The BEST Movers in Syracuse, NY
Hey there. I’m Sarah Mitchell, and I write for National Movers. If you're reading this, you’re probably staring at a pile of boxes, thinking about Syracuse, and wondering how on earth you're going to get all your stuff from here to there.
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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
First off, congrats! ‘Cuse is a fantastic city with a ton of heart, four distinct (and very snowy) seasons, and a passionate “go Orange” spirit. But let’s be honest, finding the right movers in Syracuse can feel like a bigger challenge than navigating the winter snows.
It’s overwhelming. I get it. I’ve moved five times myself, including a massive cross-country haul, and I used to work as a logistics coordinator for a moving company. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “oh-no-they-just-dropped-the-sofa.”
My goal here is simple: to help you find a great moving company. This isn’t just a random list. I’ve dug into the local companies, checked their credentials, and looked at what real customers are saying.
I’m here to give you the inside scoop, just like I would for a friend. Whether you’re moving into a downtown loft, a dorm on The Hill, or a family home in Eastwood, this guide is your starting point. Let’s find you some help.
- Always Get 3+ Quotes: Never take the first price. Get in-home or video estimates for accuracy.
- Check the USDOT Number: Verify your mover is licensed and insured on the FMCSA database. This is your #1 protection.
- Pick the Right Type of Mover: A labor-only service is great for budgets. A full-service carrier is for complex moves. A national brand is for long-distance.
- Book in Advance: Especially if you’re moving in summer or near University Hill, book your mover 4-8 weeks out.
- Be Prepared: The more packed, labeled, and organized you are when the crew arrives, the faster (and cheaper, if you’re paying hourly) your move will be.
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Top 8 Movers in Syracuse, NY
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. I’ve put together a list of 8 companies in the Syracuse area that you should know about. “Best” is always tricky, right? The “best” company for a 4-bedroom house moving to Florida is not the “best” company for a 1-bedroom apartment move across town.
So, I’ve broken down what each of these movers does best, who they’re for, and what you need to know before you call. Think of this as your expert-vetted shortlist.
Square Deal 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 #: 2332319
- 208 Long Branch Rd, Syracuse, NY 13209
When you ask around Syracuse about movers, “Square Deal” is a name that pops up again and again. They’ve been in the game for a long time, and it shows. This is what I’d call a “traditional, full-service” mover.
They’re built to handle the entire process for you, from packing the first box to placing the last piece of furniture. Their bread and butter is the full residential move.
From my logistics background, I always look for companies that can handle the tricky stuff, and Square Deal lists piano and specialty item moving right on their front page. That’s a good sign. It means they’ve likely invested in the right equipment and, more importantly, the right training.
They also have a significant storage operation, which is a lifesaver if your closing dates don’t line up. They’re not a budget option, but they’re not supposed to be. They’re the ones you call when you have a whole life to move and you want a team that’s seen it all before.
- Local & Long-Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Storage Solutions (short- and long-term)
- Packing & Unpacking Services
- Piano & Specialty Item Moving
- Decades of local experience, full-service (packing, storage), and expertise in specialty items like pianos.
- Tends to be one of the more premium-priced options; might be overkill for a very small, simple move.
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
- 6514 Basile Rowe, East Syracuse, NY 13057
You’ve probably seen their trucks with the little stick-figure logo. Two Men and a Truck is a huge national franchise, but the Syracuse location is locally owned and operated.
This model gives you the best of both worlds: you get the proven systems and training of a big company, but with local owners who are invested in the community.
They are absolute pros at local moving. Their whole system is built on efficiency and customer service (they call it “The Grandma Rule” – to treat everyone the way you’d want your grandma to be treated).
They’re a fantastic, reliable choice for most in-town and regional moves. They can handle apartments, homes, and even some small office jobs. Because they’re a national brand, they also have the network to handle long-distance moves, coordinating with other franchises to get you across the country. They offer packing services, supplies, and are just a really solid, dependable option.
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Packing Services
- Business & Commercial Moving
- Moving Supplies
- Strong brand reputation, standardized training, great for local moves, and can handle long-distance.
- As a franchise, prices can be a bit higher than a small independent outfit; may feel less "mom-and-pop" if that's what you're looking for.
RC Movers, 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 #: 4361589
- 120 Church St, North Syracuse, NY 13212
RC Movers is a great example of a strong, local, family-owned company. They might not have the giant fleet of a national brand, but they make up for it with a personal touch. Based in North Syracuse, they focus on residential and commercial moves, and they’ve built a solid reputation for being careful and respectful.
When I look at a company like this, I’m looking for passion, and you can see it in their reviews. They seem to take real pride in their work, which is exactly what you want from someone handling your belongings.
This is a perfect choice for someone doing a local move (like from Tipperary Hill to Eastwood) who values supporting a local business and wants to feel like their move matters to the company.
