If you're moving from Albany to Massachusetts, you're looking at a 156-mile trip that most movers can handle in one to two days. I've reviewed the top Albany-based companies that handle this route regularly, pulled together realistic cost estimates, and laid out what changes—and what stays the same—between the two states.
Top 5 moving companies from Albany, NY to Massachusetts
Of the eight Albany movers that handle state-to-state moves, these five have the strongest track records for relocations to Massachusetts:
- Mabey's Moving & Storage — 4.62 / 5
- Clark Moving & Storage — 4.44 / 5
- Don's Moving & Storage — 4.34 / 5
- Arnoff Moving & Storage — 4.5 / 5
- Schaap Moving Systems Inc — 4.08 / 5
Mabey's Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Yelp reviews (32) | Google reviews (528) | BBB Grade: A+
Address: 515 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Phone: (518) 283-0017
Mabey's stands out with 92.5% positive feedback across 254 reviews. Customers consistently praise the staff as professional and respectful, with careful handling and efficient work. Communication is smooth from booking through delivery, and complex long-distance moves are handled without drama. Most clients report reliable estimates and smooth experiences overall.
About 7% of reviews mention problems: damaged items, cost discrepancies versus estimates, and occasional communication lapses. A few note insurance or claims-handling issues. Still, Mabey's reputation for professionalism and care is strong compared to industry norms.
Company details:
- State license: 623
- Years in business: 68
- DOT #: 125550
- Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, storage
Get a quote: (518) 283-0017
Clark Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Yelp reviews (13) | Google reviews (81) | BBB Grade: A+
Address: 198 Morris Road, Schenectady, NY 12303
Phone: (518) 370-4100
Clark delivers reliable results with 82% positive feedback from 81 reviews. Customers praise professional, polite staff, careful handling, and efficient moves. Many highlight clear communication, organized packing, and competitive pricing. Reviewers often note the crew's thorough preparation and respect for belongings.
Less than one in five give negative feedback, citing damaged items, unexpected charges, or poor communication. A few report missing goods or unwarned cost changes. Overall, Clark performs above average for regional movers, though a small subset of customers experienced setbacks that could have been avoided.
Company details:
- State license: 37553
- Years in business: 31
- DOT #: 125563
- Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, storage, credit card payments accepted
Get a quote: (518) 370-4100
Don's Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Yelp reviews (52) | Google reviews (327) | BBB Grade: Not Rated
Address: 981 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 492-1041
Don's earns nearly 95% satisfaction from customers. Clients highlight efficient service, professional demeanor, careful item handling, and quick moves. The staff is described as courteous, respectful, and genuinely supportive during stressful transitions.
Negative feedback—about 5% of reviews—centers on unexpected final costs, occasional damage, and rare unprofessional behavior. Communication around pricing and damage claims draws the most complaints. Compared to competitors, Don's excels at reliability, speed, and personal touch, though clarifying terms upfront helps avoid friction. With over 250 positive reviews, most customers rank it a top choice in the region.
Company details:
- State license: 1462
- Years in business: 75
- DOT #: 134890
- Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, storage, fragile-only packing, safes, DOD certified
Get a quote: (518) 492-1041
Arnoff Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Yelp reviews (26) | Google reviews (299) | BBB Grade: A+
Address: 10 Stonebreak Rd Suite 1, Malta, NY 12020
Phone: (518) 463-5525
Arnoff earns praise for consistently professional, courteous staff and excellent care, with nearly two-thirds of 238 customer reviews positive. Customers frequently commend strong communication, punctual crews, and smooth moves. Attention to detail, competitive pricing, and willingness to resolve logistical challenges are standout traits.
Nearly one in three customers, however, report serious complaints: damaged or lost items, lengthy delivery delays, and poor follow-up. Some mention mishandled furniture, missed scheduling windows, and unresponsive support. A few cite insurance claim frustrations. Performance can be inconsistent, especially for large or high-value shipments. Prospective customers with standard moves will likely be satisfied; those with complex or valuable goods should confirm all details in advance and document special requirements.
Company details:
- State license: 35196
- Years in business: 99
- DOT #: 1566123
- Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes, cash payments, deposit required, DOD certified
Get a quote: (518) 463-5525
Schaap Moving Systems Inc
Rating: 4.0 / 5 | Yelp reviews (7) | Google reviews (44) | BBB Grade: A+
Address: 6 Brown Road, Colonie, NY 12205
Phone: (518) 459-2220
Schaap delivers efficient service with professional, polite staff and careful handling. Most customers praise quick moves, strong communication, and attention to detail. Flexible scheduling and transparent quoting help ease stressful relocations. Responsive coordination, organized packing, and respectful treatment round out the positives.
While 77% of feedback is positive, 21% describes communication breakdowns, inaccurate estimates, delayed deliveries, and unresolved claims—especially regarding damaged items or lack of follow-up. Negative experiences show frustration when issues arise and support doesn't respond promptly. Compared to similar movers, Schaap impresses with speed and professionalism, but clearer estimates and more reliable customer support would strengthen trust.
Company details:
- State license: 294
- Years in business: 102
- DOT #: 31675
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, pianos, art, antiques, storage, fragile-only packing
Get a quote: (518) 459-2220
Local moving services in Albany, NY
Here's a quick breakdown of specialty services available among Albany movers:
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 75.0% (6 of 8) |
| Small moves | 37.5% (3 of 8) |
| Antiques | 37.5% (3 of 8) |
| Art | 37.5% (3 of 8) |
| Pianos | 50.0% (4 of 8) |
| Fragile-only packing | 50.0% (4 of 8) |
Cost to move from Albany, NY to Massachusetts
Here's what you can expect to pay for this 156-mile move, depending on your home size and service type:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $530–$2,046 | $476–$1,121 | $162–$269 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,038–$2,868 | $870–$1,699 | $166–$305 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,468–$3,661 | $1,144–$2,114 | $198–$354 |
These are approximate estimates based on 2025 pricing data. Actual costs depend on load size, extra services, access/parking challenges, fuel, and move date. Get several quotes to validate pricing for your specific situation.
