Moving is an already stressful process. Between signing contracts and packing up all of your worldly belongings, it’s a process that can take weeks, if not months, to complete. One way to cut down on the hassle, the stress, the run-around, and the headaches is to work with one of the best moving companies in New York.
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
By partnering with a well-reviewed and experienced moving service in the state, you can avoid all-too-common moving scams and rest assured that your items are arriving at your new home in the same condition they left your old home. Taking the steps now to contact the right companies can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
During my extensive review process, I reached out to several moving companies that operate throughout New York City and New York State. I moved long-distance out of New York in 2010 and remember the questions that I had. I made sure to get the answers to those for you during my conversations with several moving companies. This approach gave me valuable insight into customer service and individual companies’ offerings. Below, I’ve outlined the top 5 best moving companies in New York and scored each one on their services, customization options, reputation, transparency, and more so you know what to expect when you call to make your move.
Top 5 New York Moving Companies
- Safeway Moving would be my go-to moving company in New York if going out of state as the company offers up-front information, made the quoting process easy, and had very strong reviews. For those looking to move within the state of New York or for all-around best service, even though I had a poor customer service experience, I’d have to recommend International Van Lines as it offers almost everything a customer could need to make their move hassle-free.
- If you’re looking to save money on moving cross-country, I highly recommend packing all or at least some of your property because professional packing costs can easily top $1,000. If you want to avoid packing at all costs, shopping around, can help you secure the best deal.
- When working with a moving company in New York, always verify that they are licensed and insured in the state and in the area you’re moving to. A proactive approach can help you avoid scams.
My Expert Recommendation
My personal choice out of these five moving companies in New York would have to be Safeway Moving. The brand was straightforward about their pricing, the customer reps were extremely quick and helpful over the phone, and followed up with plenty of informative emails. I felt I walked away from the conversation well-educated about their processes and what to expect. If you run a busy life like myself and dread packing up your property, too, Safeway offers one of the least expensive full-service packing options out of the companies I talked to. It is also a carrier, so you know when you partner with Safeway, Safeway is going to show up at your door.
However, Safeway Moving does fall short in one category: it doesn’t offer local services. If you’re looking to make a local move or need a company that offers a bit more, you should reach out to International Van Lines (IVL). My personal but short experience with this company was subpar, but this seems to be an outlier – many reviews praise their attention to detail and standout customer service throughout the entire process, from quoting to moving. In addition, IVL offers a number of services that customers need to ensure they have a hassle-free move cross-country or to the next city over.
Creating an inventory of your home before calling for free quotes can save you time as well as money. Make sure to list out everything that can’t fit in a standard cardboard box from your brooms to rakes and vacuums to weedwackers. Also account for any plastic bins as these are not considered the same as cardboard boxes by moving companies.
New York Moving Companies I Didn’t Include
Although there are plenty of great moving companies in New York, there are a few I decided didn’t make the cut. U-Pack, while a great service for what it is, is entirely self-service. Customers have to handle much of the moving themselves, and the company offers little beyond the basics. I wanted to focus on more traditional services and ones that offered more options to customers. U-Pack also does not handle international moves, and their online quoting tool does not deliver accurate information.
I also did not include Allied Van Lines as their reputation is very difficult to pin down, and the aspects you can find don’t look good. It has an A+ on BBB but only a 1.09/5 on the review side of things. On Google and Yelp, Allied’s individual branches are listed rather than the company as a whole, and many of the reviews there are 1-star as well. While Allied Van Lines offers a lot in the way of options, services, and transparency, I didn’t feel right including them on the list of best moving companies in New York when I couldn’t truly determine their reputation.
Compare the Highest Rated Moving Companies in New York
| Company | Rating | BBB Rating | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A |
$1,400–$9,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
A+ |
$1,700–$13,800 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
B |
$1,250 – $8,500 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
C |
$3,000–$11,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$600–$5,100 |
VISIT SITE | |
 JK Moving Services |
A+ |
$3,000–$6,000 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Companies In New York
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
International Van Lines has a very user-friendly website to help customers get all the information they need for their upcoming move. International provides extensive details about their services, both domestic and international, and offers tools such as calculators and checklists to remove stress and guesswork from the equation. You can even buy your moving boxes directly from their site. As a carrier and broker, IVL is able to handle just about any moving need, too.
