The BEST Movers in Rochester, NY
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Written by: National Movers Team
NationalMovers team provides expert insights, mover comparisons, and practical resources to help you make informed moving decisions. Whether you need company reviews, relocation tips, or expert guidance, we’ve got you covered. Read more
Reviewed by: Sarah Mitchell
Meet Sarah Mitchell of National Movers: logistics pro, moving expert, and your go-to guide for stress-free tips, smart packing hacks, and honest advice.Read more
Last Update: 11/22/2025
As someone who has wrangled logistics for a moving company and moved five times myself (including a cross-country haul that tested my sanity), I know that finding a good mover feels like half the battle.
Rochester is a fantastic city, packed with history, culture, and those famous “Garbage Plates.” But figuring out the logistics of getting all your worldly possessions there? That’s the hard part. It can be overwhelming. You’re not just looking for people to lift heavy things; you’re looking for a partner to protect your memories, your valuables, and your favorite coffee mug.
I’ve spent hours sifting through the local options, reading the fine print, and (metaphorically) kicking the tires on the top moving companies in the area. I’ve used my logistics background to look past the flashy ads to see who really delivers.
So, grab a coffee. Let’s break down the best moving company in Rochester for your specific needs. This isn’t just a list; it’s the advice I’d give my best friend.
- There is no “one-size-fits-all” mover. The best choice depends on your move (local, long-distance, small, commercial).
- Always get at least three (3) in-home or video estimates. Never trust a quote given over the phone.
- Check credentials. Always ask for a USDOT and NYDOT number to ensure the company is licensed and insured. Check your mover’s status using our USDOT verification tool.
- Understand insurance. Basic “Released Value” (60 cents/lb) is not enough. Always ask for “Full Value Protection.”
- Trust your gut. If a mover is pushy or a quote is too low, it’s a major red flag.
- Rochester has great options. From big van lines like Corrigan (Allied) to dedicated local champs like Sheridan Brothers and Joe’s, there’s a good partner for your move.
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Top 8 Movers in Rochester, NY
Alright, let’s get into the weeds. I’ve rounded up the 8 companies that consistently stand out. Some are massive national players with unbeatable resources, and others are local, family-run champs who know the city like the back of their hand. I’ve tried to find a great option for every kind of move, whether you’re heading to Park Ave or Pittsford.
Corrigan Moving Systems
The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by NationalMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
- DOT #: 077949
- 150 Jarley Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
First up, Corrigan. These guys are the heavy hitters. They’ve been in the business since 1929 – yes, 1929! – and they are a major agent for Allied Van Lines.
This isn’t just a “man with a van” operation; it’s a full-scale logistics machine. In my old job, we respected the van line agents because they have the network and the processes to handle anything. If you have a complicated, multi-stop, or cross-country move, this is the kind of horsepower you want. They’ve seen it all, and their professionalism reflects that.
They handle residential, commercial, and even international relocations, and their Rochester branch is known for being incredibly thorough.
- Local
- Long-Distance
- International
- Commercial
- Storage
- Packing, Specialty Item Moving.
- Vast Experience: Nearly a century in the business.
- National Network: As an Allied agent, they have the resources for flawless long-distance and interstate moves.
- Full-Service: They offer everything: packing, storage, custom crating, vehicle transport. You name it.
- Cost: All that experience and service can come at a premium. They likely won't be your cheapest quote.
- Feel: This is a big, professional operation. If you're looking for that small, "chat-with-the-owner" vibe, this might feel more corporate.
Two Men and a Truck
The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by NationalMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
- DOT #: 3356419
- 3495 Winton Pl B1, Rochester, NY 14623
You’ve seen the trucks. You know the logo. Two Men and a Truck is one of the most recognizable names in the game. What I’ve always appreciated about them – even as a competitor – is their commitment to a standardized, friendly service.
They are fantastic for local residential moves and have the capacity for long-distance jobs as well. They really found the sweet spot between being a big, reliable brand and having a local, friendly crew. Learn more about the specifics of long-distance moving services.
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Packing
- Storage
- Business Moving.
- Brand Reliability: Standardized training means you generally know what to expect.
- Friendly Service: They put a huge emphasis on customer service and professionalism.
- Flexible: Great for everything from a single-family home to a small apartment.
- Franchise Model: While the Rochester location is well-regarded, experiences can technically vary slightly from one franchise to another.
- Minimums: They often have a two-hour minimum, which is standard but might be more than you need for a tiny move.
