Our top picks for the best local moving companies
To make our choices for the best local movers, we researched 70 moving companies, collecting 17 data points for each one. We then analyzed these data points to compare costs, availability and services to help us make our final selections.
Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us. This doesn’t affect our recommendations or evaluations, but it may impact the order in which companies appear.
Our picks for the best local moving companies are:
- Availability
- All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- USDOT number
- 076235
- Availability
- All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- USDOT number
- 1065394
- Availability
- All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- USDOT number
- 070851
How much does a local move cost?
The typical cost of a local move ranges from around $40 to $100 per hour per mover, according to our research. Local moves are typically billed hourly, unlike cross-country moves, which are usually billed based on the distance of the move and amount of belongings.
How much your move will cost generally comes down to factors such as:
- How many items you have. If you have a four-bedroom house, you’ll typically pay more than someone with a one-bedroom apartment.
- Distance. The greater the distance between your new home and your old one, the more hours on the clock for your movers.
- Number of fragile or bulky items. If you have items like a piano or fragile mirrors, you’ll have to pay more for special packing and handling.
- Complexity of the move. If you have an apartment on the fourth floor or if your moving truck has to park far from your home, you’ll probably have to pay an added fee.
» MORE: How much do movers cost?
Local moving tips
Here are some tips to help make your local move smoother and less stressful:
Declutter your home
You may be tempted to deal with items you don’t want once you get to your new home, but you’ll be paying for every single thing you move. Selling or donating items before you move can help you save on moving costs, plus unpacking at your new home will also be easier.
Look for free or cheap packing materials
You can usually get free boxes from grocery stores or retailers. You can also check social media or online marketplaces for free or cheap moving supplies.
Cut costs by starting early
If you have access to your new home before your move-in date, you might consider shuttling over items yourself before the big day. This could be ideal for fragile items like art, plants and ceramics. This way, your local movers are only transporting your heavy, bulky items.
» MORE: Moving checklist
How to choose a local mover
To help you choose a local mover, consider the following:
1. Search for movers
Start your search for a local mover by asking friends and family for recommendations. You can also go online and search for local moving companies.
2. Check online reviews
Even if a friend gave a great review for a local mover, always check online reviews for an overall picture of the company. If there are more negative reviews than positive ones, you might want to steer clear of that moving company.
3. Check credentials
However you come up with your list of movers, check that any company you’re considering is registered with your state or with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
While a USDOT number isn't required for a local and intrastate move (it is required for an interstate move), it shows a company is committed to best practices in the moving industry and lets you check a mover’s safety and complaint history.
4. Get quotes
Look for a company that offers clear, easy-to-understand pricing and quotes. A reputable company will provide a written estimate based on your belongings, the difficulty of the move and how long it should take. Keep in mind this is usually a general quote, and the price may change if your move takes longer than expected.
It’s generally best to compare at least a few companies before choosing one. Compare their quotes and services to help you pick the best local mover for you.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest way to move locally?
The cheapest way to move locally is to rent a truck yourself and enlist friends and family to help you move. If you go this route, ensure you have everything packed and planned out before the day of the move. It’s also a nice gesture to treat them to a meal after the move is complete.
Do national moving companies do local moves?
Most national moving companies do local moves. National chains may be more expensive, but they have fleets of trucks and movers at their disposal. However, a local moving company may know how to navigate your area better, and it will likely cost less.
Do I need moving insurance to move locally?
Whether you’re moving one block or several states away, your belongings run the risk of getting damaged. Most movers include basic moving insurance, which covers anything that’s damaged in the move at a set rate, in the total cost. However, this type of insurance covers your items by weight, but not by value, and it doesn’t cover anything damaged by external factors, like theft. So, if you have expensive items, you may want extra insurance.
How far in advance should you hire local movers?
While it can be smart to hire movers as soon as you have set dates, a good rule of thumb is to schedule movers at least one to two months in advance.
How much should you tip local movers?
It’s always a nice gesture to tip your movers no matter how long or short a move is. A good guideline for tipping is to give $5 to $10 per hour per mover. If your move is particularly long or difficult, you may want to tip a bit more for a job well done.
Bottom line
Whether you hire a moving company for a local move all comes down to your ability to move yourself, how much stuff you have and your budget. If you have few possessions and are on a tight budget, you may be able to ask your friends for help and move yourself. But if you have a large household and aren’t great at packing or driving a truck, it’s likely a good idea to hire a local moving company.
When looking for a local moving company, start by asking trusted sources for recommendations and looking online for companies with good reviews. Don’t forget to also check a mover’s USDOT number to see its safety and complaint record.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, “Tips for a Successful Move.” Accessed Feb. 18, 2026.
