Best movers in Ithaca, N.Y.

Our team of experts spent hours combing through 19 movers in the Ithaca region to figure out which are the best based on everything from customer reviews to Better Bussiness Bureau (BBB) accreditation , licensing and services they offer like packing and unpacking . We added each factor to our custom algorithm to objectively rank them and shrink the list down to the top five moving companies based on affordability, reliability, reputation, services and more. We then reached out to each featured mover to obtain information about their pricing, any additional fees and everything else you need to choose the right company for your move.

Quick overview

The best moving company in Ithacafor YOU

We included five top movers and three honorable mentions to ensure you have plenty of choice for movers in Ithaca, but we recognize no single mover will work for everyone. That's why it's important to consider unique aspects of your move to determine what's most important to you. Perhaps the biggest considerations are budget and availability.

Your budget should be your top concern because it acts as the hard limit on which movers you can afford to hire. Carefully consider each moving company's rates, but don't forget to incorporate any travel fees, fuel charges, or other additional costs involved in hiring each mover. If budget is your main worry, Dimon & Bacorn Inc. offers the best value among our top moving company picks.

Availability is key because you often have a designated date or window during which you have to complete your move, especially when moving apartments or closing on a home. Movers have busy seasons (usually starting in the spring through the end of the summer), and some can't accommodate last-minute moves. If you have an emergency moving situation, First Class Moving & Removal is your best bet because it offers same- and next-day emergency moving services.

The best overall moving company in Ithaca is Damon & Bacorn Inc. because of its excellent reputation and 125 years in business. The company is affordable for the area, quoting us $170 per hour for a team of three movers. In addition to packing and loading your stuff, Dimon & Bacorn can handle long-distance moves beyond New York and international moves as a North American Van Lines agent.

Table of contents

• Best overall mover in Ithaca

• Top alternative Ithaca moving company

• Best national moving company

• More best moving companies

• Why trust Yahoo Local moving advice?

• Ithaca moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Ithaca, N.Y.

Dimon & Bacorn Inc. is the best overall Ithaca mover

If you've spent much time driving around Central New York, you've likely seen a Dimon & Bacorn Inc. truck on the road. The company has a long history in the region, having been in business for 125 years after starting as an ash-hauling company in nearby Elmira. Now on its fourth generation of family ownership, Dimon & Bacorn provides moving services for Ithaca and beyond with locations in Elmira, Vestal and Baldwinsville.

While it focuses on residential and commercial moves, Dimon & Bacorn offers a wide range of services that should take care of most of your moving needs. The company is licensed through USDOT to perform interstate moves, and it can coordinate international moves as a North American Van Lines agent. It can take on specialty items and will pack your stuff as well.

Dimon & Bacorn was very quick and professional with its quote process. While it recommends doing an in-person or virtual estimate, the company can provide you with general rates over the phone. It quoted us a rate of $170 per hour for a team of three movers, which is very reasonable for the area.

There's a two-hour minimum for every job, so you can expect to pay at least $340 in labor for a three-person crew. Fortunately, Dimon & Bacorn doesn't require a deposit to book your spot on the calendar. However, should you need to cancel, you should aim to give as much notice as possible.

Services offered

• Residential and commercial moves

• Local, interstate and international moves

• Specialty item moving

• Packing services

• Storage

• Portable storage containers

In addition to its general moving services, Dimon & Bacorn operates more than 100,000 square feet of storage space if you need to pack some things away during your move. This includes warehouse storage for household goods, through which you pack a container picked up from your home and stacked on a pallet with other containers. Businesses can also take advantage of portable storage containers for on-site storage.

Dimon & Bacorn Inc. maintains solid ratings among review sites, with 4.6 stars on both Google and Yelp, with nearly 80 reviews between them. The company is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and has responded to and resolved three registered complaints. It also conducts background checks on all of its movers.

Call 1-800-321-2937 or visit the Dimon & Bacorn Inc. website to book your move. However, note that the representative we spoke with recommended booking your move at least four weeks in advance to make sure you can get your preferred date. The company is located at 444 Commerce Rd., Vestal, N.Y., 13850. Its hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.

Customer testimonial

What a great experience using Dimon & Bacorn of Binghamton Area for a local move! Alicia the relocation specialist was great, working and planning the move to ensure everything went flawlessly. The moving team of Phil, Ron and Ben were FANTASTIC!!!! They were on time, professional, firendly, courteous and did a great job protecting/moving all of the household items. Would recommend without a doubt for a move again. Thanks for a great experience!!!! - Jim S., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

OB Moving is our top alternative Ithaca mover

Based out of nearby Freeville, N.Y., OB Moving is a small, family-owned moving company just a stone's throw away from Ithaca. It keeps things simple by focusing on local residential and commercial moves around the region. It has become one of the highest-rated movers near Ithaca since starting in 2006. The company currently has five stars on both Google and Yelp, with nearly 70 reviews between them.

