Best Moving Companies in NYC in 2023

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Moving is stressful enough as it is, but adding New York City's fast-paced environment into the mix only increases the pressure. To avoid headaches and stress, hiring a moving company to help get your belongings to your new apartment isn't a bad idea. However, due to New York City’s unique challenges, you'll want to stick to a moving company that really knows its stuff when it comes to navigating the chaos that is the city.

The best movers in NYC must have a special talent for getting around the area in any situation. In addition to street smarts, these moving companies also have plenty of offerings such as full-service loading and unloading, multiple pricing options, and more. The top moving companies in NYC are bent on getting the job done swiftly, and to help you find the right one for your move, we researched several NYC moving companies based on a number of criteria ranging from price to flexibility.

Best Moving Companies in NYC in 2023

Best Overall: United Van Lines
Best for Small Moves: PODS
Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines
Best Online Experience: Atlas Van Lines
Best for Full-Service Moves: Allied Van Lines
Best Consumer Reviews: JK Moving Services
Best for Fragile Items: American Van Lines
Best for Last-Minute Moves: Bellhop

Best Overall: United Van Lines

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Key Specs

Packing & Loading Options: Full-, partial-, and self-service
Initial Deposit Required? No
Storage Services? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Snapmoves program is excellent for apartment moves common in NYC
Offers add-ons such as electronics setup and post-move cleaning
Moving price is discounted if the company fails to deliver your possessions on time

Cons

Doesn't serve nearby states and areas like Vermont, Rhode Island, or D.C.

Why It Made the List

United Van Lines is our choice for the best overall moving company in New York City, most particularly due to its Snapmoves program that's dedicated to small moves. Snapmoves, structured for long-distance small moves, provides all the standard full-, partial-, or self-service moving options on a smaller scale, excellent for moving into or out of smaller NYC apartments and studios.

Signing on with the Snapmoves program entitles you to full-value insurance coverage (unless you turn down the option), full-service packing and loading, appliance transportation, placement of your furniture in your new location, and bedroom furniture reassembly, all under one moving package. When the move is complete, United also offers cleaning services to take care of any messes left behind.

United Van Lines has third-party agents throughout the city and provides all types of moves, ranging from local to long-distance. The company also promises on-time deliveries in exchange for discounted pricing if it misses the deadline. However, do note that United Van Lines doesn't provide moving services in some areas near NYC, including Vermont, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C.

Best for Small Moves: PODS

Pods Moving

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Key Specs

Packing & Loading Options: Self-service
Initial Deposit Required? Yes
Storage Services? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Container drop-off and pickup services make for DIY moving
Can extend PODS rental well past the 30-day period
8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers available depending on your needs

Cons

Completely DIY with no full- or partial-service options

Why It Made the List

If you're more hands-on and are confident in your ability to traverse NYC with your belongings, PODS may be a solid moving service for you. The company provides container moving and storage services for long-distance moves as well as moves in all five boroughs of the city. While booking periods for containers last for up to 30 days, if you need more time, you can rent your unit for longer with monthly payments.

PODS containers come in three different sizes—8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot—each of which is suited for a variety of moves. Container moving is great for large moves, as you can order as many as you need, but small apartment moves benefit the most from this strictly DIY service. Additionally, PODS City Service offers in-town solutions for moving where strict regulations govern parking and the types of trucks that can drive on city streets.

PODS's self-service moving model is cost-effective, but the main drawback is the lack of any additional service options for moving. Despite this, the company can refer you to professional packers and loaders if you prefer.

Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

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Key Specs

Packing & Loading Options: Full-, partial-, and self-service
Initial Deposit Required? No
Storage Services? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Provides no-surprises, transparent pricing in your choice of three formats
Consists of a 500-plus agent network across 130 countries
Military, senior, and student moving discounts are available

Cons

Most local NYC moves are performed by independent agents

Why It Made the List

North American Van Lines is our choice for the NYC moving company with the best pricing options due to its unique and transparent pricing strategy. With the service, you can choose one of three types of pricing quotes that include a bottom line price that is simply a binding quote based on details you provide the company. The second option is a not-to-exceed price policy, which means your price could drop, but it will never exceed the stated cost estimate. Finally, you can choose the company's customized pricing plan that combines a price guarantee with custom moving services.

