Our Frequently Asked Moving & Storage Questions

Find answers to common questions about our moving process. For a detailed breakdown of costs, visit our moving cost overview. Browse our full range of moving services, learn about our service guarantee, or contact us directly for personalized assistance. Ready to move? Get a free quote today.
Find answers to common questions about our moving process. For a detailed breakdown of costs, visit our moving cost overview. Browse our full range of moving services, learn about our service guarantee, or contact us directly for personalized assistance. Ready to move? Get a free quote today.

How much do movers cost in Boston?

At Boston Best Rate Movers, local moving rates start at $149/hour for two professional movers and a truck. A three-mover crew runs approximately $169–$199/hour. Most studio and one-bedroom apartment moves take 3–5 hours; two- to three-bedroom homes typically require 5–8 hours. Your final cost depends on the volume of items, number of stairs, distance between locations, and any packing services. We provide a detailed estimate before your move with no hidden charges on moving day. For a full breakdown, visit our hourly rates page or read our blog: How Much Does It Cost to Move Locally in Boston?

How do I choose the best moving company in Boston?

Start with licensing. Any legitimate Massachusetts mover must hold an MDPU license (ours is #31391) and be registered with the FMCSA (DOT #1718049). Beyond credentials, look at review volume and consistency — a handful of five-star reviews are easy to generate, but 797 reviews with a 96% positive rate over 24 years isn't something you can fake. Ask whether the company uses full-time employees or temp labor, whether they carry workers' compensation, and whether they provide a written estimate. We check every one of those boxes.

Where can I get moving boxes in Boston?

At Boston Best Rate Movers, we know that one needs moving boxes when preparing for a move. The Home Depot, Lowe's, and hardware and home improvement stores can provide boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.

Alternatively, ask our movers at Boston Best Rate Movers for supplies or ask friends and family for boxes to save money. These resources are helpful to ensure a successful move.

Where can I rent a moving truck in Boston?

In Boston, several companies offer moving truck rentals, such as UHaul and Penske, with different truck sizes and equipment like dollies and blankets. Home Depot and Lowe's also offer truck rentals, but their truck options may be limited. We suggest researching each option carefully based on factors like truck size, rental prices, and pickup/drop-off locations to find the best fit for your needs.

Do movers offer remote or virtual services?

Boston Best Rate Movers provides remote or virtual services that are safe and convenient during the pandemic. Popular virtual services include virtual consultations, online inventory management, and video walkthroughs. 

These services help customers understand costs, logistics, and timelines. Our company uses various technologies and software to provide these services. By offering these virtual services, Boston Best Rate Movers ensures a hassle-free move without compromising quality.

Do I need a parking permit for my moving truck in Boston?

Yes. The City of Boston requires a temporary parking permit for any moving truck using a public street. Apply through the Boston Transportation Department at least 2–3 days in advance (we recommend a full week). Permits cost roughly $60–$80 and reserve a designated space outside your building. Without one, you risk fines up to $100 or towing — which can delay your entire move by hours. Our team helps customers navigate the permit process. Read our full parking permit guide.

What is considered a local move vs. a long-distance move?

In Massachusetts, a local move stays within the state and is billed hourly — typically $149–$199/hour depending on crew size. A long-distance (interstate) move crosses state lines and is priced by weight, distance, and services with a binding estimate provided in advance. At Boston Best Rate, local moves start at $149/hour. Our long-distance moves run on dedicated trucks along the East Coast — Boston to New York, DC, New Jersey, and beyond — with clear pricing and no broker middlemen.

How much does it cost to move across the country from Boston?

Moving from Boston to another location can be costly due to distance and the weight/volume of belongings. Additional services like packing, unpacking, storage, and handling fragile items can also increase costs. 

The average price is $3,000 to $10,000 but can differ based on individual circumstances. To get an accurate estimate, it's recommended to contact a professional moving company like Boston Best Rate Movers for competitive rates and excellent customer service.

What is considered a long-distance move in Boston?

The complexity and cost of your move to Boston depend on its distance. Moving over 150 miles away from your current location and crossing state lines is considered a long-distance move. This requires more planning and coordination, so choose a reliable and experienced moving company like Boston Best Rate Movers. 

We offer accurate estimates and prioritize customer service to make your move hassle-free and stress-free. Research and compare movers early for your long-distance move in Boston to ensure a smooth transition.

How do I pick the best long-distance moving company in Boston?

Moving long distances can be both exciting and challenging. To ensure your move goes smoothly, finding a reliable and efficient moving company is essential. Here are some tips to help you choose the best long-distance moving company in Boston:

  • Research potential movers.
  • Choose a company with experience and a proven track record.
  • Check their reputation with previous customers and review sites.
  • Verify their license and insurance.
  • Compare pricing and services.
  • Get a detailed estimate.

Boston Best Rate Movers meets all these criteria, so contact us today to schedule your move.

Can you safely move a piano, gun safe, or pool table?

Yes. We have dedicated specialty crews trained for pianos (upright and grand, up to 1,200 lbs), gun safes, pool tables, and gym equipment. These items require specific equipment — piano boards, heavy-duty dollies, stair-climbing rigs, and extra padding — that standard movers don't carry. We've moved thousands of specialty items across Boston, including grand pianos out of third-floor Beacon Hill walkups. Learn more about our specialty moving services.

I need storage for my home renovation. Can you store my items?

Absolutely. Our storage facility handles overnight holds, short-term storage (days to weeks), and long-term storage (months). Our crew loads your items onto our truck, transports them to our secure facility, and delivers them back when you're ready. One crew, one truck, one point of contact — no coordinating with a separate storage company. Explore our storage options.

Packing is a pain — can you help me?

That's what our packing crews are for. We offer full-home packing (we pack everything) and partial packing (we handle the fragile and complicated items, you handle the rest). Packing is billed at the same hourly rate as your move, plus the cost of materials. We also sell packing supply kits by apartment size — from studio ($99) to large house ($410). Most customers who choose full packing tell us it's the single best decision they made during their move. Learn more about our packing services.

Do you offer commercial and office moving services?

Yes. We handle office relocations from small startups to multi-floor commercial spaces. Our commercial team creates a move plan around your business hours to minimize downtime — including evenings and weekends. We move desks, conference tables, IT equipment, file cabinets, and inventory with proper labeling systems so your team can get back to work quickly. Learn more about commercial moving.

What is a delivery window?

When you move with a moving company like Boston Best Rate Movers, you might hear the term "delivery window." This means the estimated time your belongings will arrive at your new home. The window depends on factors like distance and stops. 

Remember, it's only an estimate, and unforeseen circumstances can cause delays. Talk to your mover to determine the delivery window and ensure someone is available on the delivery day. That way, you can avoid extra fees or issues during the move.

How many hours are included in the flat rate?

Flat rates are often offered by Boston moving companies. This helps with budgeting and avoids unexpected fees. Boston Best Rate Movers provides a flat rate based on the move size, usually including 2-6 hours of moving time. However, packing and unpacking are not included. 

For additional services, a detailed cost and time estimate will be given. It's essential to ask for specifics on the flat rate and any other charges. Boston Best Rate Movers aims to provide transparent pricing and excellent customer service for a stress-free move.

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