Adams Van Lines
- Family-owned and operated
- Personalized service
- Excellent customer service
Native Van Lines
- Over 30 years of experience
- Professional service
- Wide range
A-Plus Moving
- National moving company with a location in Boston
- Careful and efficient
- Wide range of services
Looking to move in Boston? We’ve got you covered! At Moving APT, we’ve done the legwork to find the absolute best moving companies in the city.
Choosing the right movers is essential for a smooth and hassle-free experience. That’s why our team dug deep to research and identify the most reliable, experienced, and budget-friendly moving companies in Boston.
In this article, we’ll spill the beans on our top picks. From handling your belongings with care to being on time and affordable, these movers have it all. Trust us, we’ve done our homework!
But that’s not all. We’ll also share some handy tips to make your move a breeze. So, keep reading, and get ready to say goodbye to the stress of moving. Let’s dive in!
In this article
Cost of Hiring a Moving Company in Boston
Before we get into our top movers, it’s important to understand how much you’ll be paying:
For a local move, the average price typically ranges from $450 to $4600. If you’re planning a long-distance move, the average cost can vary from $1100 to $13000.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| Local (Less than 100 Miles) | $450 – $800 | $750 – $1900 | $1200 – $4600 |
| 100 miles | $1100 – $1500 | $1250 – $1700 | $1500 – $3400 |
| 250 miles | $1200 – $2000 | $1500 – $3500 | $2,000 – $4800 |
| 750 miles | $1400 – $2900 | $2100 – $6900 | $5500 – $7900 |
| 1500 miles | $1600 – $3200 | $2600 – $7400 | $6700 – $9500 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1900 – $3700 | $3900 – $8200 | $12000+ |
The cost of hiring movers in Boston will vary based on several factors, including the size of your home, the distance of your move, and the services you might require. These services include packing, furniture disassembly, and more.
If you’re strapped for cash, consider moving during the off-season, getting rid of any items you no longer need, and packing your belongings yourself. Aside from getting quotes and negotiating prices, these are some of your best bets for a cheaper move.
If you’re looking for a better understanding of moving costs, we recommend checking out our informative articles:
Compare Moving Companies in Boston
| Company |
| 
|
| 
| 
|
| Rating | 4.9 4.9/5 | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.7 4.7/5 | 4.6 4.6/5 | 4.5 4.5/5 |
| Avarage Price (2-3 Bed) | $3210- $7320 | $3300- $7900 | $2950 - $6650 | $3050 - $6820 | $2900- $8250 |
| Superlative | Best For Long Distance | Best Customer Service | Best Personalization | Best Customization | Best Customer Experience |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
Here The List of Top-rated Boston Movers
You’ve seen the price tag. Now, it’s time to see what you’re getting. Here’s a look at some of the best moving companies in Boston.
Adams Van Lines is a family-owned and operated moving company, and they’ve been serving the greater Boston area for over 15 years.
They offer local and long-distance moves, as well as a host of special moving options for your antiques and valuables.
Adams is well-known for excellent customer service and attention to detail, and their 4.9/5 Google rating shows it.
Pros
- Family-owned and operated
- Personalized service
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- May not offer as many services as larger moving companies
Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines
Adams was our top choice for Boston moving. We’re big fans of their customer service, and their prices are really great for what you’re getting.
Adams takes customer care really seriously, and we’ve found them to be a reliable, attentive mover without a big-name price tag.
Native Van Lines is another top-rated Boston mover – emphasis on “top-rated”.
Native’s customer reviews paint a picture of an experienced moving company with a whole range of different services, and if the online ratings are any indication, they live up to the hype.
Native Van Lines earns bonus points for professionalism and efficiency, and their awards show it.
Pros
- Over 30 years of experience
- Efficient and professional service
- Wide range of services offered
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues with communication
Why We Recommend Native Van Lines
When we were searching for moving companies in Boston, Native Van Lines was a standout choice. We were impressed by their customer feedback and their award-winning service.
If you’re on the fence about hiring pro movers, knowing your team has the skills to back up their reputation is great peace of mind.
A full-service move means you won’t have to lift a finger: Packing, loading, hauling… it’s all handled by the pros. Luckily, A-Plus Moving & Storage is the full-service moving company you’ve been looking for.
They’re Boston through and through, which means they also know the area really well. Having a mover that’s from the city can make life much easier for local moves, and their personalized service just sweetens the deal.
