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Last Updated: Sep 26, 2023
Discover Moving Feedback's top picks for the best local movers in the industry, handpicked by our research team. Skip the research and get moving!
BEST FOR LOCAL
4.5
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
4.7
BEST MOVING CREWS
4.3
Planning a local move within your state for the first time can be overwhelming. You may be unsure about the process and what to expect from local moving companies. That’s where we come in.
At Moving Feedback, we’re here to simplify the whole process for you. We compared the top-rated local movers in the industry, and we even threw in some helpful tips and tricks you can use to make you local move as smooth as possible
Read on to explore our recommended movers, and see how you can make your local move even easier.
In this article
On average, you can expect to pay between $278 and $8000 for a local move, and sometimes more. It’s a huge window, but it comes down to a few important factors.
| Home Size | No. of Movers | # Hours | Ave Cost / Hr | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers | 2 – 4 hours | $80/hr | $278 – $599 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 3 – 6 hours | $80/hr | $389 – $750 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 movers | 4 – 8 hours | $125/hr | $750 – $1900 |
| 3 Bedroom | 4 movers | 6 – 12 hours | $165/hr | $1250 – $3500 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4 movers | 8 – 14 hours | $165/hr | $1,400 – $5100 |
| 5 Bedroom+ | 5 movers | 10 – 16 hours | $200/hr | $2500 – $8000 |
Unlike long-distance movers (who calculate charges based on weight and distance), local moving companies typically charge an hourly rate. On average, it’s around $40 per mover, per hour.
Hiring local movers for a studio apartment won’t cost that much. But if you have a big house with five bedrooms, you’ll end up paying a lot more money. The size and quantity of items being moved play a significant role in determining the number of hours required for the move. As a general guideline, here’s an estimate:
In addition to the hourly rate, local movers may charge a travel fee, which accounts for the time it takes them to travel from their base to your home. This fee is typically equivalent to another hour’s worth of work.
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| 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Best for Local | Best for Long Distance | Best For Local | Best Moving Crews | Best Teams |
| 15% Seniors & Military Discounts | 18% Flexibility Discount | Not Disclosed | 15% Student Discount | 15% Seniors & Military Discounts |
| $750 - $3500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $850 - $3700 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $700 - $3400 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $780 - $3800 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $770 - $3700 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
BEST FOR LOCAL
4.5
Licenses
DOT#: N/A
MC#: N/A
Type: Marketplace of Local and Long Distance Movers
iMoving.com operates as an online platform that allows users to compare and book moving services – similar to Expedia or Kayak, but for moving companies.
They provide a list of qualified, vetted, and trusted movers in your area, which gives you the flexibility to choose a mover that meets your specific needs.
While not a exactly direct moving company, iMoving.com deserves recognition for being the most convenient platform in the game.
They provide a whole list of trustworthy movers, which allows you to easily compare prices and services. We really appreciate that you can book your move entirely online – no phone calls necessary.
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
4.7
Adams Van Lines specializes in premium moves, so they offer specialized transportation for antiques and artwork.
They can also provide secure storage options, expert packing and unpacking services, and customizable moving plans.
While Adams’ premium services may come at a higher cost, the stress-free and personalized moving experience is worth it.
Adams Van Lines always impresses us with their white-glove approach and their expertise in handling antiques.
Their professional moving teams go the extra mile to provide a stress-free move, and you can choose from a full menu of specialty moving options tailored to your needs.
If you have a lot of fragile or high-value stuff, we definitely recommend Adams.
BEST MOVING CREWS
4.3
Two Men and a Truck is a well-established nationwide moving company with over 35 years of industry experience.
From humble beginnings (with literally just two guys and a truck) they’ve grown into a national chain with hundreds of agents and movers across the US.
Despite their expansion, they remain committed to providing dedicated customer service and maintaining mom-and-pop attention to detail.
For a local moving company that combines the personalized care of a mom-and-pop operation with the resources of a national chain, Two Men and a Truck is the choice for you.
With over 35 years of experience, competitive pricing, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, their professional moving services are sure to meet your needs.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
Moving APT is a trusted full-service moving company with over 20 years of experience.
They specialize in local and long-distance moves, catering to both in-town and out-of-state relocations.
With a commitment to quality service at reasonable prices, Moving APT offers a great balance for your moving needs.
Moving APT is an excellent choice for both local and longer distance moves. They bring a lot to the table, including extensive experience, attention to detail, and dedication to customer satisfaction.
The team at Moving APT goes the extra mile to ensure the safe and punctual delivery of your belongings without exceeding your budget, and we appreciate their excellent customer service.
BEST TEAMS
4.3
Unlike a full-service mover, PODS takes a different approach to your relocation. Rather than relying on a team of movers, PODS delivers a moving container to your location.
Then, you can load it up at your own pace. When ready, all you have to do is contact PODS for pick-up and transportation to your new place. It’s flexible, easy, and convenient.
For those who value flexibility, PODS is an excellent choice. With various container sizes and the freedom to load and unload on your own schedule, PODS offers convenience and control.
We appreciate the balance between the affordability of a DIY move and the ease of full-service cross country movers, and it’s great to have temporary storage if needed.
If you want a smooth and successful moving experience, you have to choose the right local moving company. But how do you know you’re dealing with a mover you can trust? Here’s what you should keep in mind when you’re shopping for movers:
Every moving company needs to have proper licenses. They also have to adhere to local regulations. If you want to be safe, ask to see their licenses to make sure they’re totally legit.
A licensed company undergoes thorough checks of its fleets and employees, providing you with peace of mind.
