Whether you think of Massachusetts as “The Bay State,” “The Codfish State,” or “The Old Colony State,” it’s undeniably a beautiful New England area that many people love. If you’re planning on moving to Massachusetts, hiring the best moving companies in Massachusetts for your move will save you a lot of hassle.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
To help your moving experience go as smoothly as possible, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on the best movers in Massachusetts using our unique, detailed criteria, hours of research, and an assessment of each company’s services, pricing, reputation, and more. With this guide to a Massachusetts move, you can feel confident in your decision.
What Are the Best Moving Companies in Massachusetts?
My top 9 recommended moving companies for 2023 are:
Compare the Best Moving Companies in Massachusetts
Company | Best For | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-distance Cost |
 | Best Full-Service | B | $650–$1350 | $2,100–$5,400 | |
 | Most Transparent Pricing | B- | $550–$1,100 | $2,550–$5,700 | |
 | Best Cost Estimation Tools | B | $700 - $1,250 | $1,800 - $4980 | |
 | Best Flat-Rate | Not Rated | Not available for local moves | $2,200–$5,500 | |
 | Most Moving | B | Call for a quote | $2,750–$5,200 | |
 | Most Customizable | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750–$6,000 | |
 | Best Vehicle | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Pricing | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Technology | A+ | Call for quote | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Container Service | A+ | Not available for local moves | $1,350–$2,400 | |
 | Best Valuation Coverage Options | A+ | $1,200-$2,750 | $3,100-$8,400 |
*Quote and cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
Overall, we find IVL’s rates very competitive, so you can stay within budget while meeting your needs. One downside is that International Van Lines is also a broker, so it does contract some moves out to third-party movers. Still, IVL maintains high customer service ratings, so this doesn’t affect service quality in most cases.
As a full-service moving provider, International Van Lines can handle just about any part of your move and offers enough flexibility with its options so you can create your ideal package. Some of the most commons services offered include:
- 30 days of free storage during a move
- Auto transportation
- Crating
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing supplies
- Short-term and long-term storage
- Specialized packing for delicate items
- Vehicle shipping
International Van Lines has the most comprehensive moving options I’ve seen compared to any other provider in Massachusetts:
- Auto transportation
- Commercial
- Cross-country
- Interstate
- Intrastate
- Local
- Military
- Overseas
International Van Line doesn’t stand out regarding discounts but provides standard senior and military discounts. When coordinating your move with IVL, mention to your representative that you are a senior citizen or served in the military to receive between 10% to 15% off select services.
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
As a moving carrier, American Van Lines only provides in-house services, so you don’t have to worry about your move being brokered out to a less reputable company. If you are making a long-distance move to a bigger city in Massachusetts, AVL is an excellent choice since it has weekly moving shuttles to all major U.S. cities — including Boston. I recommend American Van Lines for its flat-rate pricing and price matching because these policies save you a lot of money. However, you will have to go through the hassle of getting a quote over the phone or in person because AVL doesn’t offer online quotes like many of its competitors.
I like that American Van Lines offers everything from basic packing and unpacking services to full-service certified apartment movers to make your local move a snap. This company also provides special corporate services and crating for large items, which most providers on this list don’t offer.
- Certified apartment and household movers
- Crating for big items like pianos, bed frames, or flat-screen TVs
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Office moving services and corporate relocation
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing supplies
- Specialty packing services for antiques, musical instruments, and other delicate items
- Storage options
- Vehicle shipping
Compared to other providers, this company has a substantial variety of moving options:
- Interstate moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military moving
American Van Lines advertises price matching, a massive benefit for anyone trying to save money on their move. To use price matching, speak with your AVL representative about better quotes you’ve been offered by other moving professionals for comparable services. This process saves you money and the hassle of negotiating with AVL for the best deal.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
4.2
Our Rating
As a moving broker, Interstate Moving & Relocation Group coordinates your move with other third-party movers. While this can mean varied service quality, I find that this gives you more options when it comes to specialty moves.
For example, if you need vehicle shipping or furniture disassembly, Interstate Moving & Relocation Group can arrange this through its moving partners. If you’re interested in military moving services or corporate relocation, IMRG can handle both of these moves and has been frequently praised for its efficiency with these specialty moves.
International Moving & Relocation Group is a broker, so it is limited by what local providers offer in your area. Still, its wide range of moving partners will usually provide you with plenty of options when it comes to coordinating your move:
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Furniture moving for oversized items like couches or pool tables
- Loading and unloading
- Moving liability plans
- Packing and unpacking
- Storage services
- Vehicle shipping
- Wrapping furniture
The biggest downside to choosing Interstate Moving and Relocation Group is the company doesn’t offer local moving options.
