Best Moving Companies in New York (May 2026)
From a pool of 148 movers working across New York, we identified the providers that balance cost, transparency, and reliability. Browse the options below to stack up quotes, review available services, and find the right match for your move.
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Zip to Zip Moving Inc | 5.0
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Colonial Van Lines | 5.0
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we routinely evaluate more than 4,000 moving companies across the country using a data-driven scoring system built around performance, accountability, and overall customer experience. Our editorial team assigns weighted scores to the factors that matter most to consumers planning a move.
Here’s how we rank movers:
Customer feedback (40%): Verified consumer reviews carry the most weight in our methodology. We evaluate overall ratings, review volume, consistency across platforms, and patterns in customer experiences to measure satisfaction and service reliability.
Complaint track record (20%): While issues can arise in any move, resolution matters. We review complaint history through public consumer databases, focusing on frequency, severity, and how proactively a company works to address and resolve disputes.
Pricing transparency (15%): Clear estimates, well-defined deposits, and straightforward contracts score higher in our system. We prioritize movers that make it easy to understand what you’ll pay — without hidden fees or vague pricing language.
Service offerings (12%): Companies that provide a wide range of services — including full packing, specialty item handling, storage solutions, and interstate moving — earn stronger marks for flexibility and convenience.
Online experience (8%): We look at how easy a company makes it to get information, request a quote, and understand its services online. Up-to-date websites, clear contact details, and responsive review engagement all factor into the score.
Company track record (5%): Longevity, proper licensing, and overall business stability also play a role. Movers with a consistent operating history and verified credentials receive higher marks.
Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect new data, evolving consumer feedback, and shifts in company performance — helping you compare movers with confidence.
Top Local Movers in New York
After evaluating 148 moving companies in New York, Zip to Zip Moving Inc earned top marks for reliable short-distance shipping of household goods, as well as clear pricing, and customer care. Their moving experience makes them a standout for local relocations.
See our complete list of trusted movers within NY:
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc, 4.66 out of 5.0
- Roadway Moving , 4.62 out of 5.0
- Oz Moving & Storage - Upper West Side, 4.5 out of 5.0
- Gentle Giant Moving Company, 4.72 out of 5.0
- Mabey's Moving & Storage, 4.56 out of 5.0
Zip to Zip Moving Inc
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (DOT: 2969363) offers a wide array of services to meet diverse moving needs, including full-service and interstate moves, labor-only options, small moves, and unpacking services. They also provide specialized services for moving hot tubs, pianos, safes, and pool tables, ensuring that even the most delicate items are transported with care.
While they accommodate payment options like cash, credit card, and money order, it's important to note that they do not accept cryptocurrency, which may be a drawback for tech-savvy customers. Additionally, despite their extensive service offerings, the company does not provide discounts for students, teachers, military members, or seniors.
Moving made easy! The team was fantastic, very communicative, and worked so quickly. Nothing was damaged, and they built everything for us in our new space. Everything was done in less than 4 hours.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Roadway Moving
Roadway Moving (DOT: 1854436) offers a wide array of services to cater to various moving needs, including full-service and interstate relocations, climate-controlled storage, and junk removal. They also provide specialty services such as piano moving and crating, ensuring valuable items are handled with care. Additionally, customers benefit from their convenient options like labor-only services and the availability of packing materials.
While Roadway Moving does not accept cryptocurrency, which some customers might find limiting, they offer a number of practical payment options including credit cards. With their instant email quote feature, planning your move also becomes easier and more efficient.
"Roadway Moving made my move absolutely seamless! From start to finish, the process was incredibly clean, easy, and efficient. Their team was also very communicative and helpful every step of the way, and made sure that everything went smoothly."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Oz Moving & Storage - Upper West Side
Oz Moving & Storage - Upper West Side offers a comprehensive range of moving services including full-service and interstate moves, as well as packing and unpacking to accommodate various client needs. Their expertise extends to handling antiques, art, pianos, and small moves, making them suitable for specialized relocations. However, a downside for some customers is that they do not offer climate-controlled storage options.
The team was punctual, polite, and worked quickly to get everything packed and loaded onto the truck. They were also very communicative throughout the entire process, which made me feel at ease.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Poor packing quality
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Full packing
Gentle Giant Moving Company
Gentle Giant Moving Company (DOT: 373544) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate and international moves, as well as optional unpacking and packing services. Customers can also take advantage of their specialized piano moving services and crane vans for heavier items.
However, a potential downside is that the company does not offer junk removal services, which might be a consideration for some customers looking for a more complete moving package. For clients seeking storage solutions, Gentle Giant provides storage options, although climate-controlled storage is not available.
