Best Moving Companies in New York of 2024

How do We Select these Companies?

We have developed a rigorous process for finding the best moving companies in New York. Here's how we do it:

1. Research: We start by extensively researching moving companies in New York that are listed on My Good Movers.
2. Criteria Establishment: We have established specific criteria to evaluate each moving company. This includes factors such as customer satisfaction ratings, service offerings, transparent pricing, insurance coverage, and professionalism.
3. Verification: We verify each moving company's credentials and certifications on official government websites, such as FMCSA, for licensing and insurance information. We also verify accreditations through organizations like AMSA.
4. Comparison and Evaluation: We then compare and evaluate companies that fall within our eligibility criteria before finalizing.
5. Final Selection: Based on our evaluation, we finalize the list of the best moving companies to make your move as smooth as possible.

When is the Best Time to Move?

The best time to plan a move to New York, or any other state, can depend on various factors, including weather conditions, seasons, mover availability, and costs.

Here's a breakdown of considerations for each season:

Spring in New York:

Weather Conditions:

Generally mild weather with occasional rain.

Mover's Availability:

Availability can be moderate to high in spring as it's a popular time for moving in New York City and surrounding areas. Booking movers well in advance is advisable, especially for weekends and end-of-month dates.

Cost:

Moving costs in spring are moderate. While not as high as peak summer rates, increased demand may influence prices, especially in urban areas like NYC.

Summer in New York:

Weather Conditions:

Warm to hot weather across most regions can make moving physically demanding.

Mover's Availability:

Summer is the peak moving season in New York, and movers' availability can be limited. It's crucial to book movers several weeks or even months ahead of time, especially for desired dates in NYC.

Cost:

Due to high demand, moving costs are typically highest during summer in New York. Rates may increase significantly, especially for weekends and end-of-month moves within the city.

Having the right moving equipment can make moving in any season a breeze. Read Moving Equipment: 10 Tools That Can Be Helpful for You.

Fall (Autumn) in New York:

Weather Conditions:

Mild weather with cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Mover's Availability:

Availability is generally good in early to mid-fall in New York, but it may start to decrease as winter approaches. Booking in advance is still recommended, especially for peak moving days like weekends.

Cost:

Moving costs in the fall can be moderate in New York. Rates may be lower than summer but could rise slightly as demand increases, particularly in bustling urban areas.

Winter in New York:

Weather Conditions:

Cold weather, potential snow or icy conditions depending on location.

Mover's Availability:

Winter is the least busy season for movers in New York, so availability is typically higher. Movers may offer more flexibility in scheduling and shorter notice times, even for moves within the city.

Cost:

Due to lower demand, moving costs are usually lower in winter in New York. Rates can be significantly discounted compared to peak seasons like summer, making it a budget-friendly option for those willing to brave the cold.

Things to Consider Before Hiring a Moving Company in New York

With the subtle act of moving comes great responsibility. One of the most important aspects is careful consideration of every detail.This ensures that the entire process is as easy as eating a piece of cake on a moving day.

Here are some key considerations before hiring a moving company in New York City:

1. Reputation and Reliability: Research the moving company's reputation. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers on sites like My Good Movers. Check if the company is licensed and insured.
2. Cost and Estimates: Get multiple estimates from different moving companies in New York. Compare costs and understand what each estimate includes (e.g., packing materials, labor, truck usage, insurance).
3. Contract and Terms of Service: Review the moving company's contract thoroughly before signing. Pay attention to cancellation policies, payment terms, and any clauses related to additional charges. Ensure all verbal agreements are documented in writing.
4. Budget Considerations: Winter or fall movers in New York tend to benefit from lower costs due to reduced demand, which is advantageous in a high-cost city like NYC. Summer movers should budget for potentially higher moving expenses.
5. Advance Booking: Due to limited availability and higher demand, booking well in advance is crucial for summer moves in New York City. Spring and fall movers should also book ahead, although with slightly less urgency than summer movers.

   Also, read When You Should Start Packing To Move.

6. Flexibility: Given the lower demand during this season, those with flexible schedules in New York may find winter moving advantageous in terms of availability and cost savings.
7. Peak Days: Avoiding weekends and end-of-month moves can help reduce costs and improve availability regardless of the season, especially in a crowded city like New York.

New York Moving Checklist

As the famous saying goes, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” This is why having a proper checklist before moving is very important.

Here is a New York Moving Checklist starting from 2 months before your move:

2 Months Before Moving:

• Research and contact moving companies for estimates.
• Begin decluttering and sorting belongings.
• Start gathering moving supplies such as boxes, tape, and markers.
• Notify schools, doctors, and utilities about your upcoming move.

Also read Checklist When Moving To A New Apartment.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Choose and book a reputable moving company here.
• Create a floor plan for your new home to plan furniture placement.
• Start packing non-essential items and label boxes by room.
• Notify us of the change of address to the post office, banks, and subscriptions.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Arrange storage for items you won't be taking with you.
• Confirm the moving date, details, and requirements with your chosen moving company.
• Complete change of address forms online or at the post office.
• Notify friends and family about your moving plans.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Finish packing most of your belongings, leaving out essentials.
• Confirm travel arrangements for moving day.
• Arrange for cleaning services if needed for your current home.
• Dispose of hazardous items that cannot be moved.

Moving Week:

• Pack a suitcase with essentials in your new home for the first few days.
• Defrost and clean out the refrigerator.
• Finish packing and label boxes clearly for movers.
• Confirm details with the moving company one last time.

Moving Day:

• Be present to oversee the moving process and address any questions.
• Take inventory of your belongings before they are loaded onto the truck.
• Exchange contact information with movers for communication during transit.
• Lock up your previous home and do a final walkthrough.

How To Avoid Moving Scams in New York

In today's day and age, protecting yourself from being a victim of scams is one of the biggest challenges one has to face while moving.

While encountering scams may be unavoidable, making informed choices can help you avoid falling victim to them.

1. Research Moving Companies Thoroughly: Check online reviews and ratings from reputable platforms like My Good Movers. Look for red flags such as multiple negative reviews or no online presence.
2. Verify Licensing and Credentials: Ensure the moving company is licensed and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. Check with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) for local moves within New York City.
3. Get In-Person Estimates: Avoid companies that provide estimates over the phone or via email without seeing your belongings. Reputable movers will conduct an in-person assessment to provide accurate quotes.
4. Compare Multiple Quotes: Obtain estimates from at least three different moving companies. Be cautious of significantly low estimates, which may indicate hidden fees or a scam.
5. Watch Out for Cash-Only Requests: Legitimate moving companies typically accept multiple forms of payment. Avoid movers that demand cash-only payments or large deposits upfront.
6. Understand Insurance and Liability: Clarify the moving company's insurance coverage and ask about their liability for lost or damaged items during the move.
7. Avoid Blank or Incomplete Contracts: Read and understand all terms and conditions outlined in the contract before signing. Avoid signing blank or incomplete documents.
8. Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and look for another moving company if something feels off or too good to be true.
9. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraudulent behavior or encounter a moving scam, report it to the FMCSA, BBB, or local authorities.