Moving from New Orleans to Massachusetts: Cost & Best Movers
If you're moving from New Orleans to Massachusetts, you're tackling a 1,504-mile interstate haul. That's a solid cross-country move, and the logistics—from timing to cost to which company to trust—matter more than you'd think. I've spent years tracking how these moves actually play out, and here's what you need to know before you book.
Top Moving Companies from New Orleans to Massachusetts
Of the movers operating out of New Orleans that can handle moves to Massachusetts, here are the ones that consistently show up with solid track records:
- Atmosphere Movers — 4.62 / 5 stars
- Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. — 4.38 / 5 stars
- AD Movers — 4.28 / 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.30 / 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.34 / 5 stars
Let me break down what sets each one apart.
Atmosphere Movers
Rating: 4.62 / 5 (116 reviews) Location: 1615 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 License: #6892 | DOT: 1043891 | Years in business: 25
Atmosphere Movers pulls 91% positive reviews, and that's not luck—it's consistency. Customers repeatedly mention professional staff, careful handling, and moves that wrap up faster than expected. The crew shows up on time, respects your property, and doesn't treat your belongings like cargo.
That said, about 9% of reviews flag serious issues: damaged goods, lost items, and weak follow-up on claims. If something goes wrong, their damage resolution isn't flawless. But the ratio tells you most people walk away satisfied.
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, crating, storage.
Lee Moving & Storage, Inc.
Rating: 4.38 / 5 (166 reviews) Location: 13100 Carrere Ct, New Orleans, LA 70129 License: #5382-D | DOT: 3372702 | Years in business: 70
Lee's been moving people since the 1950s, and that longevity shows. Ninety-three percent of reviews highlight professionalism and reliability. Customers describe movers as both fast and friendly, with meticulous care for fragile items. Office staff and field crews alike go the extra mile to solve problems before they balloon.
The 7% of negative feedback centers on damage, misplaced valuables, and slow claims processing—typical friction points with any large operation. But the sheer volume of positive feedback, coupled with their decade-plus history, makes them a solid choice for interstate work.
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, storage, safes.
AD Movers
Rating: 4.28 / 5 (81 reviews) Location: 3411 Coliseum Street, New Orleans, LA 70115 Years in business: 10
AD Movers is the younger player here, but they're punching above their weight. Ninety-three percent positive reviews, and customers emphasize speed, careful handling, and reasonable pricing. They're also known for communication—movers show up when promised and keep you in the loop.
The 5% negative feedback mentions broken items, poor complaint follow-up, and non-refundable deposits. It's a small slice, but it matters if you end up in that camp.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Rating: 4.30 / 5 (61 reviews) Location: 1430 N Collins Blvd, B, Covington, LA 70433 License: #7718 | DOT: 2527384 | Years in business: 38
Here's where I need to be direct: this one's a mixed bag. Only 20% of reviews are positive, while 77% report significant problems. Damage, surprise price hikes, and late arrivals show up constantly. Management's response to claims is where customers lose faith.
That said, the crews themselves—when things go smoothly—are professional and efficient. The disconnect seems to be between the field teams and management. If you go with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, get everything in writing and manage expectations closely.
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes.
All My Sons Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.34 / 5 (263 reviews) Location: 150 James Dr E Suite 100, Saint Rose, LA 70087 License: #8348 | DOT: 902281 | Years in business: 26
Two-thirds of reviews are positive: customers praise hard-working crews, careful handling, and finishing ahead of schedule. But 35% of feedback flags damage, lost items, surprise charges, and quotes that don't match final bills. That's a higher complaint rate than the top two choices.
They're capable movers, but read the fine print on pricing and protect yourself with photos and detailed inventory.
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, antiques, crating, storage, safes.
Cost to Move from New Orleans to Massachusetts
Real pricing depends on your home size and the service level. Here's what estimate your move:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,210–$4,879 | $931–$2,382 | $901–$1,661 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,905–$6,149 | $1,679–$3,614 | $938–$1,976 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,053–$8,940 | $2,262–$4,733 | $1,180–$2,535 |
These are estimates based on a 1,504-mile move. Your actual cost will shift with load size, extra services, parking hurdles, fuel prices, and move date.
