Best Movers Near New York City, NY (2026 Reviews)
Roadway Moving is our preferred moving company in New York City. Roadway Moving also ranks #1 out of 468 movers statewide in New York. Rankings are based on 155,609 verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to New York City, NY, covering 597 local New York City movers.
Local movers in New York City on average charge $110/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate.
- Years in Business: 30
- Yelp: 4.3 / 5
- BBB: A+
- Years in Business: 14
- Yelp: 4.7 / 5
- BBB: A+
- Years in Business: 14
- Yelp: 4.7 / 5
- BBB: A+
Why use moveBuddha for your New York City, NY move
- moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by getting multiple New York City mover quotes through our moving cost calculator before booking.
- Book a moveBuddha Certified New York City 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 New York City, NY right now: November offers some of the lowest prices and best mover availability of the year in New York City. 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 New York City, NY?
Roadway Moving is our preferred moving company in New York City . Roadway Moving also ranks #1 out of 468 movers statewide in New York.
moveBuddha scored 597 New York City movers drawing on 155,609 verified customer reviews, with a market average score of 3.62/5. Rankings include movers based in New York City and those serving the area from nearby locations.
- Roadway Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- NYC Great Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Great Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Zeromax Moving and Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
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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 intrastate moving and office 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.
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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 intrastate moving and office 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.
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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 interstate moving and intrastate 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.
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. White Glove Moving & Storage has been in business for 30 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. White Glove Moving & Storage has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 1631 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from White Glove Moving & Storage. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. White Glove Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
White Glove is over the top excellent. This is my 4th move with them and each time I move I am in awe all over again. The team is efficient, careful, and thorough.
The WGM team was wonderful to work with! Getting an estimate was easy and communication from the team was clear and consistent throughout the process. It made our move so much easier!
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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 office moving and intrastate 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!!
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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 interstate moving and intrastate 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.
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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 small-scale 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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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!
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 13400 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Piece of Cake Moving & Storage, and Piece of Cake Moving & Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Requested a quote in the morning, got a response within 20 minutes, scheduled for the next day, and completed the move in two hours. Very efficient, quick, and gentle with belongings.
I compared several movers; Piece of Cake had the most competitive, transparent pricing. Communication was responsive, and the crew handled my belongings carefully. I would use them again.
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Zeromax Moving and Storage has been in business for 7 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. Zeromax Moving and Storage has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 474 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 4.4
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Zeromax Moving and Storage.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Zeromax Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication.
Recent reviews
Great movers! They reached out with a quote right away, and my movers were kind, efficient, and took great care of my items.
I was quoted at $670 whereas other companies were giving me $900 or higher. So price was great!
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How do New York City, NY moving companies compare?
| Company | Our rating | City rank | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#2 of 597
Top 10 in New York |
97% | A+ | |||
|
#4 of 597
Top 10 in New York |
95% | A+ | |||
|
#3 of 597
Top 10 in New York |
97% | A+ | |||
| #1 of 597 | 91% | A+ | |||
|
#7 of 597
Top 10 in New York |
98% | A+ | |||
|
#10 of 597
Top 10 in New York |
83% | A+ | |||
|
#11 of 597
Top 10 in New York |
98% | A+ | |||
| #17 of 597 | 79% | A+ | |||
| #16 of 597 | 95% | B | |||
| #18 of 597 | 87% | C+ |
Proximity to New York City 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 New York cities
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- Clay movers
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- New Hartford movers
- New Hyde Park movers
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- North Amityville movers
- North Babylon movers
- North Bay Shore movers
- North Bellmore movers
- North Bellport movers
- North Castle movers
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- North Merrick movers
- North New Hyde Park movers
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- North Wantagh movers
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- Pittsford movers
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- Queensbury movers
- Ramapo movers
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- Southold movers
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Popular moving routes from New York City, NY
Local movers in New York City are the right choice for moves under 500 miles, typically along I-87, I-90, and I-95. 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 New York City, NY for route-specific recommendations and pricing.
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
How much do movers cost in New York City, NY?
Local movers in New York City charge $110/hour on average for a 2-person crew, compared to the New York average of $131/hour. The actual cost depends on home size, hours on the clock, and any add-on services.
| Home size | Estimated local move cost in New York City |
|---|---|
| Studio | $516 – $860 |
| 1 bedroom | $688 – $1,204 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,032 – $1,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,548 – $2,580 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,064 – $3,784 |
Estimates based on national average local move costs, adjusted for New York City's cost of living. Actual costs vary by crew size, hours, and services.
Ready to compare New York City mover prices? See our full guide on New York City, NY mover costs →
Which New York City, NY movers offer specialty services?
Specialty moving services are not standard across every New York City mover. Based on moveBuddha's review of 597 New York City moving companies, here is what is available, how common each service is in this market, and which movers lead each category:
- Piano moving: 225 of 597 New York City movers (37.69%) offer it. Roadway Moving (4.72/5) also offers piano moving.
