Best Moving Companies in Massachusetts

There are an endless number of reasons why Massachusetts is seeing a positive net increase in its state population. The city of Boston in particular is thriving, with a steadily growing local economy packed with young creative professionals and students from all walks of life. However, the state’s charm extends far beyond its capital city, with the countryside dotted with small towns and communities exuding old-world charm and friendliness. Massachusetts is home to some of the most famous universities in the world as well, meaning that the Bay State is attractive to both entrepreneurs and students alike.

Are you thinking about making a move to Massachusetts? One of the best ways to prepare for your move is by comparing long-distance movers well before you need to hit the road. To help get your moving experience going as smoothly as possible, we’ve created a comprehensive guide on moving to Massachusetts. Read on to learn more about:

• The best movers offering services to and from Massachusetts
• Information on pricing and what you can expect to pay for your moving needs
• Some extra tips that will help you enjoy the Bay State to the fullest

We’ll also provide a few quick links to help you begin your search with reputable moving companies. 

The 7 Best Moving Companies in Massachusetts

Our top recommended moving companies in Massachusetts for 2022:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare The Best Moving Companies in Massachusetts

Company	Website	Our Take	Our Rating	BBB Rating	Local Cost
International Van Lines	Site	Best Full-Service Mover	9.8	B	$600 – $1,200
American Van Lines	Site	Most Transparent Pricing	9.7	N/A	$500 – $1,000
Moving APT	Site	Most Moving Partners	9.6	B
JK Moving Services	Site	Most Customizable Moving Experience	9.5	A+	Call for a quote
Allied Van Lines	Site	Most Vehicle Shipping Options	9.4	A+	$750 – $1,350
U-Pack	Site	Most Widely-Available Container Service	9.3	A+	N/A
North American Van Lines	Site	Best Pricing Options	9.2	A+	$750 – $1,350

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

Why We Recommend International Van Lines

International Van Lines leads the pack in both variety of locations and in services provided. They are a full-service moving company, which means that you can make a moving plan that fits your needs as thorough and detailed or as simple as you’d like. IVL movers can pack up everything you have, load it, unload it, and unpack it at your destination. You can also opt to simply have them drive the belongings you already packed to your new home.

International Van Lines operates in all 50 states and provides moving services to over 150 countries globally. IVL has also taken home Newsweek’s Best Customer Service Award several years in a row. Customers say that International Van Lines is courteous, efficient, thorough, and professional, which is part of the reason why the company’s customer service team is highly rated. Long-distance moves make up about 80% of IVL’s business, so they’re true experts when it comes to residential moving.

Services Offered

International Van Lines is a top-rated full-service moving company. As a result, IVL offers a wide variety of moving services that you can add to your move, including the following.  

• Packing services
• Unpacking services
• Loading and unloading 
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating
• Specialized packing services for fragile items
• Short-term and long-term storage services
• Packing supplies
• Auto transportation services
• Military moving services
• Corporate relocation services

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?

We collected quotes from previous Massachusetts movers who worked with IVL to help you estimate what you might pay with this company. Here’s what we found. 

City of origin	Destination	Total move distance	Home size	Price paid
Shrewsbury, MA	Laguna Niguel, CA	2,961 miles	One-bedroom home	$5,200
Westfield Center, OH	Springfield, MA	594 miles	Two-bedroom home	$3,541
Centertown, KY	Cambridge, MA	1,095 miles	Two-bedroom home	$3,991
Granada, CO	Lowell, MA	1,892 miles	Two-bedroom home	$4,359
Houston, TX	Marlborough, MA	1,827 miles	Three-bedroom home	$3,850

Get a quote from IVL here.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

Why We Recommend American Van Lines

American Van Lines (AVL) has been in business since 1995. Customer reviews are glowing, saying that the movers are professional, efficient, fantastic, and friendly. Their prices are competitive and only slightly above the average price for both local and long-distance moves, with an example being about $4,400 to move a three-bedroom house 1,000 miles. There are absolutely no hidden fees when you hire American Van Lines — what you’re given as a price is what you’re going to pay. 

American Van Lines also has exceptional customer service; its representatives are always standing by with personable help and answers to your questions. While American Van Lines’ commitment to customer service is commendable, the company’s star is its unique pricing policies. With flat-rate pricing, AVL is able to quickly provide you with the most accurate quote policy — and its price matching policy helps you ensure that you’ve got the best rate. 

Services Offered

American Van Lines is another nationwide option for full-service moving — they even employ certified piano movers to load even your most fragile things. You can currently book the following services to your AVL move.

