New York has ranked among the top outbound states for eight consecutive years. In 2025, United Van Lines recorded 58% of New York moves as outbound – placing the state second nationally for departures, behind only New Jersey. The Census Bureau counted a net domestic migration loss of over 130,000 residents in 2024 alone, with Nassau-Suffolk recording 78% outbound movement that year. Primary destinations for departing New Yorkers include Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. International immigration – over 130,000 in fiscal year 2024 – has kept the state’s overall population from declining, which means a significant share of inbound moving volume involves households arriving from abroad rather than domestic relocations.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) regulates intrastate household goods movers through its Household Goods Moving Authority program. Operating without a NYSDOT certificate is a criminal offense under the 2019 Public Law C.2216; enforcement operations as recently as December 2025 resulted in civil penalties of $5,000 per violation against unlicensed operators. All movers must display their certificate number and company name on vehicles and in all advertising. Movers must provide customers with a Summary of Information for Shippers and a written Order for Service before loading. For interstate moves, FMCSA registration applies nationwide.
Long-haul routes out of New York run primarily along I-95 south toward the Carolinas and Florida, I-78 and I-80 west toward Pennsylvania and beyond, and I-87 (the Thruway) north toward Canada. Most New York City moves involve high-rise logistics: elevator reservations, building certificate-of-insurance requirements, and COI paperwork add complexity and lead time beyond what suburban or rural moves require. Peak season runs May through September, with July the single busiest month statewide. Building move-in/move-out restrictions in New York City – often limited to weekday business hours with elevator reservations required weeks in advance – constrain scheduling more sharply than in any other metro in the country.
Local moves in New York average approximately $131 per hour, with typical costs ranging from around $1,500 for a small move to $2,950 or more for a larger home. Long-distance moves of 1,000 miles or more typically run $5,000 to $10,000 depending on volume and services.
Top-Rated Movers in New York
Piece of Cake Moving & Storage
Address: 287 Park Ave S, Suite 320, New York, NY 10010
Website: https://mypieceofcakemove.com
USDOT: #3066988
Founded in 2017, Piece of Cake Moving & Storage has grown into one of the fastest-expanding relocation companies in the New York metro area, with over 215 drivers and 293 power units as of 2025. The company holds New York State License 40244 and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services include local residential moves, long-distance moves, commercial relocation, small moves, last-minute scheduling, packing, and storage options across their New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Los Angeles locations. With over 9,000 customer reviews at a 94.5% positive rate and BBB accreditation, the company has a documented track record across the full range of metro New York move types, including high-rise buildings and multi-stop corporate relocations.
Oz Moving & Storage
Address: 228 E 45th St, Floor 2, New York, NY 10017
Website: https://ozmoving.com
USDOT: #1058063
Oz Moving & Storage has operated in New York since 1993, completing approximately 15,000 moves per year across a fleet of 50 trucks and a team of 200 employees. The company holds New York State License 13032 and Motor Carrier authority MC-439945. Following a February 2024 merger with Movage Moving + Storage, Oz expanded its capabilities to include international shipping alongside its existing local, long-distance, residential, commercial, and specialty item services. Storage is provided in customized containers – customers pay only for the space they use – in a climate-controlled, 24/7-secured facility with digital inventory tracking. Oz serves New York City, New Jersey, and Los Angeles.
Roadway Moving
Address: 845 3rd Ave, Floor 6, New York, NY 10022
Website: https://roadwaymoving.com
USDOT: #1854436
Founded in 2008 by CEO Ross Sapir, Roadway Moving has completed more than 5,000 moves annually with a workforce of over 250 employees. The company holds New York State License 38589 and Motor Carrier authority MC-671325, and carries BBB A+ rating with FairMove.com certification. Roadway serves local, long-distance, and international customers with residential, commercial, packing, storage, and specialty item services including piano and fine art moves. The company operates a proprietary Roadway Moving Academy for crew training, and has an official partnership with the New York Yankees. Service area covers greater New York City and the tri-state region with national long-distance reach.
Moving Companies in New York: Common Questions
Is my mover required to be licensed in New York?
Yes. Any company moving household goods between two points within New York State must hold a Household Goods Moving Authority certificate issued by the New York State Department of Transportation. The company’s certificate number, name, and address must appear on all vehicles and in all paid advertisements. Operating without a valid certificate is a criminal offense under New York law. You can verify a mover’s license status by contacting NYSDOT at nymoving@dot.ny.gov. For interstate moves, separate FMCSA registration is required.
How much does a local move typically cost in New York?
Local moves in New York average approximately $131 per hour. For context, a small studio or one-bedroom move may run around $1,500, while a larger home typically costs $2,950 or more depending on home size, number of movers, and services needed. New York City moves commonly carry additional charges tied to elevator reservations, building COI requirements, long-carry fees if the truck cannot park close to the entrance, and after-hours premiums if the building restricts move times to weekday windows.
How do New York City building requirements affect my move?
Most co-op and condo buildings in New York City require movers to carry a Certificate of Insurance naming the building as an additional insured before they can access freight elevators. Elevator reservations are often required weeks in advance and restricted to weekday business hours. Long-carry fees apply when trucks must park farther than 75 to 100 feet from the building entrance. These logistics add cost and scheduling complexity that residents moving to or from single-family suburban homes generally do not face. Confirm building move-in requirements with your management company before booking.
What is a binding estimate and how does it protect me under New York rules?
A binding estimate locks in the total price for services specified in the Order for Service; the mover cannot charge more than that amount even if the actual weight or time exceeds the estimate. New York movers must provide a written Order for Service before loading and may only charge rates that conform to their filed tariff on file with NYSDOT. Non-binding estimates can increase based on actual weight or time. If additional services are added on move day, those charges must be disclosed and agreed to in writing before the mover proceeds.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in New York?
For intrastate moves within New York, file a complaint through the NYSDOT Consumer Complaint Form with the Office of Safety and Security Services in Albany. You can also contact the NYSDOT directly at nymoving@dot.ny.gov. For interstate moves, file with FMCSA at protectyourmove.gov. Loss and damage claims on intrastate moves must be acknowledged by the mover within 30 days and resolved within 120 days under New York regulations. For suspected fraud or unlicensed operations, complaints may also be filed with the New York Attorney General’s consumer protection division.