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There are many reasons you could be planning to relocate to Rhode Island. You might be joining the nearly 200,000 residents of the state’s capital and most populous city, Providence, for a faster pace of life tempered by small-town New England charm. Or perhaps you are retiring to Warwick for its scenic lighthouses and waterfront views.

Regardless of your reason for moving to Rhode Island, you likely know that every stress-free relocation starts with finding a professional moving company to assist your move. The Home Media reviews team researched the best moving companies in the United States and narrowed down that list to those serving Rhode Island. Each provider featured in the review has been evaluated on various factors, such as pricing, services and customer support.

These are the best moving companies in the state of Rhode island:

International Van Lines (IVL) is a long-standing moving company that can handle in-state, local, international, and long-distance relocations . IVL stands out for its comprehensive coverage options for protecting customers’ belongings. 

Available standard when you purchase any packing services through IVL, all-risk insurance covers the full value you claim on your belongings at the cost of 4% of the declared value. Do-it-yourself (DIY) movers receive total-loss coverage, which, like all-risk insurance, provides full reimbursement for your items. However, the list of allowable items for coverage is more limited than with all-risk insurance. Total-loss insurance costs 2% of the declared value of your items.

International Van Lines customers can choose add-on services like short- and long-term storage solutions and vehicle transportation to create a customized package. 

International Van Lines’ services include the following: 

Your moving quote with International Van Lines is largely determined based on where and when you are moving, the size of your move and any optional services you select. Estimates include mileage, fuel and tolls. 

International Van Lines’ website offers transparency by including the cost and frequency of associated moving fees per item. For example, the website lists an elevator fee as a one-time charge of $75 and a stair fee at $75 per flight. Both fees are standard in the moving industry and are applied when crews use either or both to move your items.  

The company requires an up-front deposit of 25% of your total estimate. The company also offers a military discount that averages between 10% and 15% of your total moving cost. Payments can be made with a credit card or cash.

Get a Quote: Request a free quote by filling out International Van Lines’ online form or by calling 888-375-6309 .

To Learn More: International Van Lines Review

American Van Lines (AVL) specializes in long-distance relocations, handling international, commercial and corporate relocations in every state except Alaska and Hawaii. AVL strives for expert moving crews, which may be particularly appealing if you are making a large cross-country relocation. The company only employs moving crew members full-time and requires them to complete yearly training at its onsite, full-scale model house.

In addition to full-service packages, the company offers partial-packing options and add-on services like storage and custom crating.

American Van Lines’ services include the following:

Since AVL provides fixed-rate (i.e., binding) estimates, the company will not give quotes online or over the phone. Like many providers on our list, AVL will first complete a virtual or an in-person assessment of your home and belongings, then calculate the cost of moving those items to your new address. The fixed-rate quote you receive from AVL will be the amount you can expect to pay on the day of your move unless you significantly change your moving inventory.

Other factors affecting the total cost of your move include the distance and size of your move and your home’s layout, including any hard-to-navigate hallways, stairwells or doors.

To reserve a moving date with American Van Lines, you must provide a deposit of 10% to 50%, as determined by the company. American honors competitor prices. Check, credit card and cash payments are all acceptable forms of payment. 

Get a Quote: Fill out this quick questionnaire or call 877-960-3186 to get started with American Van Lines.

To Learn More: American Van Lines Review

While not a direct provider of moving services, Moving APT is a broker that can help coordinate your relocation. While the other providers on our list handle some or all moving requests directly using their own carriers, Moving APT provides brokerage services only. This means the company will set up and oversee your relocation through a third-party professional mover in your area. One advantage to using a broker for your move is that Moving APT may be able to find you a better rate through its extensive network of more than 2,500 moving companies. 

Moving APT stands out for its numerous payment options — more than any other company in this review. Customers can pay by credit card, cash or certified check. The company can also provide financing options for those who may want to spread out the cost of their relocation. Moving APT also honors lower quotes from competitors and has special offers and discounts throughout the year.

Through its network, Moving APT can accommodate full- and partial-service local, long-distance and international moves throughout the United States. Moving APT customers have access to a wide range of add-on options, including short- and long-term storage and vehicle shipping.

The following are some other Moving APT services:

Moving APT will calculate the cost of your move based on when and where you are relocating, the size of your home and the total weight of your furniture and personal items. After thoroughly reviewing your belongings, home size and specific layout, the company will provide you with a binding estimate.

Moving APT offers discounts to members of the military and senior citizens. Customers making local moves or reserving their moving date well in advance are also eligible for discounted rates. An up-front deposit is required to schedule your move. The company accepts all major credit cards, cash and certified checks.  

