Moving and storage professionals near you

When looking for the best moving and storage company, make sure you complete the following steps: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Professional moving and storage companies should have an active business and movies license and insurance (general liability, cargo and/or warehouse legal liability insurance). They might also need to have a warehouse license. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research.

• Get several estimates: Compare rates and services from multiple moving and storage services. Make sure you compare the cost so you can secure the fairest price.

• Read their reviews: Look for red flags, such as damaged items, lack of communication or inability to retrieve stored belongings. 

• Find out if they have guarantees: Moving and storage companies don’t typically provide warranties, but they might guarantee that they will deliver your belongings in the same condition they received them in. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, and read the fine print.

• Ask important questions: For example, find out if you can purchase additional insurance for your high-value items, if the storage facility is climate-controlled and secure and if there are days or times where you cannot get access to your storage unit.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

​​Depending on the company, movers may offer a variety of storage solutions. These may include:

• Pod or container storage: Moving companies that specialize in pod moving (which is when the company delivers a container to you so that you can load your belongings into it) will often allow you to lease the pod for a specified length of time so you can use it as storage in your yard or driveway. Some pod-moving companies will also store fully loaded pods for you at their warehouse. Timeframes may vary from a week to a month or more.

• Short-term warehouse storage: Some moving companies have their own storage warehouses to offer short-term storage for your items. The length of the storage term can vary from overnight to 30 days, at which point the moving company will typically deliver your items to the location you've specified.

• Self-storage: Some movers will have partnerships with storage companies near you, which means you can contract with the mover for both moving services and temporary self-storage services. The movers will typically pick up your belongings and load them into the storage unit for you. If you need long-term storage, you can then work with the storage company to extend the lease on your unit.

Here are a few ways you might be able to save money on storage companies:

• Deal hunt: Some storage companies may offer a hefty discount on the first month, while others might price-match to remain competitive.

• Downsize: Decluttering and downsizing may help you go from a larger, more expensive unit to a smaller, more affordable one. 

• Call in favors: Storing large items like couches or wardrobes at a friend's house may drastically cut costs on the storage size needed.

• Skip the extras: Consider whether climate control, extra security and 24/7 access are absolutely necessary. Storage companies that offer these features usually have higher quotes.

• Shop around: Storage companies have unique offerings and setups. Some charge based on the number of items you have, while others consider the unit size. 

• Don't overstay: The longer you need the unit, the more you'll pay. Set a timeline and make sure you've moved out by the deadline. Procrastinating can increase the fees. 

• Pick your location carefully: If you do not require frequent access, a more remote storage unit may offer a drastic price difference compared to a company in the city.

Some of the biggest benefits of hiring a moving company that offers storage units include the following:

• Convenience: Movers that partner with local storage companies often offer a convenient, all-in-one service for packing, loading, storing and relocating your household goods during a move.

• Security: Moving companies that offer storage units typically have high-security storage facilities designed to keep your items safe. However, make sure you know what their security entails before making a decision.

• Options: Many moving companies that offer storage often have a variety of options available, from pod storage to self-service units or climate-controlled storage. However, this depends on the company so do your research.

• Cost savings: Bundling moving and storage costs together through one provider may help you save money compared to purchasing moving and storage services from separate providers.

• Time savings: Moving companies that offer storage will typically place your items in storage for you, then load them and deliver them to your new location when you're ready. This can save you the time of loading and unloading your belongings from a storage unit yourself.

• Less stress: Moving is often hectic and stressful. Hiring a moving company that offers storage solutions can help reduce your stress by offering a streamlined solution that eliminates steps like loading and unloading a storage unit yourself.

When accounting for moving costs, you can generally expect to pay around $30 to $50 per mover, per hour. However, these costs could change and you should compare movers in your city to estimate the true cost of your move.

Moving companies usually provide a team of at least two individuals depending on the size of the job and the objects to be moved. This hourly rate also changes with driving distance. And, moving specialty objects such as pianos can also drive up the cost. Some moving companies may provide a free estimate even offer a flat rate if the job.

For more information on moving costs, read Thumbtack’s cost guide on movers.

Book movers at least two months in advance for a local move and at least four months in advance for a cross-country move. If you’re moving during the off-season, it’s best to book movers about four to eight weeks in advance. Factor in an extra two to three weeks if you have antiques or valuables that are difficult to transport.

May through September is typically considered peak moving season. If you’re moving during this time, hire movers as far in advance as possible.

Local moves are among the most common moves. Unlike a long-distance move, a local move is typically less than 50 miles and does not cross state lines. Generally, a local move only takes one day, and movers tend to charge by the hour. 

The definition of a long-distance move may vary depending on the moving company. Generally, a long-distance considered to be any move of 400 miles or more. However, some say a long-distance move is over 50-100 miles. 

Interstate moves require additional legal preparation and will incur additional costs for distance, the amount and weight of your items, the preparation required and various other factors. Moving companies tend to do an initial weighing of the truck, which you should be present for.

A move that crosses state lines is considered an interstate move or an out-of-state move. Contrast this with an intrastate move, which begins and ends in the same state, but is typically above 50 miles. 

To determine whether your move is local or long-distance, contact the best movers in your area.

Long-distance movers transport your belongings across the country for you. No more renting a trailer and road-tripping from state to state with your entire house hitched to your bumper. Long-distance movers make the move happen so you can fly to your new home, suitcase in hand, and wait for your furniture to arrive. Nationally, the average price range for long-distance movers is $1,490-$2,230. The distance you are moving and the number of cubic feet the movers have to transport will both affect cost. Another factor in long-distance moving costs is whether you choose to pay for an exclusive move or a consolidated move.

In an exclusive move, which is more expensive, your belongings are the only cargo on the moving truck. The movers travel directly to your new house and deliver your belongings on a scheduled day. A consolidated move is more affordable because the movers transport your belongings along with those of other people, saving them time and gas — which means you save money. The downside is that your belongings typically arrive with a two-week delivery window rather than on a prescheduled day. Read reviews to make sure you can trust the company with your possessions to ensure a peaceful moving process.

You might be able to move smaller items like nightstands, small desks, chairs and small tables by yourself. However, it’s best to get a professional mover near you to move larger items such as couches, dressers, armoires and televisions. 

If you do decide to move furniture by yourself, carefully lift and lower items and take your time.

It often makes more financial sense to buy new stuff when you have the chance to sell furniture to offset the cost. The cost of moving your current furniture can sometimes be more than buying new things, particularly if the furniture is large or cumbersome to move. You can sell furniture online, or make a furniture donation and deduct it from your taxes (if it qualifies as a charitable contribution). Some places near you may even offer free furniture pickup when you choose to donate. 

If you have valuable furniture that would be costly to replace, however, it may be cheaper to move them. To find out which option is best for you, contact professional movers in your area to receive quotes and estimates.