Local moving companies in Albany

  1. Mabey's Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Clark Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  3. Five College Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  4. Pioneer Moving Group: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  5. MG Movers LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/mabeys/, https://twitter.com/mabeysmoving?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Mabey's Moving & Storage stands out with an impressive 92.5% positive feedback from 254 reviews, setting a high bar for moving companies. Customers consistently describe the staff as professional, respectful, and attentive, praising the team's careful handling of belongings and efficient work ethic. Many highlight smooth communication, quick processes from booking to move day, and successful management of complex or long-distance moves. Most clients recommend Mabey's without hesitation, citing reliable estimates and stress-free experiences as major strengths. Negative input, making up about 7% of feedback, points to issues like damaged items, discrepancies in final costs versus estimates, and communication shortfalls in rare cases. Complaints sometimes reference insurance limitations or mishandling claims. A single neutral review notes both prompt reimbursements and delays during delivery. Compared to typical industry standards, Mabey’s earns stronger praise for care, politeness, and problem resolution, though accurate cost estimation remains an area for improvement. The company's reputation for professionalism and reliability is consistently reinforced by customer input.
Get a Quote (518) 283-0017

Company Info

State license #: 623

Years in Business: 68

DOT #: 125550


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
https://www.facebook.com/clarkmovingandstorage/, https://twitter.com/clarkmovinginc?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Highly recommended
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Clark Moving & Storage stands out for delivering reliable results and excellent service, supported by feedback from 81 reviews with over 81% positive ratings. Customers consistently praise their professional and polite staff, careful handling, efficiency, and quick moving process. Many highly recommend the company for making stressful moves feel smooth and straightforward. Numerous reviewers note clear communication, organized packing, and affordable pricing compared to other moving companies. Some even highlight the movers’ thorough preparation and respect for customers’ belongings. On the downside, less than one in five reviewers cite problems such as damaged items, unexpected charges, or lack of communication. Negative input describes instances where items were broken or missing, or costs changed without warning. By comparison, Clark Moving & Storage regularly delivers a higher level of care and professionalism than most moving companies in the region, though a few dissatisfied customers experienced avoidable setbacks. Clark is a strong option for quality moving services, with overwhelmingly positive feedback and only minor recurring problems.
Get a Quote (518) 370-4100

Company Info

State license #: 37553

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 125563

Alternate Names: Clark Moving and Storage, Clark Moving and Storage of Albany


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/FiveCollegeMovers/, https://twitter.com/5CollegeMovers
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Moving just got easier for customers choosing Five College Movers. Out of 215 feedback analyzed, nearly 97% praised fast, professional movers who communicate clearly, handle belongings with care, and keep the process smooth from booking through delivery. Clients highlight courteous staff and quick, efficient moving as standout strengths. In contrast, a few customers cited damaged or lost items, poor follow-up on claims, and unexpected charges—issues that appear less common here than with many national movers. Transparency, quality of service, and reliability set this company apart based on customer input. Negative experiences are rare but sometimes involve unresolved damage and communication lapses.
Get a Quote (413) 687-1738

Company Info

State license #: 1947212

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 1947212


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Factors that influence moving costs from Albany to Lancastertoggle

The cost of Albany movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Albany to Lancaster (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,372, while larger moves may reach $12,775 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more — it's the busiest time of year for movers in Albany,
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,813 to $4,980), but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Albany to Lancaster

Moving from Albany to Lancaster comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Lancaster is generally more expensive than Albany, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Albany Lancaster
Average rent cost $1,450 $2,600
Average home value $281,584 $473,053
Average income (per capita) $66,546 $74,723
Cost of living (single person) $1,801 $2,540
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,205 $5,562
Unemployment rate 7.1% 15.6%
Sales tax 8.0% 10.25%
State income tax 10.9% 13.3%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 79% higher than in Albany.
  • The home prices in Lancaster are 68.0% higher than in Albany, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You’re likely to make a higher income living in Lancaster, where incomes are, on average, 12.3% higher than in Albany. Major employers in Lancaster include Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Union High School District, and Lancaster School District.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lancaster, since the cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 41.0% higher than in Albany. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to Lancaster, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 32.3% higher than in Albany.
  • The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 119.72% higher than in Albany.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 28.13% higher than what you are paying in Albany.
  • State income taxes in Lancaster are 22.02% higher than in Albany.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,230.98 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Albany.

How life is different in Albany vs. Lancaster

Lancaster Albany
Population 173,516 99,224
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 8
Walkability score 29 65
Bike friendliness score 40 55
Crime Index 45.5 10.0
Safety Index 54.5 49.65
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lancaster's population is about 75% greater than Albany.
  • Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Albany's higher score of 8.
  • Lancaster is less walkable than Albany with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Albany's 65 out of 100.
  • Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Albany, which has a score of 55 out of 100.
  • Lancaster's crime rate is higher than Albany with a score of 45.5 compared to Albany's 10.0. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0%.
  • Lancaster is considered to be safer than Albany with a safety index of 54.5 vs Albany's 49.65.
  • Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Albany it's good.

Other things to consider for your Albany vs. Lancaster move

  • Weather: If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
  • HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Lancaster without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Lancaster

Now that you've chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lancaster to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Lancaster
  • Central Lancaster
  • East Lancaster
  • College Terrace
  • Skytower Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Quartz Hill
  • West Lancaster
  • Rancho Vista
  • Brentwood
  • El Dorado

Things to do in Lancaster

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Lancaster is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Lancaster, such as the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Albany to Lancaster?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Albany to Lancaster You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Albany.

When is the cheapest time to move from Albany to Lancaster?

Because spring and fall moves from Albany to Lancaster are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Albany to Lancaster take?

The 2,799-mile journey from Albany, NY to Lancaster, CA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Albany offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lancaster.

Helpful moving resources