Best Movers Near Watertown, NY (2026 Reviews)
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Soliman Movers And More is Watertown's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.42/5 stars. Rankings are based on 6 verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Watertown, NY, covering 1 local Watertown movers.
Local movers in Watertown are priced hourly. The New York average is $131/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate.
Why use moveBuddha for your Watertown, NY move
- moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by getting multiple Watertown mover quotes through our moving cost calculator before booking.
- Book a moveBuddha Certified Watertown 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 Watertown, NY right now: Peak summer moving season is here. The 4th of July is one of the busiest moving weekends of the year. Prices spike and availability drops sharply around the holiday. If your Watertown move is scheduled near that window, you should already have a mover locked in. If not, move quickly.
What are the top-rated moving companies in Watertown, NY?
moveBuddha scored 1 Watertown movers drawing on 6 verified customer reviews, with a market average score of 3.72/5. Rankings also draw on moveBuddha's reviews of 146 New York movers and 46,251 verified New York customer reviews to surface the closest and highest-rated companies serving Watertown from nearby locations.
- Soliman Movers And More: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- EJA Moving & Storage: 3.98 out of 5 stars
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Clinton Moving & Packaging, Inc.: 3.98 out of 5 stars
- Roadway Moving : 4.64 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
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. Soliman Movers And More has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Soliman Movers And More has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 132 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Soliman Movers And More.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Soliman Movers And More emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Soliman Movers is the BEST moving company. Dimitri and Cameron moved my stuff with great care and were friendly. This is my second time with them—just as pleased as last time!"
"They came right on time with a large truck. Personable, pleasant, professional. Careful with our items, no damage, and fair pricing without hidden charges. Highly recommend them for your move."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. EJA Moving & Storage has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. EJA Moving & Storage has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 134 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from EJA Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. EJA Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"These people are fantastic! From beginning to end they took one of the most stressful things to do and made it so easy. The professionalism is top notch. What a great experience, I totally recommend this company!"
"All three were incredibly nice, very personable, and had a great sense of humor. It was 87°F when we moved and they worked their butts off. Zero complaining, and they made it look easy."
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 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 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!"
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
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. Clinton Moving & Packaging, Inc. has been in business for 38 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Clinton Moving & Packaging, Inc. has about 61% positive reviews across roughly 49 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.0.
Quote accuracy 3.7
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Clinton Moving & Packaging, Inc..
Customer service 3.5
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Clinton Moving & Packaging, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Chad, Glenny, and Justin arrived on time and carefully packed all my belongings. Helpful, reassuring, and professional. I would never use another company!"
"The care taken in handling and packaging. The speed, strength, and efficiency... same day pack move and even unpack, not one item scratched... cheap compared to what my research led me to think it would be."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
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 interstate 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."
How do Watertown, NY moving companies compare?
| Company | Our rating | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.42 |
90% | A+ | ||
3.98 |
95% | N/A | ||
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4.72 |
98% | A- | ||
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3.98 |
61% | A+ | ||
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4.64 |
92% | A+ |
Proximity to Watertown 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.
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Popular moving routes from Watertown, NY
Local movers in Watertown 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 Watertown, NY for route-specific recommendations and pricing.
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How much do movers cost in Watertown, NY?
Local movers in Watertown are priced hourly. The New York average is $131/hour for a 2-person crew. Total cost depends on home size and hours on the clock.
| Home size | Estimated local move cost in Watertown |
|---|---|
| Studio | $243 – $405 |
| 1 bedroom | $324 – $567 |
| 2 bedrooms | $486 – $810 |
| 3 bedrooms | $729 – $1,215 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $972 – $1,782 |
Estimates based on national average local move costs, adjusted for Watertown's cost of living. Actual costs vary by crew size, hours, and services.
Ready to compare Watertown mover prices? See our full guide on Watertown, NY mover costs →
Which Watertown, NY movers offer specialty services?
