Best movers in Buffalo, N.Y.

The Yahoo Local team sifted through tens of thousands of Google, Yelp and Angi ratings and reviews to create this list of the top recommended companies in Buffalo for long- and short-distance moves. We used a proprietary Yahoo algorithm to rank the following companies based on 13 weighted criteria, including Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation , customer feedback, licensing and both U.S. DoT and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certification. This rigorous review enabled us to curate a list of the top five moving companies in the Buffalo area. We spoke with representatives of each company, gathering information to empower you to make an informed decision and provide you with the most up-to-date information on hourly rates and minimums, travel fees and other key factors.

Quick overview

The best moving company in Buffalo for YOU

Moving is challenging, no matter how prepped you feel or how early you start preparations. Researching moving companies online, making phone calls and filling out "request estimate" forms takes time. While we can't choose the perfect company for you (moving isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario), we can offer a few choices to eliminate the frustration and help make your life a bit easier. As you create your list of moving companies, remember the following things.

What's your budget? Some companies charge hourly, while others will give you a flat rate. Don't forget to ask about (and factor in) potential additional fees. If you're worried the most about cost, Wayfinder is the most budget-friendly.

What's your timeline? We asked each company about its availability and most noted the busiest times to move are spring through late fall, the beginning and end of each month and weekends. If you have flexibility, you'll have better luck booking a specific date with your preferred Buffalo moving company. Otherwise, expect an average wait of three to four weeks during the busy season and up to two weeks during off-peak times.

Corrigan Moving Systems is our top pick among moving companies in the Buffalo area. Not only is it over a hundred years old, but it continues to live up to the reputation that's kept it in business for a century. The company charges $220 an hour plus a $0.75 hourly fuel surcharge, with a four-hour minimum.

Wayfinder Moving Services is our top alternative moving company in Buffalo. While the company is a great pick for all sorts of move types, it's especially good for moves for the elderly.

Best moving companies in Buffalo, N.Y.

Corrigan Moving Systems is the best overall moving company in Buffalo

Corrigan Moving Systems founder Frank Corrigan first began helping neighbors who had lost their homes during the Great Depression. He put the resources he already had — trucks for hauling ice and coal — to work moving families who needed them. Decades later, Paul Corrigan expanded Corrigan's footprint as one of the original stakeholders in United Van Lines, allowing the company to relocate families farther and more easily. Today, the fourth generation of the Corrigan family leads the company, with 99-year-old Paul's grandson, Nathan, now president, and Kevin, executive VP. In other words, Corrigan is a true family moving company in Buffalo.

Whether you're moving locally in Buffalo, long-distance, internationally or simply need storage or help moving your car, Corrigan Moving Systems wants your business. The company says its busiest season is spring through summer, when it's often booked three to four weeks out, depending on the service and its current bookings schedule.

"We pride ourselves on providing all potential fees and costs upfront to eliminate moving day surprises," said Ashley Walsh, Corrigan Moving's director of marketing. Walsh says their sales reps provide an estimate no later than 24 hours after your scheduled pre-move survey appointment.

Services offered

• Residential and business moving 

• Local moving 

• Long-distance moving 

• Logistics 

• Record storage

The company calculates estimates based on hours and materials (local moves), weight and mileage (long-distance moves) and weight and volume (international moves). Corrigan charges $220 an hour plus a $0.75 hourly fuel surcharge, which can fluctuate. It has a four-hour minimum but doesn't require a deposit. Still, you can expect to pay a minimum of $880 for your move, which may be higher than our other best Buffalo movers if you don't need the entire four hours. Other charges include packing and unpacking and third-party services, such as crating or appliance disconnect and reconnect options. 

One thing that sets this company apart is how its movers are trained. All Corrigan movers complete a company-specific training process to learn how to properly pack and handle customer goods safely and efficiently, Walsh told Yahoo Local.

Another differentiator? "Our employees are compassionate and kind," Walsh said. "We pride ourselves on alleviating the stress of moving by being a true partner. The measure of a good mover is how the customer feels throughout the process."

All its employees, including office staff, are background-checked. Drivers and moving personnel are also drug screened, and the company works with both hourly movers and owner-operators (contractors).