Pros
- Full-service moving company
- Boston locals
- Great attention to detail
Cons
- May be more expensive than other moving companies
Why We Recommend A-Plus Moving & Storage
We always like recommending local companies. If you’re moving to a place like Boston, it’s always good to know that you’re money’s going to supporting businesses in your new hometown.
A-Plus Moving & Storage is a Boston-based mover with a whole variety of specialty options, and their full-service moving service cuts the stress out of moving day.
Gentle Giant is a national moving company with a strong presences throughout the Northeast. They offer a wide range of different moving services, from long-distance moves to packing and unpacking.
They also have a great company culture that emphasizes experienced teams and plenty of teamwork. This translates to excellent movers and a stress-free moving day.
Pros
- National moving company with a location in Boston
- Careful and efficient service
- Wide range of services offered
Cons
- May be more expensive than other moving companies
Why We Recommend Gentle Giant Moving Company
We chose Gentle Giant for a few good reasons: professionalism, care, and a great variety of extra services that you can pick and choose. With a strong presence throughout the Northeast, Gentle Giant is an out-of-state mover you can trust.
We really like their emphasis on a solid company culture, too. It means your movers will know how to do their jobs, and they’ll know how to work with each other.
Stairhopper Movers is another Boston specialist. They’ve been doing Boston moving for over 19 years, and they’re committed to providing excellent customer service and a wide variety of options for your move.
They focus on delivering a great move without a big-name pricetag, and the professionalism of their moving teams really reflects that goal.
Pros
- Local moving company with over 19 years of experience
- Friendly and efficient service
- Professional, courteous, and experienced moving teams
Cons
- May not offer as many services as larger moving companies
Why We Recommend Stairhopper Movers
Another local business that definitely deserves the attention, Stairhopper moving has a great reputation for friendly and efficient service.
We put Stairhopper on our list because not everyone can afford a big-name mover – and in many cases, the local mom and pop businesses know the area better than big brands anyways.
Stairhopper is no exception, and they’re a great choice if you’re looking to save some cash without sacrificing quality.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Moving Company
The above moving companies are all highly-rated and reliable, but it’s still important to keep an eye out for the following factors if you want to make sure you’re getting the pro movers you need:
1. Reputation and reliability
This goes beyond just looking at Google and Yelp. Check the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau and look for any complaints or negative reviews.
Ask for references and research the company’s history to ensure they have a solid reputation. If any family or friends have used the mover, that’s even better. Ask them about their firsthand experience.
2. Licensing and insurance
Make sure the company is properly licensed and insured. Ask to see their license and insurance certificates to ensure they’re up to date. Check their website for their Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) numbers: This is a good indication that a mover’s doing things legitimately.
3. Experience
Looking for movers near you? Search for a company with years of experience in the moving industry. While you may not be able to ascertain exactly how many moves they’ve completed in the past year, you can check (or even call and ask) to determine how many years they’ve been operating. Make sure your local moving company has the necessary expertise before you book.
4. Services offered
Some movers offer more – or different – services than others. From packing to furniture disassembly, moving companies all bring a little something different to the table. It’s important to check the menu and see what a moving company can do for you. Remember, not every service is a must-have for your move. You don’t want to get charged extra for anything you don’t need.
5. Cost
Boston can be pricey, but your Boston moving company doesn’t have to be. Get multiple quotes from different movers so you can compare quotes. We recommend getting no fewer than 3 different quotes. This way, you can get a good idea of what the average cost may be for your move. Don’t forget to call up and discuss any additional fees or charges that may apply.
Tips for a Smooth Move
Moving is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some steps you can take to make life a little easier on the big day:
1. Create a moving checklist
Planning is everything, and taking the time to come up with a checklist before your move can really take the stress out of moving day. Make a list of everything you need to do before, during, and after your move. It’ll keep you organized, and it’s a good way to make sure you don’t forget anything important. Just remember to actually check the checklist every day.
2. Pack efficiently
This one sounds like a no-brainer, but there’s an art to packing. Put your boxes in a staging area, and label them clearly. This will make loading much faster, and unloading much easier.
We also recommend setting aside a suitcase or a backpack and fill it up with your daily essentials – kind of like you’re packing for an overnight trip.
This way you won’t go digging through your boxes to find a toothbrush. Get used to living out of that backpack before moving day, because you’ll be living out of that backpack during and after your move as well.