Availability of specialty services varies significantly across Watertown's moving market. Of the 1 moving companies moveBuddha reviewed, here is which services are offered, how often, and by whom:
Apartment and high-rise moving in Watertown
Moving in or out of an apartment or high-rise in Watertown 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 Watertown 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: 100% of Watertown movers offer labor-only service (loading and unloading without a truck), which pairs well with a rented container or truck. Soliman Movers And More is Watertown's top-rated labor-only provider.
If your building has strict move-in rules, ask your mover for references from similar Watertown apartment moves before committing.
DIY moving options in Watertown, NY
Not every Watertown move needs a full-service crew. These alternatives cost significantly less:
Rental trucks
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Watertown, 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.
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Moving containers
The best moving container companies available in Watertown, 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.
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Labor-only movers + rented truck
The best labor-only movers in Watertown, NY start with Soliman Movers And More (4.42/5) and Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.72/5), 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.
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Moving in Watertown, NY: what you need to know
A Watertown 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. Watertown residents can start at USPS Mover's Guide. Also update your address with New York DMV, your bank, employer, and any subscription services.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Watertown 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.
- Winter conditions: Watertown's winter lows reach 9°F. Winter moves are cheaper but require planning for ice, snow delays, and longer loading times. Confirm your mover's weather policy before booking.
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 Watertown, NY
How much do movers cost in Watertown, NY?
Local movers in Watertown, NY charge by the hour. The New York average is $131/hour for a 2-person crew.
Key cost factors for a Watertown move, based on moveBuddha's review data:
- Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
- Deposit requirement: many Watertown movers require a deposit to secure your booking. Confirm refund terms before paying.
- Full valuation coverage: available from select Watertown movers. 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 Watertown across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 100% of Watertown movers (1 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%–15% to transportation charges.
- Packing services: 100% of Watertown movers (1 companies) offer full packing. 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 Watertown include, and what costs extra?
A standard full-service move in Watertown, 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 Watertown movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.
| Add-on service | % of Watertown movers | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | 100% (1 companies) | +$0.15–$0.21 per pound on average |
| Labor-only (load/unload, no transport) | 100% (1 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 Watertown offer senior, military, or other discounts?
moveBuddha found no confirmed senior, military, AAA, student, teacher, or law enforcement discounts among the Watertown movers in its database. That does not mean discounts are unavailable. Ask each mover directly at the quote stage, since some companies offer unpublished rates for eligible groups. Confirm any discount in writing before signing.
How far in advance should I book movers in Watertown?
Book Watertown 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 Watertown movers charge a fee for changes made within 48–72 hours of the move.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and do Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown?
Local Watertown moves are billed by the hour, so understanding time estimates helps you budget accurately. Based on moveBuddha's Watertown-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 Watertown movers have experience with apartments and high-rises?
Yes. Most Watertown 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 Watertown
- 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 Watertown 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 Watertown?
The cheapest time to move in Watertown 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. Watertown's summer highs reach 80°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. Watertown's winter lows reach 9°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 Watertown's top-rated movers and the most flexibility on scheduling.
How moveBuddha selects and reviews Watertown, NY moving companies
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%). Rankings for Watertown draw on 46,251 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 Watertown's top movers stack up. Get free quotes from moveBuddha's #1-ranked Watertown movers →
How to move in Watertown: permits, COI, and city logistics
A step-by-step guide to planning a local move in Watertown, 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 Watertown 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 Watertown street. Book these at least 2 weeks before your move date.
- Get a binding written estimate. Request a binding estimate from at least 3 Watertown 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 Watertown, NY
- Best overall: Soliman Movers And More (4.42/5), moveBuddha's #1-ranked Watertown mover.
- Best runner-up: EJA Moving & Storage (3.98/5).
- Best for specialty items (piano, antiques, art): Soliman Movers And More (4.42/5).
- Best labor-only / DIY assist: Soliman Movers And More (4.42/5). Hire for loading and unloading while you supply the truck.
- Going rate: hourly; get 3 binding estimates to set your baseline.
Collect at least 3 binding estimates, confirm your mover's license and insurance, and request a COI if your building requires one. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to set your budget baseline before reaching out to movers.
