You can select from various types of moving companies. Some may or may not fit your moving criteria. We’ve outlined the key differences to help you choose the best type of moving provider for your relocation.
Residential Movers
Residential moving companies cater to individuals and families planning to relocate their homes. These movers provide services ranging from ordinary moves to the packing and careful handling of delicate and heavy items, such as family heirlooms, pianos and machinery, including table saws.
The scope of residential moving services varies with each company; some offer all-inclusive packages, while others allow clients to select services a la carte, such as packing, loading and storage. Many of these companies primarily handle local or intrastate moves, but a number also manage interstate relocations. Interstate moves come with additional regulatory requirements, as they fall under the purview of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Local Moving Providers
The moving industry defines a local move up to a distance of 50 to 100 miles within the same state. Customer rates are typically calculated on an hourly basis, covering tasks such as packing, loading, unloading and unpacking. The number of movers assigned to a local move depends on the size of the home. A small property might only need a team of two to three movers. But a larger estate could require a larger crew.
When considering different local moving companies, it is vital to check the mover’s license status, obtain a detailed, itemized price estimate, and review customer feedback online to vet their reputation. If you’re moving within Massachusetts, check with the DPU to verify credentials.
Long-Distance Moving Companies
Long-distance moving companies handle relocations over 100 miles in the same state and interstate moves all over the country. Contrary to local movers that charge by the hour, long-distance moving providers primarily base their fees on the total weight of household items and the distance from point A to point B.
Additional charges may apply for specialty services, such as packing, moving pianos and handling valuables that need customized boxing and special handling.
To find the best long-distance moving companies in Massachusetts, you need to be proactive. Interview at least three different providers to determine the most competent team. Long-distance moves entail more complexity and driving experience than some local moving companies can offer. First and foremost, always choose a licensed and insured company in good standing with the U.S. DOT or the DPU for interstate movers.
International Movers
Have you been living as an expat abroad and want to return to the U.S.? Perhaps you got accepted to Harvard University, MIT or Amherst and can’t wait to enjoy those colorful New England landscapes.
If you have items you want to take with you, you’ll need to find the best international moving companies. International moving companies are more involved and manage complex paperwork, such as visas, customs and insurance forms.
These companies also tackle the detailed logistics involved in sea and air transport. Since moving internationally can be expensive, consider limiting the number of household items since the cost will be calculated by volume in meters or cubic feet.
Specialty Moving Companies
Some possessions need special care during relocation to ensure their safe arrival at your new residence. Make sure to inform moving company candidates of any possessions that require specialized handling. If the provider lacks the expertise to transport valuables, they often partner with specialty movers with the training and equipment to handle these items.
If you’re moving valuable or fragile belongings that require extra care, consider the services of a specialty mover. Specialty movers handle these items.
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Collectibles
- Horses
- Aquariums
- Hot tubs
- Musical Instruments
- Sports equipment
- Garage machinery and tools
- Safes
Small Load Movers
Sometimes you need an alternative for delivering a few large items. Whether you’re sending your old nursery furniture to your daughter and son-in-law, who are expecting or you purchased an antique dining set from an online auction, small-load moving companies can usually accommodate these requests.
If your area doesn’t have a small load provider, commercial shipping companies such as UPS or FedEx might be able to handle the delivery.
Commercial Moving Companies
Commercial movers specialize in business relocations. They handle various scale moves ranging from small offices to large office buildings and massive warehouses. Commercial movers have expertise in packing methods and procedures for handling and transporting office and heavy equipment, such as computers and technology products, to ensure a smooth relocation.