10 Best Moving Companies in Rhode Island (2026 Reviews)
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Based on moveBuddha's analysis of 20 movers and 5,236 verified reviews in Rhode Island, Gentle Giant Moving Company is the top-rated local mover with a 4.52/5 moveBuddha score, ranking #1 out of 26 movers we've scored in Rhode Island.
Local moves in Rhode Island typically cost $481 for a studio up to $3,121 for a 5+ bedroom home. Use moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
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10 Best Local Moving Companies in Rhode Island
moveBuddha reviewed 20 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
Experienced movers
Flexibility
Consistency and follow-up
Respectful of property
Careful handling
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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 intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Gentle Giant Moving Company has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 447 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 Gentle Giant Moving Company.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gentle Giant Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
I always move with Gentle Giant because they are consistently EXCELLENT! They're professional, on time, fast, careful, attentive...couldn't be better. They've moved me three times now.
Their moving team was very professional and efficient, and finished the job so much faster than expected. They wrapped furniture in tarps, and were very careful with anything labelled as fragile.
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
Helpful movers
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. All My Sons Moving & Storage has been in business for 28 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. All My Sons Moving & Storage has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 2656 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.9.
Quote accuracy 3.7
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from All My Sons Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. All My Sons Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Tim, Mike and Clinton were very professional and efficient. They moved our second-floor three-bedroom apartment to a third floor in under two hours. I’m very impressed with how quick and painless this process was today
Denzel and Felix did an amazing job with our move! They were very accommodating and careful with everything, and organized things into the truck and new apartment very professionally. All My Sons also charges a great rate for the move!
Experienced movers
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Respectful of property
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Economy Movers & Storage Inc has been in business for 50 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Economy Movers & Storage Inc has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 226 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Economy Movers & Storage Inc.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Economy Movers & Storage Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Fast, efficient, helpful, and willing to go above and beyond. They even fixed a furniture leg after delivery and made my move easy and smooth!
The movers handled everything carefully without sacrificing speed and went above and beyond to get our couch through a window.
Affordable rates
Quick moving process
Flexibility
Respectful of property
Efficient service
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Chris Corrigan Moving Inc. has been in business for 127 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Chris Corrigan Moving Inc. has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 385 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.4.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Chris Corrigan Moving Inc.. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Chris Corrigan Moving Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Mark and the entire crew were friendly, professional, quick, and efficient. We've moved a few times and these guys were the best.
Chris was very accommodating and understood that move dates can change many times. The crew worked hard, respected our property, finished promptly, and the price was very fair.
Affordable rates
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Friendly and approachable staff
Quick response times
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Lawton Moving & Storage has been in business for 81 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. Lawton Moving & Storage has about 74% positive reviews across roughly 106 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Lawton Moving & Storage. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Lawton Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
I called them on extremely short notice (3 days), and they accommodated me. The crew was helpful, professional, efficient, and made the move easy and affordable.
Both teams were quick, professional, and respectful. Pricing was more than fair.
Friendly and approachable staff
Helpful movers
Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage has been in business for 16 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 787 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.5.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage, and Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Miguel, Xavier and Dave were amazing! They took great care of my items and were all very pleasant to work with! I will book again and recommend!
Had a great move with Steven, Xaviar, and Miguel! They were on time, worked hard, and communicated with us throughout the process.
Affordable rates
Good communication
Friendly and approachable staff
Respectful of property
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 82% positive reviews across roughly 289 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Called several companies, they had the lowest price, however I was pleasantly surprised they were far superior to work with than all the others. Office/scheduling was extremely helpful and pleasant, answered ALL my questions!
Easy move start to finish! Really appreciate the excellent communication with office staff, as well as movers. My pieces were expertly handled & movers went above and beyond to ensure that job was done to my satisfaction. Thank you!!
Flexibility
Quick response times
Friendly and approachable staff
Quick moving process
Efficient service
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 244 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.2.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Brian & Sandro were excellent, very efficient, and hustled in extreme heat. They helped take apart items and put them back together, plus moved plants without any damage.
I placed my reservation yesterday and Olivia and Nelson arrived this morning on time. They were resourceful and willing to work with us.
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Quick response times
Knowledgeable staff
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. A Able Affordable Moving has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. A Able Affordable Moving has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 80 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.8.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from A Able Affordable Moving.
Customer service 3.2
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. A Able Affordable Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
John quoted us the best quote we could find on short notice and was extremely helpful. His crew moved a truckload of appliances and furniture quickly.
Affordable prices, great communication, prompt services and hassle-free move. They moved a spinet piano carefully, including wrapping it.
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Friendly and approachable staff
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. OVO Moving & Storage Inc. has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. OVO Moving & Storage Inc. has about 25% positive reviews across roughly 16 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.1.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from OVO Moving & Storage Inc..
Customer service 3.5
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. OVO Moving & Storage Inc. emphasizes clear communication.
Recent reviews
The crew worked efficiently, wrapped all my furniture, protected the wood floors, and had friendly demeanors.
