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Last Updated: Jan 01, 2024
Moving is a big step, but Moving Feedback has your back. We've thoroughly researched over 20 moving companies in Boston to bring you our top recommendations based on services, customer reviews, and costs.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
4.7
BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4.4
The research team at Moving Feedback has done the heavy lifting to bring you a reliable list of the top 5 movers in Boston, pulling from authentic customer reviews and our own 10+ years of experience in the moving industry.
We got the inside scoop on what movers are worth your time and some tips and tricks you can’t find anywhere else.
Read on to learn more about the top 5 movers in Boston, and check out our insider tips to make your Boston move even easier.
Budgeting is essential, so keep in mind that a local move in Boston costs between $350 and $800, and a long-distance move costs between $1150 and $13500.
You may have to pay more or less depending on the size of your load, and the distance you’re moving.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (Less than 100 Miles) | $350 – $800 | $750 – $1900 | $1200 – $4650 |
| 100 miles | $1150 – $1500 | $1350 – $1700 | $1500 – $3400 |
| 250 miles | $1200 – $2000 | $1500 – $3500 | $2,000 – $4800 |
| 750 miles | $1400 – $2900 | $2100 – $6900 | $5500 – $7900 |
| 1500 miles | $1600 – $3200 | $2600 – $7400 | $6700 – $9500 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1900 – $3700 | $3900 – $8200 | $13500+ |
Full-services movers are the ideal way to complete a Boston move. If you are planning a local or long-distance move, consider the following before making a decision.
It’s essential to start searching for moving companies no less than eight weeks before your moving date – and ideally at least 12 weeks ahead of time. Taking a head start on your mover search gives you plenty time to research potential options, get quotes, and read reviews.
Procrastinators beware: You’ll definitely need the extra time to organize and shop around for movers. Your wallet will thank you. Moving companies tend to be heavily booked during peak moving season, and waiting until the last minute to hire a moving service may result in having to pay a premium for their services.
Remember, finding a reliable and licensed mover takes more than just a Google search. You’ll need to devote some time to reading customer reviews and researching each company’s moving services, credentials, and policies before deciding which one to hire.
Fortunately, Moving Feedback makes it super easy to compare moving company prices and reviews – all in one place. We’ll help you make an informed decision about which Boston moving companies you should hire, all based on previous customer feedback, licensing information, and the moving services provided.
When you’re looking for movers, we recommend only looking into moving companies that are fully licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA). This licensing is required for any company that handles moves across state lines.
On the other hand, if you’re only moving local, then you’ll need to ensure that the company you’re considering is fully licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
Whether you’re going local or going long distance, all of the movers in this article are fully licensed and insured, so you can breathe easy knowing your belongings are in good hands.
When considering movers in Boston, you’ll also want to look for a company that offers the specific moving services you require. Keep an eye out for the following:
Full-service moving companies usually include loading, transport, and unloading into their moving quotes. It may make your final price a little higher, but these additional services can turn a good move into a great one.
It’s common practice for Boston moving companies to offer free in-home and virtual moving quotes for local or long-distance moves. However, you should look over your moving quote very closely to make sure you’re not getting billed for anything you don’t need:
By understanding what is and isn’t included in the quote, you can avoid any last-minute surprises or unexpected costs on moving day.
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| 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Best Overall | Best for Long Distance | Best Customer Reviews | Best Teams | Best Service |
| 15% Seniors & Military Discounts | 18% Flexibility Discount | 20% Seasonal Discount | 15% Student Discount | 18% Flexibility Discount |
| $2700-$6200 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2900-$6500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2850-$6350 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2200-$5400 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2300-$5600 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
BEST OVERALL
4.9
We looked through a ton of moving companies in Boston, and out of all the shops we looked into, Moving APT stands out as our top choice.
With over two decades of experience, the team at Moving APT has built a solid reputation for dependable and efficient moves.
They offer a wide range of moving options, including packing assistance and storage solutions. It’s much-needed flexibility, and their customers really appreciate being able to pick and choose.
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
4.7
If you have valuable antiques or artwork, you need a premium mover. That’s where Adams Van Lines comes in.