The company is BBB-accredited with an A+ BBB rating and no complaints. It also has a 4.9-star Google rating (573 reviews) and a 3.7-star Yelp rating (six reviews).

The company is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and is closed on weekends.

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Wayfinder Moving Services is the top alternative moving company

In addition to local, long-distance and specialty item moves, Wayfinder Moving Services offers packing services and something extra to help older customers: "Silver Certification." Many of the company's staff have completed the program, which is developed by the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM). It includes training focused on the different needs of older adults, ensuring its employees are more accommodating and patient through the moving process. Wayfinder also works closely with a local senior move management company, Elder Transitions Consulting , so older customers who require extra help get the support they need for a seamless move.

Because Wayfinder offers binding estimates, the quoted price never changes unless your inventory or needs change. No deposits are required, but you might have to book your move date three to four weeks in advance during the busy season from June to September. In the off-season, you typically only need two weeks or less notice, Hasson said.

Wayfinder quoted us a price of $235 an hour for three to four movers, which was just $35 more than the least expensive Buffalo movers on our list. It also offers a "small items move program" that doesn't have a minimum move requirement, according to Genna Hasson, a Wayfinder sales manager. "A single item costs $150 for two movers, for example," Hasson told Yahoo Local.

Services offered

• Local moving 

• Long-distance moving

• Senior moving 

• Packing services 

• Office moving 

• Storage

The company moves anywhere within the continental US but tends to stick to the eastern seaboard. They have international shipping partnerships and will work with customers to help them move anywhere.

Another differentiator? The company partners with Move For Hunger , which gathers donated food for local food banks nationwide. Within the community, Wayfinder works with a local non-profit, Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network (BPPN). "We donate our trucks and movers to help collect and deliver furniture donations to families in need," Hasson said. 

The company, which has been in business for six years, is not BBB-accredited . It has two answered complaints — one from 2023 and one from 2024 — but it maintains an A + rating. It also has a 4.9-star Google rating (373 reviews) and a 2.7-star Yelp rating (10 reviews). 

This Buffalo mover runs background checks on all full-time employees. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and closed on Saturday and Sunday.

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Fisher North American is our top charity-minded pick

"As a fourth-generation family-owned and operated company, we owe our longevity to a culture of high standards in service delivery and the employees working with us," said Jocelyn Bos-Fisher, general manager and co-owner of Fisher North American. Bos-Fisher told Yahoo Local that the fact her last name is in the moving company's title pushes the team to embrace ethical business practices, responsive and transparent customer service and workers who take pride in what they do.

Fisher North American offers on-site estimates to gauge exactly what a move entails. According to the company, on-site estimates take about an hour and customers receive the written estimates within 24 hours of the visit. Potential customers have the option of a virtual visit. In peak season between May and November, customers might need to book their move day four to six weeks in advance, and during the off-peak season, typically between one and three weeks out, the company said.

For local and intrastate moves, Fisher offers hourly-based rates based on its moving tariff on file with the state, a fuel surcharge, container and packing labor (if the move includes packing), sales tax on containers and potential valuation charges. The company charges $249 an hour for a vehicle and three movers, who bring furniture padding and protection and in-home protection for every move. 

Fisher conducts background checks on its full-time employees. The number of movers sent depends on the scope of work, whether packing is needed, and whether they're moving specialty items. Fisher's minimum time for each job is 90 minutes.

Services offered

• Full-service moves

• Residential moves

• Commercial moves

• Packing services

• Furniture and record storage

• Specialty moves

• Local, long-distance and international moves

This top Buffalo mover calculates long-distance interstate and international moves based on weight and distance and the federal North American Moving Tariff is filed federally. Potential additional charges are noted at the bottom of every estimate and only apply if the customer changes any move parameters after signing a contract.

Bos-Fisher told Yahoo Local that it recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity to take gently used furniture that customers don't want, and the company uses its warehouse as a monthly pick-up location for the organization to use in its ReStore (a nonprofit donation center and home improvement store). "I think this partnership gives customers a great avenue to downsize more sustainably," she said. The company also participates in Move for Hunger , a nationally recognized nonprofit addressing food insecurity. If you move with us, you can donate your nonperishables that we take to Feed More of WNY."