The movers were on time, very nice, extremely careful with my things, and moved quickly. I was pleased and will use them again!
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Compare the top moving companies in Rhode Island
Based on moveBuddha's 2026 moving data, here's how the top movers in Rhode Island compare.
| Mover | Years in business | BBB rating | Verified reviews | Positive reviews | Interstate moves | Get a quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle Giant Moving Company | 43 | A+ | 447 | 97.8% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| All My Sons Moving & Storage | 28 | A+ | 2,656 | 90.1% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Economy Movers & Storage Inc | 50 | A+ | 226 | 90.3% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Chris Corrigan Moving Inc. | 127 | A+ | 385 | 89.4% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Lawton Moving & Storage | 81 | A+ | 106 | 73.6% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage | 16 | A+ | 787 | 85.1% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | — | — | 289 | 81.7% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | — | — | 244 | 93.0% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| A Able Affordable Moving | — | A+ | 80 | 93.8% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| OVO Moving & Storage Inc. | — | — | 16 | 25.0% | No | Get A Quote |
Other local Rhode Island movers
These Rhode Island movers were reviewed by moveBuddha but did not make our top 10. See all 20 Rhode Island movers we've reviewed →
Rhode Island is among the top 10 most outbound states in 2026, with more people searching to leave than arrive. High housing costs relative to income are a consistently cited driver of outbound demand. See moveBuddha's full 2026 Moving Trends Report →
Popular moving routes from Rhode Island
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 |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island to California | Cross-country route; strong demand year-round |
| Rhode Island to Texas | Major migration corridor; competitive pricing |
| Rhode Island to Florida | High-volume retirement and lifestyle move |
| Rhode Island to New York | Northeast corridor; dense urban delivery complexity |
| Rhode Island to North Carolina | Growing Southeast destination; strong inbound demand |
| Rhode Island to Georgia | Southeast hub; major corporate relocation market |
| Rhode Island to Arizona | Sun Belt destination; seasonal pricing variation |
| Rhode Island to Washington | Pacific Northwest corridor; tech-sector demand |
| Rhode Island to Colorado | Mountain West route; strong year-round volume |
| Rhode Island to Illinois | Midwest hub; major urban access considerations |
If you're moving from Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island for any out-of-state move of significant distance.
What specialty moving services are available in Rhode Island?
Not every mover in Rhode Island offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 20 Rhode Island movers, here is what is available and how often:
Piano movers in Rhode Island
| Piano moving in Rhode Island | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rhode Island piano movers | Gentle Giant Moving Company All My Sons Moving & Storage |
| Rhode Island movers offering this | 13 of 20 (60.0%) |
| National average | 42.33% |
| Upright piano | $800 to $1,500 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Grand piano | $1,800 to $3,500 |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs. Moving either without a piano board, padded blankets, and proper straps risks cracking the soundboard or snapping the legs, damage that a mover's standard released-value policy covers at just $0.60 per pound regardless of the instrument's actual value. Requesting full valuation coverage specifically for the piano is the most direct way to close that gap. For most moves, bundling piano service into a full-service household move costs less than a standalone piano 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 Rhode Island
| Antique handling in Rhode Island | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rhode Island antique movers | Gentle Giant Moving Company All My Sons Moving & Storage |
| Rhode Island movers offering this | 7 of 20 (26.92%) |
| National average | 26.25% |
| Added cost to a household move | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $50 to $500 |
| Custom crating per item | $150 to $200 |
Custom crating and acid-free padding protect pieces that standard released-value coverage at $0.60/lb cannot adequately cover. A 50-lb antique valued at $5,000 receives only $30 under default protection, making full-value coverage the standard choice for heirloom and high-value items.
See our guide to the best antique moving companies for tips on vetting specialty movers and protecting high-value pieces.
Art movers in Rhode Island
| Art packing in Rhode Island | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rhode Island art movers | Gentle Giant Moving Company All My Sons Moving & Storage |
| Rhode Island movers offering this | 7 of 20 (26.92%) |
| National average | 26.62% |
| Per-piece handling fee | $50 to $500 |
| Custom crating per item | $150 to $200 |
Standard moving blankets offer no protection against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures, the 3 damage modes most likely to affect framed artwork and sculpture in transit. Archival materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece address all 3. Ask any prospective art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing a contract.
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 Rhode Island
| Climate-controlled storage in Rhode Island | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rhode Island providers | Gentle Giant Moving Company Economy Movers & Storage Inc |
| Rhode Island movers offering this | 8 of 20 (40.0%) |
| National average | 24.36% |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $257 |
There is a meaningful difference between temperature-controlled and climate-controlled storage. Temperature-only units manage heat but leave humidity unregulated, the condition that causes wood furniture to warp, vinyl records to warp and stick, and mold to develop on fabric and electronics. Climate-controlled units manage both variables. The distinction matters most for storage gaps longer than 30 days and for moves that run between seasons with significant humidity differences.