They also offer junk removal, which is a service I wish I had used on my last move. Being able to move and get rid of your old, unwanted stuff all in one go? That’s smart.
- Local Moving
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Packing Services
- Junk Removal
- Furniture Assembly
- Family-owned with a personal touch, highly rated for care and professionalism, and offers junk removal.
- Smaller operation, so they may have less availability during peak season; may not be set up for very complex, long-distance moves.
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We Get It Done Movers
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 #: 4306706
- 404 Oak St, Syracuse, NY 13203
The name says it all, doesn’t it? This is another locally-owned Syracuse company that has a strong following. They focus on local and long-distance moving, and they seem to be a really solid, no-nonsense crew.
They offer the full range of services you’d expect: residential, commercial, packing, and even pod loading/unloading. That last one is a big deal. A lot of people are using services like U-Pack or PODS, and just like with labor-only, having pros load it makes all the difference.
From what I can tell, We Get It Done is a strong contender in the mid-range. They’re a full-service mover, not just labor, and they compete directly with the bigger names.
They’re small enough to be flexible but big enough to have the trucks and crews to handle a full-house move. This is a great company to get a quote from to compare against the larger outfits.
- Local & Long-Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial
- Packing Services
- Loading/Unloading (Pods, U-Hauls, etc.)
- Locally owned, full range of services (including pod loading), and a straightforward, "get it done" attitude.
- As a smaller company, their long-distance network might not be as extensive as a national brand's.
Superior 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 #: 2924420
- 202 Hoover Dr, Syracuse, NY 13205
Superior Moving is a local, family-owned business that has been operating in the Syracuse area for over 20 years. That kind of longevity in the moving business is a really good sign. It means they’ve weathered economic ups and downs and have survived on their reputation, which is built one move at a time.
They specialize in local moves, both residential and commercial. They also offer packing and storage, putting them in the full-service category.
My take? This is a classic local mover. They know the Syracuse area inside and out, from the tricky streets of University Hill to the suburbs of DeWitt.
They’re likely more flexible than a giant corporation and can provide that personal service. This is the kind of company you call when you want to talk to the owner, not a call center. They’re a solid, dependable choice for anyone moving within Central New York.
- Local Residential Moving
- Commercial & Office Moving
- Packing Services
- Storage
- 20+ years of local experience, family-owned, full-service provider.
- Primarily focused on local moves; may not be the primary choice for complex interstate relocations.
Jay Valley Movers
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.
- 5791 Pinwheel Cir, East Syracuse, NY 13057
Jay Valley Movers, based in East Syracuse, is another great local option. They are a smaller, independent company that focuses heavily on customer service.
They handle the full spectrum: local, long-distance, residential, and commercial. They also offer labor-only services, which I love. That flexibility is fantastic. It means they can help you whether you need the full truck-and-crew experience or just two strong backs for a few hours.
They also list “last minute moves” as a service. As a former logistics coordinator, I can tell you: that is a tough part of the business. The fact that they’re willing to tackle that says they are adaptable and customer-focused. This is a great company to call if you’re in a jam or if you just want a team that feels more like helpful neighbors than a big corporation.
- Local & Long-Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial
- Labor-Only Services
- Last-Minute Moves
- Very flexible (full-service and labor-only), equipped for last-minute moves, and strong customer service focus.
- Smaller fleet and crew, so booking in advance during summer is a must.
J Medley Moving Helpers
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 #: 3550999
- Syracuse, NY (They are a mobile service and come to you)
Okay, let’s talk about one of my favorite categories: labor-only. J Medley Moving Helpers specializes in this.
Here’s the deal: you rent your own truck (a U-Haul, Penske, etc.), and they provide the professional, experienced muscle to load or unload it. This is, without a doubt, the single best way to save money on a move while avoiding the worst part of it. I’ve recommended this to so many friends.
Why hire them? Because pros can pack a truck in a way that you just can’t. They play real-life Tetris, making it secure, safe, and compact.
They also do the heavy lifting, saving your back (and your friendships). J Medley is also perfect for in-home moves, like if you’re getting new carpets and need all the furniture moved to the garage for a day. It’s a smart, flexible service for the DIY-minded mover.
- Loading & Unloading Rental Trucks
- Loading & Unloading PODS/Containers
- In-Home Furniture Moving
- Packing Assistance
- The most affordable way to get professional help; flexible (hire by the hour); perfect for loading/unloading rental trucks or pods.
- Labor-only, meaning you are still responsible for renting, driving, and returning the truck.
Reliable Movers
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 #: 1605981
- 107 Ashford Ct #1801, Syracuse, NY 13211
Reliable Movers is a smaller moving outfit in Syracuse. The address listed is in an apartment complex, which tells me this is likely a very small, owner-operated business.
