5 Best Hourly Moving Services in Boston, MA (Labor Only)

Quick answer: Based on our in-depth analysis and ranking system, Continental Moving is the best hourly labor moving company in Boston. But there’s no shortage of options in your area. Depending on your specific needs and budget, another of the top-rated Boston-based labor-only movers may be the right fit for you.

Company Quote Rating Contact
Boston Best Rate Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
252R Calvary St, Waltham, MA, 02453
(617) 787-3528
Esquire Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
25 Summer Ave, Waltham, MA, 02452
(617) 952-1505

Top 5 labor-only movers in Boston, MA

These are our ratings of the top labor-only, hourly moving services that are available in Boston, MA:

  1. Continental Moving: 4.24 out of 5 stars
  2. Boston Best Rate Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  3. Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. StairHopper Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  5. Premium Q Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (41%)
  • Professional and polite staff (38%)
  • Careful handling (34%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (15%)
  • Unexpected charges (10%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (8%)
Review Analysis
Boston Best Rate Movers has 245 customer reviews, with 90% of them being positive. Customers praised the company for its efficient service, professional staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many noted how smoothly their moves went and how friendly the movers were. Some negative feedback mentioned issues with damaged items, unexpected charges, and occasional delays. Despite these concerns, the overwhelming majority found their experience to be much better than other moving companies in the area.
Get a Quote (617) 787-3528

Company Info

State license #: 31391

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 1718049

Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.


Boston Best Rate Movers has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around Waltham, MA since 2006. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, making them an excellent choice for meticulous movers. Clients consistently praise their reliability, as evidenced by their 4.7 average rating across 32 Yelp reviews and 530 Google reviews, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, their no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards add to their customer-friendly approach.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (70%)
  • Professional and polite staff (60%)
  • Careful handling (50%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (10%)
Review Analysis
Esquire Moving & Storage has 10 customer reviews, 90% of which are positive. Customers praised the company's efficiency, professionalism, and careful handling of items. Many noted the friendly and polite staff, making the moving process smooth and stress-free. On the downside, a few customers reported issues with damage to items and delayed arrival times. Overall, Esquire stands out in the moving industry for its reliable service and customer care, but there are areas that need improvement.
Get a Quote (617) 952-1505

Company Info

Pricing: $115/hr

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2820253

Alternate Names: Esquire Moving Inc


Esquire Moving & Storage, a trusted local residential moving company in Waltham, MA, has been delivering exceptional service since 2015. Known for their comprehensive packing and unpacking services, they stand out from other nearby movers by offering specialized handling for pianos, art, and antiques. Customers consistently commend their professionalism and efficiency, reflected in their stellar average ratings of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, as well as an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. With transparent pricing at $115 per hour and no deposit required, Esquire Moving & Storage is a reliable choice for a hassle-free local move.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (38%)
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Careful handling (33%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (25%)
  • Damage to items (20%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Review Analysis
Stairhopper Movers has 804 customer reviews, 89% of which are positive. Customers consistently praise the company for its professional and efficient service. Many noted that the movers were friendly and careful with belongings, completing moves faster than expected. However, some feedback mentioned unexpected charges for packing materials and a few instances of minor damages. Overall, Stairhopper Movers stands out as a reliable choice for those looking to move in the Boston area, with many customers planning to use their services again.
Get a Quote (857) 928-0876

Company Info

State license #: 31321

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 1696867


StairHopper Movers, a trusted name in local residential moving since 2004, serves the Boston, MA area with exemplary service. Known for their reliability, they stand out among local competitors with impressive consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and a flawless 5.0 on Google. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer comprehensive moving solutions, including packing, unpacking, and specialized services for fragile items and artwork. While a deposit is required, they accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring flexibility and peace of mind for their customers.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Professional and polite staff (36%)
  • Careful handling (35%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (21%)
  • Unexpected charges (19%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Premium Q Moving has 80 customer reviews, with 83% of them being positive. Customers praised the company for its efficient service and friendly staff. Many highlighted the careful handling of belongings and the affordable rates. However, some customers reported issues with damage to items and unexpected charges. Overall, Premium Q stands out in the moving industry for its commitment to customer satisfaction and professionalism, making it a preferred choice for many movers.
Get a Quote (781) 549-8789

Company Info

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2569641

Alternate Names: Premium Q Moving and Storage, LLC


Premium Q Moving, serving Medford, MA, and surrounding areas since 2015, stands out among local moving companies for its exceptional service and reliability. With a stellar reputation backed by 490 reviews on Google averaging a 4.9 rating and an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, it’s clear that customer satisfaction is a priority. In addition to local residential moving, they offer office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like moving pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the moving process hassle-free and convenient.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Common hourly moving services

Hourly movers in Boston, MA, can be a cost-effective way to handle your relocation. Paying in hourly increments means you are paying only for the time worked, which can often be cheaper than a flat-rate fee with a full-service company.

Every company is different, but Boston hourly movers typically offer these labor-assistance options:

  • Loading and unloading: Hourly moving crews can help get all your belongings on and off a moving truck rental or in and out of your moving container. Labor-only companies will send a crew of two to four people, depending on the size of your move.
  • Help with heavy items: If you are able to handle loading and unloading on your own but need some extra hands for a particularly large or weighty piece — like a treadmill, piano, or major appliance — you can hire local help Most labor-only companies can provide manpower for single and multiple heavy items.
  • Furniture moving: Got your boxes loaded up but can’t get your sectional couch onto the truck alone? Hourly labor companies can handle the heavy lifting of your furniture.
  • Rearranging: Deciding where you want things to go can often be tricky, especially if you have heavy pieces that aren’t so easily moved around. Many labor-only companies will not only load and unload your furniture, but also help you find the right place for it at your new home.
  • Packing and unpacking: Some Boston labor-only movers will wrap and box up your belongings for an additional fee.
  • Junk removal: If you’ve got some items you need to toss, hourly labor companies may be able to provide this in tandem with their standard moving services.

FAQs

How much should I expect to pay for labor-only movers in Boston?toggle

The average hourly cost for labor-only movers in Boston is $100 per hour per mover. Check out our guide about the cost of moving in Boston for more details.

Can hourly movers handle last-minute moves in Boston?toggle

Because most moving companies in Boston experience busy seasons and slow seasons, you’ll need to call around to find out which ones have availability. Since it is labor-only, however, there’s a good chance one of these Boston-based companies will be able to help. If you’re in a pinch and want to be more hands-off, here is our list of the best last-minute moving companies.

Can I hire hourly movers if I’m moving from Boston to a new state?toggle

If you’re moving from Boston to another state, you’ll need to hire hourly labor while loading your belongings in Massachusetts and then another company in the city you’re moving to for help unloading. If you want to avoid some lower back strain, here are our top picks for the best interstate moving companies. And if you want to support local businesses, here are the best long distance moving companies in Boston.

Am I supposed to tip hourly movers?toggle

You are not required to tip hourly movers, but it is common practice — not to mention, a great way to show your appreciation for the crew’s hard work. The standard tip amount is somewhere between 5% and 20% of your total moving costs, which breaks down to about $4–$5 per hour for each moving crew member.

Whether you tip on the high or low end of that range will, of course, depend on the movers’ performance, so wait until the end to hand out the cash. You may also want to factor in the specifics of your move. For instance, a complicated move that involves a lot of heavy pieces or navigation down narrow staircases might warrant a higher tip than a simple move of a first-floor studio apartment.

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