Best Moving Companies in NYC | 2024 Guide
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Problem-solving is part of moving in New York City, especially when it comes to the accessibility (or lack thereof) of residential buildings. Professional moving companies can help you overcome common city challenges to ensure a stress-free move to your new home or apartment. We’ve ranked the best moving companies in the United States and have consolidated our findings to represent the top movers available in the NYC area.
7 Best Movers in NYC
Here are the best NYC movers offering long-distance moving services:
- Best Overall Mover: International Van Lines
- Best for High-Value Goods: American Van Lines
- Best for Condos and HOAs: Safeway Moving Inc.
- Best for Major Cities: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Best for Coordinated Moves: Moving APT
- Best Mobile App: JK Moving Services
- Best Customer Experience: Allied Van Lines
Best Overall Mover: International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) is a full-service mover that offers moving services in all 50 states and more than 140 countries. It offers several specialty services and provides transparent pricing for logistical issues such as bulky item moving and stair climbing.
Benefits and Drawbacks
We like International Van Lines for its broad scope, assisting with both domestic and international moves. Its in-house moving crews can help you relocate from NYC to locations around the world. Here are some of the company’s main benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits:
- Informs customers about third-party insurance opportunities that provide greater protection than standard valuation coverage
- Has detailed moving guides and checklists on its website for both international and domestic relocation
- Offers 24/7 customer support
Drawbacks:
- Doesn’t offer local moving services in New York
- Has mixed customer reviews on TrustPilot
Cost
We used International Van Lines’ online moving calculator to generate a rough estimate for the sample quote below. IVL also provides binding estimates—for a clearer idea of what price to expect, call the company and submit a detailed inventory of your belongings. You can also schedule an in-home or virtual survey to minimize the chances of your moving cost changing on the pickup date.
Sample quote: $5,250 to $7,688 (three-bedroom move from Atlanta to NYC, which is 860 miles)
Deposit: 33%
Payment options: Cash, cashier’s check, or money order
Moving Services
IVL offers full-service packing and partial packing for fragile or bulky items. It is a licensed freight forwarder and provides direct assistance for international moves. You can also request the following services:
- Corporate relocation
- Office moves
- Piano shipping
- Short- and long-term storage
- Vehicle shipping
Best for High-Value Goods: American Van Lines
American Van Lines (AVL) can conduct moves from New York City to anywhere in the contiguous United States. It stands behind an experienced in-house moving staff that operates company-owned trucks and trailers to ensure consistent service quality.
Benefits and Drawbacks
American Van Lines emphasizes the care it takes with its customers’ belongings, training its employees extensively in proper moving techniques. Here are some of the company’s main benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits:
- Trains its moving crews in techniques for safely handling high-end and fragile items
- Is exclusively a carrier, meaning that it won’t outsource your move to the highest bidder
- Supports numerous charities and community efforts
Drawbacks:
- Has a relatively small fleet for a national carrier, currently operating just more than 60 moving trucks
- Has a higher out-of-service rate than the national average, meaning that a greater number of trucks have failed federally mandated inspections
Cost
We did research on American Van Lines’ website to find the ballpark quote below. To receive an estimate, request a quote online and fill out the digital inventory sheet included in your initial email correspondence with an AVL sales representative. You can also review your inventory details over the phone or request an in-home survey for the most accurate pricing.
Sample quote: $6,916 (three-bedroom move from New York City to Chicago, which is 790 miles)
Deposit: Varies; can be up to 70% before your pick-up date
Payment options: Cash, money order, cashier’s check, or credit card
Moving Services
American Van Lines provides white-glove services for antiques, fine art, and other high-end items. It also offers these services:
- Commercial moving
- Corporate relocation
- Military moves
- Piano moving
- Short- and long-term storage
Best for Condos and HOAs: Safeway Moving Inc.
Safeway Moving Inc. sends teams of in-house movers and long-distance moving partners to assist with moves in all 50 states. The veteran-owned company stands behind customer-first values, such as accountability and trust.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Safeway’s moving coordinators have experience moving customers in and out of neighborhoods that are part of homeowners associations and adhering to regulations. Here are some other key benefits of drawbacks of choosing Safeway for your move:
Benefits:
- Has 24/7 customer service
- Provides one free month of storage
- Emphasizes that it provides extra assistance for senior citizens scheduling moving services
Drawbacks:
- Is actively rebranding, making it difficult to find recent customer reviews from trusted third-party sources, such as Google Reviews
- Doesn’t specialize in local moving services
Cost
We contacted Safeway to request the estimate below. It provides flat-rate estimates that should not change as long as your reported inventory is accurate. Scheduling an in-home consultation is the best way to review your inventory and lock in a price.