Although many customers praise the customer service in reviews, my personal experience was less than stellar. I had to call back several times in order to get a quote, with a promised call back each time and nothing in response. It wasn’t until the 4th call that I was able to talk to a representative. The call, while polite and professional, was short, with very little room for clarification or questions if I had any. Yet I still left the conversation without a quote, with promises to receive one in my email in just a few minutes. The quote took an hour to arrive, had only one of the 3 quotes I requested, and had several errors regarding the property to be moved.
And if I wanted to skip the call to get a quote from their online price tool, it wasn’t a good estimate. It gave the same price range no matter the move size, location, or distance.
Out of the several moving companies I talked to and researched in New York, International Van Lines has one of the most outstanding histories of stellar customer service with an A+ rating on BBB, a 4.5 on TrustedPilot, (as of this writing) and high reviews on other trusted review sources. Their website is also great for getting general information about moving and includes fact sheets such as moving checklists and FAQs so you can be fully prepared to work with them on move day.
In addition, International Van Lines offers a wealth of services that meet the needs of almost any person moving homes. From long-distance moving to assembly and disassembly and junk removal to storage, the company covers the basics and offers plenty of customization options. And since IVL started as an international logistics company, it can be a great choice for those moving overseas thanks to that unique experience.
While International Van Lines does offer a number of services and is our choice for a full-service mover, it is lacking somewhat in transparency. Their online price tool seems to give the same price range regardless of location, items to be moved, and distance. You will need to call to get an accurate quote.
Yet, for me, calling the company seemed to be an exercise in futility. I called several times, left my information, and was promised a call back each time. It took four calls to get through to a representative, and the call was brief, with very little room for questions. Most customers in reviews do praise the communication they received from IVL, so this interaction was confusing, and I’m not entirely sure the quote I received was accurate.
International Van Lines, which scored a 10/10 for its offerings in basic services and overall cost, will meet the majority of customers’ needs when it comes to moving. Their quote also details what is included in the basic rate the company gives you: disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture, loading and unloading, free use of blanks and padding, 30 days of free storage, and basic liability. IVL works with customers in all 50 states and in 150+ countries.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| long-distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
When I contacted International Van Lines about 3 quotes (self-service, full-service packing, and some packing), I requested information about a move from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, with basic furniture and 25 boxes. While I did receive a quote 4 calls and several hours later in my email, it only contained a single quote for full-service packing and several errors with the inventory list. When receiving a quote from International, I highly recommend reading over the provided inventory list to ensure accuracy before signing anything. Also worth noting: IVL will fully refund your deposit up to 48 hours before your scheduled move if you need to cancel.
But the quote did contain some other information about how the company prices their services:
- Full-service option with packing: $4,000.52
- Bulky item: $150
- Unpacking service: $175.00/hour at a minimum of 4 hours
- Piano handling: $150-300
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY to Carrboro, NC for a single-family home, with a move date set 8 weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication.
Available Discounts
One interesting thing I saw in my quote was that full-service packing seemed to be completely included in the price I received (or was added on for 1 cent). Asking for free or discounted packing services may help you lower your quote if this isn’t automatically included for you. IVL also has a service where the crew pack only some of the things you’re not comfortable packing yourself, which can significantly lower the total price.
International Van Lines does offer all of the customization options that the majority of the top 5 moving companies in New York offer. Very few have home staging. As noted above, the quote I was given does go into detail about expected costs for assembly/disassembly, packing material costs, and piano moving. For services such as car shipping and custom crating, however, you will have to reach out to International to get an accurate quote.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
My personal experience aside, many customers praise International Van Line’s customer service and professionalism from both the team over the phone and the crew that performed the moving services. Some customers, however, point out that International is both a carrier and a broker, so if you work with a partner of IVL rather than the company itself, you could have a different experience with the brand.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A / 3.37 | 166 |
| Trustpilot | 4.5 | 55 |
| 3.6 | 681 | |
| Yelp | 1.7 | 541 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Most Common Praise for International Van Lines
Customer service and professionalism are mentioned in a majority of positive reviews for IVL. Customers also praise the crew’s ability to pack things tightly and safely while arriving on schedule. Many clients have found this approach to relieve the stress and hassle of the move.