Sheridan Brothers Moving
The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by NationalMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
- DOT #: 2256609
- 2436 Innovation Way bldg 10, Rochester, NY 14624
If you’re looking for that perfect, family-owned vibe, this is it. Sheridan Brothers Moving has been at it since 1986, and they are a true local success story. In my logistics days, we always had a ton of respect for the local, family-run operations. Why? Because their name is on the truck.
They have a personal reputation to protect in the community, and it shows. They aren’t trying to be the biggest; they’re trying to be the best. They offer a full suite of services, including packing and climate-controlled storage, and they are known for treating your belongings like their own.
- Local & Long-Distance
- Residential
- Commercial
- Packing
- Climate-Controlled Storage.
- Family-Owned: That personal touch and accountability are huge.
- Strong Local Reputation: They’ve built their business on word-of-mouth in Rochester.
- Full-Service: They have their own climate-controlled storage, which is a major plus.
- Smaller Fleet: As a local company, they don't have the massive fleet of a national van line.
- Availability: They're popular! You'll need to book them well in advance, especially during peak moving season (May-September).
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Interior Moving Services, Inc.
The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by NationalMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
- DOT #: 1498819
- 157 La Grange Ave, Rochester, NY 14613
Now, here’s a specialist. Interior Moving Services isn’t your typical residential mover, and that’s their strength. They are absolute pros at commercial, office, and high-value relocations. See how professional office moving services can help your business relocate efficiently.
Think servers, modular furniture, heavy-duty equipment, and art installations. From my logistics background, I can tell you this is a totally different skill set. You can’t just throw a server rack in a box.
They also do a lot of “receiving and installation,” which is logistics-speak for handling new furniture, fixtures, or art for interior designers and businesses. If you’re moving a business, this is who I’d call.
- Commercial & Office Moving
- Installation Services
- Warehousing
- Specialty Moving (labs, medical, art).
- Commercial Experts: They are specialists in office and industrial moves.
- Minimal Downtime: They understand that for a business, time is money.
- White-Glove Service: Equipped to handle high-value, sensitive, and specialty items.
- Not for Everyone: Probably not the most cost-effective choice for a simple one-bedroom apartment.
- Niche: Their focus is clearly on B2B and high-end installations.
Joe's Moving Co.
The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by NationalMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
- DOT #: 2643923
- 936 Exchange St Building C, Rochester, NY 14608
I have a soft spot for a company like Joe’s. This is your classic, local, boots-on-the-ground mover. Based right on Exchange Street, this is the kind of company where you can probably talk to Joe himself.
They specialize in local moves – apartments, houses, or even just helping you move a piano from the living room to the basement. They’re known for being affordable and flexible.
This is the perfect choice for a student moving into a dorm at U of R, a couple moving into their first apartment, or anyone who just needs a straightforward, in-town move without a lot of corporate fuss.
- Local Residential Moves
- Small Moves
- Labor-Only
- Piano Moving.
- Personalized Service: The owner is likely involved in the day-to-day.
- Affordable: Generally very competitive pricing for local moves.
- Flexible: Great for small moves, in-house moves, or labor-only help.
- Limited Scope: Not the choice for a complex, long-distance move to California.
- Smaller Crew: A smaller team means you'll need to book in advance.
Rochester Moving & Storage
The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by NationalMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
- DOT #: 1622882
- 30 Harrison Ter Odd, Rochester, NY 14617
The name says it all. This company is a lifesaver if your move isn’t a simple, one-day A-to-B. Closing dates don’t line up? Downsizing and need to store half your stuff? Renovating?
From my logistics days, I can tell you that trying to coordinate a separate moving company and a separate storage unit is a recipe for a migraine. These guys bundle it.
They’ve been serving the area for a long time and have built a solid reputation for being the all-in-one solution. Their crews handle the move into their secure, climate-controlled storage and then out of storage to your new home. Seamless.
- Local & Long-Distance
- Storage-in-Transit
- Packing
- Residential Moving.
- Integrated Storage: Their biggest strength. It simplifies complex moves.
- Experienced: They've been in the Rochester market for decades.
- Climate-Controlled: Protects your valuables from NY's humid summers and frigid winters.
- Focus: Their primary strength is storage-in-transit. If you don't need storage, you might find a more competitive price elsewhere.
SureTrip Express Moving LLC.
The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by NationalMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
- DOT #: 4461222
- Rochester and nearby areas (Serving-area based)
SureTrip feels like the new-school mover. They pop up a lot in searches for smaller, more “express” style moves. This is the kind of company that’s perfect for the modern, flexible move. Think college students, studio apartments, or last-minute relocations where you just need it done.
They serve Rochester and the surrounding areas, and they seem to focus on efficiency and transparent pricing. They might not have the giant fleet of a Corrigan, but they have the agility to get a smaller job done quickly and professionally.