Get a Quote: To learn how much your move with Moving APT will be, take this brief online survey or call 833-916-3463 .

JK Moving provides full- and partial-service moving services for long-distance and international relocations to or from Rhode Island. However, the company can handle local moves in only Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, so if you are moving from one Rhode Island city to another, JK Moving is not a good fit for your needs. 

Since it specializes in long-distance moves, JK Moving offers industry-standard full-service options like loading and unloading and packing and unpacking. The company also has optional add-ons, such as vehicle shipping and custom crates for large or irregular shipments.

We recommend JK Moving for its in-house financing, a service most moving companies do not offer. JK Moving partners with outside lender Enhancify to offer loan rates as low as 0% same-as-cash, depending on credit approval. Higher interest rates may increase the overall cost of your moving package with JK Moving, so it’s essential to review the loan terms thoroughly.

Although JK Moving only performs local moves in a few states, you can still take advantage of the company’s moving options if you are relocating to or out of Rhode Island. Basic full-service packages include packing, loading, transportation, unloading and unpacking. Customers can also choose from a list of optional services, including full-replacement-cost insurance. Full-replacement-cost insurance will provide reimbursement for the total value of your items if they are lost, damaged or stolen during transit. 

JK Moving’s services include the following:

JK Moving does not give instant online quotes but will provide customers with a binding estimate after an in-person or virtual home assessment. A relocation consultant will assist you with a detailed estimate that includes loading and unloading, partial packing (e.g., disassembly and wrapping of furniture) and comprehensive insurance coverage. The company will also factor in how far you are moving, the date you are moving and your items’ total weight in determining your moving price.

In addition to financing, payments can be made to JK Moving using a credit card, check or cash. JK Moving requires a $250 up-front deposit to hold your moving date.

Get a Quote: Get started with JK Moving by taking this quick survey or calling the company at 571-487-8929 .

To Learn More: JK Moving Review

Allied is our overall choice for professional movers because it is an experienced, full-service company that can also accommodate partial and DIY moves. Full- and partial-service moving packages come with an assigned relocation consultant in addition to loading and transportation. Services such as fragile-only packing and vehicle relocation can also be added, depending on your specific needs and moving budget. 

Allied Van Lines has a service called Allied Express for DIYers or small moves that provides self-service portable moving and storage containers. The containers are similar to those from PODS, with the added perk of a moving crew provided standard with any Allied Express order.

Allied Van Lines customers can customize their full, partial or DIY move through an a-la-carte menu of optional services like special handling of antique, large or high-value items, and the disconnection and reconnection of major appliances.

Allied Van Lines’ services include the following:

Allied Van Lines requires a virtual or in-person assessment of your home and an itemized list of your furniture and other household items before delivering a binding estimate — the exact amount you can expect to pay on moving day. 

Other factors used to determine the cost of your move include the distance, date and size of your move, and the layout of your home. 

Allied Van Lines accepts cash, credit cards and certified checks. No up-front deposit is required.

Get a Quote: To determine how much it would cost to move using Allied Van Lines, complete this quick online survey or call 877-483-9424 to speak to a customer service representative.

To Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review

North American Van Lines (NAVL) has a network of more than 500 local movers across the globe. The company can handle your moving needs for your relocation into or out of Rhode Island and approximately 130 countries worldwide. 

NAVL stands out for its customer-focused claims process for handling broken, damaged or missing items. All necessary domestic and international claims forms are easily accessible on its website. There is also a customer support line dedicated to claims for those who prefer to speak with a live representative, which adds assurance to customers making long-distance moves.

North American Van Lines customers can create a custom moving package, whether they opt for a full-service, fragile-only packing or self-packing plan. In addition, NAVL supports DIY moves through its online store of boxes, wrap and other moving supplies.

North American Van Lines’ services include the following:

North American Van Lines will provide you with a flat-rate price following an in-person or virtual review of your home and its contents. The total cost of your move with NAVL will also depend on the distance of your relocation, the date you plan to move, the size and weight of your move, and the number and types of add-on services you select.

North American offers a discount program for American Legion members and their families. Perks for this membership program include up to $100,000 in protection on items while in transit, exclusive moving and storage rebates, and non-peak rates year-round.

The company offers a similar program to members of labor unions that also extends to the families of union members. It includes $50,000 in item protection, packing discounts, rebates and special rates.

North American Van Lines accepts cash, credit cards and certified checks. No deposit is required.

Get a Quote: To receive a free quote from North American Van Lines, take this online questionnaire or call 877-624-0912 . 

