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Buying a home in beautiful Rhode Island is an exciting life change, but getting situated in the new living space can be a headache. The more hands-on you are with your move, the more heavy boxes you’ll have to lift, and you won’t have the luxury of a professional driver to haul your family’s belongings. This can lead to an incredible amount of stress. However, hiring a reputable moving company takes much of the planning and hard work out of your hands.
We looked into the fundamental differences among popular movers nationwide and developed a methodology to rank the best moving companies. Seeing a need to narrow the scope of our research, we reviewed the best movers for many states, including Rhode Island. This guide features our top seven movers for Rhode Island, detailing our rationale for each selection.
The Best Movers in Rhode Island
Here are our top picks for moving companies in Rhode Island:
- International Van Lines : Best Overall Mover
- American Van Lines : Best for High-Value Goods
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group : Best for Major Cities
- Moving APT : Best for Coordinated Moves
- Safeway Moving Inc. : Best for Condos and HOAs
- JK Moving Services : Best Mobile App
- Allied Van Lines : Best Customer Experience
International Van Lines : Best Overall Mover
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit International Van Lines’ site
What We Like
International Van Lines (IVL) offers its customers a full-service treatment for international and long-distance moves to or from Rhode Island. It assumes many of the physical and mental challenges of the moving process, giving you the breathing room to focus on other aspects of readying your new living space.
It can be difficult to trust a company to handle your personal belongings, but IVL has put extra measures in place to afford you peace of mind. In addition to the standard contents coverage options offered by all licensed interstate movers, IVL provides comprehensive insurance plans for interstate and international moves through a third-party insurer. IVL also has one of the most extensive international moving guides we’ve seen to help you prepare for your upcoming move.
Cost
You have the option to call for a quote or to request a quote online and have an IVL representative call you as soon as possible. IVL allows its customers to send in details about the prospective shipment or to schedule a virtual survey or in-home consultation. An in-home survey will be the most time-consuming method for any moving company, but it often leads to the most accurate estimate.
IVL charges an up-front deposit when you book your move. Half of the remaining balance will be due upon pickup of your inventory, and the other half will be due upon delivery. IVL accepts cash, money order, or cashier’s check. It can also accept payments from some online platforms, such as PayPal and Venmo. Certain payment methods may also be accepted during specific steps of the billing process.
Services
IVL’s full-service package includes professional packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking. It also includes disassembly and reassembly for basic pieces of furniture. For an add-on fee, IVL can relocate bulky items, such as pianos, pool tables, and home gym equipment. Storage solutions are available for both temporary and permanent storage.
For IVL’s insurance options, it recommends purchasing all-risk insurance for a full-service move. This is a comprehensive policy that provides reimbursement for any type of damage to your shipment. The company recommends named-perils insurance for customers who choose to self-pack, a more limited policy that protects against certain catastrophic events, such as a traffic accident or theft of the shipment.
Read more: International Van Lines Review
American Van Lines : Best for High-Value Goods
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 48 (all but Hawaii and Alaska)
- Get a quick quote: Visit American Van Lines’ site
What We Like
Founded in 1995, American Van Lines (AVL) isn’t the most established mover in our guide, but it does put a greater emphasis on training and experience than many of its competitors. The company states that its moving teams average 10 years of experience in the industry and receive annual training to keep their skills sharp and in line with the latest moving techniques. AVL has a selective hiring process, and you can expect every employee to have undergone a thorough background check.
AVL offers white-glove services for moving pianos and other large or delicate items. This includes fine artwork and antiques. The company has a history of providing specialty services for museums and other institutions looking to move and transport high-value inventories.
Cost
You can get a binding estimate from AVL by requesting a quote through its online form or over the phone. AVL structures its services with flat-rate pricing to keep estimates as simple and predictable as possible. To finalize your quote, you will need to provide an inventory sheet or have an AVL representative conduct a virtual or in-home walkthrough.
AVL charges a deposit that varies depending on the details of your move, but it can top out higher than many competitors in our guide. You can pay your moving costs by cash, money order, credit card, or cashier’s check.
Services
AVL is an exclusive carrier offering full-service moves with in-house crews. This includes packing services and furniture disassembly and reassembly. You can request custom crating for your fragile items. AVL also has short- and long-term storage options for customers who cannot move all items into a household on their move date.
Other services AVL offers include commercial moving services and full-service moves for military relocation. It can also coordinate corporate relocation, helping an employee base move their belongings to Rhode Island for relocation due to work requirements.
