Best movers in Syracuse, N.Y.

Syracuse may be a midsize city, but its selection of moving companies is anything but small. Our moving experts looked at 16 moving companies in the Syracuse area to determine the best in the lot based on factors like customer reviews, licensing, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and additional services like packing and unpacking . We used a custom algorithm to crunch the data and narrow the list down to the top Syracuse movers, evaluating thousands of review scores along the way. We then contacted each company in our top five to get the latest information on pricing, additional fees and everything else you need to make an informed decision. 

Quick overview

The best moving company in Syracuse for YOU

We've included five picks for the best moving companies in Syracuse, recognizing that no single mover will be right for everyone. Even with all the information provided, contacting multiple companies for quotes can still be time-consuming, making narrowing down your choices important. When deciding between movers, it helps to keep a couple of key factors in mind: pricing and availability.

Your moving budget will likely have the most say in which mover you pick because it sets a hard limit on what you can afford. Carefully consider each company's labor rates and any additional fees it may charge for things like travel and fuel. Interior Moving Services offers the best value among Syracuse movers if budget is your main concern.

If you have an emergency move, mover availability is very important. Not every mover can accommodate moves on short notice, so it's best to narrow your list down to those that have the best availability. For last-minute moves, your best bet is Reliable Movers because it's close by and is open every day of the week except Sunday.

The best overall mover in Syracuse is Interior Moving Services . Though it's based in Rochester, the company has a great reputation for being fast, efficient and pleasant with nearly perfect review scores. It's also the most affordable company in the area, with hourly rates set at $198 for three movers, which is what is typically recommended for a three-bedroom home move. It's also licensed through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to provide interstate moving services, so you can hire it if your move takes you across state lines.

Table of contents

• Best overall Syracuse moving company

• Top alternative Syracuse mover

• Best national moving company

• More best Syracuse moving companies

• Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

• Syracuse moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Syracuse, N.Y.

Interior Moving Services is the best overall Syracuse mover

Interior Moving Service started in 1992 and has earned a fantastic reputation over its more than three decades in business. The company has more reviews than any other on this list, maintaining an excellent 4.8-star rating with 539 reviews on Google and 3.5 stars on Angi with 35 reviews. It also counts some former Division 1 college football players among its staff, so you know you're getting some strong guys.

Based out of Rochester, Interior Moving Services offers moving crews for Syracuse and the rest of New York. It's also authorized through USDOT to provide out-of-state moving services, so you can hire the company whether your move takes you near or far. The company also provides storage in addition to its basic residential and commercial moving services.

Interior Moving Services quoted us a rate of $198 per hour for a team of three movers on a three-bedroom home move, though you can get a small discount to $190 per hour if you pay with cash. The company has a three-hour minimum for each job, so you can expect to pay at least $594 (or $570 with cash) for your move. Notably, Interior Moving Services has the lowest rate among companies on this list, making it the best overall and best value mover.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

• Senior moves

• Labor-only services

• Storage

To lock in your move date, Interior Moving Services requires a deposit equal to two hours of your move cost, which then goes toward the total cost. For a three-person crew, that comes to $396 ($380 cash) to get your move on the calendar. The deposit is refundable, but Interior Moving Services requires you to cancel at least 10 days in advance to get a refund.

Beyond its basic moving offerings, Interior Moving Services can handle specialty items like pianos and hot tubs. The company can also accommodate emergency moves and offer packing, junk removal and climate-controlled storage. You can even hire it to handle single-item moves if you need something transported or delivered.

Interior says it heavily scrutinizes its hires and conducts reference checks, though it doesn't formally background check them. The company is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and has no registered complaints. 

To book a move with Interior Moving Services, call 585-288-8000 or visit its website . The company is located at 157 LaGrange Avenue, Rochester, N.Y., 14613. Its hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Customer testimonial

I can't say enough good things about my experience with these guys. Chris and Charles were extremely polite and professional. I had a mix of antique furniture including a glass cabinet that I was very worried about. They took great care moving all my items and everything made it to it's destination safe and sound. Chris even re-assembled my bed for me which I didn't expect but definitely appreciated. Down the road, if and when I go to move again, I'll be giving these guys a call. Thank you for a job well done! - Christina S., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Phil's Moving Company is the top alternative moving company in Syracuse

Based in Millport, N.Y., Phil's Moving Company can handle moves all over Central New York, including to Syracuse. Because of the distance from its headquarters, the company isn't necessarily a good choice if the entirety of your move is within Syracuse. However, if you're moving from somewhere else in the region to Syracuse, Phil's is worth a look.

The family-owned company has been in business since 1992, giving it more than 30 years of moving experience. It's also highly rated, having built up a solid reputation with a 4.8-star rating among 22 Google reviews. Its Yelp rating is a little lower at 3.9 stars (seven reviews), though Phil's has responded to some negative reviews, noting the issues stemmed from miscommunication.

Pricing for Phil's Moving Company is competitive for the area and relatively straightforward. The company 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 without additional fees.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

The four-hour minimum is a little higher than the standard two you see from most other moving companies, though it's unlikely to matter if you have a large home to move or a long distance to travel. Phil's doesn't charge a deposit to secure your move date. We found Phil's to be very responsive, answering the phone promptly and returning emails within an hour.

