Finding an apartment in New York City is hard enough. Between limited inventory, high rents, broker fees, co-op and condo approvals, and tight move-in windows, getting the keys can feel like the finish line. But in New York, the next challenge can be just as stressful: actually getting your belongings from one apartment to another.
Moving in NYC is not just about packing boxes. It is about parking a truck on a crowded street, reserving the elevator, getting the building to approve a certificate of insurance, figuring out whether your sofa will fit through the hallway, and hoping your movers can work quickly without upsetting the super. As one New Yorker told CBS recently, moving here can feel like “a geometry class” just to figure out whether everything will fit.
Licensed, Bonded, Insured, and Recommended
First, it's important to know what to look for when hiring a mover. Before hiring a company, make sure the company is licensed and insured, and for interstate moves, check for a USDOT number. Ask whether the estimate is binding or hourly, what is included in the quote, and what might cost extra, such as stairs, long carries, packing materials, storage, bulky items, or waiting time. If your building requires a certificate of insurance, confirm that the company can provide one before you book.If the company is licensed, they have been authorized to carry out business at the state or federal level. Simply put, this means they are a legitimate business. If they are bonded, it means they offering a financial guarantee that they will fulfill and uphold their contract by carrying out the work they have agreed to do on your behalf. If a company is insured, they are offering an even greater level of assurance, if they lose or break any of your precious items, they are insured to cover the loss.
Beyond these basic considerations, however, you may have specific needs. If you have a large art collection, you may want to contract with a mover who specializes in moving art or antiques. If you’re preparing for a small move of low value, you may more concerned about cost than insuring valuables. Whether you’re moving a million or just a few thousand dollars worth of personal items, however, the most important consideration is that you trust your mover.
Recommended Moving Companies
Reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews or Trustpilot can be useful but also tap your personal network for recommendations. Start with friends and colleagues, and then check with your doormen or building superintendent. In New York City, building staff often have an insider’s knowledge about which moving companies are organized, courteous, and careful and which ones are not. And if your current building staff has had a good experience with a moving company in the past, you’ll be more likely to avoid tensions with your building staff when moving day comes around.There are hundreds of moving companies in New York City, as well as individual “man-with-a-van” style movers, though the latter are rarely licensed, bonded, and insured. Below, see a selection of highly recommended moving companies. While all of these companies get rave reviews from New Yorkers, they also each offer something unique.
Whether you are planning a small or large move, and whether you are moving Ikea or couture, hiring a reliable moving company is essential. With many reputable options available in the New York City area, first consider your specific priorities and then start looking for companies with a proven track record.
Finding the right moving company is essential | Photo credit: FlatRate Moving | https://www.flatrate.com/
Finally, make the move easier on yourself before the truck arrives. Declutter early, label every box on more than one side, keep a master list, and avoid moving on the first or last day of the month if possible, when trucks and elevators are in highest demand. Moving may never be the best part of getting a new apartment, but with the right company, it can feel less like a crisis and more like the start of a new chapter.
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 recommended moving companies serving New York City and the surrounding area. Each stands out for something different, from flat-rate pricing and budget-friendly local moves to boutique service, specialty-item handling, storage, and premium full-service moving.
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 recommended moving companies serving New York City and the surrounding area. Each stands out for something different, from flat-rate pricing and budget-friendly local moves to boutique service, specialty-item handling, storage, and premium full-service moving.
NYC's Ten Best Moving Companies
List compiled based on average ratings and user reviews from GoogleReviews, Yelp, and Trustpilot
FlatRate Moving
1123 Broadway 7th Fl, New York, NY
10010
1123 Broadway 7th Fl, New York, NY
10010
212-988-9292
The best for a guaranteed, all-inclusive move.
FlatRate Moving | https://www.flatrate.com/
With over 35 years of experience moving New Yorkers and more than 500,000 successful moves, FlatRate is a strong fit for those seeking peace of mind, high-level service, and a more predictable pricing structure. Many movers have been burned by undisclosed, tacked-on costs, and in more extreme cases, companies have been known to hold belongings hostage unless additional fees are paid. FlatRate offers predictable pricing along with professional full-service moving for local, long-distance, international, storage, and commercial moves. For high-value or complex relocations, FlatRate ELITE provides white-glove service including specialty handling, dedicated coordination, and concierge-level care.