- Corporate moves
- Long distance moves
- Military moves
During my research, I couldn’t find any discounts listed on this long-distance movers’ website. Some customers reported receiving a military discount, so I recommend asking your contact about this and any other discounts the company may offer.
Safeway Moving
4.1
Our Rating
Safeway Moving is a full-service moving broker based in Chicago. I appreciate this company’s dedication to customer service and strong customer reviews that frequently point out how easy it was to work with Safeway. Many customers shared positive experiences of how Safeway navigated their strict condo association and HOA regulations, a big plus for anyone moving to or from these neighborhoods. Unfortunately, Safeway Moving doesn’t arrange local moves, so you must look at other providers if this is your plan.
Compared to other providers, Safeway Moving offers more moving services than average, giving you significant flexibility when planning your move. You can opt for full-service, customized, and partial pack moving services with some of the following options:
- Car shipping
- Commercial relocation
- Custom crating
- Full valuation coverage and liability insurance options
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading services
- Packing and unpacking services
- Packing supplies
- Piano moving
- Specialty items moving
- Storage services (30 days of free storage)
Unfortunately, Safeway Moving doesn’t provide any local moving options in Massachusetts, so anyone interested in smaller moves will be out of luck with this provider. It does offer:
- International moving
- Interstate moving
- Long-distance moving
Customers have reported many discount opportunities with Safeway, including a student, veteran, senior, first responder, and teacher discount, so be sure to speak with your representative about these options.
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Moving APT is a moving broker with a huge variety of specialized services and a massive network of over 500 partners.Its partners are listed on its website with detailed ranking and to-the-point information about the best Massachusetts partners. This company also provides online moving quotes, so you can quickly gather ballpark ideas of how much your move would cost.
I recommend Moving APT for anyone who needs specialized services and wants to work with a company that rigorously vets its partners’ registration status, standing, and licensing — but be cautious about varying service quality from some of its partners.
Moving APT coordinates various services in Massachusetts through its many moving partners. These are some of the most common services offered:
- Appliance connection
- Auto shipping
- Custom crating
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly (limited)
- Home staging
- Junk removal
- Moving supplies
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
Overall, most movers will be happy with Moving APT’s wide variety of services:
- Commercial
- International
- Local
- Long-distance
Moving APT doesn’t advertise any discounts, but the company saves you money by shopping around its partners and price-matching so you receive the lowest price possible.
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
I picked JK Moving Services for this guide because of its dedicated moving coordinator. Each client is assigned a dedicated moving coordinator who handles your in-house quote consultation, answers all your questions, and coordinates your move, making the process seamless.
I also like that all of JK Moving Services’ employees are background checked and trained in fully furnished training homes, ensuring that your belongings are handled properly. On the downside, JK Moving Services can be more expensive than other providers — but you are paying for the highly personalized, customer-first service.
I like that JK Moving Services advertises a wide range of services. Still, compared to moving carriers like American Van Lines, the company may be unable to coordinate services if local partners are unavailable:
- Archive services
- Auto relocation
- Business storage services (short-term and long-term)
- Climate-controlled storage options (short-term and long-term)
- Crating
- Financing assistance
- Freighting
- Furniture wrapping
- GPS shipment tracking
- Loading and unloading
- Optional full-value protection
- Packing and unpacking
- Transportation and delivery on moving trucks
Other than its complete lack of local moving options, JK Moving Services provides a great range of moving options for anyone making a long-distance move:
- Government moving
- International moving
- Long-distance moving
- Speciality Massachusetts commercial moves (data centers, corporate relocation, laboratory moves, and other specialized services)
JK Moving Services doesn’t advertise discounts on its website, but the company has special financing through the home improvement loan company Enhancify. With Enhancify, you can finance your move with APR rates as low as 0%, depending on your credit.
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
Allied Van Lines is hands-down my top choice for vehicle shipping because of its almost unheard-of in-house vehicle shipping and vehicle guarantee. Almost all movers offering vehicle shipment outsource this service, which can leave you feeling uneasy. Its vehicle guarantee gives extra peace of mind by guaranteeing your vehicle will be protected during shipping.
It also promises to provide you with a rental car should your shipment run late. On the downside, many customers have reported that the claims process for damages is time-consuming, which is not a strong trend for good customer service.