The company's pricing options don't stop with its quotes. Military personnel, seniors, and students can receive discounted prices with the company whether moving locally, long-distance, or internationally. Be aware that North American Van Lines primarily uses independent agents for local moving in and around NYC, which means the company that moves your possessions won't likely be this service. However, the local movers the company sends to you know how to operate within the confines of the city, so it might end up working in your favor.

Best Online Experience: Atlas Van Lines

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Key Specs

Packing & Loading Options: Full-, partial-, and self-service
Initial Deposit Required? No
Storage Services? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Provides powerful phone app and useful online information
Moving crew employees are thoroughly background checked
Offers SimpliCity moving service specifically for small moves like apartments

Cons

Uses independent third-party agents to provide local moving services
Fee applies to cancellations made more than three days after signing work order

Why It Made the List

Atlas Van Lines boasts of moving items to and from the bottom of the Grand Canyon, so getting through the city won't likely be too much of a challenge for this company. However, the company's online resources and customer portal phone application also give it an exceptional online presence. On its website, you'll find a vast collection of useful moving information, tips, and tricks to help you organize and plan your move.

Atlas Van Lines' phone app is designed to keep you in control of your move. Through the app, customers can get a quote, track their shipment, contact reps and movers, digitally store moving documents, make payments, and file claims. Additionally, the company's No Stranger in Your Home program thoroughly background checks all crew members before they come to your home.

For small, apartment-size moves, Atlas Van Lines' SimpliCity program is ideal for NYC relocations. However, the service does use independent third-party movers if you plan on making a local move within the city. Also, make sure that you intend on hiring Atlas for its services, as a cancellation fee will apply if you opt out of moving more than three days after signing the contract.

Best for Full-Service Moves: Allied Van Lines

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Key Specs

Packing & Loading Options: Full-, partial-, and self-service
Initial Deposit Required? No
Storage Services? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Choose from a menu of customized packing and loading services
Provides accurate price quotes via video or in-person interviews
Offers a 90-day temporary storage policy

Cons

Local moves are performed by third-party contractors
Minimum moving charges may be a factor in small, local moves

Why It Made the List

Allied Van Lines offers a long list of services that allow you to fully customize your moving experience with the company. From self-serve DIY moving to completely hands-off, full-service moves, the company provides customers with menu-style options and pricing. For full-service moves, you rely on Allied Van Lines movers to pack all your belongings, disassemble furniture, and more. To prevent any price surprises for such services, the company also provides thorough estimates through video and in-person appointments, discussing every aspect of your move down to the tiniest detail.

If you need a temporary storage solution, Allied has you covered there as well. Short-term storage is available for up to 90 days, which offers you a generous amount of time to prepare yourself for your move. Third-party movers do local NYC moving for Allied, and very small moves may be subject to a minimum charge, which is something to keep in mind if you choose this service.

Best Consumer Reviews: JK Moving Services

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Key Specs

Packing & Loading Options: Full-, partial-, and self-service
Initial Deposit Required? Yes
Storage Services? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Consistently receives high review marks across multiple sites
Provides premium moving services for relocating into and out of NYC
Offers third-party financing for moves

Cons

The company doesn't offer local moving within NYC
A $250 deposit is required to secure your moving date

Why It Made the List

Gathering intel online about other people's experiences moving to NYC is certainly important when choosing a moving service. We chose JK Moving Services for best consumer reviews due to its consistent scores across numerous customer rating platforms and its A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company prides itself on providing customers with a premium experience, offering services and add-ons like background-checked employees, third-party financing, and 24/7 customer support.

While JK Moving Services certainly provides stellar service, the company does charge a little extra more than other competitors on our list. This is especially apparent in its initial deposit policy, which asks customers to pay $250 to secure a moving date. Additionally, local moves are only available in select locations—none of which are in NYC. Therefore, we recommend this service for those planning a long-distance move to the city.

