The bottom line: Based on our analysis of pricing, customer feedback, and services, we have found the best local and long-distance moving companies in Rhode Island. If you’re relocating from the Ocean State to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving for its balance of quality and affordability.
The best mover for you will depend on your unique needs and budget. Check out these options to narrow down your search:
- Best Long-Distance Movers
- Best Local Movers in RI
- Best Cheap Movers
- Best Hourly Movers
- Best Office Movers
- Best Small Load Movers
5 Best Movers When Moving Out of Rhode Island
If you are moving out of Rhode Island, we recommend using an interstate moving company. Here are the top options:
1. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving started in Florida in 2020 and has rapidly grown into a well-known and trusted company. They are committed to efficient and timely moving services at fair prices. Besides their full-service moves, Safeway offers 24/7 customer support, flat-rate pricing, a price-match guarantee, and special discounts and resources for seniors.
The company can handle long-distance relocations in all 50 U.S. states, as well as international moves.
2. International Van Lines (IVL)
International Van Lines focuses on moving services both within the country and overseas. Founded in 2000, the company is known for managing complicated relocations successfully. They provide full-service options like packing, storage, and vehicle transport, along with customizable moving plans. Based in Florida, IVL serves all 50 states and over 140 countries.
3. Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation, based in North Carolina, offers high-quality long-distance and interstate moves across all 50 states. This family-owned business is recognized for its excellent customer service and fair prices. They provide full-service moving options like packing, and have additional services such as storage and car shipping, similar to larger moving companies.
4. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services is well-known for their tailored moving solutions and personalized support. They offer packing, storage, and handle unique items like pianos, antiques, fine art, and IT equipment. Customers get dedicated moving coordinators to help create custom plans. JK Moving uses advanced technology for real-time GPS tracking and specializes in interstate moves across the U.S.
5. American Van Lines (AVL)
American Van Lines is a seasoned moving company from Florida. They are known for their skilled movers and expertise in long-distance moves. They offer packing, storage, and special care for items like antiques and pianos. Their services cover the continental U.S., and they guarantee flat-rate pricing to prevent unexpected charges.
5 Best Local Rhode Island Moving Companies
If you are relocating to a new home in roughly the same area of the state (about 50 miles or less), check out our recommendations for local Rhode Island movers:
3 Most Affordable Rhode Island Moving Companies
Moving isn’t cheap, and the larger the move, the more it’s likely going to cost.
- 0.0% of Rhode Island movers offer military discounts
- 0.0% of Rhode Island moving companies offer senior discounts
- 0.0% of the 10 movers we reviewed in Rhode Island, offer a discount for teachers
If you’re looking for reliable Rhode Island moving services that won’t break the bank, consider one of these top-notch affordable movers:
- Safeway Moving: Safeway Moving is our top pick for budget-friendly residents because they maintain quality while keeping costs low. Their affordable long-distance moving services match the quality of more expensive companies. With flat-rate pricing and a price-match guarantee, you are assured of getting the best rate for your out-of-state move.
- Mayzlin Relocation: Mayzlin Relocation offers clear pricing and tailored service, ensuring you receive excellent care at an affordable price. If you find a lower quote elsewhere, Mayzlin will match it. Plus, if you need to cancel within seven days of your move date, there are no charges.
- U-Pack: U-Pack offers a budget-friendly and flexible way to cut down on moving expenses. You’ll do the lifting, while U-Haul supplies the moving containers or cargo trailer and takes care of transportation. You only pay for what you use, so there’s no need to overestimate your space requirements.
Check out the average cost of movers in Rhode Island by the type of move you choose.
Top Hourly Movers in Rhode Island
Looking for flexible and efficient moving assistance charged by the hour? Hourly movers can come in handy with a DIY move… or if you just need help lifting heavy items like furniture and fitness equipment.
Here are our picks for best Rhode Island hourly movers:
- HireAHelper: HireAHelper is ideal if you have your own transport but need help moving boxes and furniture. They match you with the right crew size based on your info and charge only for the time needed to load your truck or container.
- U-Haul Moving Help: U-Haul simplifies the process of renting a truck and getting labor assistance with their Moving Help program. On the Moving Help website, you can find and hire local movers by the hour. The site offers instant quotes, allowing you to easily compare prices and services. Additionally, you can hire Moving Help crews for home cleaning or to move heavy items such as pianos or safes.
3 Best Office Movers in Rhode Island
Relocating your business without disrupting work flow can be tricky. For a smooth and efficient transition, consider these highly rated Rhode Island office movers:
- American Van Lines (AVL): American Van Lines is known for its skilled crews who excel in office relocations. They can disassemble and reassemble furniture and carefully transport sensitive equipment like computers and electronics. AVL crews regularly train for specific moving situations, so you can trust them with your business’s important equipment and documents.
- Mayzlin Relocation: Mayzlin Relocation provides flexible moving solutions for offices. They offer packing services, secure transport, and both short- and long-term storage options. Their team is fully trained and background-checked to make sure your office move is professional and efficient.