With specialized moving options designed for high-value items, they offer a real VIP moving experience.
Adams Van Lines has built a strong reputation as a trusted provider of top-notch, high-end moving services, placing great emphasis on careful handling.
BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4.4
Native Van Lines is a highly-rated moving company that specializes in both local and long-distance moves.
If you’re wondering how good their service needs to be to warrant all of their awards and 5-star reviews, just check out their website – their customers are more than happy to do the talking for them.
Native Van Lines has built a trusted reputation by prioritizing top-notch customer care.
Stairhopper Movers is a hometown hero, based in Boston and boasting over 19 years of experience.
They’re dedicated to providing mom and pop customer service with a national reach, and they have a whole range of different moving options to fit your needs.
Stairhopper delivers moves without breaking the bank, and their moving teams are professional, experienced, and knowledgeable.
BEST SERVICE
4.4
Another proud Boston moving company, Horizon Boston Movers is a cost-effective relocation specialist.
They can handle residential, commercial, and long-distance moves alike, and their local knowledge really helps when you’re trying to move in and around the city.
Be on the lookout for sweet discounts: Horizon is known for knocking off a few bucks for first responders and military personnel.
The distance your stuff has to travel is one of the biggest factors behind your final moving cost. Longer moves require more time, fuel, and money. Don’t forget, local moves are usually charged per hour. It’s in your best interests to avoid rush hour.
You’ll pay a lot more money if your movers have to haul a lot more stuff. Long-distance moves are charged by weight, so we recommend downsizing before moving day.
If your movers have to navigate an obstacle course, expect to pay a little extra. Challenges like stairs, narrow hallways, and special handling requirements can increase the complexity and, subsequently, the cost of the move.
Opting for professional packing services can be pricey, but it ensures the safety and efficient handling of your items during transit. Plus, you won’t have to deal with boxing and packing by yourself. It’s money well-spent.
If you have delicate or valuable belongings that require extra care and protection, specialized packing materials or handling may rack up additional charges.
Trying to save money on your move? Avoid the summer months, and any major holidays. Peak moving season means increased demand and higher costs. We recommend scheduling your move for mid-month, mid-week, and far from summer.
Adding insurance coverage for your belongings can contribute to the overall cost, but it does provide some much-needed peace of mind. Some movers won’t provide full-coverage insurance unless you pay for packing, too, so plan ahead.
A lot of movers provide extra services, but not many offer these services for free. Storage, assembly and disassembly of furniture, and disconnecting and reconnecting appliances all may incur extra charges.
Big-name moving companies often charge higher rates. In some cases, this reflects their expertise and reliability, but in others, you’re really just paying for the brand. Check reviews to know what you’re getting.
As the most populous city in New England, Boston offers plenty of sights and attractions for everyone. Use our comprehensive Boston moving guide below for information on everything from how to find the best moving companies in Boston to tips and advice for before, during, and after the move.
When moving to or from Boston, there are a few ways you can make the process go smoothly:
Organizing and planning is the cornerstone of any pleasant moving experience – whether you’re working with movers in Boston or anywhere else. Be sure to create a moving checklist to detail all the tasks you’ll need to complete before, during, and after your move.
A moving checklist will help you make sure that nothing gets forgotten or left behind. We also admit it’s pretty satisfying crossing those big-ticket items off of a to-do list. Some of the most important things to add to your moving checklist include:
By getting everything on your checklist done well in advance, you can avoid any last-minute stressors or complications on moving day.
Boston movers recommend packing little by little, starting well before your actual moving day. Start with non-essential items that you don’t use, or at least won’t need until after your relocation.
After your non-essential items are packed, move on to other items such as clothes, books, and other household items. Finally, focus on packing the most essential items last, such as electronics, toiletries, and valuables.
This packing process will also help declutter your home along the way. Decluttering means you won’t be stuck with a ton of junk to get rid of once you’re finally moved in. It also means you’ll actually save money on the overall cost of your movers.
On a moving day, it’s best to stay out of your movers’ way. But beforehand, make sure you label all of your boxes clearly so that your movers know where everything goes. Also, be sure to have a plan for where you want the furniture to go in your new place.