While not officially BBB-accredited , Fisher has an A+ rating and zero registered complaints. It also has a 4.7-star rating on Google (45 reviews) and a five-star rating on Yelp (four reviews). The company is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and is closed on weekends.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

A&L Moving is our top mover for for the personal touch

Al Huff, owner of A&L Moving, has worked in the moving industry since 1997. His company offers local and intrastate moving services. While this top Buffalo mover focuses strictly on moving, it's happy to recommend other local companies that provide packing services or that move specialty items like pianos and safes.

Huff said his company calculates estimates based on the number of pieces, a home or apartment's location, walking distance to the truck, distance from an apartment to the elevator and elevator availability for moves. He prefers to visit the home in person because "everyone forgets what they have, and if you don't see for yourself, your estimate won't be accurate," Huff said. "Then a move takes longer, the contract incurs extra charges, and no one is happy." In-person estimates help avoid such potential problems.

A&L's hourly rate is $265 for three movers and $285 for four. While a deposit is required (and calculated based on the given estimate), there is no minimum time requirement because the company wants its customers to have the flexibility they need, so expect to pay at least $265 when you book this mover. The company's rates are between $45 and $16 more per hour than the other companies on our list.

Services offered

• Residential moving 

• Office moving 

• Short-notice moves 

• Apartment moves

Although some moving companies add a surcharge for excessive stairs, like if someone lives on the fourth floor of an apartment building and there's no elevator, A&L does not. The further you move, the higher the cost because the move will take longer. However, the company adds a $1 to $5 per pound surcharge for excessive weight (large TVs, pool tables or furniture with marble tops, for example) over 300 pounds.

A&L Movers stands out from the competition due to its reputation in the local community, according to Huff. "Most of our business comes from word-of-mouth referrals," Huff told Yahoo Local. "It's better to choose a moving company from your community because they have a reputation to maintain."

A&L Moving isn't BBB-accredited , but it has an A+ rating and zero registered complaints. It also has a 4.7-star Google rating (54 reviews) and a 4.6-star Yelp rating (eight reviews). Of note is that the company conducts background checks on all full-time employees. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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The Moving Doctors is the best Buffalo mover for thorough estimates

When we spoke with The Moving Doctors, we were met with enthusiastic and thorough customer service. The owner made it abundantly clear that he wants to help, launching into a detailed estimate then and there. This is unsurprising, given the positive reviews the company has accrued over more than 20 years. Launched in 2001, it expanded with the purchase of a warehouse in 2009. Today, it features a slick, professional website and works with a busy crew.

When we called, the company was busy towards the end of the month, with a couple of dates available. We were told that the schedule books up quickly.

When we asked how much it would cost to hire three movers, the owner stressed that any final quote would require a full inventory and written estimate. Still, he did tell us that his team would charge $200 per hour. For long trips, a travel fee may be included. A piano adds an extra $75 fee. For a cross-town move, he suggested a job could take five to six hours, totaling $1,000 to $1,200 before fees.

Services offered

• Residential moves

• Storage services

• Apartment moves

• Office moving

The company has a minimum of two hours, meaning the least you'll pay is $400. When an estimate is furnished, it will charge a two-hour minimum to book the job. However, the owner noted that customers can choose to pay a larger deposit. He accepts Visa, Mastercard and checks for deposits, with credit card payments accepted with no fee. However, the final payment of the remaining balance is due in cash. Hence, a customer may opt to pay a larger deposit if they wish to put more of the total on their credit card.

The Moving Doctors does not formally background check its employees; however, the owner personally attests to their good standing. He told us that many had worked with him for a decade. The team arrives for all jobs with professional gear, including blankets and straps.

The Moving Doctors is not BBB-accredited , though it has an A+ rating with the service and no complaints. It has 4.7 stars on Google (99 reviews) and 3.7 stars on Yelp (35 reviews). It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.

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BLVD Moving is the best national moving company in Buffalo

At Yahoo Local, our goal is to provide readers with reliable information that helps them make confident, informed decisions. While we often focus on local businesses, there are situations where a national moving company may be the better choice. If you are weighing both options, our guide comparing local and national movers can help. For those who prefer a larger provider, our top recommendation is BLVD Moving .

