10 Best Moving Companies in New York (2026 Reviews)
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Based on moveBuddha's analysis of 391 movers and 119,851 verified reviews in New York, Roadway Moving is our preferred moving company in New York.
Local moves in New York typically cost $486 for a studio up to $4,325 for a 5+ bedroom home. Use moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
moveBuddha Certified movers
SponsoredCertified movers pay to take part in the moveBuddha Certified program and appear here as sponsored partners. Every Certified company is vetted on safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing. Certification doesn't change our editorial rankings.Roadway Moving is our top-recommended moveBuddha Certified mover in New York with a 4.7/5 moveBuddha rating, 18 years in business, and 97% positive feedback across 5,014 verified reviews.
Choosing a Certified mover like Roadway Moving adds a layer of protection most New York moves don't come with.
- moveBuddha rating
-
4.7/5
- Positive reviews
- 97%
- Years in business
- 18
- USDOT 1854436
- Active FMCSA status
Or call (212) 812-5240
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$1,000 in added move coverage
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Dedicated support throughout the move
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10 Best Local Moving Companies in New York
moveBuddha reviewed 391 New York moving companies, scoring each on customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Each mover was evaluated using verified customer reviews, FMCSA complaint data, BBB standing, and moveBuddha's own score, built from 1,000+ real quotes and moves. The 10 companies below represent the highest-scoring local movers in New York.
Organized packing
Consistency and follow-up
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Roadway Moving has been in business for 18 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Roadway Moving has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 5014 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Roadway Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Roadway Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
They were organized, prompt, fast, and delicate. This is my third time using them and I wouldn't trust anyone else to move me.
Bojan kept me informed throughout the move and made sure everything was set up properly. The crew packed and unpacked everything with care.
Quick response times
Quick moving process
Efficient service
Careful handling
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Zip to Zip Moving Inc has been in business for 9 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Zip to Zip Moving Inc has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 754 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Zip to Zip Moving Inc.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Zip to Zip Moving Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
They answered all of my questions promptly and provided details! They delivered my stuff in NYC in about 36 hours. All my stuff arrived safely with no damage.
Absolutely wonderful!! Fast, hardworking & friendly. Very careful and great communication! Highly recommend!!
Affordable rates
Quick moving process
Quick response times
Efficient service
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Otter Moving & Storage has been in business for 3 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Otter Moving & Storage has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 4103 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Otter Moving & Storage, and Otter Moving & Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Otter Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Moving with Otter was a 10/10 experience. Alex was very helpful in scheduling and planning the move. He gave us a decent rate. On moving day, Miles and the crew were on time. They worked fast and efficiently.
My sales representative, Miles, was very proactive and did not let 15 minutes go by without answering my questions. He also matched a competitor's quote for the same level of service, which reduced my costs significantly.
Flexibility
Organized packing
Quick response times
Consistency and follow-up
Respectful of property
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Flex Moving & Storage has been in business for 3 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.3
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Flex Moving & Storage has about 69% positive reviews across roughly 16 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.8.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Flex Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Flex Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
They're very accommodating and get things done in lightening speed.
They were able to accommodate a NEXT DAY move. They arrived on Sunday 15 minutes early with a huge truck and meticulously wrapped/ packaged all of our items.
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Quick response times
Quick moving process
Efficient service
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Dumbo Moving and Storage has been in business for 19 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Dumbo Moving and Storage has about 79% positive reviews across roughly 6349 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.2.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Dumbo Moving and Storage, and Dumbo Moving and Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Dumbo Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Great experience with Dumbo Moving! It was my first time using them and they were just as efficient, friendly and helpful as other movers 2x the price.
Have used Dumbo moving for 2 moves now and both times have had incredible experiences! Highly communicative ahead of move, fair pricing without nickel and diming, and punctual movers day of!
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Quick moving process
Quick response times
Consistency and follow-up
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Great Movers has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Great Movers has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 2234 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Great Movers, and Great Movers makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Great Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
After researching and getting quotes from several other companies, I chose NYC Great Movers. They were responsive, provided a new, updated and very reasonable quote right away, and allowed me to reschedule without a fee or hassle.
Our movers were quick, efficient, professional and got everything done in the allotted time. In addition they were very clear on costs and flexible with our schedule for moving times and bin drop off.
Affordable rates
Transparent pricing
Consistency and follow-up
Flexibility
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. NYC Great Movers has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. NYC Great Movers has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 221 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from NYC Great Movers, and NYC Great Movers makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. NYC Great Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
The price they quoted was accurate and even with tip it was still cheaper than what other companies quoted.