Allied offers greater vehicle transportation options, vehicle guarantees, and insurance coverage than many other providers. Here are some of its top services:
- Auto and boat transportation
- DIY moving container service
- Extended insurance coverage
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Long-term storage arrangement
- Packing and unpacking
- Specialty packing for delicate items
- Storage for in-transit items
- Vehicle guarantees
Allied Van Lines offers enough moving options for most homeowners, but doesn’t offer specialty moving services like corporate relocation or military moves. Here are its options:
- International moving
- Interstate moving
- Local moving
Allied Van Lines advertises no discounts on its website, but customer reviews report a senior discount between 10% and 15%. Speak with your Allied representative about any discounts or promotions you may qualify for to secure the best price.
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
U-Pack is a budget-friendly moving container company that gives you three days to pack your container, then a qualified driver picks it up when you’re done and delivers it to your new home. I love that U-Pack has 240 service centers throughout the USA and Canada, so you have plenty of options when requesting a moving container or moving trailer.
U-Pack’s “pay for what you use” pricing is especially beneficial because you won’t overpay for space you don’t use in the containers. On the other hand, U-Pack doesn’t offer local moving solutions, which isn’t ideal for anyone making a small move.
U-Pack is a moving container company that doesn’t provide add-on services like auto transportation, home staging, or packing like most moving providers. However, it’s a good choice for anyone looking to make a DIY move at a budget-friendly price.
U-Pack offers limited moving options, as you can only book long-distance moves of 150 miles or greater. If you’re interested in a local move, you’ll need to consider other providers.
U-Pack sometimes advertises promo codes through its blog, like this coupon post with a $25 off code. Otherwise, customers report that you can ask your U-Pack contact about discounts for active military members, seniors, and students.
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
North American Van Lines has over 85 years of experience in the moving industry and can coordinate nearly any specialty service you may need in Massachusetts. I love NAVL’s variable pricing structure, which allows you to set “not to exceed” and “bottom line” price limits. You’ll never pay more than these limits unless you change your services or inventory. On the downside, NAVL receives more complaints about damaged items or a lengthy claims process than other providers.
NAVL is a full-service moving company offering a large variety of moving services, including better-than-average moving insurance coverage options:
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection
- Auto transport
- Basic liability coverage
- Crane van for oversized items
- Fragile item packing
- Full-valuation coverage
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing materials
- Storage services
North American Van Lines has a standard range of moving options — including local moves — which many providers in this area don’t offer:
- International moves (over 175 countries included)
- Interstate moves
- Local moving
- Long distance moves
North American Van Lines offers 40% to 65% off if you’re a member of The Senior Citizens League, which is a far greater discount than other providers on this list provide. All you need to do is mention you are a member of The Senior Citizen League for this discount on long-distance and short moves.
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How Much Do Top Moving Companies Typically Charge in Massachusetts?
The cost of your move is based on many factors, such as the cost of living, traffic, services, distance, state taxes, gas, and much more. Since Massachusetts has a higher cost of living, this can factor into a higher-than-average move cost — especially in the Boston area.
| Type of Move | Average Cost |
| Local move (within the same city) | $600 – $2,400 |
| Local move (within the same state) | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Long-distance move | $600 – $10,000+ |
| International move | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Full-service move | $2,300+ |
| Auto moving | $1,000+ per vehicle |
Next, look at some of my favorite providers’ quotes for moves to or within Massachusetts based on the number of bedrooms and distance.
2 Bedroom Homes
| Home Size | Moving Estimate | Average Provided By |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $2,000 – $4,300 | International Van Lines |
| 2-bedroom home | $750 – $1,900 | Moving APT |
| 2-bedroom home | $1,800 – $4,500 | North American Van Lines |
| 2-bedroom home | $1,700 – $4,500 | American Van Lines |
*Based on a local move in Massachusetts of less than 250 miles.
4 Bedroom Homes
| Home Size | Moving Estimate | Average Provided By |
| 4-bedroom home | $7,400 – $10,500 | American Van Lines |
| 4-bedroom home | $7,500 – $10,500 | North American Van Lines |
| 4-bedroom home | $7,800 – $11,000 | Moving APT |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,800 – $4,000 | U-Pack (DIY Move) |
How Can You Negotiate With the Top Moving Companies and Get Discounts?
Many moving providers offer 10% to 15% discounts for seniors, students, members of the military, or savvy shoppers asking for price matches or discounts. While this may not sound like a lot, 10% off of a $3,000 move is $300 saved, which can quickly add up.