Most Common Criticism for International Van Lines
While IVL’s reviews are fantastic on Trustpilot and decent on Google and BBB, many of Yelp’s reviewers are not happy with the service they received from the company. These customers were often partnered with one of International’s partners and, therefore, had a different experience than others. In addition, there were complaints of missing items, extensive delays, and damaged property.
We gave IVL a lower score of 6.7/10 for their transparency due to three reasons: unlike some others on this list, it fails to offer GPS tracking or binding estimates, and the organization doesn’t clearly list their additional fees on their website. And while it does have a free moving quote right on their main page, those who use it may quickly discover that it presents you with the same quote no matter where you’re moving from or to or the size of your home. IVL does, however, offer a quick quote feature, has clearly posted customer service hours, and allows customers to book over the phone or online. In addition, IVL is up-front about its status as a broker and carrier – it outsources in Washington, Utah, Oregon, and Montana. For more in-depth quotes that include additional services, customers will have to call IVL.
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
For those looking for a solid moving company that is up-front about their pricing, American Van Lines is an excellent choice. By taking a look at their sample pricing first, you can save a lot of time calling and recalling various moving services for quotes. You get a baseline to work off of. Although the company is missing some services, such as car shipping or junk removal, it is a great option if you’re looking to move your more general furniture and equipment from point A to point B.
American Van Lines does have an A+ on BBB, and even though it has several high reviews on trusted review sites, I personally had a mixed-bag experience. Although the representative was helpful in explaining pricing and detailing what I could expect on move-day, if I had questions or misunderstood something they said, they were short and a bit condescending. It was towards the end of the day, so I’d absolutely give them another chance, but it would be in the back of my mind when talking about this service in the future.
For those who want to avoid the run-around when it comes to moving price quotes and getting solid service, however, American Van Lines should be at the top of your list.
American Van Lines excels where International Van Lines falls short. American is very transparent when it comes to pricing. Their website highlights several sample pricing and special offers for moving cross-country, including moves from Miami to New York City. Those looking into moving services can also use American Van Lines’s quick quote feature available right on their website, and when I called, the representative was extremely helpful in walking me through the pricing.
I also liked that American offers white-glove treatment of pianos and antiques as well as unique storage units. For those who need to keep their items in a climate-controlled environment, there are personal storage vaults available. As a carrier, this moving company handles all of their own trucks and stands out among the competitors for their experienced moving crews.
While American Van Lines brings a lot to the table with experience, it is more limited in their services compared to other options in New York. The company does not offer international moving services and only serves the continental United States. In addition, American will not assist with car shipping, junk removal, or home staging. The moving company’s deposit can also be quite high in comparison to others’; while some companies have wiggle room, American requests about 50% up-front to secure your moving date and time.
If American Van Lines offered international moving services, it would earn a 10. The company offers all the basics you’d expect from a moving service, with some additional luxuries, including climate-controlled storage vaults, specialty solutions for valuable items, protective padded wrappings for furniture, and an inventoried list of every item the crew will be moving for you. It’s common for those moving to underestimate how much they have and how many boxes they’ll need to move, but the representative from American did a great job of breaking down how many boxes they’d personally recommend for me.
Those looking to move out of the country or to Hawaii or Alaska, though, will have to go elsewhere as American does not offer services outside of the 48 lower states. And the company only offers local moves in select locations in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina. For those looking to move locally in other states, American can recommend carriers.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| long-distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
American Van Lines worked with me to understand my individualized quote. The representative sent the entire breakdown in an email and explained the costs of basic services plus additional fees that could be applicable to the move, such as elevators, self-storage delivery, waiting services, toll costs, stairs, and move. The email also presented everything I listed to be moved and a box estimate.
For a 560-mile move from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, with basic furniture and 33 boxes, I was quoted:
- Self-packing option: $3,651.39
- Full-packing option: $4,251.39 – $4,451.39
- Mattress and box spring packaging: $92
- TV Box: $56.50
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set 8 weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication.
Available Discounts
Right off the bat, I was told that the sooner you start looking for a moving company, the better. Many book out several months in advance, especially if you’re looking to move during the spring – the busiest season for buying and selling homes. For those wanting to save some extra cash, it is also a good idea to try packing your own items. For around 33 boxes plus packaging for the mattress and TV, it added $750 to $950 to the total estimated quote.