Because of its small size, the people you speak with when you call OB Moving are the same ones you'll see on the job. That's the type of personal touch you may not get from larger companies, which can be reassuring when having other people handle your belongings. The company is also relatively quick to return calls and responded to our inquiry for a quote the same day we called.

Services offered

• Residential and commercial moves

• Local moves

• Labor-only services

• Packing service

• Senior moves

• Specialty item moving

OB Moving told us it typically sends a five-person crew for a three-bedroom house move at a rate of $300 per hour. That's more expensive than movers that typically send a three- or four-person crew, but the extra movers should make for a shorter overall move time. No deposit is required to book your move.

OB Moving operates on a one-hour minimum for each job, and you're charged in 15-minute increments after that. That means you can expect to pay at least $300 for your move, then $75 for every 15 minutes after the first hour. This ensures you're only charged for the time you use.

Beyond basic residential and commercial moving, you can hire OB Moving for labor-only services. The company is happy to load a rental truck or portable storage container for you or pack your things at its hourly rate. It also has experience working with senior moves , in and out of retirement communities, and its movers are specially trained to handle pianos, fine art and antiques.

OB Moving is not BBB accredited or currently listed by the organization online. Because it's a small operation, it only hires friends and family and doesn't formally background check its movers. However, its excellent reputation and positive reviews speak for themselves.

Call 607-423-8678 or visit the OB Moving website to book your move. The company is located at 82 Pleasant Hollow Rd., Freeville, N.Y., 13068. It's open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week.

Customer testimonial

OB Moving moved my elderly parents from their family home to a care facility a few weeks ago. The experience was excellent. They treated my parents with patience, kindness, and respect and everything went smoothly. They were responsive to questions ahead of time, responsive to the need for an extra truck the day ahead, worked tirelessly to complete the 200 mile move efficiently, and everything arrived in excellent condition. Don't hesitate to hire this company, they're one of the good ones! - Leah A., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Phil's Moving is a great long-distance choice for Ithaca moves

Phil's Moving Company operates out of Millport, New York, which is about 35 minutes outside of Ithaca. However, the company serves the Central New York region with quality moving services and is worth a look if you have a long-distance in-state move coming up.

Phil's is a family-owned business that has been providing moves since 1992. With more than 30 years of experience, it has earned a great reputation with a 4.8-star rating from Google reviews and a 5-star rating on Angi. It has a lower rating on Yelp with 3.9 stars, though Phil's Moving Company has responded to its two negative reviews to note that the issues resulted from miscommunication.

As for pricing, Phil's quoted us $210 per hour for three movers with a four-hour minimum. That means you can expect to pay at least $840 in labor for your move with no additional fees. However, it's worth noting that the four-hour minimum is higher than you typically see from other moving companies, which usually fall in the two- or three-hour range.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

• Camper and boat hauling

If you have a long-distance move or a large home, your move is likely to take longer than the four-hour minimum. The clock on your move time starts when your moving crew leaves the office and runs until they return. Phil's doesn't require a deposit to lock in your moving date, though you should give as much advance notice as possible if you need to cancel.

The quote turnaround with Phil's Moving Company was very quick, and the company answered our calls promptly and responded to emails within an hour. Once it gets to your move, the company uses fully enclosed trailers without ramps to make sure your stuff is secure and won't risk falling on its way to being packed inside. If you have a camper or boat, Phil's can also haul them to your destination.

Phil's Moving Company doesn't perform extensive background checks on its crew, but they're all full employees and many have been with the company for years. It isn't BBB-accredited but has an A+ rating from the organization. 

To book your move, you can call 607-535-4115 or visit its website . The company is located at 1339 State Route 14, Millport, N.Y., 14864. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.

Customer testimonial

The team at Phil's Moving was amazing today. Great group of guys.They were on time , efficient, thorough and courteous. We walked through the house to confirm all items that needed to be moved. Then they went to work! The move in to the new house was seamless as well and they ensured they placed the items where I needed and wanted them. Highly recommend the team at Phil's.- Thea S., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best national moving company

Yahoo Local is all about helping people make informed choices. We're big on spotlighting local businesses — but sometimes, a national moving company might be a better fit depending on your situation. If you're deciding between the two, check out our guide that compares local and national movers . If you're leaning toward a national option, we recommend BLVD Moving .