"Tony and his team were professional, polite, and incredibly careful with every item. They made the process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend Gentle Giant Movers!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Mabey's Moving & Storage
Mabey's Moving & Storage (DOT: 125550) is a versatile moving company providing a range of services, including full-service moves and interstate and international relocations. They also cater to customers needing unpacking services and offer packing materials for a smoother experience.
Although they offer storage solutions, an area that might be seen as a downside for some is the lack of climate-controlled storage facilities. Additionally, they do not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which might be a minor drawback for tech-savvy clients. Nonetheless, they stand out by offering instant email quotes, ensuring a convenient and efficient booking process.
"We just completed a long distance move from New York to Florida with Mabey’s. They did a quick and amazing job packing and kept us informed every step. Highly recommend Mabey’s for your move!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Full packing
Local Movers In New York
Looking for a local moving company to work with? Check out these resources:
- Albany
- Amherst
- Babylon
- Bronx
- Brookhaven
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Cornwall
- Dunkirk
- East Islip
- East Northport
- Elmira
- Greece
- Greenburgh
- Hempstead
- Highlands
- Huntington
- Islip
- Kent
- Lewisboro
- Manhattan
- Miller Place
- Nesconset
- New York City
- Niagara Falls
- North Castle
- North Hempstead
- North Merrick
- Oyster Bay
- Patchogue
- Pelham
- Queens
- Ramapo
- Ridge
- Rochester
- Rocky Point
- Salisbury
- Smithtown
- Southampton
- Staten Island
- Stony Brook
- Syracuse
- Troy
- Yonkers
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in NY?
The cost of a local New York move depends on crew size and time spent. Movers in New York charge an average hourly rate of $131 per hour, and you’ll want to budget for several hours depending on the size of your place. Take a look at what it typically takes to move different home sizes so you can better budget for your local NY move:
| Home Size | Crew Size | Move Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 BR | 2 movers | 3–4 hours | $785 – $1,047 |
| 2 BR | 3 movers | 4–5 hours | $1,571 – $1,963 |
| 3 BR | 4 movers | 6–7 hours | $3,141 – $3,665 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 4–5 movers | 8+ hours | $4,188 – $5,890 |
Best Long-Distance Movers in New York
Colonial Van Lines took the lead among 148 long-distance moving companies in New York. Their blend of competitive pricing and dependable service made them a standout in a crowded field.
Here’s who made our list of best movers in NY:
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Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, that handles long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years in the business and over 12,000 moves completed each year, they know their way around an interstate move. Colonial offers packing, storage, and long-distance transport throughout the continental US, all handled by highly trained crews. Their easy-to-use mobile app makes getting a quote quick, and customers often highlight the company’s friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expert in-house crews
- Home electronics setup
- Trash & debris removal
Cons
- No local or international moves
- Not available in AK or HI
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
- Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
- Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
- Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
- Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
- Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
- Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
- Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
- Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving (USDOT: 3756000) is a veteran-owned moving company built around the idea of military-level precision. Thanks to its nationwide network of truck capacity, Safeway is able to offer very competitive pricing without cutting corners. The company also uses a multi-stage quality assurance process to keep moves on track from pickup through delivery. That combination of accurate pricing and consistent quality is a big reason Safeway earned a spot on our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Long distance and cross country moves only
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
Cons
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
Services
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
- Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
- Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
- Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
- International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
- 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) is a long-distance moving company known for its hands-on approach and experienced crews. Based in Florida, the company handles interstate moves nationwide and stands out for using full-time, background-checked movers rather than temporary labor. American Van Lines offers packing, storage, and specialty services for items like antiques and pianos, with a strong focus on careful handling. Customers often point to the company’s professionalism and attention to detail as key reasons it earns high marks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Last-minute moves
- Private storage options
- Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
- Flat-rate pricing
Cons
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Services
- Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
- Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
- Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines (USDOT: 076235) is one of the most recognizable names in the moving industry, with a nationwide and global network backed by more than 80 years of experience. Alongside full-service local, long-distance, and international moves, Allied offers Allied Express, a portable container option that includes professional loading and unloading. With packing, storage, and specialty services also available, Allied provides flexible solutions for a wide range of moving needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Specialty packing services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- International shipping
Cons
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days
Services
- Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
- Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
- International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
- Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
- Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
- Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
- Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
BLVD Moving
BLVD Moving (USDOT: 3342827) is a long-distance moving company that puts a strong emphasis on clear pricing and customer communication. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers through each step of the process. With professional packing, storage options, and a focus on consistency from pickup to delivery, BLVD Moving is a solid choice for customers who want a more organized, transparent moving experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Full-time professional crews
- Flexible rescheduling
- Last-minute services
Cons
- Limited insurance options
- Limited pricing on website
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide interstate relocations coordinated across the contiguous US), Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing through delivery), Professional packing & unpacking (trained crews, high-quality materials, specialty packing for fragile items), Moving storage services (short- and long-term storage options through partner facilities), Dedicated move coordinator (single point of contact from quote to delivery), Transparent pricing model (detailed estimates based on virtual or phone inventory reviews), Carrier-vetted moving network (licensed and insured interstate carriers meeting BLVD’s service standards), Specialty item moving (oversized furniture, antiques, and delicate household goods), Customer support throughout the move (proactive communication and scheduling updates from pickup to drop-off)
Popular Moving Routes from New York
How New York Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,155 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 148 are located in NY.