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 Rhode Island
| Fragile-only packing in Rhode Island | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Rhode Island providers | Born to Move Moving Company |
| Rhode Island movers offering this | 1 of 20 (3.85%) |
| National average | 11.77% |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Full-service packing adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound to a move's total cost across the entire shipment. Fragile-only packing applies that cost only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps, the items that account for the majority of in-transit breakage claims. For movers who plan to pack most of their own belongings, fragile-only is the most cost-efficient way to get professional help where it matters most.
DIY Moving Options in Rhode Island
Full-service movers aren't the only way to move in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island?
The best moving container companies available in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, a full-service 1-bedroom move averages $607 and a 2-bedroom runs $884.
Who are the best labor-only hourly movers in Rhode Island?
The best labor-only movers in Rhode Island start with College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving and College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Providence, both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. At $90/hour for a 2-person crew in Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island move:
How much do movers cost in Rhode Island?
Local moves in Rhode Island average $481 for a studio up to $3,121 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers in Rhode Island charge $90/hour for a 2-person crew, based on moveBuddha's 2026 quote data.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $481 | $126 |
| 1 bedroom | $607 | $126 |
| 2 bedrooms | $884 | $176 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,837 | $247 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,084 | $247 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $3,121 | $346 |
Summer moves (June–August) and month-end dates cost 15%–20% more. Get a personalized Rhode Island moving cost estimate →
Know Your Rights as a Rhode Island Mover
Rhode Island mover licensing: In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Verify a license →
Insurance requirement: In Rhode Island, movers often provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or explore third-party insurance options. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and reading reviews before choosing an insurance plan for your move.
Final Verdict: Best Moving Companies in Rhode Island
Based on the research and data gathered by moveBuddha, here are our final takeaways on the best moving companies in Rhode Island:
- Best overall local mover in Rhode Island: Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.52/5). moveBuddha ranks Gentle Giant Moving Company #1 of 26 among reviewed Rhode Island movers. Local move costs range from $481 for a studio to $3,121 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 Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island
How do I choose the right moving company in Rhode Island?
To find the right moving company in Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island.
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.
Can Rhode Island movers handle relocations across state lines?
Yes. A strong share of movers in Rhode Island are qualified for interstate work. Of the 20 total movers in RI, 15 carry authorization to manage interstate relocations. This ensures plenty of choice if you need a mover with a USDOT number regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
To find the most reliable fit, take a look at our picks for the best long-distance movers in Rhode Island.
How can I see all moving companies in Rhode Island?
You can see all moving companies in Rhode Island in our comprehensive list of Rhode Island movers.
How much does it cost to hire movers in Rhode Island?
Local moving costs in Rhode Island range from $481 for a studio to $3,121 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $90/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 Rhode Island?
Rental trucks are the cheapest way to move in Rhode Island. 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. 18 of 20 movers in Rhode Island (69.23%) offer professional packing, and 16 (61.54%) 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 Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island?
A local move in Rhode Island typically takes 4 hours for a 1-bedroom and 8 hours for a 3-bedroom home. Long-distance moves out of Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
The cheapest time to move in Rhode Island is during the off-season, from October through April. Peak moving season runs May through September, with June and July commanding the highest rates. Moves booked midweek and mid-month also tend to cost less than weekend or month-end bookings. Planning around these windows can save 15% to 20% on your total moving cost.
How does moveBuddha rank moving companies in Rhode Island?
moveBuddha scores 20 moving companies in Rhode Island on a weighted five-factor system covering customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Based on that scoring, Gentle Giant Moving Company ranks #1 of 26 in Rhode Island, placing in the top 3.8% of Rhode Island movers.
How we chose the best moving companies in Rhode Island
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 20 Rhode Island moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%).
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.
How to hire movers in Rhode Island
Follow these steps to compare movers, get accurate quotes, and book a reliable Rhode Island moving company.
- Estimate your cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your Rhode Island move. Local moves typically cost $481 for a studio up to $3,121 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $90/hour for a 2-person crew.
- Choose your move type. Pick the option that fits your budget: full-service movers (they load, drive, and unload), moving containers (you pack, they haul), rental trucks (cheapest, but you drive), or labor-only crews for loading and unloading. DIY options like containers and rental trucks can cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving.
- Verify licensing and insurance. In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Verify a license.
- Compare and vet movers. Compare movers using moveBuddha's weighted scoring: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%). Gentle Giant Moving Company currently ranks first with a 4.52/5 moveBuddha score among 20 reviewed Rhode Island movers.
- Get quotes and book your move. Request written binding estimates from at least 3 Rhode Island movers before you commit. Compare line items including packing, access fees, and valuation coverage. Booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead and choosing mid-week, mid-month dates often saves on total cost.
- Prepare for move day. Account for local weather: Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow. . Confirm parking permits, elevator reservations, and HOA rules at both locations. File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving day. Review your mover's insurance coverage and document valuables before the crew arrives.