Sample quote: $9,586 (three-bedroom move spanning 790 miles, approximately the distance between New York City and Chicago)
Deposit: Up to 40%
Payment options: Cash, certified check, or money order
Moving Services
Safeway focuses on long-distance moving. It helps with packing, loading, and heavy lifting to save you time and hassle. It also assists with furniture assembly and disassembly. Here are some of Safeway’s other moving services:
- Custom crating
- Fragile packing
- Senior citizen moving assistance
- Short- and long-term storage
Safeway Moving Inc.
Best for Major Cities: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a nationwide moving broker that coordinates moves for its customers through a network of vetted partners. It advertises more than 25 years of experience in the moving industry.
Benefits and Drawbacks
We like IMRG for its nationwide partner network, allowing customers to schedule moves in New York City during peak season with minimal stress or delay. Here are some of the major benefits and drawbacks of booking your move with IMRG:
Benefits:
- Is generally fast to provide a rough moving cost estimate
- Has helpful resources on its website about moving to and from major cities, including New York City
- Can often book moves at the last minute
Drawbacks:
- Does not conduct moving services directly
- Will not assume liability for your shipment and will direct you to its partner carrier to resolve most issues
Cost
You can check ballpark prices online using IMRG’s moving cost calculator, which we used to get the quote below. Call the company to review your move plan with an IMRG move coordinator to ensure you receive the most accurate pricing. IMRG offers discounts for early booking and consolidated shipments with other customers.
Sample quote: $3,900 to $7,000 (three-bedroom move from Atlanta to New York City, which is 860 miles)
Deposit: Varies among moving partners
Payment options: Varies among moving partners
Moving Services
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group can coordinate many types of moving services through its carrier network. Here are some of the services you can request:
- Cleaning services
- Junk removal
- Local moving services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Vehicle shipping
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Best for Coordinated Moves: Moving APT
Moving APT operates exclusively as a moving broker, scheduling moves for its customers through a network of more than 2,500 moving partners. It can assist with moves anywhere in the United States.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Moving APT negotiates among its partners to give you the best options for your requested pickup date and specialty moving services. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of choosing Moving APT:
Benefits:
- Coordinates numerous specialty moving services, such as vehicle shipping and cleaning
- Can often find discounted rates for customers with a flexible moving date
- Is up-front about the third-party carriers it assigns to your move, allowing you to speak directly to several companies in your area
Drawbacks:
- Brokers all services to third-party moving partners
- Transfers your information to partners, sometimes resulting in excessive phone calls and emails
Cost
We used Moving APT’s online moving cost calculator to generate the sample quote below. On its calculator page, you will also find average costs for various types of moves. We recommend calling the company for an accurate quote. After discussing your move plan, Moving APT will put you in touch with a partner company that can provide a binding estimate.
Sample quote: $4,200 to $6,150 (three-bedroom move from New York City to Atlanta, which is 860 miles)
Deposit: Varies among moving partners
Payment options: Varies among moving partners
Moving Services
Moving APT uses its broker authority to coordinate services with its extensive carrier network, allowing you to customize your move plan with many optional moving services. These services include the following:
- Corporate relocation
- Cleaning services
- Local moving services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Vehicle shipping
Best Mobile App: JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services offers its customers greater flexibility than many providers. It has multiple inventory survey options and allows you to select from several levels of packing assistance.
Benefits and Drawbacks
We like JK Moving for its informative website, extensive catalog of moving services, and mobile-friendly approach to the quote process. Here are the main benefits of drawbacks of JK Moving:
Benefits:
- Offers financing options
- Has an easy-to-use mobile app to keep track of estimates, pay deposits, and review other moving documentation
- Serves residential and commercial customers, offering several specialized commercial services that few other moving companies advertise
Drawbacks:
- Doesn’t offer local moves in New York
- Outsources many services outside of the Washington, D.C., area
Cost
We contacted JK Moving for the ballpark estimate below. You can submit your contact information to JK Moving via its online form or call the company. You will need to speak on the phone with a representative to start your free quote. For a binding estimate, JK Moving will need to discuss your inventory over the phone, schedule an in-home consultation, or conduct a virtual survey.
Sample quote: $7,500 (two-bedroom move spanning 750 miles, nearly the distance between New York City and Chicago)
Deposit: $250
Payment options: Credit card or cash
Moving Services
JK Moving offers an impressive selection of commercial moving services. Notably, it gives its residential customers the flexibility to build custom moving packages that can include either full packing assistance or self-packing at a lower rate. Here are a few of JK Moving’s service offerings:
- Government moves
- IT removal and archival services
- Office moves
- Shipment tracking
- Short- and long-term storage
Best Customer Experience: Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines is a large moving company providing long-distance and local moves to New York City and the rest of the United States. It currently operates a fleet of more than 1,000 moving trucks.