• Packing and unpacking services
• Storage unit arrangement
• Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating for large items (like pianos)
• Moving supplies
• Corporate moves
• Military moves
• International moves
• Commercial moves

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost?

Estimate what you might pay for moving services from AVL using the chart below. 

	<250 miles	500 miles	1,000 miles	2,000 miles
Two-bedroom home	$1,700 to $4,500	$2,300 to $5,300	$2,600 to $5,600	$4,200 to $7,200
Four-bedroom home	$4,800 to $7,800	$5,600 to $8,600	$7,400 to $10,400	$10,800 to $13,800

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT is not a moving company itself, instead operating as a moving broker. This means that it has created a network of about 2,500 partner companies all across the country and it connects you, the customer, with the moving companies which best fit your needs and budget. Because they have such an extensive partner list, Moving APT can match you with companies located practically anywhere across the country. This company’s focus is fostering connections with reputable moving companies, saving you time. 

If you worked with a moving broker in the past, you might be concerned that you won’t be matched with quality service providers. Moving APT dispels these concerns by employing strict hiring criteria when choosing the movers it partners with. You can even view profiles of some of their most often used providers on its website. 

Services Offered

Add-on services will vary depending on which of its 2,500 partner companies you’re matched with. Some of Moving APT’s most popular services include the following.

• Commercial and residential moving
• Piano moving
• Auto shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies
• Appliance connection services
• Some furniture disassembly and reassembly

How Much Does Moving APT Cost?

A recent four-bedroom, 1,000-plus mile move with Moving APT was quoted at $7,800, which puts it about in line with other moving companies providing services in the Massachusetts area. However, because Moving APT offers price-matching services, it can be difficult to estimate what exactly you’ll pay based on past services. Be sure to contact Moving APT and get your free quote to learn what you can expect to pay for your move. 

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

JK Moving Services

Why We Recommend JK Moving Services

Apart from its community gardens and wildlife sanctuary, JK Moving Services gives back to the community by being one of the best full-service movers out there. Although JK is more expensive than other companies we’ve mentioned, you get what you pay for. They even offer an extended range of services for small businesses and homes with unique features. Your personalized moving coordinator will help you create a package that includes exactly what you need.

They have their own mobile app so you can always get in touch with customer service about your move. Each truck in the fleet is equipped with GPS tracking, and each member of staff has been drug-tested, background-checked, and thoroughly trained to work in the moving industry. You can sign up for a full-service move with JK or you can choose from a list of services, including antique packing, vehicle transport, storage, packing and loading, or all of the above.

Services Offered

JK Moving Services is well-known for its wide selection of optional services. You can currently schedule the following services through JK’s team.

• Packing and unpacking services
• Loading and unloading services
• Long-term and short-term storage unit arrangement
• Transportation and delivery
• Freighting
• Crating
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly services
• Specialty services for items like antiques and pianos
• Specialized moving services for law firms, hospitals, and other specialized workplaces
• Corporate relocation services
• Government moving services
• Archive services
• Auto relocation services 

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost?

JK Moving Services focuses on providing each of its clients a personalized moving experience, which means that pricing will vary drastically depending on circumstances. As a general pricing example, you can expect to pay $2,500 to $5,500 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move. Be sure to get a free quote to learn more about what you’ll pay for your moving service.

Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

Why We Recommend Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines is a full-service mover experienced in both local moves and long-distance relocations. With their comprehensive plans, you can sign up for everything from fragile-only packing to an entire move packed, loaded, and unpacked by professionals. Allied works with you to design the moving plan that’s right for your needs. They even offer storage options if you need to be out of your home before your new home is ready.

If you need crating or vehicle shipping, Allied has got you covered. They will even provide you with a rental car if your vehicle is late arriving to you. Not only do they provide service in all 50 states, but they also handle international moves to more than 130 countries. Allied includes the cost of loading and unloading in all their moving plans, which can save you some money on your move. 

Services Offered

Allied Van Lines is also a full-service mover, so the company can be a great choice if you’re looking for the easiest move possible. You can currently schedule the following services alongside your move with Allied.

• Packing services and unpacking services
• Fragile-only packing
• Storage for in-transit items
• Arrangement of long-term storage units
• Shipment tracking
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Auto and boat transport
• Basic liability coverage
• Full-value coverage
• Online moving resources

How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?

View pricing from previous Allied Van Lines customers to estimate what you might pay for moving services.

