The BEST Moving Companies in Rochester, NY
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Rochester, NY, is Sheridan Brothers Moving, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service and specialized handling of pianos and antiques. If you’re moving out of New York to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Rochester-based mover: Sheridan Brothers Moving
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in Rochester, NY
- Sheridan Brothers Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Interior Moving Services Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Clark Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Bauer & Son Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Professional and Friendly Staff
- Efficient Service
- Careful with Belongings
- Frequent Damage to Property
- Poor Customer Service
- Lost Items During Move
Company Info
State license #: 34026
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2256609
Sheridan Brothers Moving has been serving the Rochester, NY area since 2004, specializing in local residential moving services. Unlike some nearby competitors, Sheridan Brothers also offers packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing services, catering to a broad range of moving needs. They have an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a solid 4.0 average on Google with 196 reviews, though their Yelp rating is a bit lower at 3.3 from 59 reviews. Known for their reliable service, they also accept credit cards but do require a deposit, making them a dependable option for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Polite and Professional Movers
- Efficient Handling of Belongings
- Competitive Pricing and Responsiveness
- Inconsistent Service Quality
- Delays Reported During Moves
- Communication Issues and Customer Service Complaints
Company Info
State license #: 32014
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1498819
Interior Moving Services Inc has been a trusted name in local residential moving in and around Rochester, NY since 1994. Their stellar reputation is backed by consumer reviews, boasting an impressive 4.8 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike some nearby companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, crating, and the ability to safely move delicate items like antiques and art. With convenient acceptance of credit cards, though a deposit is required, Interior Moving Services remains a reliable and customer-oriented choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Excellent Service
- Friendly and Professional Staff
- Efficient Communication
- Delay in Delivery
- Damage to Items
- Unsatisfactory Claims Handling
Company Info
State license #: 779
Years in Business: 100
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems - New York, LLC, Corrigan Moving & Storage, United Van Lines a/k/a Corrigan Moving & Storage
Corrigan Moving Systems, a reputable local moving company in Rochester, NY, has been serving the community since 1925. This longstanding company offers a comprehensive range of services, including local residential moves, packing, unpacking, and crating services, making them a versatile choice compared to other nearby movers. They are well-regarded by customers, boasting a 4.5 average rating on Google and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. For those needing reliable and experienced movers, Corrigan Moving Systems stands out as a top contender.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Professionalism
- Efficient Service
- Excellent Customer Care
- Communication Issues
- Inconsistent Subcontracted Services
- Delay in Delivery
Company Info
State license #: 10965
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Clark Mayflower, Mayflower Movers
Clark Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in Rochester, NY for local residential moving services since 1986. Unlike many competitors, they also offer long-distance and international moving services, alongside comprehensive packing and unpacking assistance. Consumer feedback is generally positive, with a solid 4.6 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. With nearly four decades of experience and a reputation for reliability, Clark Moving & Storage stands out as a reputable choice for anyone looking to move locally within the Rochester area.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional Service
- Efficient and Friendly Staff
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Inconsistent Communication
- Unexpected Charges for Small Moves
- Limited On-site Inventory Assessment
Company Info
State license #: 10662
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 348429
Bauer & Son Moving has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Rochester, NY since 1999. While their Yelp profile shows a single review with a low rating, their Google My Business profile boasts 80 reviews with an impressive average rating of 4.9, and they hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. In addition to residential moving, they offer office moving and packing services, and they can expertly handle piano moves. Unlike some nearby competitors, Bauer & Son Moving accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Best movers for those moving out of New York
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving New York for a new state:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best moving containers in Rochester, NY
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Rochester vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best rental trucks for your Rochester, NY move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Rochester, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in New York costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.99 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Labor-only movers in Rochester, NY
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Rochester:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
How we chose the best movers in Rochester
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 123 New York movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How do I find a reputable Rochester mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Rochester, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Rochester or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over New York, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Rochester has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Rochester may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Rochester movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Rochester movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in New York.
Average cost of movers in Rochester, New York
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Rochester area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in New York for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
Local moving costs in Rochester
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Rochester, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Rochester, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.69 per mile to $0.99 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Rochester is $216 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $587 | $302 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $889 | $302 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,554 | $423 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,843 | $593 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $4,436 | $593 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $6,925 | $830 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of Rochester
The cost to move from Rochester to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from New York. Here are a few examples:
- Rochester to California Movers: $1,736 to $6,800
- Rochester to Illinois Movers: $565 to $5,146
- Rochester to Texas Movers: $1,035 to $5,988
- Rochester to Arizona Movers: $1,313 to $6,833
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Rochester will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Rochester will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across New York state lines.
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Rochester, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
- Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
- Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Rochester?
Rochester’s parking regulations are designed to promote traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and availability of parking spaces on city streets. A variety of street signs placed along city streets indicate the parking regulations that apply. In addition to signs, parking meters are in place to provide on-street parking to as many vehicles as possible. Make sure to obtain the proper requirements upon moving.
For more info on parking permits in Rochester, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Rochester moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Rochester mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.
Do Rochester movers offer storage?
Yes, many Rochester movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.
If your Rochester mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
How can I see all moving companies in New York?
You can see all moving companies in New York by taking a look at our full list of New York movers.
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