Best Movers Near Manhattan, KS (2026 Reviews)
Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc. is Manhattan's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.16/5 stars. Rankings are based on 400 verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Manhattan, KS, covering 3 local Manhattan movers.
Local movers in Manhattan are priced hourly. The Kansas average is $110/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate.
rating
4.12 / 5
- Years in Business: 118
- Yelp: 2.7 / 5
- BBB:
rating
3.64 / 5
- Years in Business: 112
- Yelp: / 5
- BBB: A+
rating
3.3 / 5
- Years in Business: 2026
- Yelp: / 5
- BBB:
Why use moveBuddha for your Manhattan, KS move
- moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by getting multiple Manhattan mover quotes through our moving cost calculator before booking.
- Book a moveBuddha Certified Manhattan mover and get an extra $1,000 in move coverage plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha steps in with direct dispute mediation between you and your Certified mover.
Moving in Manhattan, KS right now: November offers some of the lowest prices and best mover availability of the year in Manhattan. The one exception is the Thanksgiving window. The week of and after Thanksgiving sees an end-of-year demand spike. Aim for early to mid-November for the best combination of price and availability.
What are the top-rated moving companies in Manhattan, KS?
Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc. is Manhattan's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.16/5.
moveBuddha scored 3 Manhattan movers drawing on 400 verified customer reviews, with a market average score of 3.7/5. Rankings also draw on moveBuddha's reviews of 52 Kansas movers and 29,567 verified Kansas customer reviews to surface the closest and highest-rated companies serving Manhattan from nearby locations.
- Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc.: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Thomas Transfer & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Covan World-Wide Moving: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Coleman American Moving Services, Inc.: 3.3 out of 5 stars
- Mastery Moving: 3.36 out of 5 stars
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Quick response times
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 118 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc. has about 77% positive reviews across roughly 51 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.7.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc..
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication.
Recent reviews
Worked with this moving company to help move apartment furniture into my new home. First off, the customer service of this company is fantastic! They have been very responsive and transparent throughout my experience.
Had to change my move date multiple times and they were extremely flexible. Competitive rates and excellent service.
Quick moving process
Quick response times
Friendly and approachable staff
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 1096 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Trevor and Nick did an outstanding job for us. Quote came in right on the money. They were on time, friendly and worked quickly. Very communicative and super nice team.
They did all the work in half the time they quoted! Great group of friendly guys.
Good communication
Respectful of property
Friendly and approachable staff
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 4 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 78% positive reviews across roughly 94 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Scheduling was easy. Darian, Corey and Lucas worked quickly, handled our belongings with care, and stayed friendly throughout loading and unloading. The price was better than expected.
Great communication from first contact through scheduling, confirmation, and delivery! Tyler and Tyler were professional, clean, prompt, and respectful. A lifelong customer for sure!
Quick response times
Quick moving process
Efficient service
Respectful of property
Professional and polite staff
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Thomas Transfer & Storage has been in business for 77 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Thomas Transfer & Storage has about 69% positive reviews across roughly 49 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.7.
Quote accuracy 3.7
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Thomas Transfer & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Thomas Transfer & Storage emphasizes clear communication.
Recent reviews
Awesome movers! Ashley's crew from Wichita moved us and were fast and professional. Nothing was damaged, and everyone was super friendly and polite. Highly recommend!
Skyler, Stephen, and Braeden were amazing. I highly recommend this Wichita, KS crew. They were quick and efficient (2 hours only!) but also took the time to bubble wrap and protect our sentimental furniture items.
Efficient service
Friendly and approachable staff
Helpful movers
Professional and polite staff
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 3.5
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Covan World-Wide Moving has been in business for 112 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Covan World-Wide Moving has about 80% positive reviews across roughly 15 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 3.7
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Covan World-Wide Moving.
Customer service 3.5
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Covan World-Wide Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Evelyn, Darius, Derrick, and Anthonio were exceptional! They were punctual and gave me a call before arriving. They introduced themselves and immediately got to work with a very professional attitude.
Professional and Quick! Made my move very simple for me.
Organized packing
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 3.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Coleman American Moving Services, Inc. has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Coleman American Moving Services, Inc. has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 334 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 3.7
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Coleman American Moving Services, Inc..
Customer service 3.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Coleman American Moving Services, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Trish, Ja'vonntae, and Dee packed quickly, handled everything properly, and worked well around our kids. The entire process went smoothly and made a stressful move much easier. We’d happily recommend them!