Full-Service Moving Companies
A full-service mover handles packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Expect to pay $1,210–$4,879 for a small move, scaling up to $5,053–$8,940 for a large household. You're paying for convenience and peace of mind, but the cost reflects it.
Moving Containers
Moving containers like PODS give you flexibility—they drop the box, you pack at your own pace, they haul it away. Costs range from $931–$2,382 for a studio, up to $2,262–$4,733 for a four-bedroom. You're responsible for loading and unloading, which saves money but demands physical effort.
Rental Trucks
Truck rentals are the cheapest option ($901–$2,535 depending on size), but you're doing all the work. You pack, load, drive 1,500+ miles, and unload. Factor in fuel, tolls, and your own labor. It's a DIY move, full stop.
What Affects Your Moving Cost
- Move size: More stuff = higher cost. A four-bedroom will cost significantly more than a studio.
- Time of year: Summer peak season means higher rates. A winter move saves 10–20%.
- Professional vs. DIY: Paying movers costs more upfront but saves your back (and sanity).
- Distance: At 1,504 miles, you're in long-distance territory; there's no cheap way to do this.
Cost of Living: New Orleans vs. Massachusetts
Before you move, understand the financial shift:
| Factor | New Orleans | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,755 | $1,588 | 10% lower in MA |
| Average home cost | $231,649 | $623,131 | 169% higher in MA |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,116 | $96,505 | 89% higher in MA |
| Cost of living index | 102 | 100 | Roughly equal |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 3.9% | 65% lower in MA |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 9.0% | 112% higher in MA |
What this means: Housing is expensive in Massachusetts. You'll pay roughly double what you'd spend in New Orleans. But the job market is much stronger, and average income is substantially higher. Rent is actually slightly cheaper. And overall cost of living is nearly identical, so you won't get sticker shock on groceries or utilities—just on housing and taxes.
Climate & Lifestyle Differences
Weather: Massachusetts summers average 82°F; New Orleans hits 92°F. Winters in Massachusetts drop to 16°F compared to New Orleans' 45°F. Expect 47 inches of snow annually in Massachusetts versus zero in New Orleans. If you love heat and humidity, this is a significant shift.
Rain: Massachusetts gets about 49 inches of rain per year; New Orleans gets 64. Fewer gray days up north, relatively speaking.
Safety: Massachusetts has a crime index of 13.92; New Orleans sits at 67.31. That's a substantial difference. Neighborhoods in Massachusetts generally feel safer.
Population & Politics: Both areas vote Democratic. Massachusetts is much larger (7 million vs. 384,000), so you're trading tight-knit community feel for urban/suburban density and more resources.
Before You Move: Regulations & Logistics
Moving to Massachusetts involves more than loading trucks. Here's what to handle:
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts must be licensed by the Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division. Verify your mover's license before booking.
- Cargo insurance: Movers are required to carry adequate coverage and file their tariffs publicly. Ask your company to confirm both.
- Parking permits: Check if your destination city requires moving truck permits. Some do; others don't.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least one week before moving day.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection is free but offers minimal coverage (60 cents per pound per item). For full value coverage, ask your mover about options or explore third-party providers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, reserve it well in advance.
- HOA rules: Check any community or neighborhood rules on moving procedures.
Use our moving checklist to stay organized through every step.
Things to Do in Massachusetts
Once you arrive, you'll find plenty to explore:
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, Veterans Memorial Park.
Sports: Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, New England Revolution.
Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston University, Tufts University, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
FAQ
How long does the move take? Four to 15 days on average, depending on your moving method. Summer moves typically take longer due to seasonal demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.
Do New Orleans movers offer custom crating? Yes. Six movers in New Orleans offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Ask about specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What's the best way to ship my car? Work with a car shipping company that prioritizes professionalism and care. Ask for references and proof of insurance before booking.
Can I pay with cash? One mover in New Orleans accepts cash, but it's the exception. Most want traceable payments. Typically you'll pay a deposit to secure your date, then the balance at pickup or delivery—confirm the exact terms upfront.
Next Steps
The move from New Orleans to Massachusetts is substantial, but it's manageable if you plan carefully. Start by comparing quotes from at least three movers. Get everything in writing. Verify licenses. And don't rush—this is a 1,500-mile decision worth taking seriously.
Questions? Use our contact page or dig deeper with our moving cost guide.