Read more: American Van Lines Review
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group : Best for Major Cities
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Moving broker
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit IMRG’s site
What We Like
Licensed as a moving broker, Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) finds movers within its network to provide your requested moving services on your timeline. It cannot conduct moving services directly, but, by working with professional movers across the nation, IMRG can coordinate moves between any two cities. This includes local, long-distance, and international moves to ensure that your needs are met.
For customers moving from Rhode Island to major cities in New England or the mid-Atlantic, such as Boston or New York City, IMRG has detailed relocation guides on its website. This can be a valuable tool for planning your move, shedding light on IMRG’s partners in each city and providing information about cost of living, destination neighborhoods, and more.
Cost
Type in your ZIP code in the form on IMRG’s homepage to start your quote. You can also call the company directly to provide details about your move. Your IMRG moving coordinator will want to gather details about your inventory, and you will typically have the option to self-report those details or schedule an in-home consultation. You will also use this time to discuss the services you require.
You will need to pay a booking deposit and binding estimate fee when scheduling your move. IMRG accepts credit card, cashier’s check, or personal check for payment. Your binding estimate may change on your moving day if the inventory is larger than you reported, and, for that reason, we recommend scheduling an in-home survey if possible.
Services
IMRG’s partners include local and long-distance moving companies that provide packing and loading services for Rhode Island moves. It also has self-service companies in its network for those with fewer belongings or who prefer a DIY experience. These self-service movers drop off portable storage units that they then transport to your new home after you’ve loaded the containers at your current residence.
Working with several car shippers, IMRG can deliver your vehicle to any location in the country. Its website includes thorough information about the vehicle-shipping process and insurance guidance. IMRG also assists with coordinating corporate and commercial moving services.
Read more: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Review
Moving APT : Best for Coordinated Moves
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Moving broker
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit Moving APT’s site
What We Like
Moving APT stands apart from many other moving brokers by providing open channels of communication between its partners and its customers. The company outsources all services; however, once it collects details about your moves, it allows the moving companies in its network to contact you directly to start the quote process. In all, Moving APT partners with more than 2,500 movers throughout the United States.
By putting you in touch with multiple moving companies, Moving APT can coordinate moving services with minimal delay, making it a good option for last-minute moves. Moving APT can also find numerous Rhode Island movers providing specialty services that stand-alone carriers may not include in their offerings.
Cost
Contact Moving APT by phone or start the process on its homepage by answering a few questions to begin your quote. The type of estimate you receive will depend on the companies that your Moving APT move coordinator transfers you to and which you choose to contact. Many of its partners will provide binding estimates. We recommend scheduling an in-home survey through the mover if possible for an accurate read of your home’s inventory.
Accepted payment methods for moving costs will vary among Moving APT’s many partners. You will need to pay a booking deposit to Moving APT for its part in coordinating your services.
Services
Moving APT partners with international, local, and long-distance movers with many offering packing and loading services. A full-service move will usually include furniture disassembly and reassembly through most providers. You can also request a company that offers storage solutions.
You can request various types of specialty services through Moving APT, including white-glove services for moving your piano, artwork, or other high-value belongings. Many moving companies in its network have vehicle-shipping options, junk removal, and commercial moving services.
Read more: Moving APT Review
Safeway Moving Inc. : Best for Condos and HOAs
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit Safeway’s site
What We Like
Safeway Moving Inc. assists with long-distance and international moves, using trained moving crews that provide packing services to make your relocation less stressful. It will outsource some services, but in most areas of the country, Safeway will use its in-house moving teams to assist with your move depending on availability.
One feature of Safeway’s industry experience is the attention it has given to moves involving homeowners and condo associations (HOAs and COAs). With a strong presence in Florida and other states with a large percentage of HOA neighborhoods, Safeway is well-versed in handling these types of moves. The company also has substantial experience moving families to and from larger homes that may have added challenges.
Cost
Safeway has several forms on its website for submitting your contact and move information to start a quote. You can fill out an inventory sheet to share details about your home’s inventory, or you can request an in-home survey for the most accurate estimate. Safeway also offers video surveys as a convenient option.
You will need to pay a deposit to Safeway to schedule your move, and it’s among the higher deposit requirements in our guide. Safeway typically accepts cash, certified check, money order, or credit card with pre-authorization to cover your moving costs.
Services
For its standard moving package, Safeway will provide full packing and unpacking assistance. This service includes loading, unloading, and transport to help keep your moving experience as hassle-free as possible. Safeway also offers storage solutions, including one free month in its storage facilities for all types of moves.
One area that separates Safeway from its competition is its advocacy for senior moves. If you or a senior loved one plans to use a moving company, Safeway is a great option, providing extra support for senior moves to keep the process as stress-free as possible.
