Best Moving Companies in Boston, MA 2026

To choose a reliable moving company in Boston, start by pinning down your exact service needs. Follow up by vetting three or more licensed movers, comparing their written proposals, and looking through impartial reviews for danger signs like price hikes or careless handling.

Hiring the right moving company is a major investment, so it’s important to do your homework before signing a contract. Here’s a clear process for comparing movers and selecting the best fit:

1. Determine your move type

Start by figuring out what kind of relocation you have ahead of you. Are you moving across town, or is it a longer haul? Do you want a mover that handles packing and everything else, or are you okay loading up yourself?

Knowing your needs up front makes it easier to find companies that offer the right services. Full-service movers manage every detail, while a self-service or labor-only mover will expect you to do most of the work.

2. Research movers in your area

Ask your friends, family and neighbors for their experiences, and always look for feedback online. Check online reviews from customers in Boston. The most common complaints about moving companies we see on ConsumerAffairs include:

• Damage to belongings during transit: Customers have described incidents where furniture arrives scratched, broken or otherwise damaged, and the claims process can be slow or complicated. Sometimes, movers dispute responsibility or don’t offer full reimbursement.

  Paul from Boston reported to us his unfortunate moving experience. “They damaged some of our furniture and lost the legs for our couch.”

• Hidden fees and cost overages: Some customers are surprised by final bills that are higher than the original estimate, with new charges added for labor, fuel or weight changes. People often report being asked to pay additional fees on moving day with little notice or explanation.
• Poor crew quality and unprofessional conduct: Complaints include movers being late, working inefficiently or handling items carelessly. Some people say the staff were rude or didn’t respond well to concerns raised during the move.
• Unmet delivery dates and communication breakdowns: Customers say their moves were delayed or delivery windows changed without warning. In some cases, it was difficult to reach someone at the company for updates or help.

3. Compare multiple quotes

Reach out to at least three moving companies and request written estimates. Having someone visit your home in person gives a much more accurate quote than using an online form, since the crew can see what you’re actually moving. Compare the quotes, making sure you understand what’s included in each one.

Watch out for any estimate that seems much lower than the rest — it could mean something’s missing or the company isn’t reliable. Look for a detailed breakdown of labor, truck fees, supplies and any extra charges.

4. Ask about extra services

Ask upfront about the cost of packing, unpacking, handling large or delicate items, storage and any access challenges like narrow stairs or limited parking. Knowing exactly what’s covered lets you budget for your move and avoid unexpected expenses.

5. Verify credentials

Make sure every moving company you consider is licensed and insured to operate in Massachusetts. If you’re moving out of state, check that the mover has a USDOT number with the Department of Transportation. Always review insurance coverage and ask about the claims process in case anything is lost or damaged.

Moving costs in Boston can range from a few hundred dollars for a small local move to several thousand for a long-distance or large household move.

Get your Moving Truck Permit at least two weeks early to avoid towing fees.

Factors influencing your cost include:

• Distance: Moving from Back Bay to Beacon Hill costs less than long-distance relocations.
• Volume: More belongings mean more time, labor and truck space.
• Services: Adding packing, unpacking or special handling increases your total.
• Timing: Summer and weekends are busiest — if you can move in winter or midweek, you may pay 20 to 30% less.
• Deposits: Brokers often ask for 20 to 50% upfront as a nonrefundable fee. Carriers tend to require less down.

Local moves usually cost $140 to $180 per hour for a three-person crew. Because many Boston apartments are in walk-ups with tight stairwells, crews often require an extra person. Most companies charge a travel time fee — usually one hour of labor — to cover the crew getting to and from their headquarters.

Average cost for moving services from and within Boston

The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

While not required, tipping is customary. A typical moving tip is $20 to $50 per mover for a local job. For longer moves, you might tip a higher amount or a percentage of the total. Food and drinks are always appreciated, too.

» COMPARE: Our picks for nationwide movers

• Start planning at least two months in advance: This will help you secure the date you want, gather quotes and prepare for any hiccups.

Avoid moving on September 1st if possible, as it is the busiest day of the year.

• Create a moving budget: Add up all your costs, including labor, truck, distance, estimated weight, supplies, travel, storage, insurance and tips. Research what others pay for similar moves.
• Declutter before packing: Moving less stuff means paying less and makes packing easier. Donate items, hold a yard sale or recycle what you no longer need.
• Pack strategically: Begin with rooms or closets you don’t use often. Tackle one room at a time and label every box with its destination. Use sturdy boxes and protect breakables with the right materials.
• Prepare an essentials box: A week before your move, set aside a box with your must-have items: toiletries, medications, a change of clothes and important papers.
• Get contact information: Make sure you have a direct number for the crew on moving day for questions about timing, parking or building access.

» MORE: 8 inexpensive ways to move across the country

Every moving company should be properly licensed and carry insurance. For interstate moves, movers must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have an active USDOT number (which you can verify with the FMCSA).

Intrastate moves are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Movers must file their tariffs with the DPU and cannot charge rates that deviate from these filed tariffs. If you have a dispute or damage claim, you should file it in writing with the company immediately, and the DPU can assist with mediation if the mover is unresponsive.

Moving within or to Massachusetts?

We’ve got some resources for you:

• Best solar companies in Massachusetts
• Best home warranties in Massachusetts
• How to do a Massachusetts change of address
• Massachusetts closing costs