10 Best Moving Companies in Rhode Island (2026 Reviews)
Based on moveBuddha's analysis of 10 movers and 1,750 verified reviews in Rhode Island, Gentle Giant Moving Company is the top-rated local mover with a 4.56/5 moveBuddha score.
Local moves in Rhode Island typically cost $491 for a studio up to $3,131 for a 5+ bedroom home. Use moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
Moving in Rhode Island right now: Peak summer moving season is here. The 4th of July is one of the busiest moving weekends of the year, prices spike 20–30% and availability drops sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a mover locked in. If not, act quickly.
10 Best Local Moving Companies in Rhode Island
moveBuddha reviewed 10 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.
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.56/5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52/5 stars
- Economy Movers & Storage Inc: 4.38/5 stars
- Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage: 4.34/5 stars
- Chris Corrigan Moving Inc.: 4.34/5 stars
- Lawton Moving & Storage: 4.26/5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.16/5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.14/5 stars
- A Able Affordable Moving: 4.0/5 stars
- OVO Moving & Storage Inc.: 3.88/5 stars
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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 interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Gentle Giant Moving Company has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 268 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 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gentle Giant Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The team arrived right on time, were experienced and highly organized. They carefully wrapped every piece of furniture, kept us informed, and were incredibly friendly and respectful. Highly recommend!"
"Using Gentle Giant was a fantastic decision. Kept up communication from booking to arrival. The 3 men hustled every minute and were kind, professional, efficient. Everybody should be so lucky!"
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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 24 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. All My Sons Moving & Storage has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 264 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.5.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from All My Sons Moving & Storage, and All My Sons Moving & Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
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
"Absolutely outstanding service from start to finish! The movers handled our move with incredible professionalism and efficiency, even in the 90-degree heat. Every piece arrived in perfect condition. Highly recommend their services to anyone in need of reliable, hardworking movers."
"I can’t say enough good things about All My Sons Moving! This is the second time I’ve used their services—absolutely fantastic. They were polite, friendly, and handled my heavy furniture with care. Efficiency and respectfulness stood out. I’ll definitely recommend."
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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 interstate moving and labor-only 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 211 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
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.
Recent reviews
"We used Economy movers multiple times. The crews are professional, polite, and efficient. Not a single item was damaged and the price was fair. Would recommend to anyone!"
"Outstanding moving experience—fast, careful, and friendly. They wrapped everything, protected both furniture and homes, and made the process stress-free. Highly recommended!"
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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 interstate 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 78% positive reviews across roughly 271 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.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The team at Correira Brothers' made this stressful experience so much easier for me! They were professional and courteous - just a pleasure to deal with, both as we planned the move and on the day itself."
"Our movers were spectacular and worked very quickly. They were professional, careful with breakables, and efficient with time. I would recommend them to anyone looking to move in the RI area."
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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 intrastate 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 80% positive reviews across roughly 149 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..
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
"We moved our 5 bedroom house with 3 kids flawlessly, including my swingset, all done by 3pm. Highly recommend and would definitely use them again."
"The crew was spot on for when they were scheduled to arrive, they were incredibly efficient and very respectful of all of my belongings. By far the most reasonable pricing of any of the 7 companies I called for quotes from."
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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 labor-only moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Lawton Moving & Storage has about 72% positive reviews across roughly 96 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Lawton Moving & Storage.
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
"Unbelievable service! Prompt, efficient, and honest. They were professional and careful with all of my items. I would never use anyone else ever again. I’d recommend 100x!!"
"The crew was absolutely incredible. Jamie was the team lead/driver. These guys were so careful, and also very personable throughout the whole day that I didn't have one worry about our things. Cost was also very reasonable."
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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 with services like labor-only moving and intrastate moving.
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 151 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
"The move team arrived on time, took great care with my items. They were professional and answered all my questions. I will use this team again. Thank you."
"Had a great move thanks to Robert and Jamari! They handled all my items with care and were troopers carrying items up all the stairs with no complaints. Efficient, got it done in less time than quoted."
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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 small-scale moving and labor-only 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 2.4.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email 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
"Josh, Alexis, and Sandro were amazing. Everything was carefully and quickly loaded/unloaded, without any issues. They made the moving process worry-free. 10/10 would recommend."
"The crew from North Kingstown was amazing! Super friendly and super efficient. They had the truck loaded in under 30 minutes. I have always been super happy using this company, and this crew had the same stellar standards of service!"
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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 intrastate moving and labor-only 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 and his crew were absolutely incredible! They were kind, responsive, fast, and extremely careful with my piano and our home. I will definitely use A.Able RI Moving again for any and all moves!
