10 Best Moving Companies in New York (2026 Reviews)
Fact Checked by:
Based on moveBuddha's analysis of 146 movers and 15,563 verified reviews in New York, Gentle Giant Moving Company is the top-rated local mover with a 4.72/5 moveBuddha score.
Local moves in New York typically cost $489 for a studio up to $4,328 for a 5+ bedroom home. Use moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
Moving in New York right now: Peak season starts now. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest moving weekends of the year, prices run 20–30% higher around the holiday and movers fill up fast. If you haven't booked yet and are moving in May or June, do it now.
10 Best Local Moving Companies in New York
moveBuddha reviewed 146 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.
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.72/5 stars
- Roadway Moving : 4.72/5 stars
- Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.7/5 stars
- Triangle Movers Inc.: 4.7/5 stars
- Dimon & Bacorn Company of Binghamton: 4.64/5 stars
- Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc.: 4.64/5 stars
- Great Movers: 4.64/5 stars
- NYC Great Movers: 4.64/5 stars
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.64/5 stars
- Imperial Moving and Storage: 4.62/5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Gentle Giant Moving Company has been in business for 43 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Gentle Giant Moving Company has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 128 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 instant email quotes from Gentle Giant Moving Company.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gentle Giant Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Tony and his team were professional, polite, and incredibly careful with every item. They made the process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend Gentle Giant Movers!"
"Movers were beyond amazing. They got the job done quickly and efficiently. Not one item was damaged! Worth every penny using Gentle Giant."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
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 office moving and international moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Roadway Moving has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 790 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 instant email quotes from Roadway Moving .
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Roadway Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Roadway Moving made my move absolutely seamless! From start to finish, the process was incredibly clean, easy, and efficient. Their team was also very communicative and helpful every step of the way, and made sure that everything went smoothly."
"I had an amazing experience with Roadway! The guys were on time, handled all of my stuff with great care—wrapping everything securely to ensure nothing got damaged. Efficient with packing and unpacking, and made the process fun with their humor and positive attitudes."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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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 small-scale moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Dumbo Moving and Storage has about 55% positive reviews across roughly 2118 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email 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
"Steven and Stefan—are excellent. They were efficient, incredibly strong, and excellent communicators throughout the entire process. They handled a 90-mile move with care, and not a single item was damaged when I unpacked. Highly recommend!"
"The team was very communicative and responsive throughout the entire process. They even provided a tracking link so I could see where the truck was while my belongings were in transit, which gave me great peace of mind."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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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 28 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Triangle Movers Inc. has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 189 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 Triangle Movers Inc., and Triangle Movers Inc. makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Triangle Movers Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Triangle Movers arrived in a timely manner, worked efficiently wrapping & packing items with care, and unloaded my belongings undamaged. The crew was thoroughly professional. I highly recommend Triangle Movers."
"Start to finish, Triangle was superb. Jack made the virtual walkthrough effortless and quick. The crews were hardworking, quick, and delivered everything intact. I could not have asked for a better experience."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Dimon & Bacorn Company of Binghamton has been in business for 126 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Dimon & Bacorn Company of Binghamton has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 132 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Dimon & Bacorn Company of Binghamton.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Dimon & Bacorn Company of Binghamton emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Dimon and Bacorn moved my family in July and every bit of the experience was absolutely flawless. The crew arrived exactly on time, worked nonstop, and had the house moved quickly. Would absolutely recommend them!"
"Our office used this company for a major move. Every step was easy, staff were amazing, and they kept us happy from start to finish. HIGHLY recommend them without a doubt."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Highly recommended
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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 office 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 95% positive reviews across roughly 298 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 instant email quotes from Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc..
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, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"I recently had the pleasure of engaging Big Apple Movers for my relocation. Their team demonstrated professionalism and care, turning a stressful move into a seamless one. I wholeheartedly recommend Big Apple Movers!"
"David's crew was absolutely GREAT!!! They arrived on time prepared to work. They wrapped the furniture and protected it appropriately. I am truly happy at how fast they worked to remove all my furniture. Thank you Big Apple Moving!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Good communication
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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 office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Great Movers has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 221 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.
Recent reviews
"I am extremely happy with the service I received from NYC great movers. The movers showed up on time and were efficient. They were kind and professional. They handled everything with care. I would highly recommend them to anyone!"
"The team was exceptionally efficient and professional, making the whole process smooth and stress-free. The final cost was even lower than the initial quote and all our belongings were handled with care."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
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 office moving and intrastate 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.
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
"Amazing, professional service. My third time with them and would definitely book again. Company was responsive to all my questions, movers were quick and careful. All my stuff was transported and arrived safely with no damages or losses."
"I’ve used NYC Great Movers for two moves within Brooklyn, and both experiences were great. Communicative, friendly, and fast. No damage to my belongings or buildings."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
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 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale 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 744 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, and Zip to Zip Moving Inc makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Zip to Zip Moving Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Moving made easy! The team was fantastic, very communicative, and worked so quickly. Nothing was damaged, and they built everything for us in our new space. Everything was done in less than 4 hours."