Prospective customers should note that the flat-rate planning process depends on an accurate inventory. Stairs, elevators, bulky items, and building rules should all be disclosed. As FlatRate explains, “We ask the right questions upfront so the move is properly planned, the building is protected, and there are fewer surprises on move day.” On FlatRate’s reviews page, Omar S. said, “Everything was excellent, good service — more than you can imagine. I do highly recommend this company to anyone,” while Ashley A. said "I have used FlatRate Movers before and they were great, but this crew I had was fantastic! Not only were they nice but qualified in moving and they brought in an antique specialist to take apart and reassemble at the drop off. "
FlatRate Moving | https://www.flatrate.com/
Roadway Moving
845 Third Avenue 6 fl, New York, NY 10022
845 Third Avenue 6 fl, New York, NY 10022
212-812-5240
One of the best overall premium NYC movers
Roadway is one of the strongest all-around picks for readers who want a polished, full-service move rather than the cheapest possible option. Reviews repeatedly point to professionalism, organization, and careful handling. The potential downside for you is that it is positioned as a premium mover, so readers should compare estimates before booking.
A Trustpilot reviewer named Katie said Roadway was “the best moving company” she had worked with and that nothing was scratched or damaged. Roadway’s own review page emphasizes packing, unpacking, storage, and local/long-distance service. A Trustpilot reviewer named Katie said Roadway was “the best moving company” she had worked with and that nothing was scratched or damaged. The main drawback is price: this is a premium-feeling mover, so readers should compare estimates before booking.
A Trustpilot reviewer named Katie said Roadway was “the best moving company” she had worked with and that nothing was scratched or damaged. Roadway’s own review page emphasizes packing, unpacking, storage, and local/long-distance service. A Trustpilot reviewer named Katie said Roadway was “the best moving company” she had worked with and that nothing was scratched or damaged. The main drawback is price: this is a premium-feeling mover, so readers should compare estimates before booking.
Roadway Moving | https://www.roadwaymoving.com/locations/new-york/
JP Urban Moving
266 St. Marks Avenue, 3FL, Brooklyn, NY
266 St. Marks Avenue, 3FL, Brooklyn, NY
718-965-1925
The best boutique Brooklyn - NYC apartment mover
JP Urban Moving | https://www.jpurbanmoving.com
JP Urban is best framed as a boutique Brooklyn mover for people who want a more personal NYC apartment-moving experience, especially if they need eco-bins, piano moving, fine art handling, or specialty-item support. The company describes itself as family-owned and Brooklyn-based, with services including “Eco-Bins, Piano moving, Fine art moving” and remote move management.
Co-owner John McCutcheon majored in music at Carnegie Mellon before starting JP Urban. This may explain why the company has an especially good reputation for moving pianos. But JP Urban moves a lot more than pianos. The company offers affordable residential and commercial and covers New York City, as well as the Boston, D.C., Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh areas. If you’re worried about the environment, JP Urban also offers reusable moving bins, which they will both drop off and pick up. In 2015, JP Urban was voted best mover by New York Magazine. The main con is that a higher-touch local mover may not be the lowest-cost option.
White Glove Moving & Storage
235 West 1st Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002
235 West 1st Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002
201-653-1511
Best for high-touch/specialty moves
White Glove Moving & Storage | https://whiteglovemoving.us/
White Glove is the clearest fit for fragile, high-value, or more complicated moves where careful handling matters more than bargain pricing. On the company’s testimonial page, Louis Mont said the team made a two-day move “completely stress-free” and was professional, organized, and careful. The tradeoff is that white-glove service can cost more, especially if crating, piano handling, unpacking, or storage is involved.