A fantastic experience from start to finish. Transparent booking and pricing process, and the company was very communicative in advance of the move.
Respectful of property
Affordable rates
Careful handling
Flexibility
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Triangle Movers Inc. has been in business for 29 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Triangle Movers Inc. has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 262 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Triangle Movers Inc..
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Triangle Movers Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Everything arrived intact, and our movers were respectful of our belongings, lovely to our old dog, and very friendly over two long, stressful days!
On time, professional, quick, and accommodating. I recommend Triangle for all your moving needs. Very reasonable!
Transparent pricing
Consistency and follow-up
Good communication
Careful handling
Respectful of property
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc. has been in business for 88 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc. has about 83% positive reviews across roughly 198 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Matt came and gave us an estimate that was binding. We were in contact with the company up until the day of the move. The crew was on time, careful and considerate.
I am very grateful to Liberty Moving. First, their pricing is up front. It's very easy to get an estimate of what the move will cost. There are no hidden fees or surprises.
Quick response times
Quick moving process
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc. has been in business for 46 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc. has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 2376 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.8.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc., and Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc. makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
I had an incredible experience. They are responsive, timely, well priced and accommodating. Highly recommend.
The service was excellent from start to finish. The team was very professional, arrived early, and completed everything in a timely manner. They were friendly, handled all of my furniture with great care, and made the moving process smooth.
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Compare the top moving companies in New York
Based on moveBuddha's 2026 moving data, here's how the top movers in New York compare.
| Mover | Years in business | BBB rating | Verified reviews | Positive reviews | Interstate moves | Get a quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roadway Moving | 18 | A+ | 5,014 | 97.1% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | 9 | A+ | 754 | 98.4% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Otter Moving & Storage | 3 | F | 4,103 | 98.5% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Flex Moving & Storage | 3 | B | 16 | 68.8% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Dumbo Moving and Storage | 19 | A+ | 6,349 | 79.3% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Great Movers | 14 | A+ | 2,234 | 96.9% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| NYC Great Movers | 14 | A+ | 221 | 95.0% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Triangle Movers Inc. | 29 | A+ | 262 | 95.0% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc. | 88 | A+ | 198 | 82.8% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc. | 46 | A+ | 2,376 | 98.4% | Yes | Get A Quote |
Other local New York movers
These New York movers were reviewed by moveBuddha but did not make our top 10. See all 391 New York movers we've reviewed →
- Arnoff Moving & Storage
- Capital Movers
- Clark Moving & Storage
- Don's Moving & Storage
- Mabey's Moving & Storage
- Schaap Moving Systems Inc
- Reliable Movers and Removal
- Your Hometown Mover
- Dimon & Bacorn
- ROGERS Service Group
- Available Movers & Storage, Inc.
- Noah's Ark Moving & Storage Inc.
- Octomovers
- Dunbar Moving
- Hall Lane Moving & Storage
- KP Quality Inc
- Active Moving, Inc.
- All Star Moving & Storage, Inc.
- BQ Transport LLC
- Braha Moving Systems
- City Express Moving
- Green City Movers Inc.
- Olympus Moving & Storage, Inc.
- TB Moving
- TDY Moving and Storage
- Veteran Movers NYC LLC
- Best Buffalo Movers
- Corrigan Moving Systems
- Pryority Movers
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
- Wayfinder Moving Services
- All The Right Moves Ltd
- Get Moving USA, LLC
- Men On The Move
- Quality Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Liga Moving
- Flex Moving & Storage
- Dimon & Bacorn Company of Binghamton
- Naglee Moving & Storage,Inc.
- Highline Moving and Delivery
- Movers Not Shakers
- Austin Moving & Storage Co., Inc.
- Phil's Moving Company
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- BeeLine Moving & Hauling LLC
- Extra Help Movers LLC
- Frenchy Helping Hands LLC
- Lehto's Relocation Services
- Rev'd Up Moving
- TNT Movers LLC
- All Around Moving Services Company, Inc.
- Bellhop Moving
- Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc.
- Big John's Moving, Inc.
- Clean Cut Moving
- Cool Hand Movers
- Diamond Hands Moving & Storage
- Divine Moving and Storage Ltd.
- Dyno Moving
- Elate Moving LLC
- Empire Movers
- E Square Moving & Storage
- Excellent Quality Movers
- Gentle Giant Moving Company
- Globe Storage & Moving Co., Inc.