While American Van Lines does offer a number of customizable options for moving, it doesn’t offer everything a person could need which is why we gave it a 7/10. For example, if you have extra junk you don’t want to take with you, you’ll have to hire an outside service. The company also won’t do home staging or car shipping. But American can dismantle (and reassemble) large furniture pieces and cover any furniture with protective wraps. In addition, the brand has trained experts on hand to dismantle and transport pianos, priceless antiques, and fine arts. A phone call to AVL is required to get an accurate quote on these customizable solutions, yet they don’t have customer service hours clearly listed on their website.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | No |
| Home Staging | No |
American Van Lines has excellent reviews on trusted review sites and an A+ on BBB. The company is well renowned for walking people through the process, answering any questions the customer may have, and on-time delivery and pickup. American can also be flexible if moving times change. However, while American does have a 4.1 on Trustpilot, about 25% of the reviews are 1 star, and it has a much lower rating on Yelp, so far that AVL lost a point.. Some customers who have left poor reviews highlight complaints such as higher-than-expected costs and that while they thought they were hiring American as their carrier, American had actually brokered out the work.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 4.05 | 410 |
| Trustpilot | 4.01 | 28 |
| 4.1 | 852 | |
| Yelp | 2.2 | 435 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Most Common Praise for American Van Lines
Many of the top reviews for American Van Lines talk about responsiveness, professionalism, flexibility, and organization. Customers are able to get their questions answered, and many praise the constant communication during the move. American is very responsive to these positive reviews on Google.
Most Common Criticism for American Van Lines
On the other hand, many also complain about the lack of communication about their property or the quotes. This could come down to individual agents and their responsiveness. It’s worth noting, too, that American is very responsive to poor reviews on BBB, but less so on other sites, such as Google.
Moving is already expensive, but American Van Lines does a good job of being transparent up front about costs and breaking down why something costs what it does in their written quote. With sample pricing available right on their website, those looking to move can get estimates before they even pick up the phone. If you are looking for a straightforward experience, you might be able to get an accurate quote online, too. But for those who want to add customization options, customers will have to pick up the phone and pay attention to the fine print. Some previous customers of American have noted that prices and contacts changed last minute. The company is lacking in some departments; we took some points off for their lack of posted customer hours and listed additional fees to result in a 7.7.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
4.2
Our Rating
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group offers one of the least expensive quotes on this list with hefty discounts and a lower-than-average packing expense. This can be a great option if you’re on a tighter budget. However, as IMRG is a broker, you are taking a gamble with the company you are subcontracted to and you could find your moving costs much higher than you expected as a result. Many customers only found out that the move would be more expensive than they expected day-of.
IMRG and their partners offer just about everything you need from a moving service in New York and the United States, including doing the packing for you, long-distance moving, storage, car shipping, antique moving, and more. Those interested in working with IMRG can get a breakdown of how costs and customization options are estimated right on their prices page.
One of the best things about talking with Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) was their walkthrough of the process and getting a quote over the phone. Their representative talked to me about each room, brought up items that I may have forgotten to include, and we discussed the different factors that could influence the cost that other companies didn’t even question.
While IMRG helped me over the phone and I gave them a list of items that would be included in the move, the company also offers a consultation through Zoom where you can walk from room to room showing them exactly what you own. This approach gives customers a great way to get a more accurate quote and potentially save headaches down the line. Talking with the representative from IMRG was easy, they were quick to answer any questions I had about the price and process, and they even offered me a hefty discount right off the bat without requesting one.
IMRG did ask for my physical address and the address I would be moving to as it could influence the price. While this may not be cause for alarm for most people – you are hiring them to move your stuff, after all – it could be a deal breaker for those looking for more privacy when it comes to hiring services. I personally would only feel comfortable giving my address out to the company I end up hiring to avoid potential spam.
The moving company was up-front with me that the brand works as a broker and will negotiate prices on my behalf, but that doesn’t seem to be everyone’s experience. Top complaints on trusted review sites claim they were never alerted that the move would be subcontracted, and, as a result, they were partnered with subpar moving services that resulted in higher-than-expected costs, unwrapped furniture, damaged items, and missing property. In addition, IMRG’s moving cost calculator gives the same quote no matter the information you put in, so it’s not the most reliable online option out there.
