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  • Written by
    Jessica Hurtault
  • Fact Checked
  • Updated

Many people in the bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts opt for a moving company for their relocation. A professional mover can help you handle moving during Boston's sometimes uncomfortable temperatures, ensuring that your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Save time looking for movers with our list of the top local and long-distance moving companies in Boston.

Here are our picks for the top moving companies in Boston for local and long-distance relocations.

Top Pick
IVL logo
4.8/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

  • Best Overall
  • Full-Service Mover
  • Worldwide Availability
Most Experienced Mover
American Van Lines logo
4.5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

  • Experienced Crews
  • Binding Estimates
  • Price-Matching Policy
Most Customer-Oriented
Safeway Moving logo
4.4/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

  • No-fuss estimates
  • Nationwide moves
  • Donates to St Jude Children's Research Hospital

5 Best Moving Companies in Boston

Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.

Top Rated Provider
Top Rated

Stairhopper Movers - Boston

5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 2264 reviews


20 Harvard St, Boston, MA 02129

(857) 928-0876

stairhoppers.com
A-Plus Moving & Storage Logo

A-Plus Moving & Storage

5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 478 reviews


48 Sumner St, Boston, MA 02128

(857) 540-9531

www.goaplusmoving.com
Gentle Giant Moving Company Logo

Gentle Giant Moving Company

5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 651 reviews


8 Bunker Hill Industrial Park, Boston, MA 02129

(617) 661-3333

www.gentlegiant.com/locations/boston-...
Premium Q Moving and Storage Logo

Premium Q Moving and Storage

5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 509 reviews


400 Commonwealth Ave G2, Boston, MA 02215

(781) 549-8789

www.premiumqmoving.com
Centaur Moving Logo

Centaur Moving

5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 309 reviews


171 Windsor St, Cambridge, MA 02139

(617) 651-3434

centaur-moving.com

Facts about Boston

  • Population:
    654,537
  • Median Age:
    34 years
  • Median Rent:
    $3,125
  • Median House Value:
    $726,400
  • Cost Of Living Percentile:
    99%
  • Median Income:
    $89,212

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Boston

You should consider a few key factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Boston.

Determine Your Budget

A local move costs between $55 and $83 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,417 overall. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.

Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Good customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Yelp, and social media to identify movers with excellent customer service.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Boston must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Massachusetts city to another, your mover must be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Take inventory of your home when seeking quotes and document any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative in order to evaluate whether the company can fulfill your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following services in the starting cost:

  • Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
  • Loading and unloading
  • Released liability coverage for loss or damage

When seeking a quote from your moving company, communicate any special services you need. Increased pricing may apply for the following services:

  • Crating for art or antiques
  • Extra flights of stairs
  • Long carries
  • Packing
  • Piano moving
  • Storage
  • Unpacking
  • Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Boston, MA

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Boston move.

Schedule an Early Move

Boston usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. We suggest arranging before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers beat the traffic and complete the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Boston's hot weather. This can affect your moving process if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you desire regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

Begin packing around six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process less stressful. Most movers only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive.

How Much do Movers Cost in Boston, MA

Movers in Boston cost $2,701.07 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,940.52 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.

DistanceStudio-1 Bedroom2-3 Bedroom4+ Bedroom
Less than 250 miles$2,701.07$3,447.79$7,940.52
250-999 miles$3,317.90$4,110.78$11,339.89
1,000-2,499 miles$3,365.81$4,681.07$12,035.39
2,500+ miles$3,337.75$5,764.47$14,211.31

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving in Boston

Moving Data Sources

CDC Wonder

U.S. Census

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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