BLVD Moving is operated by a team with decades of experience in the moving industry. Although the company has only four locations in California, it offers both local and long-distance moving services throughout the United States. This family-owned and independent mover uses its own trucks and employees, though its terms and conditions note that subcontractors or agents may be used for certain moves. This is a common practice within the moving industry to meet demand, but it is worth noting.

We contacted BLVD Moving for a quote on a 500-mile relocation involving approximately 1,340 cubic feet of belongings, which is roughly the amount expected for a three-bedroom home without large appliances. The company estimated the cost at about $6,700, which is consistent with pricing from other long-distance movers. BLVD requires a 33 percent deposit at booking, with 50 percent of the remaining balance due at pickup and the final payment due upon delivery.

Services provided

• Local and long-distance relocations

• Residential, commercial, and office moving

• Professional packing

• Storage solutions

• Financing options

If you need to cancel your move, BLVD Moving will refund your deposit as long as you cancel at least two full business days before the scheduled pickup. Delivery windows range from two to 21 business days depending on distance. This window begins on your preferred delivery date, meaning delivery may take slightly more than a month in some cases.

The company recommends booking your move at least one month in advance, and earlier during peak periods such as summer or the beginning and end of each month. The quote process is straightforward, with options for virtual walkthroughs or completing an online inventory form for faster estimates. BLVD also offers financing for qualified customers, with interest rates starting at 0 percent.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB with a B rating and has 954 complaints on file, which is typical for national moving companies. Customer reviews include a 4.5-star average rating on Google from 1,645 reviews and a 2.4-star average rating on Yelp from 394 reviews. All movers are full-time employees who undergo background checks. The company is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.

For more context on this national moving company, read our full review of BLVD Moving .

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Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

For years, Yahoo Local has led the field in offering reliable business resources for our readers. We prove our transparency and trustworthiness. Our exclusive ranking system pulls in reviews from multiple reputable sources to deliver what we think is the best business rankings system out there. To make sure we are transparent, we disclose the factors influencing our rankings, giving you all the data you need to assess their credibility. We also do not accept payment for placement or inclusion on our best lists or local service evaluations, keeping our independent selections free from outside influences. To learn more, read about our methodology .

Here are our best Buffalo moving companies ranking considerations:

• 67 Buffalo moving companies evaluated

• 14 critical ranking criteria

• 4,561 customer reviews and rankings from six sources

• Independent quotes sought from all six featured Buffalo movers

• Independent research and fact-checking by Yahoo Local experts

• Regular updates of recommendations

Buffalo moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

Most moving companies will request the same information when you request an estimate , including your current and new addresses, the number of rooms and your home's square footage. Many companies will ask about the number of bedrooms to help calculate the size truck they'll need.

Tell them if you have specialty items, like a safe, pool table, piano or antiques, as they may incur additional charges. Also note other large, heavy furniture like dressers and wardrobes, large china closets or entertainment centers.

What should you know about packing and storage in Buffalo?

Buffalo experiences all four seasons, from summer's heat and humidity to winter's bitter cold. Use appropriate packing materials, especially for items like electronics and wood furniture that are susceptible to moisture damage, and choose a climate-controlled storage unit .

What's different about condo and apartment moving in Buffalo?

If you're moving to a second floor (or higher) and your new building has an elevator, verify with the building manager whether you must reserve it for specific times. Ask about building policies regarding moving larger items and whether a service or freight elevator is available. Don't forget to coordinate with the moving company if times are limited.

You might also ask about notifying other residents about your moving day to minimize inconvenience as you move from or into your apartment or condo .

Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in Buffalo?

While you don't need a permit to move in Buffalo, New York state requires all moving companies to be licensed and insured. Verify that the moving company you hire has an active USDOT status . You can also call 618-457-6512 or email nymoving@dot.ny.gov to verify that the moving company is licensed by the Commissioner of Transportation .

For more, read our thorough guide to New York moving company licensing and regulations for everything you need to know.

How much should you tip movers in Buffalo?

There are two schools of thought for tipping movers. One suggests tipping 15% to 20% of the cost of your move. So, if your move costs $800, budget up to $160 for stellar service. Another suggests $4 to $5 per mover per hour. So if your move took six hours with three movers, for example, you could tip each mover between $24 and $30.

Check our guide to tipping your movers for more pointers.

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