Find the Best Movers in Buffalo, NY

How to choose movers in Buffalo

Buffalo may be famous for chicken wings, but there are many reasons to move here. The city has a developing waterfront, a growing commercial sector and one of the most affordable housing markets in the U.S. Not everyone is moving to Buffalo, however. The city is also home to eight colleges, meaning many young people leave the area each year to start their professional careers.

Whether you’re moving to or from Buffalo, hiring the right moving company can make the process much less stressful. A moving company can pack and unpack your belongings and handle the driving. When choosing a mover, there are a variety of factors to consider.

Getting a quote from Buffalo movers

Local moves are often based on an hourly rate, but long-distance moves are priced on distance and the amount of items being moved. Other factors include the size of truck used, whether stairs are involved and how many people are needed for the move.

Buffalo’s heavy snowfalls make moving in the winter more difficult, but the lower demand for movers in the winter also means you’ll spend less. Movers are in demand during the summer months and tend to charge more during that time. Scheduling your move for off-peak times, including weekdays and the middle of the month, also helps lower the cost of your move.

Special items, such as pianos, delicate antiques or heavy possessions, may also affect pricing. Be sure to mention these items when requesting a quote—some movers may not be insured or prepared to move large or valuable items items. Insurance, furniture disassembly and storage may also incur additional fees.

If you’re moving across state lines, find long-distance movers who are experienced and meet the regulatory requirements for interstate moving.

» MORE: How much do movers cost?

How to organize for your move

Being organized makes your move less stressful. Before packing, consider gathering items in this list to make the moving process smoother:

• Clear tape: Using tape to securely close boxes prevents a large mess later.
• Black permanent markers: Label boxes by room and contents for easier unpacking later. Color-code boxes with markers or labels if it’s practical to do so.
• As many boxes as possible: Boxes from liquor stores can be useful, because they are designed to hold heavy contents and are of a manageable size. Moving centers and office supply stores also sell high-quality boxes.
• Other packing materials: You can purchase packing supplies, but keep in mind that clothing, towels and other items you already own make terrific protection against breaking valuables. Fold a blanket to fit the bottom of a box, wrap breakables in sweaters and use socks to fill in crevices. This lets you use space more efficiently while keeping your items safe during the move.
• Cash: Have plenty of cash on hand on moving day for emergencies and to tip your movers if you're happy with their work.

Be sure to make an inventory of your valuables to check if anything is missing upon arrival. Your movers may also create a list, so double-check your list against theirs in case you need to file a claim for missing goods. Once you approve the moving company’s list, you may be relieving it from responsibility for missing items.

Need a fast and easy way to move your vehicle, too? Car shipping companies specialize in auto transport. See the best car shipping companies in Buffalo with this guide.