Phil's Moving Company is available for traditional residential moves and offers labor for moving even a few items. The company uses fully enclosed trailers for every move, ensuring your stuff is safely packed and won't fall off a ramp during loading. It also offers camper and boat hauling if you need it.

Phil's Moving Company is not BBB-accredited , though it carries an A+ rating with the organization. The company doesn't perform background checks on its movers, though they're all full employees and most have been working with it for years.

You can call 607-535-4115 or visit the Phil's Moving website to ask about booking your move. The company's office is located at 1339 State Route 14, Millport, N.Y., 14864. Its hours are listed as 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It's 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

Reliable Movers is the best Syracuse mover for simple, straightforward pricing

Reliable Movers is more than just a name; the company has built up a solid reputation in the Syracuse area over its nearly 30 years in business. Founded in 1996, Reliable Movers has earned over 150 reviews, with 4.8 stars on Google (176 reviews) and 3.9 stars on Yelp (29 reviews). The company also services Ithaca, Auburn and the rest of New York.

The company offers various services, though its bread and butter is local residential and commercial moves. It's also licensed for interstate moving through USDOT, so you can rely on it for long-distance trips that take you out of New York. Reliable Movers can also take on labor-only jobs like packing and unpacking rental trucks and portable moving containers .

Pricing for Reliable Movers is unique among companies on this list because it isn't done by the hour. Instead, it offers straightforward general binding estimates (read our guide to learn more about binding estimates ) based on truck size and the room your move requires inside the truck. It also posts all of its rates on its website, which means you know exactly what you can expect to pay depending on the size of your load before you call.

Services offered

• Local moves

• Long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

• Antique and specialty item moves

• Senior moves

• Emergency moves

For an average three-bedroom home move, Reliable Movers recommends its 26-foot truck, which costs $2,100 if you fill it. Using three-quarters of the truck costs $1,700, while a half-full truck costs $1,400. Because of the way it bills, there's no hour minimum for a mover with Reliable Movers. It may assign a team of between two and seven movers, depending on the size of your move.

Reliable Movers charges a $200 deposit to reserve your spot on its calendar. The deposit is nonrefundable, but it does go towards the cost of your move.

Reliable Movers isn't BBB-accredited , though it has an A+ rating and no complaints. However, the company background checks its movers. A representative told us that its oldest employee has been with the company for 17 years. 

Call 315-252-9214 or visit Reliable Movers' website to book your move. The company is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and it's closed on Sundays. Its office is located at 107 Ashford Court, Mattydale, N.Y., 13211.

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

EJA Moving Services is a great local and interstate mover in Syracuse

EJA Moving Services is located around 40 minutes away in Oriskany, New York, but it services the entire Central New York region. The company has been in business since 2003, building up its moving bona fides for more than 20 years. Over that time, it has earned a reputation as a trustworthy mover with a 4.9-star rating on Google among 139 reviews and a 3.3-star rating on Yelp with seven reviews.

You can hire EJA Moving Services for practically anything you need with a typical residential move, but the company also offers commercial moves for businesses and labor-only packing. It's also authorized by USDOT to carry household goods across state lines, making it a good option for a long-distance mover.

EJA Moving Services has competitive pricing for the area, though it's slightly higher than other hourly-rate movers on this list. The company quoted a rate of $235 per hour for a team of three movers with a three-hour minimum on Monday through Friday and a four-hour minimum on Saturdays. That means you can expect to pay at least $705 during the week and $940 on the weekend.

Services offered

• Local moves

• Long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

• Storage

• Delivery services

• Labor-only services

EJA doesn't charge a deposit to secure your move date on its calendar, though it asks that you give as much notice as possible if you must cancel. There are no other charges involved in moving with EJA, so figuring out the total cost is a matter of how many hours your crew needs to load your truck and deliver your stuff to your new home.

In addition to its standard moving services, EJA offers on-site storage if you need to store some things temporarily. The company can also deliver furniture if you've purchased new furniture and need it transported. Finally, EJA has experience moving specialty items like pianos and safes and complicated moving situations like those involving condos and retirement communities.

EJA Moving Services doesn't conduct extensive background checks on its movers, though the representative we spoke with said many have been with the company for more than three years. The company isn't BBB-accredited and isn't currently rated with the organization. 

Call 315-335-0516 or visit the EJA Moving Services website to learn more and book your move. Its office is located at 5941 Airport Road, Oriskany, N.Y., 13424. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is closed on weekends.

Customer testimonial

I had a few larger furniture pieces that needed to be moved and my friend recommended EJA as they had just used them. It was easy to schedule a time (and reschedule when it was more convenient for me) to move the furniture. 3 guys showed up with a very large truck. They wrapped all the furniture and moved it all flawlessly! Very reasonable pricing too. Would HIGHLY recommend EJA! - Katie S., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best national moving company

At Yahoo Local, we focus on helping people choose the services that make sense for their move. While we enjoy highlighting local businesses, national movers are sometimes the more practical choice, especially if you're moving a long distance. If you're still deciding, our guide comparing local and national movers is a great place to start. For national moves, we recommend BLVD Moving .