This can be a great thing or a tricky thing. On one hand, you get the most personal service imaginable – you’re probably talking directly to the owner and lead mover every time. On the other hand, their capacity and resources will be limited.
This type of mover is ideal for small, simple jobs. Moving a studio apartment, a few pieces of furniture, or a dorm room. They can be incredibly flexible on timing and price.
However, I would be cautious about hiring a micro-operation like this for a large 4-bedroom house or a complex long-distance move. It’s all about matching the right-sized tool to the right-sized job.
- Small Local Moves
- Furniture Delivery
- Labor Help
- : Extremely personal service (likely owner-operated); can be very flexible and affordable for small jobs.
- Very limited capacity; may not have the resources (trucks, crew, insurance) for large or complex moves.
Professional Moving Services in Syracuse
“Movers” isn’t a one-size-fits-all term. What you’re hiring them for matters. Here’s a quick breakdown of the lingo so you can ask for the right thing.
Local Movers
This is your classic move. You’re staying within the Syracuse metro area (think Syracuse to Baldwinsville, or Manlius to Liverpool). This service is almost always billed by the hour. The clock starts when they leave their shop and stops when the job is done. My advice? Be 100% packed and ready before they show up. You’re paying for muscle and truck space, not for you to tape up last-minute boxes. Companies like RC Movers and We Get It Done excel at this.
Long Distance Movers
This is a totally different ballgame. A long-distance (or interstate) move crosses state lines. The pricing changes: instead of by the hour, you’re charged based on the weight of your shipment and the distance you’re traveling. This is where my logistics brain kicks in. For these types of moves, consider finding the cheapest way to move cross-country.
You must use a mover with an active USDOT number and interstate operating authority. This is not the place to cut corners.
A bad long-distance move can become a legal and financial nightmare. Stick with established players like Square Deal Moving or Two Men and a Truck, as they have the networks and licensing to do it right.
It’s a big deal, whether Syracuse is just one stop on your journey or your final destination. We’re seeing a lot of people make these kinds of moves lately, as detailed in our guide on the top cities people are moving to.
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932-465-6888Small Moves & Long Distance Moves in the Syracuse Area
What if you’re not moving a whole house? Maybe it’s just a studio apartment or a few heirlooms.
This is the “small move” dilemma. You have options! Some full-service movers might combine your small shipment with others (called “consolidated shipping”). But honestly, your best bet is often a hybrid approach. Look into services like PODS or U-Pack, and then hire J Medley Moving Helpers to load it professionally.
Office Movers in Syracuse
Moving a business is all about one thing: minimizing downtime. You can’t make money if your desks, computers, and files are in a truck. Office moving is a specialty.
It requires different equipment (like library carts and computer bins) and a different strategy, often working after-hours or on weekends. Companies like Superior Moving and Square Deal advertise commercial services, meaning they have the experience to plan and execute a business move efficiently. See how professional Commercial Moving is handled.
Professional Movers & Packers in Syracuse, NY
This is the luxury, white-glove option. You literally don’t lift a finger. A packing crew (often different from the moving crew) comes in a day or two before the move and professionally packs everything. Your entire kitchen, your closets, your bookshelves.
It costs extra, of course, but as someone who’s done it… it can be worth every single penny. It turns a week of stress into a single day of pointing. Most of the full-service companies, like Two Men and a Truck, offer this.
Additional Services Offered by Syracuse Moving Companies
Sometimes the basic move isn’t enough. Here are the add-ons that can save your sanity.
Storage Services
I can’t tell you how many moves I coordinated where the new house wasn’t ready. The closing got delayed, the painters weren’t done, whatever.
This is where “Storage-in-Transit” (SIT) is a lifesaver. Your movers load your stuff, take it to their secure, climate-controlled warehouse, and hold it for a few days, weeks, or even months.
When your new place is ready, they deliver it. It is so much easier than moving into a self-storage unit just to move back out again. Square Deal Moving has a big, dedicated storage facility for this.
Packing Services
As I mentioned above, this is the “easy button.” You can get full-service packing (they do it all), partial packing (they just do the fragile kitchen), or just buy high-quality packing supplies directly from them. If you’re dreading the 1000 “to-do” items of a move, outsourcing the packing is the single biggest stress-reducer you can buy.
Commercial Moving
This is the B2B side of the industry. It’s not just offices, but also retail stores, warehouses, and medical labs. It requires precision, planning, and the right gear.
Specialty Item Moving
This is for your “un-box-able” items. Pianos, grandfather clocks, pool tables, giant sculptures, or priceless antiques.
You don’t let the new guys practice on your family heirloom. You need a crew that lists this as a core service. It means they have the right dollies, padding, and (most importantly) insurance to handle high-value items. Always, always declare your high-value items to the mover before the move.
And remember, some items are in a class all their own. For example, moving a mobile home is a whole different category of specialist. For your home, you’re looking for a company that lists ‘specialty’ as a key service.