To Learn More: North American Van Lines Review

PODS is our top choice for those who prefer to handle the bulk of the moving process independently and may be a good fit for those attending Brown University or one of Rhode Island’s many other higher education institutions. 

PODS provides driveway-to-driveway drop-off and delivery of portable steel containers in every state but Alaska, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming. The company has no physical locations in West Virginia or Vermont but, depending on the ZIP Code, may be able to provide service through PODS offices in surrounding states. The company will deliver your containers to your current location and give you up to 30 days to load them. Once you are ready, a PODS moving truck will pick up your containers and deliver them to your new home or, if preferred, to a nearby storage facility.

PODS offers three sizes of containers: 8 feet, 12 feet and 16 feet. An 8-foot container can typically hold the contents of a 500-square-foot one-bedroom apartment or dorm room, while a 12-foot container is large enough for about three rooms’ worth of furniture and belongings. A 16-foot container is usually sufficient for homes up to 1,200 square feet.

PODS offers full-value coverage of your belongings. You can adjust your coverage amount to match the actual value of your belongings. Should you decide you want assistance loading and unloading your belongings, PODS can coordinate a moving crew through a third-party provider at an additional cost.

PODS’ moving services include these:

Instant online quotes are only available for local moves. If you are moving to another Rhode Island location less than 50 miles away, PODS has a local moving promotion that includes free delivery and up to 15% off your monthly storage fee if you rent for at least three months.

To receive a long-distance relocation estimate, you must call the company. All quoted prices include one month of container rental. Quotes are only valid for seven days. Since PODS operates on a monthly rental fee schedule, you won’t receive a prorated amount for using your container for fewer than 30 days. 

PODS accepts all major credit cards and may accept cash and checks, depending on the location. 

Get a Quote: For a quote from PODS on your local move within Rhode Island, take this online survey .

To Learn More: PODS Moving and Storage Review

For a traditional full-service experience, we recommend   International Van Lines and American Van Lines for their extensive networks of local providers and add-on options.

If you have a small or local Rhode Island move or prefer to do the heavy lifting, we recommend PODS as a reliable self-service provider. 

The best professional mover for you will depend on your budget and what kind of moving experience you want. Before choosing a moving company, we suggest requesting and carefully reviewing quotes from at least three providers to compare pricing and services. 

See how the best moving companies compare on key metrics.

* Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of May 2022.

Our experts have assembled a guide with everything you need to know about selecting movers in each of the top Rhode Island cities listed below:

It’s important to give yourself and the moving company enough time to complete in-home or virtual home visits and create an accurate list of your belongings. The more time you have to complete and review these tasks, the more accurate a moving estimate you will receive. Planning also helps create a streamlined and more stress-free experience on moving day. As a result, it is good to give your moving company at least 15 days’ notice of your preferred moving date if you are relocating out of state or across the country.

We recommend scheduling movers about seven to 10 days ahead of your moving day for local or intrastate moves. As with long-distance moves , more time to plan means fewer headaches, mistakes and unexpected charges on your final moving bill.

The American Moving and Storage Association estimates that the average cost of a long-distance move is approximately $4,300. That figure is based on an average household shipment weighing 7,400 pounds — a typical two- to three-bedroom home — and an average distance of 1,225 miles. For context, that mileage is roughly the distance from Tampa, Fla., to Providence, R.I.

The cost of living in Rhode Island is approximately 30% lower than in Boston. Boston has a slightly higher average salary — about 7% more than in Providence — but that wage increase may not offset the much higher cost of living. The median home cost in Rhode Island is significantly lower than in Massachusetts — nearly 56% cheaper when comparing Providence to Boston.

Professional moving companies do not suggest or encourage tips but giving some cash to crew members at the end of the moving day is generally considered customary. While the amount will depend on your budget and what you think is fair, there is a standard guideline for tipping your movers. 

That rule is to tip approximately $5 per hour to each crew member. So, for example, if your local Rhode Island move is completed in five hours by a four-member crew, you would want to tip at least $100 (or $25 per crew member).

We collected data on dozens of moving companies, both full-service and self-service, and created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings, grade each company and provide objective findings to our readers. The end result of weighing a wide range of factors is a cumulative score for each provider.

We called each moving company directly, spoke with representatives to get an in-depth understanding of their offerings and simulated the quote and scheduling process. We also reviewed each company’s contents protection (insurance) plan information in detail, and we closely examined more than 100 customer reviews to understand the customer service experience with each provider.

All company data is monitored on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.

Once we gathered all relevant data, we used the following scoring system to grade each moving company on a 100-point scale:

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