Cost to hire movers from Albany to Massachusetts
A studio or one-bedroom move typically runs $530 to $2,046. Two to three bedrooms fall in the $1,038 to $2,868 range. For a large move—four or five bedrooms—expect $1,468 to $3,661.
Cost of moving containers from Albany to Massachusetts
Moving containers (like PODS) range from $476–$1,121 for a small move, $870–$1,699 for a two or three-bedroom, and $1,144–$2,114 for four bedrooms or larger.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Albany to Massachusetts
Rental trucks are the cheapest option—but you handle the packing, loading, and driving. Expect $162–$269 for a studio/one-bedroom, $166–$305 for two to three bedrooms, and $198–$354 for four-bedroom-plus moves. Fuel is already factored in.
Factors influencing moving costs from Albany to MA
Your final bill depends on several variables:
- Move size: Larger homes and more items increase weight and labor, raising costs.
- Time of year: Summer (May–September) sees peak rates; winter is cheaper.
- DIY vs. professional: Self-moves cost less but demand your time and effort; pros cost more but save stress and time.
- Distance and route: Longer hauls or routes with few return loads (less profitable for movers) can push prices up.
- Access and parking: Narrow stairs, elevators, street parking, or long carries from truck add labor fees.
What you should know before moving from Albany to MA
Living costs are largely equivalent between Albany and Massachusetts, so your financial planning won't need a major overhaul. That said, a few differences are worth noting.
Compare cost of living: Albany vs. Massachusetts
| Metric | Albany, NY | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,450 | $1,588 |
| Average home cost | $281,584 | $623,131 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,546 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 99 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 3.9% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 9.0% |
Rent will be roughly 10% higher in Massachusetts, leaving a tighter monthly budget.
Housing costs are about 121% steeper in Massachusetts, so plan for a larger mortgage or rental commitment.
Average income is 45% higher in Massachusetts, giving you more breathing room to save or invest.
Cost of living is nearly identical, so no major financial shock awaits.
Unemployment in Massachusetts is roughly 45% lower, suggesting better job prospects.
Income tax in Massachusetts runs about 17% lower than New York's, meaning you keep more of your paycheck.
How life is different in Albany, NY from Massachusetts
| Factor | Albany, NY | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 99,224 | 7,001,399 |
| Political lean | Democratic 65–33 | Democratic 61.5–36.3 |
| Summer high | 83°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 15°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 40" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 52" | 47" |
| Crime index | 10.0 | 13.92 |
Both cities lean Democratic, so the political climate won't shock you.
Summer temperatures are virtually identical (83°F vs. 82°F), so humidity and overall patterns matter more than you'd think.
Winter lows are nearly the same (15°F vs. 16°F), meaning your heating bills and winter routines should stay consistent.
Rain increases noticeably—Massachusetts sees 49 inches annually versus Albany's 40. Expect lusher surroundings and wetter days; pack rain gear.
Snowfall is similar (47" vs. 52"), so weather-related disruptions should feel familiar.
Crime index is higher in Massachusetts (13.92 vs. 10.0). Worth researching your specific destination neighborhoods before the move.
Other considerations when moving to Massachusetts
Moving involves more than just packing and hiring a truck. A few logistics deserve attention:
- HOA rules: Check community rules before moving to ensure smooth entry.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, reserve it well ahead for moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some Massachusetts cities require permits for moving trucks. Verify ahead of time.
- State licensing: Massachusetts movers must be licensed by the Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division. They must carry cargo insurance and publicly file tariffs. Verify your mover's license before booking.
- Moving permits: Massachusetts doesn't require general moving permits, but check local parking restrictions.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving. Set your official move date to ensure mail forwarding goes smoothly.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound per article) is provided at no cost but covers minimally. For full value coverage, discuss options with your mover or explore third-party insurers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized and catch nothing.
Things to do in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers plenty to explore once you land:
Museums:
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Plimoth Patuxet
- Whaling Museum
- John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks:
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports:
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
FAQ
How long does a move from Albany to Massachusetts take?
One to two days is typical, depending on your mover and move complexity. Summer moves often take longer due to demand. Ask your mover for an estimated delivery window before you book.
Do movers in Albany offer custom-built crate services?
Three Albany movers list custom crating—useful for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Ask potential movers about their crating specs and whether they can customize builds to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Albany to Massachusetts?
If you need to ship your vehicle, work with a car shipping company with a strong reputation for professionalism and care. Ask for references and proven experience on this route.
Why are people moving from Albany to Massachusetts?
Natural beauty, strong education systems, and job opportunities draw many relocators. Research your specific destination for local appeal.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Albany?
Check our directory of top-rated Albany movers, filtered by service type and customer reviews.
Can I pay in cash for a move from Albany?
Two Albany movers currently accept cash, though most prefer traceable digital payments and invoices. Standard practice is to pay a deposit to secure your date and crew, then settle the balance at pickup or delivery. Verify payment methods and timing before booking.
Helpful moving resources
New York moving services:
- Best New York movers
- Best Albany movers
- Long-distance movers in Albany
- Best New York car shippers
Popular New York routes:
Other resources:
Ready to move? Get moving quotes from Albany movers today, compare options, and lock in the best rate for your trip to Massachusetts.