Find the Best Moving Companies in Buffalo, NY

What Buffalo residents should look for in a moving company

Whether you’re moving locally from Elmwood Village to Amherst or moving out of New York, it’s important to create a moving plan suited to your needs. Moving is a stressful life event, which is why it’s important to find a licensed, insured mover to protect your belongings as you transition between homes or offices. Many movers in Buffalo offer professional packing services and short-term storage, while some are trained to move specialty items, such as pianos. The movers featured on this guide are hand-picked for their available services and favorable consumer reviews.

Buffalo moving company costs

The average cost of a full-service local move in Buffalo with no special services ranges between $500 and $2,000. Moving more than 100 miles is more likely to cost between $2,000 and $7,000. The cost of moving in Buffalo depends on multiple factors, including distance traveled, size of the move, the level of service and the amount of insurance coverage. Services like packing and furniture disassembly and reassembly can cost between $50 to $80 per labor hour for each professional helping out. Supplies also add to costs.

Another common cost associated with moving is short-term storage. If your move-in and move-out dates don’t line up exactly, storage might be necessary. Costs range from company to company. Storage is generally cheaper in less densely populated areas, where space isn’t so expensive. Don’t forget to consider liability insurance coverage for your belongings while they are being moved or stored.

Buffalo moving laws and regulations

The New York attorney general recommends customers use licensed and/or registered moving companies that meet legal requirements. The websites for the New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are useful when researching intrastate and interstate moves, respectively.

Consumers moving within New York state should understand their rights, outlined by the NYSDOT in its Summary of Information for Shippers of Household Goods. The document provides information on moving company laws, like requiring movers to provide a certificate number and address to advertise services. The document states movers are not liable for the full value of lost or damaged goods unless you and your mover have made special arrangements.

New Yorkers wishing to file a complaint about a local mover may do so with the NYSDOT. For interstate moves, contact the FMCSA. If your belongings were damaged by movers and you choose to file a claim, the company is required to respond to your claim within 30 days and has 120 days to resolve your claim, according to the NYSDOT.

Buffalo moving companies FAQ

When should I book a mover in Buffalo?

Book a mover in Buffalo as soon as you can. You have more time to compare options and a better chance to get lower rates. The busiest time for movers is between May and September. Moves made during this time may require four or more weeks of notice.

How much does a local move cost in Buffalo?

A local move, defined as fewer than 100 miles, typically costs between $80 and $100 per hour using professional movers. A local, full-service move can cost between $550 and $2,000 total, factoring in labor hours, supplies, transportation and storage.

How much do you tip movers for a local move in Buffalo?

We recommend tipping between 15% and 20% of the total cost of the move for large moves and 5% to 10% of the total cost for smaller, local moves. However, this can vary depending on the level of satisfaction or the complexity of the move.

How much does it cost to store furniture with a moving company in Buffalo?

Storage costs vary by company, so it’s important to get multiple estimates. Climate-controlled storage costs more than regular storage. For instance, a 10-by-15-foot unit can cost $75 to $140 per month without climate control and between $115 and $150 per month with climate control.

How much does it cost to move a studio apartment in Buffalo?

Moving a studio apartment within Buffalo can cost between $450 to $950 when using professional movers. Moving across the state — for example, from Buffalo to Brooklyn — costs about $1,430 to $1,690 with professional movers.