- Antique handling: 187 of 597 New York City movers (31.32%) offer it. White Glove Moving & Storage (4.76/5) rates highest for antique care in New York City.
- Art packing: 236 of 597 New York City movers (39.53%) offer it. Roadway Moving (4.72/5) also offers art packing.
- Climate-controlled storage: 153 of 597 New York City movers (25.63%) offer it. Roadway Moving (4.72/5) also offers climate-controlled storage.
- Fragile-only packing: 65 of 597 New York City movers (10.89%) offer it. Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc. (4.64/5) also offers fragile-only packing.
What movers in New York City offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 225 of 597 New York City movers (37.69%). Roadway Moving (4.72/5) also offers piano moving.
| Piano moving in New York City | Details |
|---|---|
| New York City movers offering this | 225 of 597 (37.69%) |
| Top-rated New York City piano movers | Roadway Moving, NYC Great Movers |
| Upright piano | $1,376 to $2,580 |
| Baby grand piano | $2,064 to $4,300 |
| Grand piano | $3,096 to $6,020 |
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 New York City offer antique handling?
Antique handling is available from 187 of 597 New York City movers (31.32%). White Glove Moving & Storage (4.76/5) rates highest for antique care in New York City.
| Antique handling in New York City | Details |
|---|---|
| New York City movers offering this | 187 of 597 (31.32%) |
| Top-rated New York City antique movers | White Glove Moving & Storage, Zip to Zip Moving Inc |
| Added cost to a household move | $1,720 to $4,300 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $86 to $860 |
| Custom crating per item | $258 to $344 |
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 New York City offer art packing?
Art packing is available from 236 of 597 New York City movers (39.53%). Roadway Moving (4.72/5) also offers art packing.
| Art packing in New York City | Details |
|---|---|
| New York City movers offering this | 236 of 597 (39.53%) |
| Top-rated New York City art movers | Roadway Moving, NYC Great Movers |
| Per-piece handling fee | $86 to $860 |
| Custom crating per item | $258 to $344 |
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.
What movers in New York City offer climate-controlled storage?
Climate-controlled storage is available from 153 of 597 New York City movers (25.63%). Roadway Moving (4.72/5) also offers climate-controlled storage.
| Climate-controlled storage in New York City | Details |
|---|---|
| New York City movers offering this | 153 of 597 (25.63%) |
| Top-rated New York City providers | Roadway Moving, NYC Great Movers |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $442 |
Cost is driven by unit size and duration. Longer storage gaps and larger loads raise the monthly total. Climate control is most relevant for wood furniture, electronics, and vinyl; standard units can handle hardier items at lower cost. See moveBuddha's climate-controlled storage guide for a full cost and provider breakdown.
What movers in New York City offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 65 of 597 New York City movers (10.89%). Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc. (4.64/5) also offers fragile-only packing.
| Fragile-only packing in New York City | Details |
|---|---|
| New York City movers offering this | 65 of 597 (10.89%) |
| Top-rated New York City providers | Liberty Moving & Storage Co., Inc., Dumbo Moving and Storage |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing costs less than full-service packing because it covers only breakables: dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps. It's the most cost-effective way to add professional packing without paying to have the whole home packed. See how to pack breakables for what movers look for and how to prepare.
Apartment and high-rise moving in New York City
Moving in or out of an apartment or high-rise in New York City 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 New York City 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: 13% of New York City movers offer labor-only service (loading and unloading without a truck), which pairs well with a rented container or truck. Zip to Zip Moving Inc also offers labor-only service.
If your building has strict move-in rules, ask your mover for references from similar New York City apartment moves before committing.
DIY moving options in New York City, NY
Not every New York City move needs a full-service crew. These alternatives cost significantly less:
Rental trucks
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in New York City, NY 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.
- Affordable pricing
- Online pricing
- Several discounts
- Most expensive
- 4 truck sizes
- Unlimited mileage
- Greatest coverage
- 7 truck sizes
- One way rentals
Moving containers
The best moving container companies available in New York City, NY 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.
- Unlimited storage
- 3 container sizes
- 10% discount
- Flexible timelines
- Local franchise support
- Fits tight spaces
- Affordable pricing
- Offers car shipping
- No hidden fees
Labor-only movers + rented truck
The best labor-only movers in New York City, NY start with Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.66/5) and Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.58/5), 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.
- Years in Business: 9
- 98% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
- Years in Business: 8
- 95% positive reviews
- BBB: B
- Years in Business: 33
- 83% positive reviews
- BBB: D-
Moving in New York City, NY: what you need to know
A New York City 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. New York City residents can start at USPS Mover's Guide. Also update your address with New York DMV, your bank, employer, and any subscription services.