BLVD Moving was founded in 2000 and is run by a team with decades of hands-on moving experience. It only has four locations in California, but it serves both local and long-distance moves across the U.S. It's a family-run, independent company with its own trucks and in-house movers. Still, its terms mention that subcontractors or agents may be used for some jobs — a common practice when moving companies face high demand.

We asked BLVD Moving for a quote on a 500-mile move with roughly 1,340 cubic feet of household items — about what you'd expect for a standard three-bedroom home without oversize appliances. The quote came out to around $6,700, which is in line with what most national movers charge. It requires a 33% deposit when you book, followed by half of the remaining balance at pickup. The rest is due upon delivery.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Residential, office and commercial moves

• Packing services

• Storage

• Financing

If your plans change, BLVD Moving allows cancellations and will refund your deposit if you cancel at least two full business days before your scheduled pickup. Its delivery window ranges from two to 21 business days based on distance. That window starts from the delivery date you choose — so once you're ready for your shipment, it might take a little over a month to arrive.

The company recommends booking your move about a month in advance — or earlier if you're moving during a busy time like summer or the beginning or end of the month. (You can read our full guide on the best and worst times to move for more advice.) The quote process is simple — you can schedule a virtual walkthrough or fill out an online inventory sheet for a faster estimate. BLVD also offers financing for those who qualify, with rates starting at 0% interest.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB and has an A- rating, with 80 complaints on file. While that number may seem high, it's fairly typical for national movers. It holds a 4.3-star rating on Google from 960 reviews, and a 2.3-star average on Yelp with 349 reviews. All of its movers are direct employees who pass background checks.

Its main office is located at 21622 Plummer St., Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. It's open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. You can call 844-274-0500 or head to its website to get a quote.

Customer testimonial

Jhon & Alex took very good care of my things and me. They were very professional and explained every step of the process. They protected my flooring and door entry way before thoroughly wrapping and packing my furniture. I would definitely recommend them if your looking for a professional packing service. - Robert S., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

First Class Moving & Removal is a great Ithaca mover for a wide range of services

If you're moving to Ithaca from elsewhere in the Central New York region, First Class Moving & Removal is a solid pick for its wide range of services and great reviews. Currently, the company carries a 4.9-star rating on Google and 4.4 stars on Yelp, with 83 total reviews. However, its location in Syracuse makes it not a great choice if your move takes place entirely in Ithaca.

While mainly focused on local and long-distance residential moves, First Class Moving & Removal offers a lot more. The company lives up to its name by performing junk removal services, including yard waste. It also has experience with senior moves, which can come with challenges if you're downsizing or decluttering along the way.

First Class Moving & Removal recommended a four-person crew for a typical three-bedroom house move from Syracuse to Ithaca at $245 per hour. There's a three-hour minimum for every job, so you can expect to pay at least $735 with a four-person crew. The company was very quick to get a hold of (which isn't always the case in the moving industry), promptly answering the phone and returning emails within an hour.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance residential moves

• Junk removal (including vehicles)

• Senior moves

• Packing services

• Labor-only services

• Furniture delivery and installation

• Oversize item moving

A $150 deposit is required to book your spot on the calendar with First Class Moving & Removal. However, it's fully refundable up to 48 hours before your move if you have to cancel. Travel time is charged at the hourly rate, and there are no other hidden fees.

Beyond its standard moving services and junk removal, First Class can also pack your home for you and perform labor-only jobs. Those include loading up a rental truck or portable storage container. You can also hire the company for junk car removals, furniture delivery and installation, and one-off oversize item moves. It can also accommodate emergency moves, with same- and next-day services available.

First Class Moving & Removal is not BBB-accredited and isn't yet rated. It's also a very young company, only starting in 2023 — though its owner, Shaun Gebo, has more than 11 years of experience in the industry. First Class Moving & Removal's employees aren't formally background-checked, but Gebo told us he hand-picked his crew and has worked with them in the industry for five years or more.

To book your move, you can call 315-748-9146 or visit its website . The company is located on Henryk Woods Rd., Cicero, N.Y., 13039. It's open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.

Customer testimonial

Shaun and Jake were absolutely fantastic. Very professional and quick. Easy to schedule and took great care of our belongings. Hopefully we won't have to move again but if we do, definitely using them. Will tell all our friends. - Emily Lillibridge, Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Reliable Movers is the best Ithaca mover for straightforward pricing

Reliable Movers is based in nearby Auburn, N.Y., but it serves Ithaca and other towns in the Finger Lakes region of the state. In business for nearly 30 years, Reliable Movers lives up to its name, with customers leaving more than 150 reviews that have collectively earned it a reputation for being trustworthy and efficient. The company maintains a 4.7-star rating on Google, along with 4 stars on Yelp and 4.5 stars on Angi.