- Average rating: 4.34 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.32 stars.
- Mover associations: NY does not currently have any official moving associations. A lack of in-state mover associations doesn’t necessarily reflect poorly on movers in NY — many still meet high standards — but it may mean there's less local oversight or coordination compared to states with active industry groups.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | NY Movers | NY % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 83 | 56.08% | 1,460 | 46.28% |
| Art | 92 | 62.16% | 1,446 | 45.83% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 65 | 43.92% | 1,049 | 33.25% |
| Debris Removal | 28 | 18.92% | 816 | 25.86% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 29 | 19.59% | 753 | 23.87% |
| Labor-Only | 54 | 36.49% | 1,721 | 54.55% |
| Office Moving | 133 | 89.86% | 2,691 | 85.29% |
| Small Moves | 60 | 40.54% | 1,549 | 49.1% |
| Total Movers | 148 | 100% | 3,155 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | NY Movers | NY % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | n/a | n/a | 36 | 1.14% |
| Military Discount | 8 | 5.41% | 136 | 4.31% |
| Senior Discount | 7 | 4.73% | 158 | 5.01% |
| Student Discount | 2 | 1.35% | 36 | 1.14% |
| Teacher Discount | n/a | n/a | 9 | 0.29% |
| Total Movers | 148 | 100% | 3,155 | 100% |
What Impacts the Cost of New York Long-Distance Moves?
- The date of your move: Expect to pay more if you're moving during peak season, especially late spring through early fall.
- Move distance: Longer moves increase fuel usage, road time, and logistics coordination — all of which raise costs.
- Optional add-ons: In New York, 97.3% of movers offer packing services, and 131 companies offer storage. These services aren’t included in your base quote and will cost extra.
- How much you are moving: More furniture and boxes mean more work for the crew and more space in the truck, which increases the final price.
How To Choose the Right New York Mover
Choosing a mover in New York isn’t just about the lowest price — it’s about trusting a company to safely ship your belongings. The best movers bring transparency, reliability, and responsive service to the table.
Here are a few key things to check before booking:
- Licensing and credentials: Make sure the company is FMCSA-licensed to transport household goods and properly insured for interstate shipments.
- Pricing and estimates: Get in-person or video walkthroughs for more accurate quotes. It’s smart to collect at least three estimates before deciding.
- Discounts and price matching: Ask about deals — 8 NY movers offer military discounts, and 7 provide special rates for seniors. Many movers will match a lower quote, too.
- Service and reviews: Look for movers with strong online ratings and consistent customer feedback. It’s a good sign they treat shipments with care.
- Booking and flexibility: Review availability, rescheduling options, and cancellation policies in advance.
FAQs
What’s included in a full-service move?
Full-service moves usually cover loading, transport, and unloading. Sometimes, short-term storage is included. Packing and unpacking is typically available for an additional charge. The transport portion includes moving your household goods in a dedicated or shared truck, depending on the size of your move.
How is the weight of my move determined?
Movers weigh the truck before and after loading (a process called tare weight and gross weight). The difference is your shipment weight, which affects your final cost.
Do movers consolidate shipments of household goods?
Yes, especially for smaller moves. Some companies use freight-style consolidation to combine multiple moves headed in the same direction. This can lower costs but add time to delivery.
Is it cheaper to move with a container or a moving truck?
It depends. Containers may offer more flexibility and lower upfront costs, but full-service movers often handle the logistics of transporting household goods more efficiently for long-distance relocations.
Thinking About Moving to New York?
Starting fresh in New York? We’ll give you a quick look at what life here is like, from housing costs and crime levels to weather patterns and career opportunities.
Life in New York: What To Expect
- New York has a cost of living index of 100, right on par with the national average. Rent averages $1,507, and home values sit near $482,742.
- The job market in New York is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%. Top industries include Finance and insurance ($309.2 billion), Real estate and rental and leasing ($238 billion), and Professional and business services ($218.1 billion).
- Recreation options in New York include attractions like Times Square and Statue of Liberty, outdoor escapes such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and Central Park, and museums like The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum and The Strong National Museum of Play.
- Sports lovers can cheer on teams like Brooklyn Nets Basketball (NBA) and Buffalo Bills (NFL), which draw fans from across the state.
New York Relocation Resources