Gather at least three quotes from reputable moving companies with a written estimate detailing comparable services. Then return to your preferred provider with the least expensive quote and ask if the representative can match it. Always be polite, persistent, and confident. Remember, the company wants you as a customer, and most movers leave wiggle room in their prices.
Other ways to save money include offering flexibility on your moving date and time, asking about special promotions or package deals, and looking for promo codes online.
How Can You Avoid Moving Scams From Bad Moving Companies?
Moving scams are any intentional action on behalf of the mover that leaves you paying more or not receiving the services you expected. These scams can cost you money and time — or even the complete loss of your personal belongings — which is a scary situation for any homeowner.
Here are some common moving scams and what you can do to protect yourself:
- Large down payments: It’s standard for companies to charge a down payment or deposit of up to 25%, but professional movers asking for 40% or more should be closely examined because this may be a scam where the movers run off with your hard-earned money.
- Secure a contract and written estimate: Everything needs to be in writing to prove what you were quoted and what services are expected. This gives you a leg to stand on should the company try to upcharge you later with hidden fees or claim your inventory was more than expected.
- Vet your moving company: Does the company have a poor Better Business Bureau rating or customer reviews? Are they registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Administration with a current DOT number?
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Top Moving Company?
Choosing the best moving company for your move depends on several factors, such as:
- Your budget: What can you afford to pay during this move? Make a budget with some wiggle room, especially if you’re planning a long-distance trip that can quickly add up. Research different options and gather multiple quotes to help you assess your options.
- Your distance: Eliminate companies from your list of possibilities based on what kind of moves it handles. For example, if you’re making a local move, you won’t be able to book U-Pack or Safeway Moving’s services because these companies only conduct long-distance moves.
- Your items: Do any items need special care or disassembly to move? Look for full-service companies with specialty services like American Van Lines or International Van Lines to coordinate these moving processes.
- Your preferences: What is your top priority when hiring movers? Consider what companies can handle these priorities, such as vehicle shipping or full-pack services, to reduce your stress levels.
- Your timeline: If you have over eight weeks until your move date, you have more time to shop around. Use this to your advantage to secure the best deal.
So, What Is the Best Moving Company in Massachusetts?
Choosing the right local moving company means avoiding a stressful move filled with poor service, shady pricing, and miscommunication. Researching the best moving company in Massachusetts for your needs, priorities, and location can save yourself the hassle.
If you’re moving to Boston, I recommend American Van Lines because of its city shuttle service. Otherwise, I recommend International Van Lines because of its unmatched moving services, options, and top-rated customer service. Before you make your final decision, take a moment to request several free moving quotes to get an overview of what your Massachusetts movers will cost you.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
FAQs About the Best Moving Companies in Massachusetts
What are the cheapest days to hire movers?
If you have flexibility with your move date, consider moving on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, as movers typically have better availability and cheaper rates on these days.
Who regulates moving companies in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Transportation Oversight Division regulates all in-state moving companies. Check out this list of all licensed companies to ensure your movers operate legally.
What is the hourly rate for movers in Massachusetts?
On average, you can expect two movers and a moving truck to cost around $90 to $180 per hour, depending on the company, tolls, gas, and much more.
How do I find the best local movers?
Ask your local friends and families for referrals to local movers they’ve enjoyed working with. After gathering several recommendations, vet the company online, take your time during the quote process, and think through your options before making a final decision.
Methodology: How We Ranked The Best Moving Companies in Massachusetts
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our moving company ratings in Massachusetts emphasize what matters most to you — reputable, affordable companies able to tackle a wide range of packing and moving tasks.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with former and current professional movers.
A Massachusetts moving company can earn a maximum of 100 points across four categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies that operate in the state of Massachusetts and developed the following formula:
- Transparency (30 Points): We awarded top points to Massachusetts moving companies that supplied quotes quickly and provided easy-to-read moving contracts. We used the availability of sample pricing and quick quote features, GPS tracking, and clear customer service hours to determine this metric. Points were also awarded for up-front communication regarding policies, licensing, insurance, and the clear listing of added fees.
- Basic Service Options (20 Points): While this may seem like a given for most movers, a strong basic service profile is not guaranteed when you book your move. Massachusetts movers that offer local, long-distance, and international moving, while providing packing and loading with their basic service packages rate highly here.
- Customization Options (30 Points): Aside from basic services, a comprehensive list of added services indicates a mover’s quality. Assembly and disassembly, valuation coverage, piano moving, car shipping, and similar add-ons indicate a mover that puts customer service first.
- Reputation (20 Points): We assessed each mover’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. We weighed BBB ratings and the company’s complaint response rate to calculate this metric.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