	<250 miles	500 miles	1,000 miles	2,000 miles
Two-bedroom home	$1,800 to $4,500	$2,400 to $5,400	$2,700 to $5,700	$4,400 to $7,400
Four-bedroom home	$3,300 to $6,000	$5,700 to $8,700	$7,500 to $10,500	$10,900 to $13,000

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

U-Pack

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack can be the company for your move if you are trying to save money. Because it is a moving container service company rather than a full-service mover, you can save hundreds of dollars on your move by cutting labor costs. All you need to do is figure out how many containers (ReloCubes) you need in order to hold all your belongings. You also have the option to request a large moving trailer instead. 

Once you have determined the type and number of containers you need, schedule a drop-off with U-Pack entirely online. You’ll receive instant pricing, and booking your container service takes only a few minutes. A driver will then drop off your container, and you have three days to pack and load it. After three days, the driver will return and transport your belongings to their destination. U-Pack saves you from the cost of hiring movers to pack and unpack, load, and unload. It also saves you from the hassle of driving unwieldy moving containers or trucks across the country.

Services Offered

U-Pack is a moving company that focuses on providing short- and long-term storage and moving services. The company does not currently offer service to homeowners moving less than 150 miles from their current destination.

How Much Does U-Pack Cost?

You can get an instant, personalized quote using U-Pack’s free online tool. To view general pricing information from past U-Pack customers, take a look at the chart below. 

	<250 miles	500 miles	1,000 miles	2,000 miles
Two-bedroom home	$600 to $1,600	$1,200 to $2,200	$1,600 to $2,600	$2,100 to $3,100
Four-bedroom home	$800 to $1,800	$1,800 to $2,800	$2,800 to $3,800	$4,100 – $5,100

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

North American Van Lines

Why We Recommend North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines has been helping people with the moving process since 1933, and they are continuing to offer full-service moving across the country. Customer service representatives are often available to help you get a free quote, and if you’re new to the process, guide you in selecting services that may be useful to you. Although there is an online quoting tool, it’s best to set up a walkthrough with a North American staff member so you can get the most accurate quote.

North American Van Lines was the first full-service American moving company to traverse the Alaska Highway. Not only have they developed their own specialized training for moving in tricky weather conditions; North American has also created its own satellite GPS tracking for each shipment. This means that you can always check on the whereabouts of your stuff without calling customer service.

Services Offered

North American Van Lines is another viable option for your full-service move. You can currently schedule the following services through the company’s representatives. 

• Full-service packing
• Fragile-only packing
• Boxes and moving supplies
• Appliance disconnection and reconnection
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Custom crates
• Loading and unloading
• Crane vans for large items
• Storage services (short-term and long-term)
• Satellite tracking
• Auto transport
• Full-valuation coverage

How Much Does North American Van Lines Cost?

View the table below to learn more about what previous North American Van Lines customers paid for their services. 

	<250 miles	500 miles	1,000 miles	2,000 miles
Two-bedroom home	$1,800 to $4,500	$2,400 to $5,400	$2,700 to $5,700	$4,400 to $7,400
Four-bedroom home	$3,300 to $6,000	$5,700 to $8,700	$7,500 to $10,500	$10,900 to $13,000

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Choosing a moving company for your relocation is almost as important as the time, date, and destination of your move. Moving can be a stressful experience, but if you hire a savvy professional moving company, they can ease the stress of planning, logistics, and the heavy lifting of a move. Whether you’re headed to the Boston area, somewhere else in New England, or you’re intending to move cross country, you’ll typically have two types of moving companies to choose from. 

Full-Service Moving

When choosing a moving company, the first thing you should do is check out online reviews of those available in your area. Online reviews can be skewed, but you can get a general idea of what kind of service quality you can expect. Once you’ve compared and contrasted a few contenders, you can make your choice by checking out a few other factors. Are they licensed with the FMCSA? Do they have plans that fit your budget? Do they require a deposit up front? Do you need storage at your destination? These are questions that set certain companies apart from others.

Once you’re confident in your choice, it’s time to schedule your move. The relief of not having to drive a cumbersome moving vehicle across the country alone can be worth hiring movers, but they are also highly trained in making long-distance moves as painless and efficient as possible. Professional movers have the experience, certifications, equipment, and manpower to give you a stress-free move. If you’re moving a fragile or awkwardly-shaped item (like a piano), we highly recommend that you use a full–service moving company. 

Self-Service

You also have the option to take your move completely into your own hands. A DIY move can help you save hundreds or maybe even thousands of dollars that you would be spending on hiring a moving company. If you’re familiar with the area you’re moving to and the route to get there, a self-service move may be easier for you. Even if you’re not that familiar with the area, you can still pack up all your belongings and move them yourself, especially if you downsize beforehand. 

