Quick answer:
After reviewing 121 New York movers, our top pick for local moves in Manhattan, NY,
is Zip to Zip Moving Inc based on pricing, services, and customer reviews.
For long-distance and out-of-state moves from New York, we recommend
Safeway Moving because they provide
a good balance of quality service and affordability.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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10 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Manhattan, NY
If you are moving within Manhattan or to a nearby New York city like
New York City or Colonie within 50 miles of Manhattan,
check out these affordable, top-rated moving companies:
This moving company stands out with consistently high marks: 97% of the 376 feedback entries are positive. Customers frequently mention that the team operates with impressive efficiency, professionalism, and politeness. Movers handle items carefully, complete moves quickly, and keep clients informed at each step. Communication, from booking through the final check-in, is often cited as one of the best customers have experienced. By contrast, a small percentage of input highlights damage to property or belongings, occasional rushed jobs, and rare lapses in communication. Some reviewers mention unresolved claims or dissatisfied complaint handling, particularly for moves involving damages. Compared to many moving companies in the region, Lifestyle Moving & Storage draws praise for reliability, cost-effectiveness, and standout customer service. Most customer input agrees: their streamlined, attentive approach makes moving less stressful than competitors.
Piece of Cake Moving & Storage makes relocating feel like a breeze for most customers, with 94.5% of nearly 9,000 reviews giving positive feedback. Their crews often win praise for being efficient, friendly, and showing care with belongings, making moves run quickly and protecting furniture well. Many also mention good communication and stress-free experiences, even for moves under tough conditions. Some reviewers highlight organized packing and transparent pricing as standout qualities that set Piece of Cake above their competition in major cities. Still, a small but notable group (5%) describe frustrating experiences such as item damage, surprise charges not made clear upfront, or missing boxes—and a handful share stories of items lost or mishandled during long-distance moves. A few neutral reviews point out that while customer support is responsive, the packing service can fall short of expectations. Compared to similar companies, Piece of Cake is recognized for consistent service, but it’s important for customers to ensure item lists are accurate and to monitor the moving process. For those seeking a smooth, hands-off move with careful, reliable movers, Piece of Cake comes highly recommended, but vigilance is wise to prevent issues common in the industry.
Customer input about Great Movers stands out for its consistency—210 out of 221 reviews are positive, amounting to 95% glowing feedback. Clients repeatedly praise the company for efficient, friendly, and highly professional service. Most cite careful handling of possessions, quick and seamless moves, affordable pricing, and clear communication as standouts. People frequently highlight stress-free relocations, respectful crews, and precise timing, making Great Movers an appealing choice for those seeking reliability. Negative feedback, only 5%, centers largely on significant damages to items, disappointing insurance payouts, and surprise charges. Some report unprofessional behaviors during complaints and claim poor handling of property damage issues. Compared with other movers, Great Movers excels in customer satisfaction and cost-effectiveness, but documented damages and insurance disputes are notable risks, so care is warranted on that front.
Top-rated moves aren’t a myth—Roadway Moving receives glowing feedback for being fast, careful, and professional. Out of 790 reviews, 92% are positive. Most customers highlight efficient and friendly crews, meticulous furniture handling, speedy packing and delivery, and excellent communication throughout the move. Crews wrap and organize everything to prevent damage, and many note stress-free experiences even during complicated or long-distance moves. Many find the booking process easy and the pricing transparent. A few reports mention delays or lost items, and some cite poor communication or surprise charges when things go wrong. Damage to items, lost communication, and unexpected fees lead the small number of negative reviews. Overall, customer input suggests Roadway stands out for reliability, detailed care, and customer focus—making them a stronger choice than many moving competitors, particularly for those seeking peace of mind on move day.
While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your Manhattan, New York relocation,
it will also likely be the most expensive route.
To save some money, you may want to consider using one of the
top moving container companies,
or moving truck rental companies in Manhattan instead.
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 121 New York movers and listed the top five best movers
based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Manhattan area.
For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in New York.
Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates,
and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move.
For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.
Home Size
Avg. Total Cost
Cost/hour
# of Movers
# Hours
Studio
$384
$148
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$526
$146
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$867
$207
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$2,038
$299
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$2,266
$287
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$3,521
$406
5 movers
10 hours
Compare the top Manhattan, NY movers
Let’s compare how the top movers in Manhattan, NY stack up in terms of their reputation.
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.
All of the movers on our list are properly licensed.
Take a look at our best movers in New York list for more recommendations.
How do I find a reputable Manhattan mover?
Looking for a reliable Manhattan moving company can be difficult,
but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:
Reputation:
A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a
seasoned van lines company.
Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints.
Every Manhattan moving company will face customer issues.
The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
Experience for your move: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves,
they may not have the experience needed to handle a
cross-country move.
Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.
Do Manhattan moving companies handle long-distance moves?
Some of the moving companies that service Manhattan can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services.
If you're moving out of state, see our list of the best long distance movers in Manhattan.
What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in Manhattan, NY?
The cheapest day to hire a mover in Manhattan, New York, will typically be a weekday,
since weekends are typically busier times for moving.
In general, the cheapest time to move
is between October and April.
The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.
The earlier you book your move from Manhattan, the better.
Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money.
Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote,
as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.
What is the cheapest way to move out of state from Manhattan, NY?
Renting a moving truck is
the cheapest way to move out of state
or locally within Manhattan, New York.
Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking,
loading and unloading, and driving.
Are moving containers a good idea for my move from Manhattan?
Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself.
Once you’re loaded up and ready to move,
the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.
What if I need help loading my moving container in Manhattan?
Labor-only moving companies
can be a great addition to a more DIY move done with a rental moving truck or moving container.
Hiring third-party assistance with loading and unloading can help cut down on the workload and make your move quicker
and more efficient.
Do Manhattan movers offer storage?
Most Manhattan moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions.
However, keep in mind that some Manhattan movers use third-party warehouses to store your items.
It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.
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