-distance, and international moving for both residential and office spaces. More remarkably, it is one of the few companies that specialize in moving delicate items such as pool tables, art, and antiques. In addition to moving, Al’s provides packing, unpacking, crating, and labor-only services. They accept multiple forms of payment, including cash and credit cards, and do not require a deposit which is a favorable feature compared to many other movers. Furthermore, Al’s Moving and Storage offers full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking for peace of mind. While their Yelp rating of 3.0 is somewhat ordinary among the 121 reviews, their Google My Business rating stands at a more impressive 3.8 from 157 reviews. Above all, Al’s is accredited with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, demonstrating their commitment to customer service and satisfaction.
Triangle Movers Inc.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 21
- Years in business: 1997
- State License: 33402
- Phone: (845) 566-0288
- Address: 240 Dupont Ave., Newburgh, NY, 12550
Triangle Movers Inc., a leading moving company based in Newburgh, NY, has been providing top-quality residential and office moving services since 1997. This reputable company stands out in the local market not only for its years of industry experience but also for a broad array of services they offer. From local to international moves, packing and unpacking services, through to specialized crating and use of crane vans, this company has got you covered.
They also shine in providing fragile-only packing, military moving, senior moving, and labour-only services, proving their adaptability to varied client needs. Unlike many other moving companies in the area, Triangle Movers Inc. also offers storage solutions, and can handle the safe transportation of items like pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, artwork, antiques, and even grandfather clocks.
Their payment options are also versatile, accepting cash, credit cards and money orders with a deposit required. Moreover, in a testament to their professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction, they offer full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking.
With an impressive A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and high average ratings of 4.5 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google My Business from numerous reviews, Triangle Movers Inc. clearly surpasses many nearby moving companies in terms of service quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. If you need a moving service, they are a viable option worth considering.
Shleppers Moving & Storage
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 32
- Years in business: 1979
- State License: 37133
- Phone: (212) 223-4004
- Address: 434 East 165th Street, Bronx, NY, 10456
Shleppers Moving & Storage stands as a longstanding pillar in the moving industry since 1978, offering a diverse range of services that set it apart from other moving companies in the New York area. Catering to both local and long-distance residential customers, Shleppers outshines its competitors by also offering office moving services. Not many moving companies can match its full-service package that ranges from packing to unpacking and even offering specialized crating services. Unique to Shleppers, they possess the skills to safely move prized possessions such as pianos, art, and antiques. This ease of transaction is complemented by their acceptance of credit cards and lack of deposit requirement, marking them as an easy and accessible option. Though their Yelp rating stands at an average 2.5 based on 32 reviews, they boast a significantly higher rating of 4.5 on their Google My Business profile from a vast 1084 reviews, reaffirming their reliability. Their high-quality service has earned them an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, further cementing their reputation as one of the top moving companies in New York.
Interior Moving Services Inc
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 29
- Years in business: 1994
- State License: 32014
- Phone: (585) 288-8000
- Address: 157 La Grange Ave, Rochester, NY, 14613
Interior Moving Services Inc. is a leading name in the Rochester, NY, moving industry, offering local and long-distance residential moving services since 1993. Compared to other local movers, they offer a comprehensive range of services that include office moving, packing, unpacking, crating, and even specialty services such as fragile-only packing. Their expertise extends to moving unique items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art pieces, antiques, grandfather clocks, and safes, setting them apart from their competitors. They accept credit cards and require a deposit. Their reputation for quality is confirmed by their 4.0 average rating from 28 Yelp reviews, an impressive 4.8 rating from 272 Google My Business reviews, and a highly commendable A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Give Interior Moving Services Inc. a call when you need a moving service that is as reliable as it is comprehensive.
Seka Moving
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 236
- Years in business: 2019
- State License: 40118
- Phone: (203) 583-8333
- Address: 48 Wall St #1100, New York, NY, 10005
Established in 2018, Seka Moving has quickly emerged as a leading force among moving companies in and around New York, NY. Offering both local and long-distance residential moving services, this company stands out by catering to not only basic moving needs but also handling specialized items. They demonstrate exceptional expertise in moving items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, and grandfather clocks – a service that sets them apart from many nearby competitors. Beyond moving, they also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, crating, and delicate packing services for fragile items.