Through their network of subcontractors, IMRG offers a number of services necessary to move cross country, including local moving, long-distance, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and storage solutions. Since it works with a variety of different moving companies, customers can be partnered with the brands that best match their unique needs and budget. As noted earlier though, this can be a gamble, as individual moving companies may not be as good as the next.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| long-distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Talking to IMRG was a great experience and the representative walked me through every room in my “house.” They even offered me a 25% discount off the total cost. The binding estimate they delivered explained additional services, including storage, long carry, shuttle, bulky item prices (such as kayaks) and more. IMRG does require 25% minimum to book, with 50% required before pickup, and they ask for your address to ensure a more accurate quote. However, it is worth noting that their online cost calculator can be highly unreliable – it gives the same quote no matter what information or zip codes you put in.
For a move from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, based on home furniture and 25-30 boxes, I was quoted:
- Self-packing option: $4,500
- Self-packing option with discount: $3,296
- Full-packing option: $5,150
- Full-packing option with discount: $3,946
- Mattress and box spring packing: $28
- TV Box: $100
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY to Carrboro, NC,, for a single-family home, with a move date set 8 weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication.
Available Discounts
I was personally given a discount on my quote without prompting when I talked to a representative with IMRG. Their website even highlights $500 off if you call. It’s worth noting though, that the discount I was offered was well over the $500 advertised – which is why we decided to give them the discounts badge! Customers with a similar amount of items can also save about $650 by choosing to pack and box their items themselves. Booking as early as possible before your move may make you more eligible for available discounts, too.
For those looking beyond the basic moving services, IMRG offers a number of customization options. As a broker, the company partners with several different moving brands so it can deliver plenty in the way of services. The only customizable service it doesn’t offer is home staging (but few do). On their website, IMRG is more up-front about the various partners it works with, their expertise, and what you can expect working with them for more advanced moving services.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
As a broker, IMRG is very reliant on other moving companies to do the actual moving services, so, again, it can be a bit of a gamble as far as quality is concerned. With a 3.0 on BBB and a 3.6 on Google, the reviews are definitely mixed. The positive reviews highlight the great communication and quality packing with Interstate, but the negative ones talk about major delays in shipping and inaccurate costs. Brand representatives are very responsive to both positive and negative reviews on Google. We did take some points off for the lower-than-A rating on BBB and also the fact that they are not on TrustPilot. Companies have to sign up for Trustpilot and IMRG has not taken those steps.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/3.0 | 86 |
| 3.6 | 1,144 | |
| Yelp | N/A | N/A |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Most Common Praise for Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
When it comes to the positive reviews for IMRG, customers talk extensively about the excellent communication, updates, and responses they received. Even when delays occurred, clients were kept in the loop and were available to answer any and all questions. Those interested in working with IMRG found it easy and quick to book, too.
Most Common Criticism for Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
A common criticism for IMRG across the board comes down to their quoting. A majority of the negative reviews talk about how their initial quote was wildly off. One customer discusses being quoted $19,000 for their cross country move, but ended up paying roughly $30,000 by the end. Many also discuss major delays, broken property, and misdelivered items as a result of working with a 3rd party partner.
While IMRG’s price quoting tool is less than accurate, the company does a solid job of breaking down what customers can expect to pay and how prices are determined on their Prices page. Although many clients comment on being unaware that IMRG is a broker, their website is very clear about this aspect of the company and highlights the pros as well as the cons of many of their partners. IMRG makes it easy to book and offer hefty discounts, but customers need to be up-front and detailed about the property they will be moving. This will help ensure you are getting a more accurate quote off the bat. Due to their lack of GPS tracking and clearly listed fees, however, they did lose some points to drop to a 7.7/10.
Safeway Moving
4.1
Our Rating
One of the best things about working with Safeway Moving I found was the fact that the company allowed me to email my moving checklist to the company (customers can also choose to submit a video). Instead of painfully listing out every single large piece of furniture that had to go from point A to point B, the representative simplified the process and only had a few follow-up questions to ask me. The explanation of how their shipping works was also a plus. They detailed how their flat-rate pricing benefited both the customer and the company.