BLVD Moving operates from four locations in California and offers both local and long-distance services throughout the U.S. It's a family-run, independent company with its own trucks and employees. According to its terms , it may also use subcontractors or third-party agents — a standard industry practice during peak demand.

We asked BLVD Moving for a quote on a 500-mile move involving about 1,340 cubic feet of belongings — roughly the size of a typical three-bedroom home without large appliances. The quote came in around $6,700, which is comparable to what most national movers charge. It requires a 33% deposit at booking, with 50% of the remaining balance due at pickup. The final portion is due upon delivery.

Services offered

• Local and interstate moves

• Residential, office and commercial relocations

• Packing services

• Storage options

• Financing

If your plans change, you can cancel at least two full business days before pickup and receive a full refund of your deposit. BLVD's delivery window ranges from two to 21 business days, depending on the distance. That window starts from your preferred delivery date, so you may be waiting just over a month from the time you're ready for your items.

To stay ahead of peak demand, BLVD recommends booking your move at least a month in advance — or earlier if you're moving during the summer or at the start or end of the month. (For help with timing, check out our guide to the best and worst times to move.) The quote process is simple — you can set up a virtual walkthrough or fill out an inventory form online. Financing is available to qualified customers, with interest rates starting at 0%.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB and holds a B rating, with 94 complaints on file. While that might seem high, it's typical for national moving companies. It also has a 4.3-star rating on Google from 1,214 reviews and a 2.2-star average on Yelp from 375 reviews. All of its movers are employees and must pass background checks.

The company's headquarters 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 get in touch with BLVD Moving at 844-274-0500 or request a quote online .

Customer testimonial

The best moving experience of my entire life. Jerry, Marco and Derek were fast, so helpful and so nice to be around. They took care of our stuff like xhampions and I felt very comfortable that are things were handled with care and attention. I very highly recommend them to anyone moving. I did a lot of research before signing up with them and it was the best decision ever! - James M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Why you can count on Yahoo Local mover evaluations

Yahoo has spent many years dedicated to delivering trustworthy and precise information about local businesses. Our Yahoo Local guides build on that legacy, helping you discover which businesses are truly worth your time and hard-earned money. We believe in transparency, so we share exactly how our selections are made and what goes into the process. Using a custom ranking system developed by our team, we've created what we view as the most balanced and objective way to feature the top companies in your area. Businesses can't pay to appear in our guides, and you'll never see sponsored listings among our picks. Want more details? Visit our full methodology page .

Here's more about how we evaluated the best Syracuse moving companies: 

• 16 Syracuse movers evaluated

• 2,210 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all five featured movers in Syracuse

• Independent price quotes sought from all five featured moving companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

Syracuse moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

As you call moving companies for quotes, you should have a few key details about your home ready. The first thing movers in Syracuse will ask about is the size of your home. Be prepared to provide the square footage of both homes and the number of bedrooms in each. This lets your mover estimate the number of movers your job requires.

In addition to the size of your home, it's a good idea to create a list of large furniture items you plan to move. This includes tables, chairs, kitchen appliances and beds (along with sizes). Some companies may also ask for an estimate of the boxes you plan to move. This information helps your moving company determine the size and number of trucks you need.

Finally, let your mover know if you have any specialty furniture or other items to move, like a piano or gun safe. These items usually require an additional fee since they require special handling and are much heavier than standard furniture. For a full rundown, read our guide to the information you need to get an accurate moving estimate .

What should you know about packing and storage inSyracuse ?

Given the hot, humid summers and frigid winters in the area, you should pack in a way that minimizes potential damage from the elements. Keep your boxes in a cool, dry place while waiting to be moved. If you have to use storage, always opt for a climate-controlled storage unit (vs. temperature-controlled) for the best protection.

What's different about condo and apartment moving inSyracuse ?

If you live in an apartment building in Syracuse, your move may require more planning. Your building might have designated moving days and times to minimize disruptions for other residents. You might also need to reserve an elevator for specific times for your move.

Always check with your building manager for any restrictions on when and how you can move. For more, check out our guide on you might not be aware of.

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

You don't need a special permit or license to move in Syracuse, but your moving company must be licensed by the NYDOT and USDOT to operate. You can check whether your chosen mover is properly licensed by calling 618-457-6512 or emailing nymoving@dot.ny.gov.

You might require a parking permit if you need to park in a public space for an extended time during your move. This isn't necessarily required everywhere, but may be on busy streets or metered spaces. To learn more about New York moving company licensing and regulations , read our guide. 

How much should you tip movers in Syracuse?

Tipping isn't required for movers, but it's a good way to show appreciation if they go above and beyond. The typical suggested rate for moving company tips is between 10% and 20% of your total moving cost. You can either split the tip among the movers yourself, or some companies may allow you to add it to your final bill.

You can learn more by reading our guide on how much to tip movers .

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