Question 1

What does the average moving company cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Most full-service moving companies charge $390–$850 for a studio/1-bedroom local move, $850–$1,400 for a 2-bedroom, $1,400–$2,400 for a 3-bedroom, and $2,400–$3,800 for a 4-bedroom. Long-distance moves run $2,400–$13,000+ depending on weight and distance. Blue Dolly quotes every move as a single flat fee — no hourly meter, no fuel surcharges, no surprise add-ons.

Question 2

What's the difference between a moving company and a moving broker?

Accepted Answer

A moving company owns its trucks, employs its crews, and is responsible for your shipment end-to-end. A broker collects a deposit and resells your move to whichever carrier bids lowest the day before. Blue Dolly is a carrier (USDOT 3928585, MC 1521934) — never a broker. The crew you book is the crew that shows up.

Question 3

Are moving companies licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Legitimate ones are. For interstate moves, the company needs a USDOT and MC number on file with the FMCSA (verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov). For in-state moves, most states require a state-level certificate (e.g. MnDOT in Minnesota). Always confirm cargo, liability, and workers' comp coverage in writing before booking.

Question 4

How do I choose a good moving company?

Accepted Answer

Look for: 4.7+ star average across 1,000+ reviews on Google/Yelp/BBB, a verifiable USDOT number, flat-fee binding quotes (not hourly estimates), W-2 employees (not day labor), no large upfront deposits, and a written inventory before move day. If a price seems 30%+ below market, it's almost always a broker.

Question 5

Do moving companies pack for you?

Accepted Answer

Most full-service movers offer optional packing service in addition to the move itself. Partial pack (kitchen + fragiles) typically runs $200–$450. Full pack ranges from $400 for a 1-bedroom to $1,400+ for a 4-bedroom. Blue Dolly offers both partial and full pack on every quote.

Question 6

How far in advance should I book a moving company?

Accepted Answer

Peak season (May–September, weekends, end-of-month): book 4–8 weeks ahead. Off-peak (October–April, mid-week, mid-month): 1–3 weeks is usually enough. For interstate moves, add 1–2 weeks of lead time. Last-minute and same-day moves are possible but availability tightens fast.

Question 7

Do moving companies move long distance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — any carrier with active interstate authority (USDOT + MC number) can move household goods across state lines. Blue Dolly handles long-distance moves to all 48 contiguous states with one dedicated truck and crew end-to-end — no van-line consolidation, no warehouse transfers, no weight-overage surprises at delivery.

Question 8

What should I tip the movers?

Accepted Answer

Customary tipping for a satisfactory move: $20–$40 per mover for a typical half-day, $40–$80 per mover for a long day or full-pack. Tip is never required and never billed by the company — it goes directly to the crew.

Moving Companies, Without the Broker Games

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What a Real Moving Company Includes

Local Moving

Long-Distance & Interstate

Apartment & High-Rise

Office & Commercial

Packing & Crating

Storage

How to Spot a Bad Moving Company in 60 Seconds

No USDOT number listed.

Large cash-only deposit demanded upfront.

Quote 30%+ below market.

No written inventory or binding quote.

Generic name like 'USA Moving' with no street address.

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