But other than a phone call, it seems rather difficult to get information about what Safeway Moving actually offers in New York. Their website is lacking in details, and it can be confusing to determine if it actually offers what you need. Follow-up emails are also not informative. It’s difficult to just see what you were quoted over the phone, and the email content doesn’t break down the pricing as other companies do.
Even with this lack of follow-up information, though, I still think it is a top choice for moving services, as their phone interaction was one of the best I had with the companies I reached out to.
Unlike other moving companies in New York, Safeway Moving’s offer flat-rate pricing as their prices are based on space rather than weight. This can be beneficial for customers as there are fewer surprises when it comes to moving day and costs; you’ll generally have a good idea of what you’re going to pay up-front as long as you are accurate with your inventory list. Their entire quoting process was quick and painless.
Out of the other companies I spoke to, Safeway also had one of the lowest costs for boxes and packing (only $600 compared to $650+). In addition, this moving service is a carrier, so when you call Safeway, Safeway is who shows up at your door on moving day.
One of the biggest downsides of working with this particular organization is their lack of local shipping services. It only offers long-distance and international solutions, so it is not an option for New Yorkers who are simply moving to the next city over. And although I had a great interaction over the phone, the company’s emails are a bit lacking in the way of information. It’s a little complicated to review your quote, and the follow-up emails are lacking in actual details about working with Safeway beyond testimonials.
If you want to move locally with Safeway Moving, you’re out of luck. This particular moving service in New York only offers long-distance and international services. One major bonus of working with Safeway though is their offer of 30 days of free storage, which can be a boon if you have a bit between your move-out and move-in days.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | No |
| long-distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Safeway Moving’s quote was definitely in the middle of the road for the companies I contacted. It was not the cheapest, but it was also not the most expensive. The representative double-checked the information I submitted and quickly returned with a quote for me (while I was treated to Rocket Man by Elton John on hold). You should ask for all the details over the phone, though, as it can be a bit difficult to review your quote online.
For a move between Maybrook, NY and Carrboro, NC, Safeway quoted me:
- Self-packing option: $3,700
- Full-packing option: $4,300
However, the next day I was offered a full-packing discount and the total cost was $3,896. As a result, you might not want to book immediately on the phone, but perhaps wait a day or two to see if you get a better offer.
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set 8 weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication.
Available Discounts
After receiving the quote, the representative did immediately tell me that it was possible he could get the entire full-packing option below $4,000. So getting a discount with Safeway could be as simple as asking for one. They did, though, mention that the earlier I made a decision, the more likely it was they could get me the discount (they ended up giving me that discount anyway the next day!). He also stated that a spring moving date is one of the most expensive, so, if possible, moving during other times during the year could save you hundreds of dollars.
While Safeway Moving does offer a lot in the way of customization, it is not immediately clear on their website. Customers will have to reach out directly to the company to see costs and the exact services offered. Although it is not advertised on their website, for example, I was able to see on the quote email that there are spots for car shipping, pianos, and antiques. As of this writing, Safeway does offer everything listed below except home staging, which they were docked a point for and received a 9.0/10 for customization.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
The reviews seem to be quite the mixed bag for Safeway Moving. Although it has a 4.5 on Trustpilot and a number of 5-star reviews, it only has a 1.6 on Yelp – with almost all being 1 star. Many praise the communication while others deride the actual moving services the company offers.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B-/3.63 | 79 |
| Trustpilot | 4.5 | 29 |
| 3.7 | 148 | |
| Yelp | 1.6 | 69 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Most Common Praise for Safeway Moving
One of the biggest benefits of working with Safeway Moving that appears on reviews time and time again is their customer service. Several customers commented that the entire experience was “smooth and stress-free,” with plenty of guidance and an attention to detail. Many positive reviews also talk about additional discounts for unexpected prices and extensive assistance during the quoting process.
Most Common Criticism for Safeway Moving
On the other hand, a common complaint seen is the apparent lack of care given to actually packing and shipping the items by some crews. Customers on Yelp and Google, for instance, discuss issues with broken items, insurance claim problems, and poorly packed boxes.