After the move is all finished, take some time to inspect each box and piece of furniture for any damage that might have occurred during transport. If there’s any damage, document it with photos and file a claim with your moving company as soon as possible.
When you’re looking into booking a Boston moving company, make sure you budget out enough to pay the rest of your bills after you’re all settled in.
If you’re renting a home or apartment, you’ll need enough for the initial deposit. In Boston, the rent deposit is usually the first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit (typically one month’s rent).
In the case of a two-bedroom apartment that averages $2500 per month, you should expect to shell out $7500 upfront just for deposits. It’s pricey, but nobody ever said Boston is cheap.
While rent will take up a significant portion of your overall living costs, there are others to consider, such as:
Your Boston movers will help you settle into a new place, whether you’re in Jamaica Plain, Dorchester or anywhere else. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Boston for different types of people:
The South End is a great neighborhood for young professionals. It is centrally located, near public transportation and has plenty of restaurants and bars. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the South End is $2500.
Another great option for young professionals is Charlestown. It is slightly more expensive, with an average rent of $3000 for a one-bedroom apartment. While it’s a little pricey, Charlestown offers a lot more space and is closer to the city center. This makes access a lot easier for you, and for your movers.
Families tend to gravitate towards the suburbs, where there’s more space and fewer people. But there are still some great options for families in Boston proper.
One great neighborhood for families in Dorchester. It has a small-town feel with all of the amenities of a big city. The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Dorchester is $3500.
Another excellent option for families is Jamaica Plain. It’s slightly more expensive, with an average rent of $4000 for a three-bedroom apartment. However, you’re really getting what you’re paying for. Jamaica Plain offers much more space and excellent schools.
The average cost of a two-bedroom Boston move will vary between $1500-$7000+. The most significant determining factor to the price will be if you are performing a local or long-distance move.
Secondary to the type of move, your final price will vary if you require additional services such as packing, car transport, or storage. Moving companies in Boston can provide extra options to make your move easier, but it’ll come at a price.
Piano moving costs will vary depending on the company you choose, and the specifics of your move. Every move is different, but generally, companies charge hourly rates or by item for specialty moves like pianos.
For example, some companies in Boston may charge $100-$300 per hour for piano moving services, while others may charge a flat fee starting around $500.
There are a few ways you can save money if you’re moving in Boston. First, if you have the time (and the patience), you can handle the packing and unpacking yourself. You should also consider getting rid of items you don’t need. This means less stuff to pack up, and less stuff to haul on moving day.
DIY moves are cost-effective, but the savings may not be as huge as you’d hope. By the time you factor in the truck rental, the fuel prices, and the time you may have to take off from work, you might be just barely edging out full-service movers in terms of the final price. Look into full-service movers and ask around for discounts to see if you can save money and save your sanity at the same time.
The best time to move in Boston will depend on your specific needs and situation. Many people choose to move during the summer months when the weather is more favorable.
However, this is also the busiest time for moving companies, so you may have to book your services further in advance to ensure you get the particular moving company and moving date you want.
You can also consider moving during the winter months when there are typically fewer people moving. This can sometimes lead to lower rates for your Boston movers, but you’ll have to plan around any inclement weather. You don’t want to get snowed out on a moving day.
Boston is full of excellent neighborhoods that make great places to live. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Boston include the South End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Charlestown, and the North End. These areas all offer a mix of historic charm, excellent dining and shopping, and easy access to public transportation.
If you don’t mind commuting or you want to live a little further from the city center, there are also many great neighborhoods to check out in the Boston suburbs. Some of the most popular suburbs include Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and Newton. These areas all offer more affordable housing options, green spaces, safety, and much more peace and quiet.
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 seen the list, and you’ve seen the tips and tricks. Now all you have to do is get in touch with one of the movers on our list! Moving in Boston can be a challenge, but with the help of the pro movers we’ve recommended in this article, you can make moving day quick, efficient, and stress-free.
Contact one of the movers on our list to get started, and don’t forget to check back in with Moving Feedback for more information about how you can make your move 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.