Avant-Garde Moving & Storage
42 West Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
42 West Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
929-282-4882
Best newer premium/specialty mover
Avant-Garde Moving & Storage | https://www.avantgardemoving.com/
Avant-Garde works well as a premium/specialty pick, especially for customers dealing with stairs, pianos, or complex city logistics. The company highlights piano expertise, stair navigation, rigging equipment, and same-day service. On Trustindex, Abby Leonardo said Saba and his team “wrapped everything up without asking” and were efficient, careful, and “above and beyond.” The main caution is that it has a shorter public track record than some older NYC movers, so customers should confirm specialty-item fees in writing.
DUMBO Moving & Storage
15 N Oxford Street, Brooklyn, NY 11205
15 N Oxford Street, Brooklyn, NY 11205
718-222-8282
Best budget/value NYC mover
DUMBO is best described as the budget/value pick for local New York City moves, with a flat-rate model and a large amount of public review feedback. On the company’s testimonials page, Nico Zemlak said booking was easy, the rate quoted was the exact rate charged, and the movers told him, “As long as it fits, you are good.” The possible downside is consistency: high-volume movers can vary by crew, so customers should be clear about inventory, stairs, elevators, and building rules.
The company says it aims to be “affordable and trustworthy.”
ZeroMax Moving and Storage
183 King St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
183 King St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
347-893-1668
Best straightforward Brooklyn mover
ZeroMax Moving and Storage | https://zeromaxmoving.com/
ZeroMax is a good straightforward Brooklyn option for readers who want clear communication and fewer pricing surprises. A customer testimonial says there were “no hidden charges” and that communicating beforehand was key, which fits the company’s no-surprises planning angle.
Its client reviews page highlights customers who found out-of-state moves easier than expected, and moveBuddha reports 87% positive reviews across 474 verified customer reviews. The drawback is scale: for larger or more complex moves, readers should confirm truck availability, crew size, and capacity.
E Square Moving & Storage Inc.
211 McGuinness Blvd Apt 624, Brooklyn, NY 11222
211 McGuinness Blvd Apt 624, Brooklyn, NY 11222
646-399-2837
Best smaller mover for transparent pricing
E Square Moving & Storage Inc. | https://esquaremoving.com/
E Square is a strong smaller-company pick for customers who want responsiveness and transparent logistics, especially in stressful or last-minute situations. One standout testimonial says the company booked the move “less than 24 hours” out, eased the customer’s panic, and had movers who were “efficient” and double-checked the items. The downside is that its public review footprint is smaller than the bigger brands, so it is worth confirming current Google/Yelp ratings and written estimate terms.
Marcelo's Movers
34-18 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
34-18 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
646-663-4191
Best Queens / LIC local mover
Marcelo’s Movers | https://www.marcelomovers.com/
Marcelo’s Movers is a good Queens/LIC-focused choice with a neighborhood, referral-driven feel. The company and third-party summaries emphasize that “75% of our clients come via referrals,” and review summaries describe the crew as efficient, polite, careful, and professional, with one client saying they “treated each item with great care.”
Express Haulers Moving
1310 Hamburg Tpke, Wayne, NJ 07470
1310 Hamburg Tpke, Wayne, NJ 07470
862-379-9113
Best NJ/NYC-area same-day or short-notice option
Express Haulers Moving | https://www.expresshaulersmoving.com/
Express Haulers is a practical NJ/NYC-area option for local, long-distance, commercial, and short-notice moves. BestProsInTown summarizes customer feedback by saying reviewers praised the company’s “punctual, careful, and courteous” movers, which supports its reliable, no-fuss positioning. The main caution is that BBB lists the business as not accredited, and readers should check deposit, cancellation, and rescheduling terms.
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Contributing Writer
Michelle Cohen
Michelle is a New York-based writer and content strategist who has worked extensively with lifestyle brands like Seventeen, Country Living, Harper's Bazaar and iVillage. In addition to being a copywriter for a digital media agency she writes about culture, New York City neighborhoods, real estate, style, design and technology among other topics. She has lived in a number of major US cities on both coasts and in between and loves all things relating to urbanism and culture.
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