My movers/packers communicated seamlessly with me before arrival and throughout my move. They packed everything carefully but quite hastily. For my family of 4 everything was packed, loaded and documents signed within 90 minutes
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 3.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Mastery Moving has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like estate moving and office moving.
Review quality 3.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Mastery Moving has about 75% positive reviews across roughly 4 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Mastery Moving, and Mastery Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 3.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Mastery Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Excellent service and they showed up to my friends house earlier than expected
Great job, friendly and were careful with our things!! 5 stars for sure for moving us on a Sunday!! Tish in the office was great to work with. Great pricing too!!! You can't go wrong !!!
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
How do Manhattan, KS moving companies compare?
| Company | Our rating | City rank | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4.16 |
#1 of 3 | 77% | N/A | ||
|
4.38 |
—
Top 10 in Kansas |
97% | A+ | ||
|
4.3 |
— | 78% | A+ | ||
|
4.3 |
— | 69% | A+ | ||
|
3.64 |
#2 of 3 | 80% | A+ | ||
|
3.3 |
#3 of 3 | 93% | N/A | ||
|
3.36 |
— | 75% | N/A |
Proximity to Manhattan is a ranking factor, so a mover appearing higher on the list may have a lower score than one listed below it. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.
Top-rated movers in nearby Kansas cities
- Andover movers
- Arkansas City movers
- Atchison movers
- Derby movers
- El Dorado movers
- Emporia movers
- Gardner movers
- Great Bend movers
- Haysville movers
- Hutchinson movers
- Junction City movers
- Kansas City movers
- Lansing movers
- Lawrence movers
- Leavenworth movers
- Leawood movers
- Lenexa movers
- McPherson movers
- Merriam movers
- Newton movers
- Olathe movers
- Ottawa movers
- Overland Park movers
- Pittsburg movers
- Prairie Village movers
- Salina movers
- Shawnee movers
- Topeka movers
- Wichita movers
- Winfield movers
Popular moving routes from Manhattan, KS
Local movers in Manhattan are the right choice for moves under 500 miles, typically along I-35 and I-70. For longer moves, you need a full-service interstate carrier with USDOT authority, binding estimate practices, and the logistics to handle cross-country delivery. See our guide to the best long-distance movers from Manhattan, KS for route-specific recommendations and pricing.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
How much do movers cost in Manhattan, KS?
Local movers in Manhattan are priced hourly. The Kansas average is $110/hour for a 2-person crew. Total cost depends on home size and hours on the clock.
| Home size | Estimated local move cost in Manhattan |
|---|---|
| Studio | $249 – $415 |
| 1 bedroom | $332 – $581 |
| 2 bedrooms | $498 – $830 |
| 3 bedrooms | $747 – $1,245 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $996 – $1,826 |
Estimates based on national average local move costs, adjusted for Manhattan's cost of living. Actual costs vary by crew size, hours, and services.
Ready to compare Manhattan mover prices? See our full guide on Manhattan, KS mover costs →
Which Manhattan, KS movers offer specialty services?
Specialty moving services are not standard across every Manhattan mover. Based on moveBuddha's review of 3 Manhattan moving companies, here is what is available, how common each service is in this market, and which movers lead each category:
- Piano moving: 2 of 3 Manhattan movers (66.67%) offer it. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.38/5) also offers piano moving.
- Antique handling: 2 of 3 Manhattan movers (66.67%) offer it. Covan World-Wide Moving (3.64/5) also handles antique care.
- Art packing: 2 of 3 Manhattan movers (66.67%) offer it. Covan World-Wide Moving (3.64/5) also offers art packing.
What movers in Manhattan offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 2 of 3 Manhattan movers (66.67%). College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.38/5) also offers piano moving.
| Piano moving in Manhattan | Details |
|---|---|
| Manhattan movers offering this | 2 of 3 (66.67%) |
| Top-rated Manhattan piano movers | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, Covan World-Wide Moving |
| Upright piano | $664 to $1,245 |
| Baby grand piano | $996 to $2,075 |
| Grand piano | $1,494 to $2,905 |
Piano weight (300 to 800 lbs for uprights, 500 to 1,200 lbs for baby grands, over 1,200 lbs for concert grands) is the primary cost driver, as heavier instruments require more crew and specialized equipment. Bundling a piano into a full household move is usually cheaper than booking a piano-only carrier. See moveBuddha's guide to the best piano movers for vetted options and how to pack and move a piano for prep tips.
What movers in Manhattan offer antique handling?