- Heart Moving
- High-Touch Moving Systems, Inc.
- Ideal Moving & Storage
- Imperial Moving and Storage
- IPS NYC Movers, LLC
- JP Urban Moving
- Konstantly Moving
- Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc.
- Liffey Van Lines, Inc.
- Mazel-Tov Moving and Storage, Inc.
- Moishe's Moving Systems
- Movage Moving & Storage
- New York Nomads Moving LLC
- Otter Moving & Storage
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Perfect Moving
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage
- Reputable Moving & Storage
- SafeCube Moving
- Seka Moving
- Shleppers Moving & Storage
- Teddy Moving and Storage Inc.
- Upstairs Downstairs Moving
- Zenith Moving
- Zeromax Moving and Storage
- Maffucci Moving & Storage
- A&J Moving & Storage
- East Coast Moving Inc
- iMOVE NYC
- Q's Moving Corp.
- Clancy Moving Systems, Inc.
- MJ Moving and Storage Inc.
- Samonas Prime Moving & Storage Inc.
- Bauer & Son Moving
- Interior Moving Services Inc
- Joe's Moving Co.
- Metropolis Moving, Inc.
- Sheridan Brothers Moving
- Tony Caccamise Moving Co., Inc.
- 1/2 Price Movers NJ
- Man With A Van
- Harbor Moving & Storage
- Soliman Movers And More
- Clinton Moving & Packaging, Inc.
- EJA Moving & Storage
- Al's Moving and Storage
- A Man with a Van & More
- Pack & Go Movers Corp.
- Ron's Trucking Corp
- Triangle Movers Inc.
- WM Movers, Inc.
New York is among the top 10 most outbound states in 2026, with more people searching to leave than arrive. High housing costs in the New York City metro are a consistently cited driver of outbound demand. See moveBuddha's full 2026 Moving Trends Report →
Popular moving routes from New York
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes. Use the links below to find route-specific cost data and recommended movers for your destination. Find your exact moving route →
| Route | Route details |
|---|---|
| New York to California | Cross-country route; strong demand year-round |
| New York to Texas | Major migration corridor; competitive pricing |
| New York to Florida | High-volume retirement and lifestyle move |
| New York to North Carolina | Growing Southeast destination; strong inbound demand |
| New York to Georgia | Southeast hub; major corporate relocation market |
| New York to Arizona | Sun Belt destination; seasonal pricing variation |
| New York to Washington | Pacific Northwest corridor; tech-sector demand |
| New York to Colorado | Mountain West route; strong year-round volume |
| New York to Illinois | Midwest hub; major urban access considerations |
If you're moving from New York to a destination 500+ miles away, a local mover is not the right fit. Long-distance moves require interstate operating authority, binding estimate practices, and logistics capacity that most local carriers don't carry. We recommend using one of the top-rated long-distance moving companies in New York for any out-of-state move of significant distance.
What specialty moving services are available in New York?
Not every mover in New York offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 391 New York movers, here is what is available and how often:
Piano movers in New York
| Piano moving in New York | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated New York piano movers | Roadway Moving Zip to Zip Moving Inc |
| New York movers offering this | 168 of 391 (37.6%) |
| National average | 42.33% |
| Upright piano | $800 to $1,500 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Grand piano | $1,800 to $3,500 |
A standard upright piano weighs 400 to 800 lbs and a grand piano tops 1,200 lbs, putting both well beyond what general moving equipment is built to handle safely. Purpose-built piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are the minimum required to move the instrument without cracking the soundboard or damaging the legs. For most households, adding piano moving to a full-service move costs less than booking a dedicated piano-only carrier separately.
See our full guide to the best piano movers for a breakdown of what to look for and how to compare quotes.
Antique movers in New York
| Antique handling in New York | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated New York antique movers | Zip to Zip Moving Inc Otter Moving & Storage |
| New York movers offering this | 131 of 391 (28.9%) |
| National average | 26.25% |
| Added cost to a household move | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $50 to $500 |
| Custom crating per item | $150 to $200 |
A 50-lb antique valued at $5,000 is covered for just $30 under the default released-value policy movers are required to offer. Custom crating and acid-free padding reduce the physical risk of damage in transit, but the financial risk requires a separate solution. Full valuation coverage, which reimburses based on repair or replacement cost rather than weight, is the appropriate protection level for antiques and heirloom furniture.
See our guide to the best antique moving companies for tips on vetting specialty movers and protecting high-value pieces.