- Local Moves
- Small Moves
- Labor-Only
- Apartment Moving.
- Agile & Quick: Great for last-minute or small moves.
- Transparent: Often praised for straightforward, no-nonsense pricing.
- Local Focus: They know the Rochester area well.
- Scale: May not be equipped for a 5-bedroom house packed with antiques.
- Newer Player: Still building the decades-long reputation of some others on this list.
Waterman Moving And Delivery
The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by NationalMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
- Rochester and nearby areas (Serving-area based)
Waterman is another fantastic local choice that often flies under the radar. They handle both full moves and “delivery,” which tells me they’re skilled with single-item transport.
Did you buy a giant armoire on Facebook Marketplace or inherit your grandma’s china cabinet? These are the folks you call. But they also handle full residential moves with the same level of care.
They get consistent praise for being professional, courteous, and just… nice. Honestly, don’t underestimate the power of a “nice” and “calm” moving crew on what is typically a very stressful day.
- Local Residential Moves
- Delivery Services
- Specialty Item Moving
- Labor Only.
- Specialty Deliveries: Experts at moving single, heavy, or awkward items.
- Strong Local Reputation: A trusted name in the Rochester community.
- Professional Crew: Praised for being careful and having a positive attitude.
- Smaller Operation: Like other local champs, their availability might be tight.
- Not a Van Line: Best for local or regional moves rather than complex cross-country logistics.
Professional Moving Services in Rochester
Okay, so you’ve seen the ‘who,’ but what about the ‘what’? Not all moves are created equal. A moving company in Rochester might be great at one thing but not another. Let’s break down the lingo so you can ask for exactly what you need.
Local Movers
This is your bread and butter. A “local” move is typically any move under 50 miles (though the exact number varies) within the same state. These moves are almost always priced by the hour. The clock starts when they leave their lot and stops when the truck is empty at your new place. Companies like Joe’s Moving Co. and Sheridan Brothers are masters of the local move.1
Long Distance Movers
This is a different beast entirely, and it’s where my logistics brain really kicks in. A long-distance (or “interstate”) move crosses state lines. These are not billed by the hour. For these, consider finding the cheapest way to move cross-country.
They are billed based on two key factors: the weight of your shipment and the distance it’s traveling. This is why you need a company with a USDOT number and interstate authority, like Corrigan Moving Systems or Two Men and a Truck.
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932-465-6888Small Moves & Long Distance Moves in the Rochester Area
What if you just have a little bit of stuff? You’re not moving a 4-bedroom house; you’re moving a studio apartment. You need a “small move.”
Many big companies have high minimum weights, which makes them too expensive. But companies like SureTrip Express or even pods-based services can be perfect. They specialize in moving smaller loads without the giant price tag.
Office Movers in Rochester
As I mentioned with Interior Moving Services, this is a specialty. You can’t just throw file cabinets and servers in a box. Office movers are experts in disassembly/reassembly of cubicles, careful handling of electronics, and – most importantly – working efficiently to minimize downtime.2 They’ll often move you overnight or on a weekend so your business is up and running by Monday morning.
Professional Movers & Packers in Rochester, NY
Listen to me. If you can fit it in your budget, hire the packers. After my last cross-country move, I swore I would never pack my own kitchen again. This is a luxury that is worth every… single… penny. Pros will pack your entire home in a fraction of the time it would take you. They use the right materials, everything is insured, and you don’t spend three weeks living in a maze of cardboard. For more tips, check out our complete guide on how to pack for a move.
Additional Services Offered by Rochester Moving Companies
The best companies aren’t just about heavy lifting. They’re about solving the problems that come with moving. Here are the add-ons that can save your sanity.
Storage Services
Life is messy. Sometimes your new place isn’t ready, or your closing dates don’t line up. Nearly all the companies I listed, especially Rochester Moving & Storage, offer storage.3 You want “storage-in-transit” (SIT), which means your stuff stays in the mover’s possession. It’s much safer and more secure than a random self-storage unit.
Packing Services
You don’t have to go all-or-nothing.
- Full-Service Packing: They pack everything. You just point.
- Partial Packing: You handle the clothes and books; they handle the fragile stuff (like the kitchen).
- Fragile-Only: Just the kitchen and your art/mirrors. This is a great middle-ground.
Commercial Moving
This is the B2B side of the industry. It involves moving offices, labs, retail stores, and warehouses. It requires specialized equipment (like library carts and server dollies) and a team that understands the stakes.