Antique handling is available from 2 of 3 Manhattan movers (66.67%). Covan World-Wide Moving (3.64/5) also handles antique care.
| Antique handling in Manhattan | Details |
|---|---|
| Manhattan movers offering this | 2 of 3 (66.67%) |
| Top-rated Manhattan antique movers | Covan World-Wide Moving, Coleman American Moving Services, Inc. |
| Added cost to a household move | $830 to $2,075 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $42 to $415 |
| Custom crating per item | $125 to $166 |
Custom crating and per-piece handling fees are the main cost factors. Standard released-value coverage ($0.60/lb) is inadequate for high-value antiques, so full-value protection adds to the total. The more pieces requiring individual crating, the higher the cost. See moveBuddha's guide to best antique moving companies for specialists in this market.
What movers in Manhattan offer art packing?
Art packing is available from 2 of 3 Manhattan movers (66.67%). Covan World-Wide Moving (3.64/5) also offers art packing.
| Art packing in Manhattan | Details |
|---|---|
| Manhattan movers offering this | 2 of 3 (66.67%) |
| Top-rated Manhattan art movers | Covan World-Wide Moving, Coleman American Moving Services, Inc. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $42 to $415 |
| Custom crating per item | $125 to $166 |
Cost scales with piece count and crating complexity. Framed canvases and sculptures require custom-built crates at $150 to $200 each. Confirm the mover has handled similar media before booking. See how to pack and move art for what to verify before signing.
Apartment and high-rise moving in Manhattan
Moving in or out of an apartment or high-rise in Manhattan adds logistical steps that ground-floor moves don't require. Before booking, confirm the following with your mover:
- Elevator reservation: most buildings require a reserved service elevator window. Book it as soon as you have your move date. Slots fill quickly, especially on weekends and the first of the month.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Manhattan apartment buildings and high-rises require a COI from your mover before they'll allow access to service elevators or loading docks. Ask your mover for a COI early. This is a standard request and any licensed mover should provide it without charge.
- Long carry and shuttle fees: if the moving truck can't park within a short distance of the building entrance, a shuttle vehicle or long-carry charge ($75–$500+) may apply. Confirm the loading dock situation before signing your estimate.
- Labor-only movers: Some Manhattan movers offer labor-only service (loading and unloading without a truck), which is useful when you're supplying the container or rental truck. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving also offers labor-only service.
If your building has strict move-in rules, ask your mover for references from similar Manhattan apartment moves before committing.
DIY moving options in Manhattan, KS
Not every Manhattan move needs a full-service crew. These alternatives cost significantly less:
Rental trucks
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Manhattan, KS are Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), U-Haul (4.2/5), and Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5). Budget leads on transparent pricing and discount availability. U-Haul offers 7 truck sizes and one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske carries the most consistently maintained fleet, with unlimited mileage on select routes. Use moveBuddha's moving truck size guide to match the right truck to your home size before booking.
rating
4.3 / 5
- Affordable pricing
- Online pricing
- Several discounts
rating
4.0 / 5
- Most expensive
- 4 truck sizes
- Unlimited mileage
rating
4.2 / 5
- Greatest coverage
- 7 truck sizes
- One way rentals
Moving containers
The best moving container companies available in Manhattan, KS are PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5), based on moveBuddha's ratings. Container moves work by dropping a portable unit at your door, giving you several days to load at your own pace, then the company handles pickup and delivery. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size, or the moving container sizes guide to find the right unit for your load.
rating
4.5 / 5
- Unlimited storage
- 3 container sizes
- 10% discount
rating
4.3 / 5
- Flexible timelines
- Local franchise support
- Fits tight spaces
rating
5.0 / 5
- Affordable pricing
- Offers car shipping
- No hidden fees
Labor-only movers + rented truck
The best labor-only movers in Manhattan, KS start with College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.38/5) and Mastery Moving (3.36/5), both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. You drive, they lift. Rent a truck, put these crews on the loading and unloading, and keep full control of your timeline and route.
rating
4.38 / 5
- Years in Business: 7
- 97% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
3.36 / 5
- 75% positive reviews
- BBB:
Moving in Manhattan, KS: what you need to know
A Manhattan move involves logistics that go beyond booking a crew and loading a truck. The checklist below covers the practical steps specific to moving in this market.
Before move day
- Update your address: file a change of address with the USPS before your move date. Manhattan residents can start at USPS Mover's Guide. Also update your address with Kansas DMV, your bank, employer, and any subscription services.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Manhattan buildings require a COI from your moving company before granting loading dock or elevator access. Request this from your mover as soon as you book. It's a standard document and any licensed mover should provide it free of charge.