3. Communicate with your moving company
Communication is key. Before you move, walk your movers through what will need moving, and any obstacles between your home and the moving truck. On moving day, keep in touch with your moving company throughout the moving process to make sure everything is going smoothly. Let them know about any special requirements or concerns you have.
4. Plan for unexpected events
Nothing is ever as perfect as we’d like. It can be tough to know what sort of trouble may rear its ugly head on moving day, but you can prepare for some common hiccups.
Anticipate any potential issues that may arise during the move, such as traffic or weather delays. It also helps to have a backup plan in place to ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected events.
When it comes to planning for the unexpected, we advise setting aside (at least) an entire day for moving in. Don’t think you’ll be doing any shopping or errands or anything else when your stuff is being hauled.
Packing your schedule and assuming you’ll have time (or energy) to do other tasks on moving day is just setting yourself up for frustration. Treat it like a day off.
Here’s How We Rank Our Boston Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in the local and long-distance moving field, serving more than 22,000 clients to date. Unlike other recommendation sites, we do real, face-to-face business with the movers in our network.
This makes our data more in-depth and reliable than anything else you’ll find online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Online Reputation: We sort through reviews and company profiles to make sure your movers are highly-rated and backed by plenty of experience.
- Industry-Insider Information: We work with movers to get a full picture of the services provided by other companies across the field.
- Mystery Shopping: We make sure movers are giving you the same rate they give us. Sometimes we call and pose as complete strangers to make sure they’re honest.
licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: Movers are legally required to have an arbitration program in place to compensate for lost or damaged items. We make sure it’s up to date.
- Active Claim Department: We check to see if movers have any outstanding claims to see how they handle customers who’ve reported damages – and how quickly they help.
- Safety Record: The FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System provides us with up-to-date information about a mover’s safety track record, including accidents and inspections.
- Active Moving Insurance: Long-distance movers in Boston are legally required to provide full or released-value protection on all of your items. We make sure of it.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: We ask our own clients for short video testimonies detailing their experiences with their movers. It shows which movers are exceeding expectations.
- Online surveys: We take the time to read about each completed move to get the full picture of how a mover performed.
As a moving broker, Moving APT actually deals with drivers and movers on a daily basis. We negotiate deals for our clients and ensure that movers always honor their contracts – no last-minute upselling, no overcharging, and no funny business.
It’s how we help our clients get moved with minimal fuss, and it’s part of maintaining clear communication between clients and moving companies.
More customers for better movers If a mover is exceeding expectations, we send them more business. If a mover needs to improve, we don’t. It’s simple.
Boston Moving FAQ
How do I obtain a parking permit for my moving truck in Boston?
Some parts of Boston allow moving trucks, others don’t. You’ll have to contact the Boston Transportation Department for permits and more info. They’ll provide you with the paperwork you need, and the extra instructions you need to obtain a permit.
What is the best time of year to move to Boston?
Avoid summer and avoid major holidays. The best time of year to move to Boston is during the off-season (fall, winter, and early spring) when moving companies may have more availability and lower rates. However, if you must move during the summer months, be sure to book your moving company well in advance.
Are there any restrictions on moving in certain areas of Boston?
Yes, some areas of Boston may have restrictions on moving trucks or may require permits for moving. Be sure to research your destination and any potential restrictions beforehand to avoid any issues on a moving day. Prepare your wallet accordingly, because a shuttle fee can be pricey.
What should I do with my car during the move?
If you’re moving a long distance, you may want to consider hiring an auto transport service to move your car. Alternatively, you can just drive your car to your new destination.
You can have a friend or family member drive your car for you, as well, but we haven’t met any family or friends willing to help much on moving day. If you’re driving yourself, keep your head on a swivel. Massachusetts drivers can be a little creative.
How do I find a reliable moving company in Boston?
Finding reliable movers starts with an online search, but friends and family are a great resource too. If you’re looking for the best moving companies in Boston, be sure to check moving recommendation sites (such as yours truly) to get a little more information about the companies in question.
Ready to Get Started? Choose the Right Boston Mover
A Boston move can be stressful, but the right movers can take the edge off. You’ve seen the movers on our list, and you’ve seen how to make moving day smoother. Now all you have to do is get in touch and book a move.
Reach out to one of the Boston movers on our list, and best of luck with your move! Don’t forget to check back in with us for more helpful tips and tricks, and other recommendations for great moving companies in your area.