- Parking and permits: When moving in New York City with a commercial truck, remember these key regulations to avoid tickets and parking issues: You have a maximum of three hours for loading or unloading on both ends of your move. Ensure someone stays with the truck at all times to comply with the rules and protect your belongings. Also, don't block the bike lane. These regulations typically apply from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but outside of these hours, you'll have more flexibility. Specific areas like Midtown, the Garment District, and the Lower Manhattan Blue zone have stricter rules, so check them out. Finally, familiarize yourself with basic parking rules provided by the DOT for a smoother moving experience.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): many New York City 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. 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.
New York moving regulations and your rights
- Verify your mover is licensed: all New York movers are required to be licensed with the state. Check your mover's license at New York's licensed movers directory. Ask for their USDOT number for interstate moves.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association sets professional standards for New York movers. Membership is voluntary but signals accountability. Ask your mover if they hold membership.
Frequently asked questions: moving in New York City, NY
How much do movers cost in New York City, NY?
Local movers in New York City, NY charge by the hour. Based on moveBuddha's data from 22 New York City movers, hourly rates range from $60/hour to $300/hour, with a median of $123/hour. Our preferred New York City mover is Roadway Moving. It also ranks #1 out of 468 movers statewide in New York.
Key cost factors for a New York City 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: 8% of New York City movers require a deposit to hold your move date. Confirm refund terms before paying.
- Full valuation coverage: 12% of New York City movers (72 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 New York City across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 72% of New York City movers (428 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%–15% to transportation charges.
- Packing services: 71% of New York City movers (425 companies) offer full packing, and 51% 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 New York City include, and what costs extra?
A standard full-service move in New York City, NY 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 New York City movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.
| Add-on service | % of New York City movers | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | 71% (425 companies) | +$0.15–$0.21 per pound on average |
| Packing materials | 51% | Priced per box or kit; confirm before booking |
| Storage | 62% | ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$442/month |
| Full valuation coverage | 12% (72 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) | 27% (164 companies) | $150–$200 per item for antiques and artwork; $150–$400 for oversized pieces (safes, sectionals, appliances) |
| Labor-only (load/unload, no transport) | 13% (78 companies) | Hourly rate only; no truck or transport charge |
| 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 New York City offer senior, military, or other discounts?
New York City movers are tracked across 6 discount categories by moveBuddha, drawing on 128,873 verified customer reviews across New York. The table below lists each discount type available from at least 1 New York City mover, the percentage and count of companies offering it, and which specific movers to ask. Discount types with 0 confirmed New York City movers are excluded. NY state averages appear where city-level data is unavailable.
| Discount type | % of New York City movers | # of movers | New York City movers offering it | Data source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | 2% | 14 | -- | New York City |
| Military | 9% | 55 | White Glove Moving & Storage | New York City |
| Student | 1% | 7 | -- | New York City |
| Law enforcement | 0% | 1 | -- | New York City |
Ask each mover whether the discount applies to your specific move date, what proof of eligibility is required, and whether it stacks with seasonal pricing or off-peak rates. Discounts are not automatically applied. Request them at the quote stage, before signing.
How far in advance should I book movers in New York City?
Book New York City 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 New York City movers charge a fee for changes made within 48–72 hours of the move.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and do New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City licensed and insured?
New York requires moving companies operating within the state to hold a valid state license. Verify a mover's license at the New York 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 New York City 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 New York City?
Local New York City moves are billed by the hour, so understanding time estimates helps you budget accurately. Based on moveBuddha's New York City-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 New York City movers have experience with apartments and high-rises?
Yes. Most New York City 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 New York City
- 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 New York City 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 New York City?
The cheapest time to move in New York City 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. New York City's summer highs reach 84°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. New York City's winter lows reach 26°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 New York City's top-rated movers and the most flexibility on scheduling.
How does moveBuddha rank moving companies in New York City?
moveBuddha scores 597 moving companies in New York City on a weighted five-factor system covering customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Roadway Moving also ranks #1 out of 468 movers statewide in New York.
How moveBuddha selects and reviews New York City, NY moving companies
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 469 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%). Rankings for New York City draw on 128,873 verified customer reviews across New York: 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 New York City's top movers stack up. Get free quotes from New York City's top movers →
How to move in New York City: permits, COI, and city logistics
A step-by-step guide to planning a local move in New York City, NY, including permit requirements, certificate of insurance, elevator booking, and mover verification.
- Verify your mover's license 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.
- Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). If your New York City 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 New York City street. Book these at least 2 weeks before your move date.
- Get a binding written estimate. Request a binding estimate from at least 3 New York City 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 New York City, NY
- Best overall: Roadway Moving (4.72/5), our preferred New York City mover, also ranking in the top 10 movers statewide in New York.
- Best runner-up: NYC Great Movers (4.7/5).
- Best for specialty items (piano, antiques, art): Roadway Moving (4.72/5).
- Best labor-only / DIY assist: Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.66/5). Hire for loading and unloading while you supply the truck.
- Going rate: $110/hour for a New York City moving crew.
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.