- Reserve your elevator: if you're in a building with a service elevator, reserve a time window as early as possible. Weekend and month-end slots fill fast.
- Get a binding estimate: a binding estimate locks your final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. Always confirm in writing before signing.
Timing your move
- Peak season (May–September): demand is highest in summer. Manhattan's summer highs reach 90°F, which pushes prices up and crew availability down. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead during this window.
- Off-peak savings: moves booked in October–April, on weekdays, or mid-month typically cost 10%–20% less. If your schedule is flexible, ask movers about off-peak pricing. See moveBuddha's best time to move guide for a month-by-month breakdown.
- Winter conditions: Manhattan's winter lows reach 17°F. Winter moves are cheaper but require planning for ice, snow delays, and longer loading times. Confirm your mover's weather policy before booking.
Kansas moving regulations and your rights
- Verify your mover is licensed: all Kansas movers are required to be licensed with the state. Check your mover's license at Kansas's licensed movers directory. Ask for their USDOT number for interstate moves.
- In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The state’s Corporation Commission issues moving companies operating authority in the form of KCC Numbers, which customers can verify online here before hiring a mover.
- Released-value coverage: movers are required to offer basic protection at $0.60 per pound per item at no extra cost. This covers almost nothing on high-value items. Ask about full valuation coverage before signing.
- Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- Your rights as a shipper: for interstate moves, the FMCSA requires movers to provide "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" before your move. Read it. It covers estimates, liability, dispute resolution, and the 110% rule. Download it at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move.
- Industry oversight: Kansas Motor Carriers Association sets professional standards for Kansas movers. Membership is voluntary but signals accountability. Ask your mover if they hold membership.
Frequently asked questions: moving in Manhattan, KS
How much do movers cost in Manhattan, KS?
Local movers in Manhattan, KS charge by the hour. The Kansas average is $110/hour for a 2-person crew. Manhattan's top-rated mover is Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc., earning a 4.16/5 on moveBuddha, drawing on 29,567 verified customer reviews across Kansas.
Key cost factors for a Manhattan move, based on moveBuddha's review data:
- Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
- Deposit requirement: many Manhattan movers require a deposit to secure your booking. Confirm refund terms before paying.
- Full valuation coverage: 33% of Manhattan movers (1 companies) offer it. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
- Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
- Long-distance pricing: moves leaving Manhattan across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 100% of Manhattan movers (3 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%–15% to transportation charges.
- Packing services: 67% of Manhattan movers (2 companies) offer full packing, and 67% supply packing materials. Professional packing adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound on average.
DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.
What do full-service movers in Manhattan include, and what costs extra?
A standard full-service move in Manhattan, KS includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what Manhattan movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.
| Add-on service | % of Manhattan movers | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | 67% (2 companies) | +$0.15–$0.21 per pound on average |
| Packing materials | 67% | Priced per box or kit; confirm before booking |
| Storage | 100% | ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$213/month |
| Full valuation coverage | 33% (1 companies) | 1%–2% of declared shipment value (~$300–$600 on a $30,000 shipment); default released-value protection pays only $0.60/lb |
| Crating (fragile/high-value items) | 67% (2 companies) | $150–$200 per item for antiques and artwork; $150–$400 for oversized pieces (safes, sectionals, appliances) |
| Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle) | Situational | $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200 |
Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.
Do movers in Manhattan offer senior, military, or other discounts?
moveBuddha found no confirmed senior, military, AAA, student, teacher, or law enforcement discounts among the Manhattan movers in its database. That does not mean discounts are unavailable. Ask each mover directly at the quote stage, since some companies offer unpublished rates for eligible groups. Confirm any discount in writing before signing.
How far in advance should I book movers in Manhattan?
Book Manhattan movers at least 4–6 weeks ahead during peak moving season (May through September) and on month-end dates. For off-peak moves (October through April, mid-month, or on a weekday), 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings (under 1 week) are possible but limit your options to movers with open capacity, which may not include your preferred company or the best-rated crews.
Once you have a date, request a binding written estimate before paying any deposit. Confirm the mover's cancellation and reschedule policy in writing at booking. Some Manhattan movers charge a fee for changes made within 48–72 hours of the move.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and do Manhattan movers provide one?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document from your mover's insurance carrier that names your building as an additional insured and confirms the mover carries active liability coverage. Many Manhattan apartment buildings, condos, and commercial properties require a COI before they'll permit a moving crew to use service elevators or loading docks.
