Best moving companies in Rochester, NY 2025

How to choose a moving company in Rochester

Moving can be daunting, but hiring the right movers can alleviate some of the stress. Here are some tips for finding the right mover for you:

1. Determine what kind of mover best suits your needs. Is your move local or long-distance, and do you need full-service packing services or basic transport?
2. Research movers in your area. Check licensing, insurance and customer reviews. Get multiple quotes in writing to avoid misunderstandings and for easy comparison.
3. Understand how your mover’s pricing and insurance work. Ask about costs for any extra services you’re interested in (e.g., packing, unpacking, storage). Don’t forget to factor in potential costs for bulky items or difficult-to-access areas. Also clarify the details regarding insurance coverage and the claims process in case of damage.

Cost to move in Rochester

Hiring movers is worth it for many Americans, but it’s important to understand the costs before you agree to sign on with a broker or carrier. Moving expenses can vary significantly — often from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on distance, number of belongings and any additional services you opt for.

Larger moves require more work from moving crews and higher truck capacity, which generally lead to higher overall costs. Moving during peak seasons (like summer) or over the weekend, when competition is high, may also mean spending more on a mover.

To get the most accurate idea of your moving costs, contact several moving companies for quotes. Most companies will ask for a detailed list of your possessions in order to offer an accurate estimate.

Average cost for moving services from and within Rochester

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

Tipping movers

Tipping your movers isn't required, but it's standard practice — and it’s a way to show your appreciation for their hard work, particularly if they provide excellent service.

A standard tip for a local move may fall between $20 and $50 per mover. You can adjust this amount based on the difficulty and length of the move. For long-distance moves, a larger tip or a percentage of the total cost is often appropriate. Small gestures like offering cold drinks and snacks are also appreciated.

DIY moves

Handling the move yourself can save money, but it also demands considerable effort and planning. You'll likely need to rent a truck, gather packing supplies and enlist the help of friends and family.

If you choose this route, remember to factor in expenses like truck rental fees and fuel costs. You may also need to rent or buy equipment (e.g., dollies and moving blankets). Consider the time commitment involved, including packing, loading, driving, unloading and unpacking. Will you need time off from work?

Before deciding if a do-it-yourself move is right for you, carefully evaluate your available time, physical abilities and whether you'll have reliable help.

Tips for a successful Rochester move

Moving to Rochester can be made easier and less expensive by planning ahead, reducing your belongings and using efficient packing strategies.

1. Develop a moving budget

Make a moving budget by estimating the costs of hiring movers or renting a truck, taking into account the distance, how many things you have and any extra services you want or need. Include expenses for packing supplies, potential travel costs (such as gas, tolls and lodging) and temporary storage if needed.

Remember to account for insurance, cleaning fees and tipping your movers. Research typical moving costs for similar moves to create a realistic budget.

2. Reduce clutter and sell or donate

Although it takes time to sort through your possessions, downsizing can simplify your entire move. Consider holding a garage sale to earn money from unwanted items. You might also donate gently used belongings to charity. Many charities offer convenient donation pickup services, allowing you to declutter while supporting a good cause. (Don't forget to get a donation receipt for potential tax deductions.)

3. Pack efficiently

Gather sturdy boxes, packing tape, cushioning wrap and markers. Pack one room at a time, and label boxes clearly with their contents and the intended room in your new home. Use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items, and consider using wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Maximize space by filling gaps with towels or clothing, and pack an "essentials" box or bag with items you'll need immediately at your new home.

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Moving regulations in Rochester

All legitimate moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured. If a mover has to cross state lines, it’s also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can check a mover’s USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

Verify current state regulations with New York’s transportation authority. The New York Department of Transportation has resources online to help protect consumers from illegitimate movers.

ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when we make our top picks.

To choose the top moving companies in Rochester, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Rochester. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

• Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
• Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
• Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for a down payment of 20% or less over those with higher deposit requirements.
• Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
• App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.