We docked Safeway Moving a few points (to give them a 7.0/10) due to their lack of sample pricing on their website and the fact the GPS tracking is only available through some of their trucks. Safeway does offer a quick quote feature that is available as long as you submit your email and phone number. To get a more accurate quote though, especially with customizable options, you will have to call. Thankfully, Safeway offers 24/7 customer service so it’s very easy to get a hold of someone. The company is up-front about their work as a carrier, not a broker, but some reviewers do comment that Safeway Moving did outsource the work. It’s also worth noting that you may have to reach out if you have any questions about the quote you were delivered and any additional fees – the quote format is not the best and can be rather confusing compared to other brands.
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
While other conversations with moving companies took 25 to 40 minutes, I was off the phone with Moving APT in just 10 minutes. The representative collected the exact same information all the other brands did, but they had a much more efficient checklist to work through. The representative also questioned me about items that weren’t on my initial moving checklist, but would be items anyone would have in a move, such as vacuum cleaners, brooms, fans, and rakes.
As the moving company with the most moving partners, Moving APT and their partners deliver just about every service you could need whether you’re moving across the state, across the country, or across the globe. It even offers home staging, a service none of the others on this list have.
The call was very informative and helpful, but if you simply relied on the website, you could easily become lost and not leave with the information you need. Although the company has an online quoting tool, it doesn’t seem to be entirely accurate. Tracking down details without a call can be an exercise in futility on their website. I personally would recommend calling, however, as I did hang up with a very positive experience overall.
Out of the top 5 best moving companies in New York on this list, Moving APT was the easiest to get a quote from and had one of the most informative follow-up emails. The company worked with me to understand my quote inside and out. And although it is a broker, it has one of the largest networks of any moving broker in the industry, which means it can offer a wealth of services to their customers.
Moving APT’s website has a lot of information about moving, but it is not the most user friendly. For example, several pages do detail sample prices for moves for different sized homes and distances, but tracking down these details is a little more difficult than it needs to be. You have to play around with the site a bit to get the information you require to make your moving services decision.
Thanks to having over 2,500 moving partners, Moving Apt scored a 10/10 and can offer everything a customer could need when it comes to basic services from local moving to storage services. However, due to the lack of information on their website, tracking down what you need can be difficult. If you have questions about packing, international moving, and storage services, I highly recommend calling rather than sifting through the site.
As of this writing, Moving APT offers all of the services below:
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| long-distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
For basic moving services, Moving Apt is the least expensive out of the top 5 moving companies on this list, but the brand has one of the most expensive add-ons if you want them to pack your property ($1,050). In the fine print, you’ll also find that unpacking comes with an additional fee not listed in the original quote. Their checklist and quote email, though, is extensive and informative, so you can easily reference what you told them and cross-reference that to your moving list.
For a move from Maybrook, NY to Carrboro, NC with 85 items, I was quoted:
- Self-service option: $2,700
- Full-service option (without unpacking): $3,700
- Full Service Option with Full Value Protection (without unpacking): $4,522.64
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set 8 weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication.
Available Discounts
Moving APT was another company that informed me that spring is a popular time for moving and one of the most expensive. Many of their trucks are already set for much of the season, so they advised moving during another time of the year if possible. The company also offers a 15% discount if you provide your name and email after using their quick quote tool and a flexibility coupon if you have a 3-day moving window.
Another benefit of working with a moving company that has such a large network of movers is the many customization options and, again, this organization scored a 10/10. Moving APT even offers a hard-to-find service: home staging. If you want to get a quote for any of these services, however, you’re going to have to call. The packing materials in particular can be quite expensive and it may be worth it to purchase it yourself. This is one of the few areas the website excels, too – each customization option has its own webpage with extensive information.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | Yes |
Customer service is one of the most talked about factors on positive reviews across BBB, Google, and Yelp for Moving APT. Though my interaction with the company was short, I’d definitely have to agree on that front. The individual I spoke to was kind and professional – and many customers find the same during their experiences. However, since Moving APT is a broker, there is a chance you could be partnered with a mover who is less than stellar, and some reviewers talk about major moving delays and additional charges day-of the move. They did lose a few points though for not being on TrustPilot and their B+ score on BBB, which landed them at 7.8/10.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B+/3.53 | 15 |
| Trustpilot | N/A | N/A |
| 4.0 | 284 | |
| Yelp | 1.3 | 170 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Most Common Praise for Moving APT
Customer service is definitely the highlight of Moving APT’s positive reviews. Many mention that they were able to get any questions answered quickly and everyone from representatives over the phone to the crews that showed up to the door were polite and professional every step of the way. And as far as communication, Moving APT has provided customers “constantly with updates…. [T]hey texted me on the day my belongings arrived in Los Angeles to say they’d be arriving in 26 minutes. True to their word, 26 minutes later, they pulled up!”
