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Local moving companies in Massachusetts
When making the move from Massachusetts to Durham, NC, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local moving companies that specialize in relocations from the Bay State to the vibrant City of The Viper, ensuring your move is as smooth as possible.
Out of 83 Massachusetts movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Durham, NC.
- Oscar's Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Humboldt Storage & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31320
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1637689
Alternate Names: Oscar's Moving Company
Oscar's Moving Company, established in 2008, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Newton, MA. Unlike many nearby movers, Oscar's Moving Company boasts a stellar reputation with a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, an impressive 4.8-star average on Google My Business, and a solid 3.8-star average on Yelp from 143 reviews. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing and unpacking, and even have the capability to move pianos. Customers can pay by credit card, though a deposit is required.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Boston Best Rate Movers has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around Waltham, MA since 2006. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, making them an excellent choice for meticulous movers. Clients consistently praise their reliability, as evidenced by their 4.7 average rating across 32 Yelp reviews and 530 Google reviews, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, their no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards add to their customer-friendly approach.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Poseidon Moving, a reputable local moving company based in Brookline, MA, has been providing dependable residential moving services since 2015. With an impressive average rating of 4.5 on Yelp and 4.1 on Google, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes compared to many nearby competitors. They offer a comprehensive suite of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items such as pianos, art, and antiques. Though a deposit is required and rates start at $120 per hour, Poseidon Moving accepts both cash and credit cards, ensuring a flexible and professional moving experience for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 363405
Years in Business: 119
DOT #: 363405
Humboldt Storage & Moving has been a trusted local moving company in Canton, MA since 1906, offering a century of expertise in residential moving services. While many nearby movers may not have such an extensive history, Humboldt stands out with its comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, as well as the specialized ability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Highly rated with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, the company garners mixed reviews online, with a 3.6 rating on Yelp and a more favorable 4.4 average on Google. Accepting both cash and credit cards, Humboldt ensures a smooth moving experience without requiring any deposit and offers full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 70719
Olympia Moving & Storage, located in Watertown, MA, has been providing exceptional local residential moving services since 1994. They stand out among nearby moving companies with their comprehensive offerings, including packing and unpacking services, and the ability to move delicate items such as pianos, antiques, and safes. Their reputation is solid, boasting a Yelp average rating of 4.1 from 148 reviews, a Google My Business rating of 4.5 from 229 reviews, and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Olympia Moving & Storage also accepts credit cards and offers full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Comparing local moving companies from Massachusetts to Durham, North Carolina:
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar's Moving Company | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Boston Best Rate Movers | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Poseidon Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Humboldt Storage & Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Olympia Moving & Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,890 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Massachusetts movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Massachusetts | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 99% | 97% |
| Antiques | 61% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 3% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Massachusetts to Durham, NC
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Durham, NC is really like compared to Massachusetts. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we'll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Massachusetts vs Durham, NC
| Massachusetts | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,588 | $1,699 |
| Average home value | $623,131 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $96,505 | $396,291 |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 4% |
| State income tax | 9% | 5% |
Durham sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Durham is about 7% higher than in Massachusetts, so make sure to budget extra for your move-in costs and monthly rent.
- Buying a home in Durham could be more affordable, with prices averaging 37% less than in Massachusetts.
- On average, incomes in Durham are about 311% higher than in Massachusetts. This could help you stay on top of living expenses or grow your savings over time.
- Even though unemployment in Durham is about 5% higher than in Massachusetts, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early and approach your job search with a smart strategy.
- Income taxes are 50% lower in Durham compared to Massachusetts. This could help you save more, pay off debt sooner, or give you extra wiggle room in your budget.
How life is different in Durham from Massachusetts
| Durham | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 47" |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 13.92 |
Durham sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Durham leaned Republican, while Massachusetts went Democratic.
- Expect summer highs around 89°F in Durham, compared to an average of 82°F in Massachusetts. With the extra sunshine comes more opportunities for outdoor fun, but be ready for higher cooling bills and a warmer day-to-day experience.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Durham generally drop to around 30ºF, while Massachusetts can get as cold as 16ºF. Moving to Durham means you’ll enjoy gentler winters, which makes daily life easier, more affordable, and more pleasant.
- Expect about 46 inches of rain each year in Durham, which is pretty much on par with the 49 inches you’re used to in Massachusetts. While the total rainfall is similar, differences in timing and weather patterns could still affect your daily routine.
- In Durham, you’ll get just 4 inches of snow each year, far less than the 47 inches you’re accustomed to in Massachusetts. With gentler winters, you can expect less shoveling, safer roads, and fewer cold-weather hassles. If you’re hoping for a milder winter, Durham is a smart move.
- Crime rates in Durham are higher than in Massachusetts, with a crime index of 54.72 versus 13.92. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Durham
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Durham really has something for everyone.
Museums in Durham
Parks in Durham
Sports Teams in Durham
Universities in Durham
Other considerations when moving to Durham, NC
- Weather: The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you'll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area's rules before moving day.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify your North Carolina moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to North Carolina, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to North Carolina on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance requirements differ depending on the state. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Compare the pros and cons of Massachusetts vs. Durham, NC
Comparing the pros of Massachusetts vs. Durham, NC:
Moving to a new place is always exciting! Here’s a quick look at what makes living in Durham unique compared to life in Massachusetts.
| Pros of living in Massachusetts | Pros of living in Durham, NC |
|---|---|
| Natural beauty | Low cost of living |
| Excellent education system | Quality education |
| Delicious seafood | Wonderful restaurants |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Home to Boston | Friendly people |
Comparing the cons of living in Massachusetts vs. Durham, NC:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows; these are the things to be aware of when leaving Massachusetts for Durham.
| Cons of living in Massachusetts | Cons of living in Durham, NC |
|---|---|
| Bad traffic | Terrible traffic |
| Poor driving conditions | High crime rate |
| Harsh winter weather | Humidity |
| High cost of living | Allergy-inducing pollen |
| Peculiar liquor laws | Limited public transportation |
FAQ
How long does a move from Massachusetts to Durham take?
The time it takes to move from Massachusetts to Durham, NC varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re starting from northern Massachusetts, it’ll take longer to get to Durham. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Delivery from Massachusetts to Durham can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Massachusetts to Durham?
If you’re planning a 691-mile move from Massachusetts to Durham, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Durham, NC?
Summer highs in Durham can hit 89°F, while winter lows drop to 30°F. That’s why most people moving from Massachusetts to Durham choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
