10 best movers in Staten Island, New York

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of New York. If you're moving around Staten Island, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Staten Island

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or to another state. Hiring a moving company with the proper federal licensing is especially important if you're crossing state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To confirm a carrier's licensing status, you can input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The reliable long-distance movers below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

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4.7

Our Rating

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

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

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

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

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

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Staten Island is greater than the national average, making it a relatively expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Staten Island is above 96.5% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are many factors involved. The following are typical moving expenses:

• Junk removal
• Supplies
• Fuel
• Storage
• Professional labor
• Packing

These extra considerations can cause your total cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, fragile or particularly bulky. The following items typically cost more to move:

• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Pianos

Ask movers if they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional but common if they get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as inclement weather, transportation emergencies, a lack of supplies and traffic. These can increase your moving costs and prolong your timeline. There’s no way to combat delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in Staten Island.

Be communicative

Prevent unexpected charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, small items can likely be added to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — should be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and book the movers you want.

Movers are busiest between May and September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find an economical that meets your needs.

While you can move on your own, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

You may also need to ask family, friends or neighbors for help loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system required for a self-move, hiring movers is valuable.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Staten Island

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will tackle the entire moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration thoroughly before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in New York are also required to have a license from the New York Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to check out your mover’s insurance policies. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best moving time is from May to September, creating high demand for moving teams and substantially elevated pricing nationwide for all moves. The steep summer rates may deter you from a move at that time of year. However, you may want to bypass moving in the winter as well, since New York's low temperatures and possible snowfall could present a challenge to your move.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving companies put limits on insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

• Batteries
• Plants
• Fuel sources
• Fertilizers
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Aerosols
• Perishable foods and produce
• Flammable chemicals of any kind

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.