Movers near Boston, MA

The best movers in Boston charge about $77 to $100 per hour for their services. However, this cost is subject to change at any time and will vary based on your specific needs. The price you pay may also depend on whether you’re moving within Boston, out of state or across the country. When choosing a moving company in Boston, gather a few quotes or estimates so you can make the best decision for your wallet.

Take the time to research and compare the best moving companies in Boston before you hire one. Read customer reviews and compare prices for storage services, long-distance movers and packers. Also discuss liability insurance with your mover, as Massachusetts makes movers responsible for only $0.60 per pound per article, according to the website for the state of Massachusetts. 

If you’re looking for free moving boxes in Boston, first try local stores around you. These may include liquor, department, grocery or bookstores, all of which use boxes regularly and might be willing to let you take some off their hands. Recycling centers often have stacks of folded boxes. For brand-new options, shop at hardware stores, where you can also find packing tape, moving blankets and other moving supplies. You can also try asking Boston moving companies if they offer or sell moving boxes as part of their services. 

To rent a moving truck in Boston, consider the options available at moving truck rental companies in the area. However, to save yourself some time and stress, you may want to consider hiring one of the best moving companies in Boston. Movers typically provide a truck when they’re helping you move. And in addition to driving it, they will load and unload your moving boxes and furniture. 

While a moving permit is not required in Boston, it does guarantee you two parking spaces from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a designated day. This means you won’t have to find parking for a large truck and can have close access to the move site. It also means you can avoid a hefty fine or parking ticket. The cost for a one-day moving truck parking permit is $110, according to the website for the city of Boston. 

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.

It’s recommended that you tip your movers individually around $4 to $5 per hour. For example, if a team of four movers spends a half-day (four hours) on your move, tip each mover $20. Or, some people tip 5% to 10% of their total bill for small moves and 15% to 20% for larger moves.

If you’re moving across state lines, you may hire different crews to load and unload your goods. In that case, divide the tips between both crews. It’s also a good rule of thumb to add a bit extra for tipping movers if you have special circumstances that have made the move harder, like a spiral staircase or an exceptionally heavy sofa. 

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.

Your homeowners or renters insurance policy may or may not protect your belongings if they get lost or damaged during a move. If you’re moving valuable items, or if you’re moving a great distance, it could be a good idea to invest in moving insurance.

Interstate movers are required to offer you full value protection and released value protection to help reimburse you in case of damage or loss. If you’re moving within your state, check with your state’s consumer affairs agency to see if your state has rules and requirements regarding moving insurance and valuation coverage.

Moving companies provide a range of services to help you physically move out of one residence and move into a new place. But moving companies can do so much more than just haul your belongings across town in a truck. The national average for moving company prices ($250-$350 per hour) reflects the range of services provided. Here are examples of all the ways moving companies can help:

• Packing: Moving companies can pack your belongings for you. They typically charge a flat rate for both the box and the labor to pack the box. The more time-consuming the belongings are to pack, the higher the cost per box. For example, books could be $5 per box, linens $10 per box, and fine china and glassware $18 per box.
• Specialty moving: Safely move a baby grand piano, a oversize aquarium, or other specialty items with the help of pro movers.
• Storage: Many moving companies can store your belongings while you wait for a new home to be remodeled or closing of your new home to be finalized. If you’re moving long-distance, they often provide short-term storage free for a specific length of time, and a set rate after that (such as $60 per square cubic foot of storage space used).
• Long-distance moves: No need to rent a trailer and move your things; a long-distance moving company can haul your belongings across the country for you. Typically they charge by the cubic foot for moves, with prices based on your destination.
• Unpacking: Moving companies can even unpack your belongings for you after they have moved them. This is not as common, and will definitely increase the price, but can be helpful if you’re not able to tackle this task yourself.