Average Cost of Movers in Syracuse, NY
Please note that prices are estimates for informational purposes and may vary based on individual factors.
All right, let’s talk money. This is the question everyone asks, and it’s the hardest to answer. Asking “how much does a move cost” is like asking “how much does a car cost?” A 20-year-old sedan is different from a new SUV. You can use our moving cost calculator to get a general idea for your budget.
Your move’s cost depends on how much stuff you have, how far you’re going, and how much work you want the movers to do.
But here are some ballpark figures for Syracuse.
| Service | Average Estimated Cost |
| Local Move (1-2 Bedrooms) | $450 - $900 |
| Local Move (3-4 Bedrooms) | $1,000 - $2,500+ |
| Long-Distance Move (e.g., to NYC) | $2,000 - $4,500+ |
| Long-Distance Move (e.g., to Florida) | $4,000 - $8,000+ |
Local Moving Costs in Syracuse
Local moves are charged by the hour. The rate includes the truck and the crew (usually 2-3 movers).
| Number of Movers | Average Hourly Rate (Syracuse, NY) |
| 2 Movers | $120 - $170 per hour |
| 3 Movers | $160 - $230 per hour |
| 4 Movers | $210 - $300+ per hour |
Average Cost of Movers Per Hour
That hourly rate is the key. A 1-bedroom apartment might take a 2-person crew 3-4 hours. A 3-bedroom house might take a 3-person crew 6-8 hours. You control this cost by being prepared, having everything boxed and labeled, and clearing pathways.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Your Move
Don’t get blindsided by your final bill. Here’s what actually changes the price:
- Volume of Stuff: This is the big one. More stuff = more time (local) or more weight (long-distance).
- Access: Are you in a 3rd-floor walk-up with no elevator? That’s extra labor and will take longer. Is the truck parking 100 yards from your door? That’s called a “long carry” and costs extra.
- Specialty Items: That piano or pool table? They require special handling and will be a separate line item on your bill.
- Packing: If you have them pack, you’re paying for the materials and the hours of labor.
- Time of Year: Moving in the summer (peak season) or on the first of the month is always more expensive. If you can move mid-week, mid-month, in the off-season, you’ll save.
How to Choose the best Moving Company in Syracuse for you
This is where I put my logistics coordinator hat back on. Please, don’t just Google “movers” and pick the first one.
- Get at Least 3 Estimates. Never take the first quote. Get three in-home or video estimates. Any company giving you a “firm quote” over the phone without seeing your stuff is just guessing, and that’s a huge red flag.
- Check Their Vitals. I’ve said it three times, so here’s the fourth: USDOT Number. Go to the FMCSA “Mover Search” tool online. Type in the number. Does it show they’re “Authorized” and insured? If not, walk away.
- Read the 3-Star Reviews. Don’t just read the 5-star raves (“They were great!”) or the 1-star rants (“They ruined my life!”). The real, juicy, useful information is in the 3-star reviews. (“The crew was polite and worked hard, but they showed up two hours late and scuffed a doorway.”) This tells you what really happens on an average day.
- Understand the Estimate. Ask them: “Is this a binding estimate or a non-binding estimate?” A non-binding estimate can legally go up by a lot on move day. A “binding-not-to-exceed” estimate is your best friend. It means the price can’t go up, but it can go down if your move weighs less than expected.
- Trust Your Gut. Seriously. Was the estimator professional? Did they answer your questions patiently? Did they seem like they wanted your business, or were they doing you a favor? If you get a weird vibe, listen to it. Ignoring your gut is one of the common moving mistakes people make.
Major Neighborhoods in Syracuse
Moving to Syracuse is one thing; moving within Syracuse is another. This city has such distinct, wonderful neighborhoods, and each has its own moving-day quirks.
Final Verdict
So, after all that, who’s the “best”?
Here’s my final word, as your friend in the moving biz. The “best” mover is the one that matches your specific needs, your budget, and your stress level.
- For the Big, Complicated, or Long-Distance Move: I’d put my money on Square Deal Moving or Two Men and a Truck. They have the size, the systems, and the full range of services (storage, packing, specialty items) to handle a complex, multi-faceted relocation properly. This is similar to the service provided by United Van Lines.
- For a Solid, Reliable Local Move: I’d be getting quotes from RC Movers and We Get It Done Movers. They are both highly-rated, locally-focused companies that have earned a great reputation for being careful and efficient.
- For the Smart, Budget-Friendly DIY Move: It’s J Medley Moving Helpers all day. Rent your own U-Haul, save a thousand bucks, and pay these pros for 2-3 hours to do the heavy lifting and pack the truck right. It’s the smartest way to move on a budget, hands down.
Your job is to get those three quotes, check their DOT numbers, and pick the team that gives you the most confidence.
You’ve got this. Welcome to Syracuse.