The Best Moving Companies in NYC

If you’re embarking on a long-distance move to NYC or out of the city, Atlas Van Lines is our top pick for its vast network across all 50 states and 17 countries. Locally, Atlas Van Lines works with 13 different movers who service the city — that’s among the highest on this list — ensuring that the company is truly able to customize the move to your specific needs.

Atlas Van Lines offers multiple options and add-ons to help make your move seamless, including full-service packing, vehicle relocation, specialty packing of fragile items, storage, valuation coverage, and eco-friendly packaging. As a nice bonus, an initial deposit is not required, and quotes can be either binding or non-binding.

Atlas also scores points for its app, which helps to streamline the move by allowing you to video chat with a live agent to get an accurate estimate, track your move, and itemize your belongings.

Whether you’re moving into New York City, out of the city, or within NYC, United Van Lines has you covered. The company scores points for its vast network across all 50 states, as well as its flexibility to fit your packing and moving needs. If you’re embarking on a long-distance move, United Van Lines will handle the move itself. The company is additionally licensed under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, ensuring the utmost safety and care for long-distance moves. 

But if you’re moving locally within New York City, United contracts with an area moving company. The contracted agency provides the same services as United, offering you the protection of a larger company with the personalized service of a smaller one.

United Van Lines is a full-service moving company, offering a binding quote after a comprehensive evaluation of your items and needs. Additionally, United Van Lines can accommodate specialty packing and delivery options. Although personal cars are somewhat rare in NYC compared to other cities, if you own one and want to bring it to your new residence, United Van Lines features a best-in-class vehicle transport service. The company will provide both door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping with a guaranteed delivery date.

If you need more than a New York minute to fully prepare for a move, then PODS could be a great option for you. Once you fill up a storage container, PODS can transfer all your items to your new residence or a storage facility while you get the new place ready. As many NYC residents will not have a driveway for their POD, the company offers month-to-month storage for maximum flexibility.

New York City offers a unique challenge for PODS, as you’re not allowed to have PODS on the street. PODS City Service is designed to alleviate this problem; your PODS specialist will bring your container to you on a truck, staying with it as you load or unload. They’ll ensure that your items are protected from thieves, tickets, or being towed. While PODS drivers are not able to pack or unpack your container, the company can help connect you with packing and loading companies. Because of this, PODS may not be the best option for someone looking to make a quick move within New York City, unless they need storage.

Available in most parts of NYC, PODS City Service costs $749 for four hours of loading or unloading. Transport and storage are extra, depending upon your location. If you need more time to pack up your place, you can keep your POD for an additional $299 an hour.

Allied Van Lines has everything you need, whether you’re coming to New York, headed out of the city, or simply moving a few streets away. The company works with agents across New York City, the country, and the world to assist with all your moving needs, whether they be full service or DIY. In the New York metro area specifically, Allied contracts with seven local companies. Together, they handle everything, from helping you find short-term storage solutions to custom crating of specialized items, vehicle relocation, and debris removal. They also have assembly and disassembly options for your furniture and household items. 

Allied Van Lines distinguishes itself with its storage solutions; Allied Express offers portable storage containers that Allied movers will help you pack and transport to your new location. Customers can also choose to store their items in transit for up to 90 days or transition to permanent storage if more time is needed.

If you need to move specialty items, fragile pieces of furniture, or antiques, then Mayflower is the mover for you. The company offers custom crating to pack even the most uniquely shaped item. What’s more, Mayflower’s Full Value Protection Plan guarantees that you’ll be fairly reimbursed if an item is damaged during transit. The plan is also included with every moving quote. Full Value Protection is not the same as insurance, as you don’t have to prove that Mayflower caused the damage in order to be reimbursed.

In addition to the top-notch protection, Mayflower makes moving a breeze for people who want a more hands-off moving experience. The company offers full- and partial-service packing, debris removal, and vehicle relocation.

The New York City apartment-hunting process is a unique animal. Advanced planning is often not possible, as it’s common for apartments to go on the market just a few days before move-in. If you find yourself needing a quick turnaround for a move, consider Bellhop, as it can accommodate last-minute and potentially even same-day moves.

Bellhop is a full- and partial-service moving company with an option to hire movers only. So if you’re moving to NYC from out of state, or if you want to drive your own truck from the city, Bellhop can help you with loading and unloading. The hourly rate for movers doesn’t have to solely involve packing — Bellhop will also help you move furniture or organize your garage in your new place. It's important to note that if you’re moving outside of New York and need a truck, Bellhop only services 25 states.

With its network in all 50 states, an international presence, and a reputation for moving U.S. Presidents and leaders of Fortune 500 companies, JK Moving Services covers local, long-distance, and international moves. The company offers full-, partial-, and self-service moving options, as well as storage if you can't move everything into your new home right away.

Where JK Moving really stands out, however, is with its sustainable options, meaning that you’ll limit your carbon footprint no matter how far you’re going. All of JK Moving’s trucks exceed EPA emission standards, and the engine oil is repurposed as heating sources at JK’s maintenance facilities. The company’s Boxless Move program underscores JK’s commitment to the environment, as it guarantees that all paper, cardboard, and wood are recycled. In total, JK Moving has prevented over 4.5 million pounds of packing materials from going into landfills.

Wheaton World Wide Moving is a full-, partial-, and self-service moving company that just may be able to score you the best price. The company’s discount program offers concessions for being a part of a specific organization, from National Active and Retired Federal Employees to the Emergency Nurses Association, and even clients of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network.

Like many movers on this list, Wheaton World Wide Moving contracts with local agents to help you with your New York City move. With two New York City-based agents in its network, Wheaton has fewer partners than other companies. But they all promise a range of valuation plans, specialty moving services, and long- or short-term storage.

A slight con of Wheaton is its customer service. Because it’s not 24/7, it can take up to 24 hours to get a response to any questions you may have.