If you’re uneasy about driving a large commercial moving vehicle or towing a trailer, you can always opt for a moving container service like U-Pack. When you move with a moving container service, you’re still packing and loading on your own schedule, but all the driving is handled by trained professionals. You can simply drive yourself to your new home and wait for your belongings there. 

Moving To Massachusetts 

After you’ve decided on your moving needs and you’ve selected a moving crew to help you on your journey, it’s time to start getting ready for your upcoming moving date. Interstate moves can be long and stressful processes — which is why it’s important to do as much research as possible before you hit the road. Read on to learn more about some specifics of what you might expect to pay for your move based on the distance you’re traveling as well as some tips and tricks for embracing your new state. 

Massachusetts Moving Costs

When you move to Massachusetts with a professional moving team, the price that you’ll pay for your move will vary depending on two primary factors.

• The distance you’re traveling: If you’re moving a further distance away from your current home, your moving team will need to spend more on labor costs, toll charges, fuel, and other necessities. This increases the price that you’ll pay for moving services.
• The size of your home: Larger homes might require multiple moving trucks to load safely and without damage. The more rooms you have in your home, the more you can expect to pay for moving services.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of what you might expect to pay for your moving services based on the distance you’re traveling. 

Distance	Home Size	Average Cost
100 miles	3-4 bedroom home	$2,942 to $3,848
250 miles	3-4 bedroom home	$3,651 to $4,811
500 miles	3-4 bedroom home	$4,117 to $5,445
750	3-4 bedroom home	$4,703 to $6,242
1000	3-4 bedroom home	$5,665 to $7,550
1500	3-4 bedroom home	$6,631 to $8,865
2000	3-4 bedroom home	$7,779 to $10,425

Best Cities in Massachusetts

Still comparing homes and neighborhoods in Massachusetts? The following are a few of the best cities in the state for new residents. 

Waltham: Waltham has a crime rate of less than half of the national average. Around 63,000 people call this city home, and they have access to Boston in 20 minutes, so even if you prefer the suburbs to the big city, city amenities aren’t far away. Go out for a delicious bite on Moody Street or take in the greenery at Prospect Hill Park. Waltham is a peaceful locale with great schools, and if you’re a young family starting out with or without children, the housing is exceptionally affordable. 

Cambridge: Cambridge is a welcoming city known for housing Harvard and MIT. In fact, about 30% of the city’s population is students, and these students often stay in and around Cambridge after graduation. That could be why jobs in the tech sector are booming. Cambridge is environmentally conscious, as evidenced by its year-round farmers market and widespread public transportation. Because of public transport and its extreme walkability, you probably won’t even need a car if you move to Cambridge.

Boston: One of the most unique features of Boston is its commitment to preserving original homes and public buildings. You can get a frozen-in-time feel walking along the streets of Boston, as the city’s history and character are preserved in its architecture. This architecture has withstood the test of time and development, preserving its charm. 

Each neighborhood has its own distinct feel, and some of these areas of Boston have the most diverse populations in the state. If you live in Boston, you also have easy access to Philly and NYC, amazing public transport, and top-notch public schools and universities. It may surprise you to learn that Boston has been ranked the 13th safest place to live in the entire United States.

Living in Massachusetts

Now that you’re ready to move, use the following tips to make the most out of your time in the Bay State.

The education in Massachusetts is next level: The public schools in Massachusetts are number one in the entire country in reading and math scores. It’s also home to Harvard, Tufts, Boston University, and MIT, just to name a few of the top universities in the US. If you have children, Massachusetts can be a fantastic place to live. 

Taxes are higher in some areas and lower in others: The state income tax for Massachusetts is 5.1%, with tax rates increasing to 12% on some capital gains. Although the income tax is low, Massachusetts has pretty high taxes on other things like gasoline ($0.24 per gallon) and cigarettes ($3.51 tax per pack). You may want to consider moving to an area with great public transportation to avoid paying high fuel taxes.

Massachusetts is a state of diversity: The Pilgrim State is a treasure trove of historical sites, museums, walking trails, beaches, and gorgeous landscapes. Venture outside of your area at least once to see everything that Massachusetts has to offer. 

Final Thoughts

Many homeowners are surprised at just how much it can cost to move across the country. Even a local move can cost upwards of $2,000 if you live in a large home. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to save money on your move with a bit of prior planning. Begin by downsizing your property—get rid of everything that you don’t need to bring with you to lower your moving costs. Next, be sure to get as many quotes as possible before booking your moving date. Getting at least three moving quotes from competing service providers helps you spot the most affordable moving rates in the area.

House Method Rating Methodology

At House Method, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.

• Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
• Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
• Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
• Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
• Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.

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