A New York Guide to Moving Companies
“How to (and how not to) go about the trek to your new place.
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Switching homes presents a perfect opportunity for self-rejuvenation, as a fresh physical space often translates to a fresh mental one. The process can be torturous, though, especially in New York. Hiring reliable movers is a hurdle in itself, but it’s key for a smooth transition that minimizes overwhelm and lets you embrace the glory of moving. Allow this guide—curated by our founder Clémence Polès—to spare you the search and save your energy for getting adjusted.
To preface the list ahead, some words of advice are in order. First, asking your friends to help you pack is a great way to accelerate the process and maintain a bit of sanity. Next, decluttering: the less you move with, the less you have to pack, handle, and pay for. When it comes to what you do take with you, make sure items like your mattress and chairs have ample protection. It’s okay to pass on a TV box and rely on blankets for moving your TV, though. Getting the right inventory and listing the correct amount of boxes (with rentable plastic bins from Gorilla Bins, Used Cardboard Boxes, or boxes from your local supermarket or hardware store) will also help ensure there are no hiccups, as long as you don’t overload them. Clémence recommends getting detailed with labeling whichever box system you opt into as a favor to your future self. “You’ll be grateful once you start unpacking and you’re looking for your french press to make coffee in the morning,” she says. Finally, if you have some leeway as you’re hiring movers, giving second thought to going with your least expensive option might be a good bet—in the case of moving, a little bit of added service goes a long way.
Every passerby’s move comes with its own individualized demands. The recommendations ahead use Clémence’s particular circumstances as a reference, but they’re helpful for gauging any situation. To cover the specifics, her move takes her from a studio apartment in an elevator building to another studio apartment in a one-flight walk-up building a couple of blocks away. The items of her move consist of 2 small boxes, 30 medium boxes, 2 large box, 1 large standing mirror, 2 small wall mirrors, a bed, a mattress, some framed prints, a lounge chair, a glass table, a bench, 4 small chairs, a narrow media unit, an office cabinet, a 65” TV screen, and a window AC unit. Her new apartment also requires a COI. Even if your details and packing list look a bit different, this guide can offer you a starting point to ease your mind and your move.
Sven Moving
Sven Moving’s rate is $120/hour with a two-hour minimum, along with a $40 stair fee and $20 COI. You’ll encounter two men and a van, a speedy response (two hours after contact), blankets, and no mattress bag. You’ll also receive thorough steps for packing and being prepared for the move: “We're really not up-tight moving fascists. We've just done a lot of moves and are trying to help you have as easy and smooth a move as possible. Even if you ignore every rule on this list, we'll still get you moved…but it will take a lot longer and be a lot more stressful.”
College-Educated Movers
A move with College-Educated Movers costs $495 total with no separate stair fee, but they can’t provide a COI. You’ll encounter their clean cargo van or 16’ truck with dollies, tape, and blankets. They also preach punctuality and intelligence. Their site even includes an anti-Trump note.
Sweet Lou
A move with Sweet Lou costs $555 total with a stair fee of $10 hourly and a $60 COI. A deposit of $120 is required. You’ll encounter three men to move you, and you can add another for $60. They’ll supply blankets, tape, and carts at no additional charge. And, according to Sweet Lou, “Good vibes are crucial.”
Dumbo Moving
A move with Dumbo costs $635 total with no separate fees for stairs or a COI. You can also request to pay an hourly fee for the move, but that’s only recommended if you don’t need a moving truck. Dumbo offers four different box sizes, and even includes plastic “green bins” for rent for a more sustainable option. Dumbo also provides extensive moving-prep tips and blog posts.
Intense Movers
A move with Intense Movers costs $550 total with no separate fees for stairs or a COI. Packing supplies, like boxes, bins, packing paper, etc. are not included in the flat rate. Your movers will have padded furniture blankets on hand to wrap TVs or larger, delicate furniture items, though. You’ll encounter two men and a 16’ truck, as well as a thorough questionnaire about all belongings. You will not be charged for travel or extra time, and you will not be expected to tip more than you feel is appropriate––the quoted rate is exactly what you’ll be asked to pay.
Get There Moving
For an afternoon slot, a move with Get There Moving costs $560 with no separate fees for stairs or a COI. Hourly rates are also available, though, and a deposit of $200 on a credit card is required. You’ll have access to a TV box and are allowed 10-20 boxes/bags/miscellaneous items. All furniture must be emptied and non-furniture items packed up. They “maintain a small staff of skilled movers that are good communicators, and that are all well-experienced in the nuances of the job: packing boxes, wrapping/prepping furniture, loading dollies, running stairs, packing the truck, tight doorways/stairwells and bulky objects, strict building-management moving restrictions, parking hassles, and (how to dodge) traffic jams (when possible).”
Words by Eva Berezovsky