Art movers in New York
| Art packing in New York | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated New York art movers | Roadway Moving Zip to Zip Moving Inc |
| New York movers offering this | 165 of 391 (36.83%) |
| National average | 26.62% |
| Per-piece handling fee | $50 to $500 |
| Custom crating per item | $150 to $200 |
Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline for art moving, not an upgrade. Standard blankets protect against surface scratches but offer no defense against UV exposure or humidity shifts that cause paint to crack, canvas to warp, or sculpture finishes to degrade. Before booking, confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium and ask whether crates are built in-house or outsourced to a third party.
See our complete guide to how to pack and move art for a full breakdown of materials, techniques, and questions to ask before booking.
Climate-controlled storage in New York
| Climate-controlled storage in New York | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated New York providers | Roadway Moving Otter Moving & Storage |
| New York movers offering this | 118 of 391 (26.09%) |
| National average | 24.36% |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $257 |
A temperature-only storage unit is not the same as climate-controlled storage. Temperature-only units manage heat fluctuation but leave humidity unregulated, the condition responsible for warping in wood furniture, degradation in vinyl records, corrosion in electronics, and mold growth across fabric and upholstery. Climate-controlled units regulate both. For moves involving a storage gap of 30 days or more, or any relocation that bridges a seasonal humidity change, climate-controlled is the appropriate specification to request.
See our guide to climate-controlled storage for a deeper look at when it's worth the cost and how to compare options.
Fragile-only packing in New York
| Fragile-only packing in New York | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated New York providers | Dumbo Moving and Storage Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc. |
| New York movers offering this | 45 of 391 (9.21%) |
| National average | 11.77% |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.
DIY Moving Options in New York
Full-service movers aren't the only way to move in New York. Moving containers, rental trucks, and labor-only crews are all solid DIY options that can cut your moving costs by roughly 30%, the right choice comes down to how much you want to handle yourself. If you're weighing the tradeoffs, our guide to professional movers vs. DIY moving breaks down the full cost and effort comparison.
What are the best moving containers in New York?
The best moving container companies available in New York 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. They cost significantly less than full-service movers and carry none of the one-way mileage risk of rental trucks. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size.
What are the best rental trucks in New York?
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in New York 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.
DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service moving. In New York, a full-service 1-bedroom move averages $669 and a 2-bedroom runs $1,072.
Who are the best labor-only hourly movers in New York?
The best labor-only movers in New York start with Zip to Zip Moving Inc and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. At $131/hour for a 2-person crew in New York, labor-only is the most affordable way to get professional help on moving day.
You drive, they lift. Rent a truck, put these crews on the loading and unloading, and keep full control of your timeline and route.
Take a look at these highly recommended labor-only movers for your New York move:
How much do movers cost in New York?
Local moves in New York average $486 for a studio up to $4,325 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers in New York charge $131/hour for a 2-person crew, based on moveBuddha's 2026 quote data.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $486 | $183 |
| 1 bedroom | $669 | $183 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,072 | $257 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,457 | $359 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,816 | $359 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,325 | $503 |
Summer moves (June–August) and month-end dates cost 15%–20% more. Get a personalized New York moving cost estimate →
Know Your Rights as a New York Mover
New York mover licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Verify a license →
Insurance requirement: Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Final Verdict: Best Moving Companies in New York
Based on the research and data gathered by moveBuddha, here are our final takeaways on the best moving companies in New York:
- Best overall local mover in New York: Roadway Moving (4.7/5). moveBuddha ranks Roadway Moving #2 of 465 among reviewed New York movers. Local move costs range from $486 for a studio to $4,325 for a 5+ bedroom home.
- Best overall value for interstate moves: Safeway Moving (4.9/5). Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated interstate carrier for moves out of New York, with flat-rate pricing, veteran ownership, and full licensing and insurance for long-distance relocations.
- Best for certified crew quality: American Van Lines (4.9/5). American Van Lines is the strongest pick for movers who prioritize professionally certified crews and transparent flat-rate pricing on interstate moves.
- Best moving container: PODS (4.5/5). Container moves cost significantly less than full-service movers. You load on your own schedule and the company handles transport, with no one-way mileage risk.
- Best budget DIY option: Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5). Rental trucks are the lowest-cost moving method in New York. Factor in fuel and per-mile charges on any move with real distance behind it before committing to the base rate.
FAQs about moving in New York
How do I choose the right moving company in New York?