"George and Mike did wonderful work, they were efficient and professional! They worked quickly and were very pleasant to work with. I will recommend them to anyone looking for a good moving company!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Imperial Moving and Storage has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Imperial Moving and Storage has about 62% positive reviews across roughly 695 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.7.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Imperial Moving and Storage.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Imperial Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Best moving experience ever and I am 65 years old. Javier and his team were amazing. Very efficient and very careful with everything. Extremely helpful packing the miscellaneous loose items. Price was better than two other movers."
"Doctor and his team were professional, courteous, efficient, friendly, and overall took great care in handling our things. They finished our 4 bedroom / 3 story walk-up move in a little over 3 hours."
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 | moveBuddha score | Years in business | BBB rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle Giant Moving Company | 4.72 / 5 | 43 | A+ |
| Roadway Moving | 4.72 / 5 | 18 | A+ |
| Dumbo Moving and Storage | 4.7 / 5 | 19 | A+ |
| Triangle Movers Inc. | 4.7 / 5 | 28 | A+ |
| Dimon & Bacorn Company of Binghamton | 4.64 / 5 | 126 | A+ |
| Big Apple Moving and Storage, Inc. | 4.64 / 5 | 46 | A+ |
| Great Movers | 4.64 / 5 | 14 | A+ |
| NYC Great Movers | 4.64 / 5 | 14 | A+ |
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | 4.64 / 5 | 7 | A- |
| Imperial Moving and Storage | 4.62 / 5 | 21 | A+ |
Other local New York movers
These New York movers were reviewed by moveBuddha but did not make our top 10. See all 146 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
- 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
- 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
- Globe Storage & Moving Co., Inc.
- Great Movers
- 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.
- Lifestyle Moving & Storage
- Liffey Van Lines, Inc.
- Mazel-Tov Moving and Storage, Inc.
- Moishe's Moving Systems
- Movage Moving & Storage
- New York Nomads Moving LLC
- 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
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc
- 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
- NYC Great Movers
- 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
- WM Movers, Inc.
- Your Hometown Mover
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 146 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 | Gentle Giant Moving Company Roadway Moving |
| New York movers offering this | 114 of 146 (78.08%) |
| National average | 72.72% |
| Upright piano | $800 to $1,500 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Grand piano | $1,800 to $3,500 |
Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.
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 | Dumbo Moving and Storage Triangle Movers Inc. |
| New York movers offering this | 82 of 146 (56.16%) |
| National average | 46.37% |
| 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 |
Standard released-value protection pays $0.60 per pound regardless of what an item is worth. A 50-lb antique valued at $5,000 yields a $30 claim under that policy. Antique movers close that gap with custom crating, acid-free padding, and white-glove loading protocols designed for high-value pieces. Full valuation coverage is worth requesting by name before signing any moving contract.
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 | Dumbo Moving and Storage Triangle Movers Inc. |
| New York movers offering this | 91 of 146 (62.33%) |
| National average | 45.86% |
| Per-piece handling fee | $50 to $500 |
| Custom crating per item | $150 to $200 |
Framed artwork and sculpture face 3 distinct risks in transit: UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, and impact fractures. Standard moving blankets mitigate only the third and only partially. Art movers use archival materials and custom crates sized to each piece to address all 3. Direct experience with the specific media, whether oil on canvas, bronze, or photography, matters more than general fine art credentials.
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 Dumbo Moving and Storage |
| New York movers offering this | 64 of 146 (43.84%) |
| National average | 33.29% |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $257 |
Humidity does more damage to stored belongings than temperature in most cases. Wood furniture warps and joints loosen. Vinyl records warp and fuse. Electronics corrode. Mold develops on fabric and upholstery. Temperature-only storage units do not address any of these risks. Climate-controlled units regulate both temperature and humidity and are the appropriate choice for storage gaps longer than 30 days or any move that spans a seasonal weather shift.
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 Triangle Movers Inc. |
| New York movers offering this | 27 of 146 (18.49%) |
| National average | 23.81% |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps are the items most frequently damaged in transit and the items that benefit most from professional packing materials and technique. Fragile-only packing covers those categories specifically, without the cost of a full-service contract that extends to furniture, clothing, and items you are fully capable of packing yourself. Before booking, confirm that the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items, since some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack.
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 $672 and a 2-bedroom runs $1,075.
Who are the best labor-only hourly movers in New York?
The best labor-only movers in New York start with Roadway Moving and Dumbo Moving and Storage, 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 $489 for a studio up to $4,328 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 | $489 | $183 |
| 1 bedroom | $672 | $183 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,075 | $257 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,460 | $359 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,819 | $359 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,328 | $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: Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.72/5). moveBuddha ranks Gentle Giant Moving Company first among 146 reviewed New York movers. Local move costs range from $489 for a studio to $4,328 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.
Do most New York moving companies offer interstate relocation services?
Yes. Out of 146 movers in New York, 129 are licensed for interstate moving. This majority means you'll have a wide selection of companies capable of handling long-distance moves, each meeting USDOT requirements under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Explore your options by reviewing our guide to 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 $489 for a studio to $4,328 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. 142 of 146 movers in New York (97.26%) offer professional packing, and 130 (89.04%) 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 we chose the best moving companies in New York
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 146 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.