John, John JR and their crew did a good job. I recommend this company when you have to move. They are efficient, responsible and fast
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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 with services like interstate moving and office moving.
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, careful handling.
Recent reviews
The crew worked efficiently and all of them had good personalities and friendly demeanors. All of my furniture was wrapped before they moved it, and they were careful to protect the wood floors in my new home.
The movers were on time and also very nice and I felt comfortable with them. They were extremely careful with my things and moved along quickly. I was pleased with everything.
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 | moveBuddha score | Years in business | BBB rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle Giant Moving Company | 4.56 / 5 | 43 | A+ |
| All My Sons Moving & Storage | 4.52 / 5 | 24 | A |
| Economy Movers & Storage Inc | 4.38 / 5 | 50 | A+ |
| Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage | 4.34 / 5 | 16 | A+ |
| Chris Corrigan Moving Inc. | 4.34 / 5 | 127 | A+ |
| Lawton Moving & Storage | 4.26 / 5 | 81 | A+ |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | 4.16 / 5 | — | |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 4.14 / 5 | — | |
| A Able Affordable Moving | 4.0 / 5 | A+ | |
| OVO Moving & Storage Inc. | 3.88 / 5 | — |
Other local Rhode Island movers
These Rhode Island movers were reviewed by moveBuddha but did not make our top 10. See all 10 Rhode Island movers we've reviewed →
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 10 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 | 9 of 10 (90.0%) |
| National average | 72.74% |
| Upright piano | $800 to $1,500 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Grand piano | $1,800 to $3,500 |
The weight range for upright pianos is 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Neither can be safely moved with standard furniture dollies or blankets. Crews certified for piano moving carry piano boards, rigging straps, and padded blankets designed for the instrument's weight distribution and finish. Adding a piano to a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than contracting a piano-only specialist.
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 | All My Sons Moving & Storage Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage |
| Rhode Island movers offering this | 2 of 10 (20.0%) |
| National average | 46.36% |
| 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 |
Released-value protection pays out at $0.60 per pound per item. For a 50-lb antique worth $5,000, that is a $30 reimbursement. Custom crating and acid-free padding lower the physical risk of damage, but they do not change the coverage math. Requesting full valuation coverage before booking is the only way to ensure a claim reflects what the piece is worth, not what it weighs.
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 | Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage OVO Moving & Storage Inc. |
| Rhode Island movers offering this | 2 of 10 (20.0%) |
| National average | 45.89% |
| Per-piece handling fee | $50 to $500 |
| Custom crating per item | $150 to $200 |
Archival materials and custom crates prevent UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard moving blankets cannot guard against for framed artwork and sculpture. Confirm the mover has direct experience with similar media before booking.
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 | All My Sons Moving & Storage |
| Rhode Island movers offering this | 1 of 10 (10.0%) |
| National average | 33.32% |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $257 |
Temperature-only storage controls heat but not moisture. For wood furniture, vinyl records, and electronics, humidity fluctuation is the primary damage risk in storage, causing warping, cracking, and mold that a temperature-controlled unit will not prevent. True climate control regulates both. For storage gaps longer than 30 days or moves that cross seasons, confirming the distinction before booking is worth the extra step.
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 | Economy Movers & Storage Inc Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage |
| Rhode Island movers offering this | 3 of 10 (30.0%) |
| National average | 23.79% |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Not every item needs professional packing. Dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps are the items most likely to break in transit and the items most worth paying a crew to pack. Fragile-only packing covers exactly those categories without a full-service packing contract, keeping the per-pound packing cost contained to the portion of your shipment that actually needs it.
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 $617 and a 2-bedroom runs $895.
Who are the best labor-only hourly movers in Rhode Island?
The best labor-only movers in Rhode Island start with Economy Movers & Storage Inc and Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage, 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 $491 for a studio up to $3,131 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 | $491 | $126 |
| 1 bedroom | $617 | $126 |
| 2 bedrooms | $895 | $176 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,847 | $247 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,094 | $247 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $3,131 | $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 (4.56/5). moveBuddha ranks Gentle Giant Moving Company first among 10 reviewed Rhode Island movers. Local move costs range from $491 for a studio to $3,131 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.
Are interstate moves common with Rhode Island movers?
Many movers in Rhode Island are qualified to take on cross-state relocations. Of the 10 total moving companies in RI, 8 are licensed for interstate service. This means most providers in the state are equipped to legally manage moves beyond state lines, with a USDOT number and oversight from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
To get started, check out our recommendations for the top 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 $491 for a studio to $3,131 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. 10 of 10 movers in Rhode Island (100.0%) offer professional packing, and 10 (100.0%) 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 we chose the best moving companies in Rhode Island
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 10 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.