To find the right moving company in New York, focus on reputation, clear and competitive pricing, service variety, and insurance options. These are the core factors we evaluate in our reviews, making it easier for you to find the top-rated movers in New York.
Our advice? Get pricing details from at least 3 movers, and make sure one of them is a recommended flat-rate mover. This will give you a more accurate comparison of costs and offerings.
Is it easy to find interstate movers in New York?
Yes, it is. With 260 out of 391 movers in New York licensed for interstate moves, most customers will have ample options. These movers are federally regulated, holding a USDOT number and oversight by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
To narrow down the best options, see our list of the best long-distance movers in New York.
How can I see all moving companies in New York?
You can see all moving companies in New York in our comprehensive list of New York movers.
How much does it cost to hire movers in New York?
Local moving costs in New York range from $486 for a studio to $4,325 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $131/hour for a 2-person crew. Your total depends on home size, distance, access conditions, and any add-on services like packing or storage.
What is the cheapest way to move in New York?
Rental trucks are the cheapest way to move in New York. DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers. Renting a truck and hiring a labor-only crew for loading and unloading gives you professional help at a fraction of full-service pricing. Moving containers are the next most affordable option and remove the need to drive a large vehicle yourself.
What is a full-service move?
A full-service move means the moving company handles packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. 324 of 391 movers in New York (71.61%) offer professional packing, and 289 (64.19%) offer storage. Full-service is the most hands-off option but costs more than DIY alternatives. Confirm exactly which services are included in your quote before signing.
What is the difference between a moving broker and a moving carrier?
A moving carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically moves your belongings. A moving broker arranges moves through third-party carriers and does not handle your items directly. Brokers can offer competitive pricing but add a layer between you and the company doing the work, which can complicate communication and claims if something goes wrong. moveBuddha is not a broker and does not sell or share your information. We recommend booking directly with a licensed carrier whenever possible.
How much should you tip movers in New York?
For a local move, $20 to $50 per mover is a standard tip. For a long-distance move, $50 to $100+ per mover is appropriate, especially if the crew handled heavy furniture, stairs, or challenging access conditions. Tipping is not required, but it is customary for good service. Tip each crew member individually in cash at the end of the job.
How long does a move take in New York?
A local move in New York typically takes 4 hours for a 1-bedroom and 8 hours for a 3-bedroom home. Long-distance moves out of New York add transit time that varies by distance and carrier. Full-service movers typically provide a delivery window of 1 to 14 business days for interstate moves, depending on distance. Rental trucks and moving containers give you more control over exact delivery timing.
When is the best time of year to move in New York?
The cheapest time to move in New York is during the off-season, from October through April. Peak moving season runs May through September, with June and July commanding the highest rates. Moves booked midweek and mid-month also tend to cost less than weekend or month-end bookings. Planning around these windows can save 15% to 20% on your total moving cost.
How does moveBuddha rank moving companies in New York?
moveBuddha scores 391 moving companies in New York on a weighted five-factor system covering customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Based on that scoring, Roadway Moving ranks #2 of 465 in New York, placing in the top 0.9% of New York movers.
How we chose the best moving companies in New York
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 391 New York 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%).
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.
How to hire movers in New York
Follow these steps to compare movers, get accurate quotes, and book a reliable New York moving company.
- Estimate your cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your New York move. Local moves typically cost $486 for a studio up to $4,325 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $131/hour for a 2-person crew.
- Choose your move type. Pick the option that fits your budget: full-service movers (they load, drive, and unload), moving containers (you pack, they haul), rental trucks (cheapest, but you drive), or labor-only crews for loading and unloading. DIY options like containers and rental trucks can cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving.
- Verify licensing and insurance. New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Verify a license.
- Compare and vet movers. Compare movers using moveBuddha's weighted scoring: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%). Roadway Moving currently ranks first with a 4.7/5 moveBuddha score among 391 reviewed New York movers.
- Get quotes and book your move. Request written binding estimates from at least 3 New York movers before you commit. Compare line items including packing, access fees, and valuation coverage. Booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead and choosing mid-week, mid-month dates often saves on total cost.
- Prepare for move day. Account for local weather: The climate of New York state is generally has warm to hot summers and cold winters. In the farther southeastern portion of the state (New York City and Long Island area) hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. Winter temperatures average below freezing during January and February in much of New York state, but several degrees above freezing along the Atlantic coastline, including New York City.. Confirm parking permits, elevator reservations, and HOA rules at both locations. File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving day. Review your mover's insurance coverage and document valuables before the crew arrives.