In terms of payment, Seka Moving accepts money orders, cash, and credit cards, requiring a deposit upfront. They also provide customers peace of mind with full valuation insurance coverage. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their high ratings on review platforms – a remarkable average of 4.5 on Yelp from 228 reviews and an outstanding 4.9 on Google My Business from 1738 reviews. The Better Business Bureau also acknowledges their excellence by awarding them an A rating. Whether it’s a standard move or a complex project involving fragile or antique items, Seka Moving shines as a dependable choice for customers in comparison to other area moving companies.
Mabey’s Moving & Storage
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 13
- Years in business: 1958
- State License: 623
- Phone: (518) 283-0017
- Address: 515 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY, 12144
Mabey’s Moving & Storage, a well-established moving company since 1957, offers a comprehensive range of services that set them apart from many other local movers in Rensselaer, NY. Uniquely, they cater not only to local and long-distance residential moves but also extend their expertise to international relocations and office transfers. The convenience of their all-inclusive services, which spans from packing to unpacking, is a standout feature in comparison to many nearby companies. Mabey’s Moving & Storage is also unique in its no-deposit requirement, further easing the financial pressures of moving. Their online reputation is robust, with a 4.0 rating on Yelp from 14 reviews, and a much higher 4.8 score from a considerable 325 Google My Business reviews. Furthermore, their A+ Better Business Bureau rating underscores their commitment to excellent customer service, situating Mabey’s Moving & Storage as a top choice amongst Rensselaer moving companies.
Top 10 Options if Moving Out of New York
If moving out of New York, we recommend using an interstate moving company. Here are the top options:
- International Van Lines: International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice for a full-service
mover. International Van Lines services include every step of the moving process. A skilled team of moving labor
will pack and unpack your belongings, load and unload the truck, and transport your belongings anywhere in the
country, keeping your most important items safe. - American Van Lines: American Van Lines is the final full-service mover on our list, and it
specializes in moving difficult items. All professional movers on American Van Lines’ team train in a special sample
home to practice protecting important belongings, making it a safe choice to protect your belongings. - JK Moving: JK Moving is also a full-service mover. JK Moving believes that every
long-distance move is different, so it matches move coordinators with every move to create a custom plan of attack.
Its trained fleet of moving labor is prepared to handle your most fragile items, including pianos and antiques.
Every mile of your move will be planned and GPS tracked, giving you maximum peace of mind while your possessions are
in transit. - Allied Van Lines: Allied Van Lines offers a range of moving options, from full-service
packages to DIY support, and it also provides short- and long-term storage, moving kits, and helpful online
resources. Allied is the oldest moving company in the U.S., with more than 90 years of experience in the industry.
Allied can ship a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, as well as motorcycles, boats, and
snowmobiles. The company maintains its own fleet of open and enclosed car carriers. Open carriers are the trucks
you’ve likely seen on the highway carrying stacks of new cars from auto manufacturers to dealerships. Enclosed
carriers are essentially semi-truck trailers that protect vehicles from the elements or roadway hazards. For
high-value vehicles, including classic cars, the enclosed carrier option offers added protection during transport. - North American Van Lines: North American Van Lines is a full-service moving company that can
accommodate local, long-distance, and international moves of all sizes. North American is available in all 50 states
and more than 130 countries through its extensive network of more than 500 local movers. The company has simplified
the claims process through quick online access of necessary forms and information. There are separate sections on
the landing page of North American’s website for international and domestic claims. Customers can also file claims
over the phone through the company’s claim support division, which is separate from general customer support. - Safeway Moving Inc.: Safeway Moving Inc. is a Florida-based broker and carrier that provides
long-distance moving service to all 50 states. As a carrier and broker, Safeway uses its own crews and third-party
agents vetted by the company to perform moving services. Safeway works primarily as a long-distance mover but also
advertises international relocation assistance. We took note of the forward-facing values on Safeway’s website,
highlighting the company’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and communication. Safeway advocates for senior
citizens, training move coordinators to provide extra help as necessary for senior moves. - Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG): Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is
an interstate broker that serves as an intermediary agent connecting customers with movers in its network. This
mover’s business model can save you major hassle by allowing IMRG to negotiate with providers to find the price and