Most Common Criticism for Moving APT
Since Moving APT works with over 2,500 brokers, customers can never be quite sure who is going to show up on the day of the move. And reviewers talk about increased costs just before items are loaded, major delays, miscommunications that lead to cost increases, and unprofessional hurried teams. While a vast majority of Moving APT’s reviews are positive, getting the right team for your home can be a game of chance.
Due to the broker status of Moving APT, no clearly listed pricing and additional fees, no available GPS features, and their poorly designed website, transparency is lacking behind a bit which resulted in a 4.3/10. It can be difficult to find their actual business hours and other important details, though the company invites you to contact them at any time. And while it is apparent on their website that Moving APT is a broker, this information was not forthcoming over the phone call I had with them. Prospective customers should also read over their quotes carefully, as only then did I notice the additional unmentioned charge for unpacking at the new address.
What To Look for in a Reputable Moving Company in New York
If you’re moving soon and need a moving company to load and move your items to your new home, it’s important to go with a company that will keep your property safe and secure – while also delivering on time and within budget. The carrier you work with should be licensed by the Commissioner of Transportation in New York, licensed and certified with the U.S. Department of Transportation, and have relevant certifications and licenses in the state you are moving to.
Movers in both New York State and New York City are also required to have a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that lists the policyholder, effective date, and the coverage limit. This takes the burden of responsibility off the hands of property managers and makes movers accountable for damage. In addition, before hiring a moving company, you should receive the exact name of the company and their NYSDOT number if applicable.
How To Avoid Moving Scams in New York
Moving to your new home is supposed to be exciting, and the less stress the better. The last thing you want is to discover the moving company you hired took your money and never showed up. Some of the most common scams include a bait and switch where they overcharge you on the day of the move, holding your items hostage until you agree to pay additional fees or sign a waiver, fake credentials, and no-shows or disappearing companies with or without your items.
To avoid these scams, it’s important to be proactive. You should
- Contact at least three moving companies for quotes and discuss how those quotes are designed
- Request a “Summary of Information” booklet that talks about your rights
- Keep every single document and read every item you sign
- Double check that they are licensed on the FMCSA website
- Read reviews from a variety of trusted review sites
- Create an inventory of all of your items before you pack, the condition of your furniture, and the number of boxes
- Open a written claim for any loss or damage
- Check how long the company has been in business (scammers can change their names to avoid bad reviews)
- Avoid working with a non-communicative company
New York Moving Company News
One common scam run by moving companies is holding your items hostage until you pay more money – a ransom. In late December a Brooklyn moving company was found guilty of wire fraud conspiracy. They would hold belongings until the customer paid thousands in fees, and over the course of their actions, scammed over 800 customers out of $3 million. To avoid detection, they regularly changed names and addresses. In addition to this scam, customers were also told the team had a 53-foot tractor (they didn’t) and would have to pay overweight charges and a shuttle fee in order to get the items to the nonexistent trailer.
It has been found that moving scams are actually on the rise (they doubled between 2015 and 2022).
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
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost in New York?
The cost of a moving company in New York can range from $400 to $18,000. Costs can vary quite a bit between upstate New York and Manhattan, for example. However, that doesn’t mean you have to pay that price; there are ways to negotiate with moving companies to get a lower cost and save potentially thousands of dollars. Your final cost when going with a NYC mover or one in-state will depend on the size of your home, the type of property you have, whether you’re shipping large items such as pianos and cars, the distance, your location, and whether or not you opt for packing services.
Should You Tip Movers in New York?
Yes, you should tip movers in New York 10-20% of the total move cost. You can choose to tip using an hourly or daily method if you are on a budget.
Are Moving Companies in New York Worth It?
A moving company is worth it in New York State for a majority of people, especially if you’re moving out of New York City which can prove difficult due to the tight spaces. Understanding what a DIY move entails though can help you make the best decision for your property and your budget.