Best for Fragile Items: American Van Lines

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Key Specs

Packing & Loading Options: Full-, partial-, and self-service
Initial Deposit Required? Yes
Storage Services? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Employs trained and certified antique movers to handle fragile or valuable items
Doesn't charge any fees for early cancellations
Provides discounts for military personnel, disabled veterans, and seniors

Cons

Requires a deposit to reserve your moving date
Local moving in NYC is done through independent movers

Why It Made the List

If you need to move fragile items, American Van Lines employs trained and certified antique movers to ensure your fragile or valuable items are in capable hands. These movers are skilled at disassembling, packing, and reassembling your high-value possessions, while also caring for your valuable furniture, fine china, pianos, or whatever else is important to you. In addition to its fragile packing offering, the company also provides typical full-, partial-, and self-service options to suit your moving style.

Although a deposit is required when you hire American Van Lines, you can use this investment to postpone your move for up to 12 months. If you have to cancel your move, just let them know at least a week ahead of your moving day for a full refund. On the topic of price, American Van Lines also offers moving discounts for military personnel, veterans, and senior citizens. Local NYC moves are typically brokered to local independent agents of American Van Lines, so be aware of this if you’re moving within the city.

Best for Last-Minute Moves: Bellhop

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Key Specs

Packing & Loading Options: Partial- and self-service
Initial Deposit Required? Yes
Storage Services? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers instant price quotes and same-day scheduling
Provides NYC local moving using its own employees and trucks
Provides loading services even if you rent a truck from another company

Cons

Doesn’t offer a full-service moving package
A deposit is required to secure your moving date

Why It Made the List

With offices in Yonkers and four of New York City's boroughs, Bellhop offers quick-turnaround moving services for those who need to move within the city ASAP. Bellhop provides fast online pricing and can work flexible hours, allowing you to move fast on short notice, and in some cases, even on the same day. To top it all off, the company also offers its services using its own employees and trucks, instead of those of an independent agent.

While the company doesn't offer full-service options, Bellhop does excel in self- and partial-service and will even help load and unload your items onto a rental truck from another company. Be aware that an initial deposit is necessary to hire the company for your move. Moreover, if you need to cancel your service, you'll only have 48 hours after signing a contract to do so; otherwise, you’ll lose a portion of your deposit.

Final Verdict

Competition for your business in NYC is fierce, but United Van Lines stands above other moving companies in and around the city. The company's Snapmoves program for small moves is perfect for relocating into one of NYC's many apartments. The company also has a helpful website that provides information and realty assistance for soon-to-be New Yorkers making a big move. While we wish the company serviced nearby states and areas such as Vermont, Rhode Island, and D.C., its large nationwide availability and willingness to efficiently move you into the city via its full-service options make up for this.

Compare the Best Moving Companies in NYC

Company	Packing & Loading Options	Initial Deposit Required?	Years in Business	Tracking Feature?	Storage Services?
United Van Lines Best Overall	Full-, partial-, and self-service	No	95	Yes	Yes
PODS Best for Small Moves	Self-service	Yes	25	No	Yes
North American Van Lines Best Pricing Options	Full-, partial-, and self-service	No	90	Yes	Yes
Atlas Van Lines Best Online Experience	Full-, partial-, and self-service	No	75	Yes	Yes
Allied Van Lines Best for Full-Service Moves	Full-, partial-, and self-service	No	95	Yes	Yes
JK Moving Services Best Consumer Reviews	Full-, partial-, and self-service	Yes	41	Yes	Yes
American Van Lines Best for Fragile Items	Full-, partial-, and self-service	Yes	90	Yes	Yes
Bellhop Best for Last-Minute Moves	Partial- and self-service	Yes	12	No	Yes

Guide to Choosing the Best Moving Company in NYC

Choosing the best moving company for your move is critical in a major metropolitan area. NYC is a busy place, so your mover needs to be able to navigate tight streets, traffic congestion, truck regulations, parking, and moving, all while delivering excellent customer service. Consider the following factors when choosing a moving company in NYC.

Services Provided

Moving in NYC carries its own unique set of headaches, so finding a company that’s going to minimize any potential stress through helpful services like vehicle transport or full-service loading is going to be key. Investigate your potential moving companies to ensure the one you choose can do the jobs you need.