Benefits and Drawbacks
We like Allied Van Lines for its commitment to providing a streamlined experience for customers preparing for an upcoming move. This includes publishing various moving guides on its website. Here are some key benefits and drawbacks of Allied Van Lines:
Benefits:
- Offers multiple storage services, including storage-in-transit that allows you to store your belongings in an Allied warehouse between your origin and destination
- Can ship vehicles with its own fleet of open and enclosed trailers
- Has a helpful website with moving resources such as a packing calculator, moving checklists, and informative blog posts about the moving process
Drawbacks:
- Outsources a portion of its services
- Doesn’t have weekend customer service availability
Cost
We used Allied Van Lines’ InstaQuote tool to get the estimated price range listed below. You will need to speak with a representative over the phone for a written estimate. The company recommends scheduling an in-home consultation for a guaranteed rate.
Sample quote: $8,478 to $9,368 (three-bedroom move from Atlanta to New York City, which is 860 miles)
Deposit: None
Payment options: Cash, certified check, or money order
Moving Services
Allied Van Lines offers full-service moves and its Allied Express moving containers for smaller moves. With this service, you will pack and load your belongings into portable storage containers that Allied will haul to your destination. Here are Allied’s primary service offerings:
- Military moves
- Packing supplies for purchase
- Shipment tracking
- Short- and long-term storage
- Vehicle shipping
Allied Van Lines
NYC Moving Companies for Local Moves
The movers below have headquarters in the NYC area. These companies hold solid reputations among customers and are available for local moving services within the five boroughs and surrounding areas.
NYC Great Movers
NYC Great Movers has an excellent reputation among customers who have left feedback on multiple third-party review aggregators. It offers one free month of storage and specializes in long-distance and local moving services.
- Address: 58 2nd Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215
- Phone number: 718-285-8565
Dyno Moving
Dyno Moving offers full-service moves in NYC, specializing in local moving services for residential and commercial moves. It also offers specialty services, such as piano moving.
- Address: 5200 1st Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232
- Phone number: 718-496-0660
Roadway Moving
Roadway Moving is a well-regarded NYC mover that offers virtual surveys for a more convenient quote process. It provides a wide range of moving services and can assist with local, long-distance, and international moves.
- Address: 845 3rd Ave., 6th floor, New York, NY 10022
- Phone number: 212-812-5240
Moving Regulations for NYC Moves
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) regulates movers operating within the New York state lines. It issues licenses to intrastate movers and handles moving complaints. However, the NYSDOT cannot resolve disputed loss or damage claims, and you may need to take these issues to small claims court.
Any move that starts in New York but crosses state lines is an interstate move and will fall under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversight.
Our Recommendation
Planning a move in New York City poses many challenges due to traffic, tight spaces, inaccessible driveways, and more. You can rent a moving truck, but hiring a professional mover is worth it for your peace of mind. We recommend booking your move with International Van Lines. This full-service mover has experience in all aspects of the moving process and can streamline your move, from planning to unpacking.
We also recommend American Van Lines, noting the company’s intensive training to prepare its crews for moving high-end items. We suggest requesting quotes from at least three moving providers before making a decision.
NYC Moving Companies FAQ
What extra fees can I expect for moving to NYC?
You can expect extra fees when a moving company has to use elevators, climb multiple flights of stairs, or use a shuttle system to access homes or apartments without driveways. Many professional movers also charge extra to move bulky items, such as pianos.
How do I choose a reputable NYC mover?
The first step in choosing a reputable NYC mover is verifying licensing and regulatory information. If the company conducts intrastate moves within New York, it should have proof of a license issued through the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) licenses and regulates interstate moving companies.
What options do I have for a local move in NYC?
For a local move in NYC, you have several options. You can rent a moving truck and carry out your move without any professional assistance, packing, loading, and hauling your own inventory. You can also find a well-reviewed local mover via Google Reviews or Trustpilot, or you can hire a national mover such as Allied Van Lines that has local capabilities.
How do I prepare for my moving day with a professional mover?
Before your scheduled pickup date, you should sell or donate any unwanted household items. You should also organize your home, consolidating and labeling any items that the movers shouldn’t handle. If you intend to self-pack, you will also need to purchase packing supplies and begin labeling and boxing the items that you need to be moved to help ensure a stress-free moving experience.
How We Chose the Top Moving Companies in New York City
We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.
We also gathered pricing data from each of the companies and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. To determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as their overall score on Yelp.