Prioritize a mover that offers full coverage moving insurance. While it’s rare, accidents can happen – and you’ll want to be reimbursed for any damaged or missing items.
Movers are legally required to provide a base insurance coverage of $0.60 per pound of destroyed items, but full coverage means you’ll get the full value back.
Choose a local moving company with ample experience in the industry. A company that’s been around for many years possesses expertise and confidence in handling various moving tasks.
They’ll have the know-how to handle packing, loading, moving, and unpacking efficiently, even in tricky circumstances.
It’s a good idea to check out Google and Yelp, but don’t forget your family and friends. Seek out recommendations from friends and family who have recently moved.
Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights into reputable local moving companies. Consider their suggestions and opinions to help you make a more informed decision.
Avoid making impulsive decisions based solely on initial offers. It’s a good idea to request a detailed moving estimate from your local moving company, including a whole list of services and pricing.
Discuss any other factors that may impact your final costs, such as access fees, packing supplies, and packing services.
You’ll be making some calls, so keep track of how your movers treat you when you’re on the phone with them. Representatives should treat you with respect and professionalism, even when you haven’t booked a move with them.
You should choose a company that values your satisfaction and addresses your concerns in a polite and attentive manner.
It’s important to take your time when you’re searching for a mover. By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can make the right call and choose a mover that really cares.
Even a move down the block can be a major headache. Fortunately, a bit of planning can make the whole process easier.
Prep well in advance. Even if you have a few months before moving day, something will always come up to knock you off course – especially if you’re juggling work and family. Start preparing a few months before your move to minimize stress and give yourself more time to get organized.
Organization starts with planning. Include every detail and task that you’ll have to take care of, from packing each room to notifying your utility providers. Utilize a moving checklist to track your progress and break down the process into manageable phases. This is your chance to map out your budget, too.
While focusing on packing your belongings from your current home, don’t forget to prepare your new home for your arrival. Arrange for utilities to be activated, update your address to avoid missing important mail, and prepare your space for your arrival by decluttering and clearing up a staging area.
Get all your moving supplies together before you begin packing. You should have an ample supply of boxes – including sturdy ones for heavier items. Don’t forget to stock up on bubble wrap or packing paper to keep your fragile items safe during transport.
Enlist the support of family, friends, or coworkers to assist you during the move. Moving on your own can be time-consuming and demanding, so having helping hands makes a significant difference.
If you really want to cut down on stress, pay your professional movers for their packing service. It may cost a little extra, but an easy move is priceless.
Hiring professional movers for your move comes with numerous advantages. Beyond cutting down on stress, booking pro movers can help you stay focused on other crucial aspects of your move. Here are some other benefits of booking a local moving company:
Local movers have been around the block a few times, pun intended. They’ll know what you’ll need on moving day, and they’ll be able to walk you through your next steps. Not only will they help you plan your move, they’ll show up with all the right equipment to make the whole process easier.
Local movers often conduct in-house inspections. This involves an agent making a house call to go over all the stuff you’ll need to move, and the general layout of your home or apartment. It’s all part of providing an accurate estimate, but it’s also a great chance for them to keep you informed about any possible hiccups or challenges for your move.
Local movers know the area. They’ll know the best routes to cut down on traffic congestion, which saves you time and money.
They’ll also know where to park conveniently in areas where parking may be limited. With local moves typically billed on an hourly basis, having some detailed knowledge of your area can really save your wallet.
Local moving companies provide excellent customer service and mom-and-pop attention to detail. It may be tempting to choose a larger corporate mover, but big companies often lack the personalized care and dedicated attention that local movers can offer.
Local moving companies typically charge based on an hourly rate. Before your move, they’ll conduct an in-home survey to issue an estimate. The amount of stuff they’ll have to move and the general layout of your house will make a big difference on your final price, so if you want to save every penny, we recommend keeping everything easy to access.
We recommend 15% to 20% of the total price of your move, to be divided up between your entire moving team – don’t forget the driver! Some companies may explicitly decline gratuities, but in the moving industry tips are usually accepted and expected.
The number of movers on the job will depend on the size of the house, but for a general rule of thumb, it’s about two movers per room. Understaffing a move can lead to longer completion times and potentially increased costs. Having a larger team ensures the job is handled efficiently and minimizes the risk of damage or injury.
Movers offer different levels of insurance. They’re actually required by law to provide up to a minimum of $0.60 per pound of items lost, damaged, or destroyed.
However, this means if you break your 20-pound flat-screen TV, you’ll only get paid $12. If you want full coverage insurance, you’ll have to pay extra – but it means you’ll be reimbursed for the full value of your items.
Local moves can take around 1 or 2 days, but it really depends on how much stuff you have to transport and how far everything needs to go. Make sure your movers know how much furniture and boxes you have so they can come prepared with the right size truck and the right size team.
We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.
We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s:
You’ve made it to the end, and you’ve seen our picks for the best of the best. Now, all you have to do is get in touch and compare some quotes! With proper preparation and the assistance of reliable movers, you can enjoy a stress-free and successful relocation.
Happy moving – and don’t forget to check back in with Moving Feedback for more tips and tricks to make moving day even easier!
Meet Harrison, a writer with a real passion for real estate and moving. For the past three years, he's been putting his writing skills to use for companies in these industries, but his experience with moving extends far beyond his keyboard. In fact, he's moved over a dozen times himself, sometimes with the help of professionals, and other times by taking on the move all on his own. Through these experiences, he's learned some valuable lessons about what can make a move a breeze, and what can turn it into a stressful nightmare. And when he's not busy writing, you can find him researching ways to make his next move as smooth and easy as possible.