- North American Van Lines: North American Van Lines offers full office moving services. This includes assembling furniture, handling IT equipment, and managing logistics. Their extensive nationwide network and many years of experience support these services.
Top Small Load Movers in Rhode Island
Many full-service movers have minimum requirements in terms of move size and time, so if you need help relocating a studio apartment in Rhode Island, you may want to find one that specializes in smaller moves.
We like these Rhode Island small load moving companies:
- MovingYourself: MovingYourself is an affordable choice for small moves since you only pay for the truck space you use, not the whole truck. You get to use the amount of space you need on a 52-foot truck. Although you’ll have to load your items yourself, you’ll save a lot if you just have a few boxes and some furniture.
- MiniMoves: MiniMoves focuses entirely on small moves, delivering full-service care regardless of size. They provide services such as professional packing and furniture assembly for moves that other companies often reject due to weight limits. This makes MiniMoves perfect for relocating apartments, studios, or single rooms.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Moving Company in Rhode Island
- Licensing and insurance: Verify that the company has the necessary permits to operate in the Ocean State and carries adequate insurance for damage or loss coverage. We only recommend movers that meet these requirements but you can confirm a company’s operating status through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.
- Reputation and customer reviews: A great way to learn about a company’s customer service is to hear from others. Online reviews and recommendations from friends or family can provide valuable insights and help you make a choice.
- Pricing and transparency: Choose companies that provide transparent, upfront estimates without hidden fees. Getting quotes from at least three companies can help you understand fair pricing.
- Services: Consider what you need — full-service moving with packing and unpacking, or just help with heavy lifting. Ensure the company offers the services that fit your requirements.
- Local knowledge: A mover familiar with Rhode Island roads and neighborhoods can help make the process smoother, especially in areas prone to traffic or tricky routes.
- Flexibility: Pick a company that can handle last-minute changes without charging high fees. Whether you need to reschedule or add extra services, being flexible is key.
- Equipment and professionalism: Trustworthy companies utilize up-to-date equipment and hire skilled crews. A polite and organized team can significantly improve moving day.
Tips for a Smooth Move in Rhode Island
- Plan around the weather. Rhode Island experiences warm summers and cold winters. The southern coastal areas have hot summers and cool winters, with both rain and snow. Check the forecast and have a backup plan for bad weather.
- Avoid big city traffic. Providence, and other major cities can be rough during morning and evening rush hours (usually between 7 and 9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.). Schedule your move outside those times for a less stressful drive.
- Check local ordinances. Some Rhode Island towns have specific rules for moving trucks, like parking restrictions or time limits. Check ahead to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Pack for the season. When you move, set aside essential toiletries and a few changes of clothes. This way, you won’t need to search through boxes to find them. For your essentials bag, consider the season — pack lightweight clothes and sunscreen for summer or rain gear and layers for winter.
- Keep valuables safe. Keep important items like jewelry, passports, and electronics with you instead of putting them in the moving truck. This way, you have one less thing to worry about.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks. Stay hydrated and take breaks when necessary, especially during summer moves. Even short rests can help maintain your energy.
- Engage the community. After moving in, say hello to your neighbors or check out local places to get to know the area.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire professional movers in Rhode Island?
The average cost to hire professional movers in Rhode Island is $90.0 per hour. The total cost will be determined by how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving.
What should I know about Rhode Island’s peak moving season?
Like most places, Rhode Island sees a surge in moves during the summer months when the weather is favorable and school is out. This means moving companies might be busier and rates could be higher. If possible, consider moving during the off-peak season for potentially better rates.
Are there any items moving companies in Rhode Island won’t transport?
Most Rhode Island moving companies have a list of prohibited items they won’t move due to safety or regulatory reasons. Common items include hazardous materials, perishables, and in some cases, plants. It’s best to check with your chosen moving company in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
How We Chose the Top RI Moving Companies
To ensure we provide accurate and reliable recommendations, we use a thorough evaluation process to rate and review local and long-distance movers across the U.S. in these key categories:
- Pricing and payment options: Transparent pricing is a major factor. We assess whether companies offer flat-rate pricing and binding estimates to help customers avoid unexpected fees and stay within budget. We also look for multiple payment options (credit card, cash, and check).
- Services: We examine a company’s packages to see which services come standard and which ones come at an added cost, helping customers find the most comprehensive services at the most affordable rate.
- Customer feedback: We analyze online reviews from consumer review sites like the BBB, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google and look for common praises and complaints.
- Reputation: A company’s reputation is crucial. We look at industry ratings, compliance with regulations, and whether they carry sufficient insurance to protect customers’ belongings.
- Add-on options: We evaluate optional services that carry an extra fee — like fragile-only packing, custom crates, and specialized handling of electronics — can make a move easier, especially if they’re not commonly offered by other companies.
- State availability: The number of states a company serves is key. Companies with a national reach are ranked higher than those within just the contiguous U.S. or with more limited availability.
- Ease of scheduling: We give higher ratings to companies that offer straightforward and accessible scheduling options to get things moving quickly.