You can hire Reliable Movers for various services, but its main gig is local residential and commercial moving. If you have a long-distance move taking you outside of New York coming up, it's also licensed through USDOT to perform interstate moves. The company is also happy to do labor-only jobs like loading and unloading portable moving containers and rental trucks.

The pricing for Reliable Movers is structured differently than your average hourly-rate mover. The company uses general binding estimates (learn more with our guide to binding estimates ) based on truck size and how much space you use inside the truck. It's also very transparent with its pricing model, listing the cost of different truck sizes and capacities on its website.

Services offered

• Local residential and commercial moves

• Interstate moves

• Labor-only services

• Senior moves

• Specialty item and antique moving

• Storage

Reliable Movers recommends a 26-foot truck for an average three-bedroom home move, listing its price as $2,100 if you fill the whole truck. If you only use 3/4 of the space, the price drops to $1,700, while half the truck costs $1,400. These rates are all-inclusive, representing the full cost of what you can expect to pay with no hour minimums or a specific number of movers.

The company says that each move will have a team of between two to seven movers, depending on the size of the job. The only other charge you have to worry about is a non-refundable $200 deposit that goes toward the final cost of your move.

Reliable Movers isn't currently listed with the BBB and isn't accredited. The company background checks its movers, and the representative we spoke with told us the longest-serving employee has been with it for 17 years. 

Call 315-252-9214 or visit Reliable Movers' website to book your move. The company is located at 119 Applegate Rd., Ithaca, N.Y., 14850. Its office is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.

Customer testimonial

I have moved 9 times in the past ten years and Reliable Movers is above and beyond the best company to move me. They are quick to respond with an accurate and fair quote, explain it, and send information to prepare you for the move. They came on time to my apartment, packed everything, and unloaded it at my new place in less than 1.5 hours. They take excellent care of your belongings, by adding furniture protectors, filling the truck so nothing slides around, and carefully moving items. I would recommend them to anyone moving! - Melissa L., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

You can trust Yahoo Local. This is why.

Our proprietary rankings system incorporates reviews from multiple established sources of user ratings and weights them to deliver what we believe is the most authoritative local business ranking system. Unlike some competitors, Yahoo Local never takes payment for inclusion or placement, and our independent picks aren't "sponsored" or otherwise influenced by external parties. Want more details? Visit our full methodology page and take a look our our Ithaca movers ranking criteria below.

• 19 Ithaca movers evaluated

• 551 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all six featured movers in Ithaca

• Independent price quotes sourced from all six featured Ithaca moving companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

Ithaca moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

As you call movers around Ithaca, it helps to have some basic info about your home ready. All moving companies will ask about the size of your home, so be prepared to tell them the number of bedrooms and square footage. You should also have the addresses and zip codes for both ends of your move handy.

Some Ithaca moving companies will also ask for an inventory of large furniture items you plan to move so they can determine how many trucks your move requires. Create a list of things like beds, tables, bookshelves and electronics you have. You should also list any specialty items you have to move, like a piano or gun safe, as these can cost extra to move because they require special handling.

What should you know about packing and storage in Ithaca?

From frigid, dry winters to hot and humid summers, New York can experience some wild swings in weather. Protect your stuff from humidity and temperatures by storing your boxes in a cool, dry place while they're waiting to be moved. If you have to use storage during your move, always opt for climate-controlled storage for any delicate or sensitive items.

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

If you live in a multi-level apartment, rules may govern when and how you're allowed to move in or out of the building. Check with your building manager to see if there are specific moving days and times, which some buildings have to avoid disturbing other residents. Also, ask whether there is a specific elevator you should use or whether you need to reserve one for your move.

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

No, you don't need a special permit or license to move to or from Ithaca on your own. However, your moving company must be licensed to operate by NY DOT and USDOT. You can see a company is licensed by calling 618-457-6512 or emailing nymoving@dot.ny.gov.

During your move, you might need to park in a public space for a long time, which could require a parking permit. This isn't always the case, but it may be required on busy streets or in metered spaces. Check with the city of Ithaca website to see if you need a parking permit during your move.

Want to learn more? Read our complete guide to moving company licensing and regulations in New York .

How much should you tip movers in Ithaca?

Tipping is never required for movers, though it's a great way to show your appreciation for a job well done. The typical rate for tipping movers is between 10% and 20% of the total move cost. You can split the tip among your crew, or some companies allow you to add it to the final bill.

Check out our guide to tipping movers to learn more.

More Yahoo Local best movers in New York state

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