Specialty Item Moving
Got a baby grand piano? A 600-lb safe? A priceless painting? A pool table? You must tell the mover this upfront. Do not spring it on them on moving day. Companies like Waterman or Sheridan Brothers have the trained staff and special equipment to move these items safely. Learn how to handle fragile items in our guide.
Average Cost of Movers in Rochester, NY
Alright, the big question. The one everyone wants to ask. What’s this going to cost me?
Look, I’ll be straight with you: there is no single answer. After five moves and years in the industry, I can tell you that anyone who gives you a flat price over the phone without seeing your stuff is a red flag.
But I can give you a solid ballpark.
Please note that prices are estimates for informational purposes and may vary based on individual factors.
Local Moving Costs in Rochester
Local moves are charged by the hour. The rate includes the truck and the crew.
| Number of Movers | Average Hourly Rate (Rochester, NY) | Best For... |
| 2 Movers | $100 - $140 / hour | Studio or 1-Bedroom Apt |
| 3 Movers | $130 - $180 / hour | 2-3 Bedroom Home |
| 4 Movers | $170 - $220+ / hour | 3-4+ Bedroom Home |
Don’t forget to ask about travel fees! Most companies charge a flat fee (e.g., 1 hour) to cover the time it takes to get from their lot to your home and back.
Average Cost of Movers Per Hour
That hourly rate is your biggest factor. A 2-bedroom apartment will likely take 3 movers about 4-6 hours, so you can do the math: (3 movers at $160/hr) * 5 hours + 1 hr travel fee = $960.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Your Move
Why the huge range? It’s not a mystery. It’s logistics.
- Volume of Stuff: This is the big one. More stuff = more time (local) or more weight (long-distance).
- Access: Are you on the 3rd floor with no elevator? Is there a long walk from the truck to your door? That adds time.
- Packing: If you have them pack, it’s an added cost (but worth it!).
- Specialty Items: That piano or safe will add a flat fee.
- Time of Year: Moving on a Saturday in July? That’s peak pricing. A Tuesday in February? You’ll get a better deal.
How to Choose the best Moving Company in Rochester for you
This is where my old logistics coordinator hat comes on. Choosing a mover isn’t just about price. It’s about trust. You are literally handing them your entire life in boxes.
- Get Multiple Quotes (The Rule of Three): Never, ever, ever take the first quote. Get at least three. And they must be in-home or video estimates. A “binding” or “binding-not-to-exceed” quote is your best friend. A non-binding quote is just a guess.
- Check Their Credentials: This is non-negotiable. Ask for their USDOT number and their NYDOT number (it usually starts with a “T-“). You can look them up on the FMCSA database. This proves they’re a real, licensed, and insured company, not just two guys from Craigslist.
- Read the Right Reviews: Don’t just look at the 5-star ratings. Look at the 3-star reviews. They are almost always the most honest and balanced. Also, look at how the company responds to bad reviews. Are they defensive, or do they try to make it right?
- Ask About Insurance: This is so important. By law, movers only have to provide “Released Value Protection,” which is 60 cents per pound. Your 50-lb, $2,000 TV? They’d owe you $30. You MUST ask for “Full Value Protection.” It costs extra, but it’s the only real insurance.
- Trust Your Gut: Seriously. Was the estimator on time? Were they professional? Did they answer your questions patiently? Or were they pushy? If a quote is way too good to be true, it is. I promise. Run away.
Major Neighborhoods in Rochester
Moving to Rochester? Awesome! It’s a city of distinct, wonderful neighborhoods. Once your movers in Rochester get your stuff to the city, you’ll be settling into one of these great spots. Here’s a quick moving-day primer on a few of them.
Final Verdict
So, there you have it. My complete brain-dump on the best movers in Rochester, NY.
Here’s the thing: the “best” mover is totally personal. It depends on your budget, your destination, and your tolerance for stress.
If you asked me for my personal recommendation, here’s how I’d break it down:
- For a large, long-distance, or complex move (especially with storage): I’d make my first call to Corrigan Moving Systems. Their experience and Allied network are just unbeatable for peace of mind.
- For a standard 2-3 bedroom local move: I’d be getting quotes from Sheridan Brothers Moving and Two Men and a Truck. I’d choose based on which one gave me a better in-home estimate and gut feeling.
- For a small, in-town apartment move: I’d call Joe’s Moving Co. or SureTrip Express. I’d want that flexibility and no-fuss service for a simple job.
- For an office move: It’s Interior Moving Services, no question.
Your job now is to pick your top three, get those in-home estimates, and check their credentials. Do that, and you’ll be in great shape.
Moving is always a little chaotic – even I still get stressed by it! But picking the right partner makes all the difference. You’ve got this.