Familiarity With New York City

Regardless if you’re making a small move within NYC, or you're coming into town using a long-distance moving company, the mover you choose needs to know its way around the city. Besides traffic conditions and regulations concerning moving, a company that's familiar with the city can efficiently finish the task at hand.

Reputation and Reviews

Whether you're moving to NYC or somewhere else entirely, hiring a moving service that aims to please is important. Tools such as online review and discussion platforms allow you to get an instant report card for your potential movers. In addition to star-based ratings, read a handful of the good and bad reviews to learn more about the company you're considering.

Pricing and Estimating Details

Beyond getting the best deal for your dollars, choose a moving company with a strong reputation for providing accurate price quotes. If changes are possible, ask your mover about scenarios that could trigger additional charges and how much they could impact your final invoice. For NYC moves in particular, quotes may vary depending on your building's elevator access, how high up your apartment is located, and more.

Deposits and Cancellations

Understanding a potential moving company's deposit and cancellation policies is extremely important to avoid any last-minute surprises. Although placing a deposit is common, there are often fees if you alter your plans. If you're uncomfortable paying money upfront, or there's a chance that your moving dates or details could change, seek a mover who can accommodate your concerns. Do note though, that since NYC is a fast-paced environment, canceling and finding other movers at the last minute may be difficult.

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving in NYC

Moving to New York City can be like stepping into another dimension if you're unfamiliar with big city life. Understanding a few odds and ends can help make your transition as smooth as possible. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid during your move to NYC:

Don't skip learning about different parts of NYC. Research each neighborhood, checking things like the median rent in the area, how close your apartment is to a subway stop, whether there's a laundromat nearby, and more.
Don't overwhelm yourself with belongings that your moving company can handle. While NYC is certainly a walkable city, you don't want to carry too many things with you as you walk several blocks or ride on the subway—you'll exhaust yourself. Travel lightly and only carry the absolute essentials with you.
Avoid hiring a moving company that isn't familiar with NYC. Choosing a company that doesn't understand moving within the city can lead to headaches like traffic delays, getting lost, and more.
Don't dismiss NYC's public transportation system. Keep this tip in mind, especially if you’re DIY-ing your move and you need to get to a truck rental facility within the city. Learn the subway route you need to take before your move-in date to avoid getting lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Most Movers Charge per Hour in NYC?

Movers in and around New York City charge a wide range of hourly prices. Generally, expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for local moving services. However, small local moves may also be subjected to minimum charges that could affect the hourly rate.

What Is the Cheapest Month to Move in NYC?

Winter is the cheapest time to move in New York City as competition tends to be low compared to summer. Moving companies are less busy during this time, which means you could also enjoy moving service discounts.

Do You Pay Movers Before or After a Move?

Don't finish paying your moving company until the last of your possessions is delivered. Although many moving companies require a small deposit or partial payment upfront, avoid moving companies that ask for the entire balance before the job is complete.

How Much Should You Tip Movers in NYC?

A good tip for tipping a mover is 20 percent of your invoice. Alternatively, you can pay between $20 and $100 to each member, depending on the size and duration of your move.

Can Moving Containers Be Used in NYC?

You can use portable moving and storage containers in NYC in many areas. However, they may not be allowed in some locations, or their use will be heavily regulated. You can choose to have a moving container delivered to your new apartment, but you or your mover will need to obtain a permit first.

Methodology

In order to compile a list of the best moving companies in New York City, our research team made dozens of customer service calls and enlisted the help of data collectors to fill in the blanks for more than 30 criteria points. These included nationwide availability, storage options, valuation coverage offerings, and customer support channels. Each criteria point was assigned a weight, then grouped into one of six categories:

Customer experience (23 percent)
Coverage and types of moves offered (20 percent)
Moving services (20 percent)
Pricing/price transparency (20 percent)
Insurance/protection (10 percent)
Reputation (7 percent)

Scores were calculated based on these weights, and companies were ultimately given a rating out of five stars. To ensure that the information presented is accurate, two or more data collectors verified the research. This page will be updated with any changes to the highlighted companies' offerings.

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