service offerings that match your needs. With its movers driving routes across the country, IMRG often has the
flexibility to schedule moving dates on shorter notice than many competitors. It has an expedited quote process
that, in our experience, leads to same- or next-day binding estimates. - U-Pack: U-Pack’s DIY-centric service model makes it ideal for small or less-complicated
moves. The company provides driveway-to-driveway delivery of portable moving and storage containers at reasonable
prices without hidden fees or the need for in-home estimates. U-Pack’s ReloCubes are 6 feet long by 8 feet
wide—large enough to store the contents of a normal-sized living room. While you will likely need multiple ReloCubes
for your items, U-Pack will not charge you for any containers that you don’t end up using. For larger moves,
U-Pack’s cargo trailers may be a more cost-effective solution. Trailers can hold the furniture and belongings of a
typical three- or four-bedroom home. - Mayflower Moving: Mayflower Moving received high marks for its full range of local and
interstate moving services and its tiered insurance and protection options for all household goods. - United Van Lines: United Van Lines is one of the oldest full-service moving companies in the
industry. United provides typical full-service solutions such as packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking but
specializes in handling electronics. The company will disassemble and reassemble your home theater and PC network, a
service not offered by any other provider on our list. In addition, United Van Lines has its own fleet of carriers for
vehicle shipping and provides short- and long-term storage. United offers Snapmoves, a program geared specifically
toward those moving an apartment, dorm room, or storage unit. Snapmoves gives customers a full-service
experience—complete with a personal moving coordinator, full value protection of your belongings, and loading and
unloading—at a lower rate.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Moving Company in New York
- Licensing and Insurance: Verify that the company has the necessary permits to operate in Empire State and carries adequate insurance for damage or loss coverage.
- Reputation and Customer Reviews: Choose companies with stellar reputations in New York for customer service and care. Online reviews and word of mouth are invaluable.
- Pricing and Transparency: Look for clear estimates without hidden fees. Comparing prices can help you get a sense of the standard rates among New York movers.
- Services Offered: Whether you need comprehensive services (packing, moving, unpacking) or just transportation, make sure the company caters to your specific needs.
- Local Knowledge: Opt for movers familiar with the roads, neighborhoods, and traffic in New York to ensure a smooth move.
- Flexibility: A New York moving company that can accommodate last-minute changes without hefty fees is a plus. Check for flexibility in scheduling and services.
- Equipment and Professionalism: Ensure the company uses modern equipment and maintains a professional demeanor. The right tools and a courteous team can make a big difference.
Tips for a Smooth Move in New York
- Weather Watch: The climate of New York state is generally has warm to hot summers and cold winters. In the farther southeastern portion of the state (New York City and Long Island area) hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. Winter temperatures average below freezing during January and February in much of New York state, but several degrees above freezing along the Atlantic coastline, including New York City.. So, keep an eye on the forecast and prepare for New York’s unpredictable weather with necessary precautions.
- Avoid Rush Hour in Big Cities: If moving through or to New York City, plan to avoid traffic during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM).
- Familiarize Yourself with Local Ordinances: Some towns in New York may have specific rules for moving trucks. Checking in advance can save hassle.
- Pack with the Season in Mind: Depending on your moving season, pack essentials that match New York’s weather, be it warm clothing or summer essentials.
- Secure Valuable Items: It’s safer to keep valuable personal items with you, instead of in the moving truck.
- Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: Especially important on warm New York days, keep water handy and rest when needed during your move.
- Engage the Community: Introducing yourself to neighbors and seeking local advice can help you settle in faster in Empire State.
FAQs About New York Moving Companies
How much does it cost to hire professional movers in New York?
The average cost to hire professional movers in New York is $130.88 per hour. The total cost
will be determined by how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving.
What should I know about New York’s peak moving season?
Like most places, New York sees a surge in moves during the summer months when the weather is favorable
and school is out. This means moving companies might be busier and rates could be higher. If possible, consider moving
during the off-peak season for potentially better rates.
Are there any items moving companies in New York won’t transport
Most New York moving companies have a list of prohibited items they won’t move due to safety or regulatory
reasons.
Common items include hazardous materials, perishables, and in some cases, plants. It’s best to check with your chosen
moving company in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.