Read more: Safeway Moving Inc. Review
JK Moving Services : Best Mobile App
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit JK Moving’s site
What We Like
JK Moving Services is a national mover with both carrier and broker authority. The company operates its own large fleet of vehicles and outsources to professional movers as necessary to serve its customers from coast to coast. JK Moving does not offer local moving services in Rhode Island, but it will accommodate moving services for any long-distance or interstate move. It also has international availability.
When scheduling your move, JK Moving will recommend that you use its convenient mobile app to review your estimate. You can use this app to not only review the estimate, but also pay your deposit and book your move. This feature is especially useful for customers booking multiple residential or commercial moves.
Cost
You can call JK Moving to speak with a move coordinator and start your quote, or you can use its online form to submit your information and request a phone call. JK Moving has multiple home survey options, including a virtual assessment of your inventory using AI-assisted technology. Its other options are an in-home consultation or a video survey.
For the providers in our guide that charge deposits, JK Moving is among the cheapest, charging a small flat rate for any moving cost. It accepts a certified check, money order, or credit card to pay your final moving bill.
Services
JK Moving can personalize its packing services to your moving needs, and for a hands-off experience, it offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services. You can also book storage services with your move as an add-on option. As a specialty service, JK Moving can arrange auto transport for your car or truck. The company offers a wide variety of commercial moving services in addition to its residential options.
One of JK Moving’s more unique services is its small moves program. In nine days or less, JK Moving advertises that it can take small shipments to any destination in the country. This is a great option for moving from a condo or studio apartment.
Read more: JK Moving Services Review
Allied Van Lines : Best Customer Experience
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit Allied Van Lines’ site
What We Like
Allied Van Lines has helped customers move to their new homes since 1928, operating its own moving trucks in addition to hiring local movers in its vetted partner network. With years of experience in both the residential and commercial moving industries, Allied can serve customers with a wide range of moving needs. The company is equipped for cross-country relocation and for short-distance moves within Rhode Island.
We like Allied’s approach to marketing, getting straight to the point on its website to give customers a clear idea of the company’s values and the services it provides. Allied also hosts numerous resources on its website, including how-to guides for planning your next move and a shop with moving kits that include the packing supplies you will need.
Cost
You can use Allied’s InstaQuote form on the center of its homepage to request a moving estimate. Calling the company and speaking with a move coordinator is also an option. After providing the necessary information about your move, Allied will want to schedule an in-home or video consultation to estimate the weight of your household goods. This will be a major factor in the final cost.
Allied requires no up-front deposit when booking your move, an uncommon feature among professional moving companies. It accepts cash, credit card, certified check, or money order to pay your moving costs.
Services
Specializing in full-service moves, Allied can pack and load your inventory on the day of your move. It can also unload and unpack after delivering your shipment. Self-packing is also an option, and Allied sells packing materials on its website. You can add temporary or permanent storage to your move plan as necessary.
One of Allied’s primary specialty services is its vehicle-shipping package. Allied will use an open or enclosed trailer depending on your needs, shipping your personal vehicles to your new home to help with a major logistical challenge. The company’s website has a detailed guide explaining the vehicle-shipping process.
Read more: Allied Van Lines Review
Compare the Top Moving Companies in Rhode Island
Here is how the top Rhode Island movers compare in several key areas:
Our Recommendation
To ensure your Rhode Island move is on time, efficient, and an overall success, hiring a moving company is a worthwhile consideration. We recommend looking into International Van Lines, which is one of our top-rated movers across all metrics. IVL is a full-service mover with extensive online resources, attractive insurance options, and substantial experience handling both long-distance and international moves.
American Van Lines is also a great option, leading the way with experienced moving crews trained to safely pack and load fine artwork, antiques, and other high-end household items. We also noted IMRG for its fast turnaround when providing estimates and its extensive network of nationwide movers.
No matter which moving companies stand out to you, it’s important to request quotes from at least three providers before making a decision. This allows you to compare services, costs, and the fine print of each estimate.
Rhode Island Moving Companies FAQ
What factors affect the cost of a Rhode Island move?
The top factors affecting the cost of an interstate move to or from Rhode Island include the services you book, the weight of your household goods, and the distance between your current home and your new home. Short-distance moves within Rhode Island will usually factor in hourly rates for labor.
How are moving companies regulated in Rhode Island?
Moving companies in Rhode Island are regulated by the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities.
Is paying a moving company worth it?
Paying a moving company is worth it if you cannot comfortably pack and load your inventory into a rental truck that you will then drive to your destination. A moving company takes care of the logistics for you, making the moving process substantially more streamlined.
How We Chose the Top Moving Companies in Rhode Island
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.