When planning your apartment move in Cape Cod, start by calling at least three moving companies to compare their prices. Most movers will visit your home for a quick assessment of your belongings to provide an estimate with accurate pricing. After you agree on the cost, they’ll provide a Service Agreement that outlines the services they’ll perform and their associated costs. Be sure to ask your landlord or building manager about any specific rules for parking the moving truck or using the elevator. If you want the movers to pack for you, they’ll come to your place before moving day to box everything up. On the day of your move, the head mover will provide you with a Bill of Lading. This is your official moving contract. The movers will load your things onto the truck, drive them to your new place, and check everything against their list when they unload. Look over your belongings carefully to make sure nothing is broken or missing. Once everything looks good, sign the Bill of Lading to finish the move.Moving for the First Time?
Our experienced movers take care of apartment moves of all sizes, from switching units in the same building to relocating across Cape Cod or to another part of Massachusetts.
We also move people to New York and Florida on a weekly basis, and relocate people to California at least once a month. As an interstate agent of Allied Van Lines, we can move you nationwide.
Our professional packers will visit your apartment on a scheduled date before the move to carefully pack your items, making sure they are ready for transit.
With climate-controlled self-storage on Martha's Vineyard and climate-stable secure warehouse storage on the island and the mainland, we can store your items.
The cost of an apartment move on Cape Cod typically depends on several factors, including:
Most local moving companies in Cape Cod charge by the hour, with hourly rates typically ranging from $100 to $200 for a crew of two to three movers and a truck. According to This Old House, “For local moves under 50 miles, expect to pay around $1,492 for a one-bedroom apartment… Long-distance moves typically cost $2,434 for a one-bedroom…” Additional services, such as packing, special item handling, or storage, can increase the total cost. Summer months on Cape Cod often see higher rates due to increased demand.
At Carroll’s Moving & Storage, we provide transparent, upfront pricing for all apartment moves. We’ll schedule a free estimate to assess your belongings and discuss your specific needs, providing you with an accurate quote. Our hourly rates are competitive and include:
We’ll clearly explain all costs in your Order of Service to ensure there are no surprises on moving day. Whether you’re relocating from a small studio in Provincetown or a larger apartment in Hyannis, we’ll tailor a moving plan to fit your budget and needs.
Many moving companies charge additional fees for challenging access situations. Common extra charges include:
According to MoveAdvisor, “If your movers cannot park the truck a certain distance from the front door of your house or apartment building, then you may be charged between $90 and $120 for every 75 feet from the truck to your door.” These fees vary by company, so ask about them upfront. Some movers include a certain number of stairs or walking distance in their base rate.
Carroll’s Moving & Storage includes a reasonable amount of stairs and walking distance in our standard hourly rate. If your apartment has particularly challenging access, like four or more flights of stairs, an exceptionally long walk, or parking that requires a shuttle truck, we’ll discuss these factors during your free estimate.
“Most apartments on Cape Cod have at least a flight or two of stairs,” explains Owner Greg Carroll, “We factor that into our base pricing instead of nickel-and-diming customers for every step.” Carroll’s is familiar with Cape Cod’s unique properties, from historic downtown buildings to beach communities with limited access, and we’ll plan accordingly.
Timing matters when scheduling an apartment move, especially on Cape Cod, where summer is the busiest season. Certain moving dates and times require earlier booking than others:
If you want to err on the side of safety, “Be sure to book your company about six weeks before moving day. If you’re moving from a smaller space, you might be able to book closer to moving day, but sooner is better,” recommends Move.org.
At Carroll’s Moving & Storage, we recommend calling us as soon as you know your moving date. During the summer, many people come to Cape Cod for the season. We book up quickly because of this, so we encourage customers to reach out 4-6 weeks in advance. “Summer weekends book up fast, sometimes months in advance,” notes Carroll’s Owner and President, Greg Carroll. “If you have flexibility with your dates, weekdays or off-season moves give you more options.” However, we understand that sometimes moves come up unexpectedly, and we’ll do our best to accommodate last-minute requests. Fill out our online estimate form early, and we’ll book a date that works for your schedule.
Checking a moving company’s credentials protects you from scams and ensures quality service. According to Forbes, “[License and insurance] is non-negotiable. For interstate moves, your movers must have a USDOT number, a license provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. For in-state moves, regulations vary, so check your state’s requirements.” Legitimate movers in Cape Cod will have:
Be cautious of companies that require large deposits, give estimates without seeing your belongings, or lack a physical address, as these are often red flags for moving scams.
Carroll’s Moving & Storage has been serving Cape Cod for over 90 years. “After 90 years in business, we’ve learned that the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value,” says Owner Greg Carroll. “That’s why we encourage people to check licenses, read reviews, and ask questions before they commit to any moving company.” We’re fully licensed and insured with all the proper credentials required by state and federal regulations. Our licenses include:
You can find our Google reviews online for our Pocasset and Martha’s Vineyard locations, and we encourage potential customers to learn about our past customers’ experiences. Carroll’s maintains two physical locations, one on Martha’s Vineyard and the other in Pocasset, where you can visit us. You can also call us at (508) 693-0348, and our staff will answer all your questions honestly.
All moving companies are required by law to provide valuation coverage options, including basic valuation coverage, to protect your belongings during transport. Understanding your moving valuation options will help you choose the right level of protection:
Always document the condition of your belongings before the move with photos, and inspect everything carefully when it arrives before signing the final paperwork.
At Carroll’s Moving & Storage, we include basic value protection with every move and offer both Full Value Protection and extraordinary value declarations for more comprehensive coverage. “A lot of people don’t realize how limited the basic coverage is until something breaks,” emphasizes Owner Greg Carroll. “We make sure to explain all the options upfront so there are no surprises if something goes wrong.” We’ll walk through the different levels of protection during your estimate so you can choose what makes sense for your situation. In the rare case something does get damaged, we have a clear claims process and will work with you to fairly resolve the issue.
Moving companies cannot legally transport certain items for safety and legal reasons, including:
Ask your moving company about their specific restrictions during the estimate, so you can make other arrangements if needed.
At Carroll’s Moving & Storage, we follow industry standards and legal requirements for items we cannot transport. “Every few months, someone wants us to move their grill with a full propane tank still attached,” explains Carroll’s Owner, Greg Carroll. “We have to say no, even though it’s inconvenient, because it’s a serious safety hazard.” We’ll provide you with a complete list of restricted items during your estimate and answer questions about specific belongings. We recommend transporting hazardous materials, important documents, and valuables in your personal vehicle.
If you have specialty items like a gun safe or valuable artwork, let us know during the planning stage. We have experience with these items and can discuss the best way to handle them safely.