Any licensed, insured Manhattan mover should provide a COI at no charge. Request it as soon as you book. Your building management may need it 5–10 business days before your move. If a mover hesitates or charges for a COI, that is a red flag worth taking seriously.
Are movers in Manhattan licensed and insured?
Kansas requires moving companies operating within the state to hold a valid state license. Verify a mover's license at the Kansas licensed movers directory. For interstate moves (crossing state lines), movers must also hold a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Always ask your Manhattan mover for their license number and USDOT number before signing. moveBuddha verifies licensing and insurance status for all movers in its database as part of the review process.
How long does a local move take in Manhattan?
Local Manhattan moves are billed by the hour, so understanding time estimates helps you budget accurately. Based on moveBuddha's Manhattan-area data:
- Studio/1 bedroom: 2–4 hours with a 2-person crew
- 2 bedrooms: 4–6 hours with a 2-person crew
- 3 bedrooms: 6–8 hours with a 3-person crew
- 4+ bedrooms: 8–12 hours with a 3–4 person crew
These are averages. Actual time increases with stairs, elevator waits, long carries from truck to door, and the amount of packing the crew handles. Pre-packing boxes, reserving an elevator, and ensuring a clear loading path are the most effective ways to keep hourly costs on track.
Do Manhattan movers have experience with apartments and high-rises?
Yes. Most Manhattan movers regularly handle apartment and high-rise moves. When evaluating a mover for this type of move, ask specifically about their experience with:
- Service elevator scheduling and building move-in procedures in Manhattan
- Providing a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for building management
- Shuttle vehicles or alternative loading setups when a truck can't park close to the entrance
- Stair carries if the service elevator is unavailable or too small for large pieces
A mover with genuine Manhattan apartment experience will ask about your building's move-in process during the quoting stage, not after you've signed. If they don't ask, bring it up yourself before committing.
What is the best time of year to move in Manhattan?
The cheapest time to move in Manhattan is October through April, particularly on weekdays and mid-month dates when mover demand drops. Moving during this window can reduce your total cost by 10%–20% compared to peak summer rates.
Peak season runs May through September. Manhattan's summer highs reach 90°F, which makes physically demanding moves harder on crews and can slow load times on the hottest days. Demand is highest on weekends, the first and last days of the month, and during the school-year transition in late August.
Winter moves are the most affordable but require contingency planning. Manhattan's winter lows reach 17°F. Confirm your mover's weather delay policy before booking a winter move.
Regardless of season, booking 4–6 weeks ahead gives you the best pick of Manhattan's top-rated movers and the most flexibility on scheduling.
How does moveBuddha rank moving companies in Manhattan?
moveBuddha scores 3 moving companies in Manhattan on a weighted five-factor system covering customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Based on that scoring, Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc. ranks #1 of 3 in Manhattan.
How moveBuddha selects and reviews Manhattan, KS moving companies
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 52 Kansas moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%). Rankings for Manhattan draw on 29,567 verified customer reviews across Kansas: real move experiences submitted by customers, not scraped from third-party platforms.
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.
See how Manhattan's top movers stack up. Get free quotes from Manhattan's top movers →
How to move in Manhattan: permits, COI, and city logistics
A step-by-step guide to planning a local move in Manhattan, KS, including permit requirements, certificate of insurance, elevator booking, and mover verification.
- Verify your mover's license and insurance. In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The state’s Corporation Commission issues moving companies operating authority in the form of KCC Numbers, which customers can verify online here before hiring a mover. Verify a license.
- Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). If your Manhattan building requires a COI for loading dock or elevator access, request one from your mover immediately after booking. Any licensed mover should provide it free of charge within a few business days.
- Reserve your parking and elevator access. Contact your building manager to reserve a service elevator window and, if needed, a parking permit for the moving truck on your Manhattan street. Book these at least 2 weeks before your move date.
- Get a binding written estimate. Request a binding estimate from at least 3 Manhattan movers. A binding estimate locks your final price. Review all line items (including access fees, packing, and valuation coverage) before signing.
The final verdict: moving in Manhattan, KS
- Best overall: Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc. (4.16/5), moveBuddha's #1-ranked Manhattan mover.
- Best runner-up: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.38/5).
- Best for specialty items (piano, antiques, art): College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.38/5).
- Best labor-only / DIY assist: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.38/5). Hire for loading and unloading while you supply the truck.
- Going rate: hourly; get 3 binding estimates to set your baseline.
Collect at least 3 binding estimates, confirm your mover's license and insurance, and request a COI if your building requires one. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to set your budget baseline before reaching out to movers.