Moving from St. Louis to Massachusetts — Top 5 Local Movers
If you're moving from St. Louis to Massachusetts, you're looking at a 1,179-mile haul that'll take two to eight days depending on your service choice. You've also got sticker shock ahead: Massachusetts costs about 19% more to live in than St. Louis, and homes run 263% higher. That said, finding the right mover matters just as much as the financial planning. Here are the five St. Louis movers worth considering for your Massachusetts move.
Top 5 Moving Companies from St. Louis to Massachusetts
1. Simple Moves — 4.7 / 5
Location: 10755 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132
License #: 1653733 | Years in business: 24
Hourly rate: $145/hr
Simple Moves dominates local feedback with 82% positive reviews across 450 customer assessments. Clients consistently praise their speed, affordable pricing, and careful handling—often saying they outperform bigger-name competitors on both cost and service quality.
The downside: Some reports cite furniture damage, delayed arrivals, and lag time from management when issues surface. That said, for budget-conscious moves where fast execution matters, Simple Moves delivers. If your belongings include high-value items, clarify packing specifics up front.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, antiques, art, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Get a quote: (314) 963-3416
2. ABC Quality Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5
Location: 3050 Armona Dr, St. Louis, MO 63129
License #: 987335 | Years in business: 36
DOT #: 987335
ABC Quality lands at 84% positive feedback from 263 reviews, with customers highlighting speed, friendliness, and professional handling. Many note that crews go above and beyond—packing thoroughly and maintaining transparency on pricing compared to competitors.
On the flip side, damage to items shows up in negative reviews more often than ideal, alongside occasional reports of unprofessional behavior or missed deadlines. Service reliability sits above average for the local market, but those who've experienced unresolved damage issues placed ABC behind standout companies. It's a solid middle choice if you want efficiency and careful work, but review damage and claims terms carefully.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.
Get a quote: (314) 772-1887
3. Arch Moving — 4.62 / 5
Location: 1316 S 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63104
License #: 2969512 | Years in business: 22
Hourly rate: $150/hr
Arch Moving earns 58% positive reviews with standout marks for efficient service, professional staff, and careful handling. Customers repeatedly mention quick, well-organized moves and courteous crews.
The concern: 33% of feedback cites damage to items, inexperienced movers, and inconsistent communication—particularly from office staff. Multiple reports mention lost items and frustrating claims processes. Arch works best for straightforward moves where you're less worried about high-value or fragile goods. Before booking, have a direct conversation about crew experience and coverage options.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, art, crating, full-valuation coverage, safes.
Get a quote: (314) 964-5557
4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.62 / 5
Location: 10966 Gravois Industrial Court, St. Louis, MO 63128
License #: 714664 | Years in business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck pulls in 76% positive reviews from 361 customers, with two out of three raving about speed, careful handling, and professional attitude. Customers frequently say helpful staff makes the move less stressful.
The catch: About 22% flagged damage to items as the top complaint, with some reporting belongings arriving scratched or broken. Others found final bills exceeded estimates by hundreds of dollars, and delayed arrivals frustrated a portion of the customer base. If you're price-sensitive or moving valuables, get everything in writing and confirm the full scope of charges before moving day.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes.
Get a quote: (314) 270-5758
5. McGuire Moving and Storage — 4.44 / 5
Location: 8645 South Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63111
License #: 2256609 | Years in business: 45
DOT #: 2256609
McGuire rounds out the top five with 82% positive feedback from 130 reviews. Customers praise courteous staff, skilled handling, efficiency, and solid communication. Multiple reviewers report stress-free, damage-free moves and recommend the company's hands-on approach.
Negative feedback (about 17%) centers on item damage, lost belongings, and select instances of unprofessional behavior. Resolution on damage lags on rare occasions. McGuire's track record for professionalism and follow-up stands out compared to many competitors, making it a stronger choice if reliability and communication matter most to you.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.
Get a quote: (314) 241-0600
Local Moving Services Breakdown
Out of the 13 St. Louis movers we reviewed that handle interstate relocations, here's what specialty services are available:
| Service | # of Movers | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 11 | 84.62% |
| Small moves | 11 | 84.62% |
| Pianos | 9 | 69.23% |
| Art | 6 | 46.15% |
| Antiques | 5 | 38.46% |
| Fragile-only packing | 5 | 38.46% |
Cost to Move from St. Louis to Massachusetts
Here's what you'll spend depending on your home size and service type. These estimates are based on a 1,179-mile move and account for seasonal variation and market pricing as of now.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,114 – $4,490 | $816 – $2,181 | $691 – $1,399 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,524 – $6,167 | $1,536 – $3,140 | $778 – $1,664 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,184 – $7,599 | $2,161 – $4,197 | $988 – $2,009 |
Note: Actual costs vary based on move size, optional services, parking or access challenges, fuel, and timing. Always compare quotes from multiple movers for a realistic estimate.
Hiring Full-Service Movers from St. Louis to Massachusetts
A studio or one-bedroom costs between $1,114 and $4,490. A two- to three-bedroom home runs $2,524 to $6,167, and a larger move (four bedrooms or more) falls between $4,184 and $7,599.
Using Moving Containers
If you're considering moving containers, expect $816–$2,181 for a small load, $1,536–$3,140 for two to three bedrooms, and $2,161–$4,197 for four-bedroom-or-larger moves.
Renting a Moving Truck
Truck rentals are typically the cheapest option but require you to handle loading, unloading, and driving yourself. Studio to one-bedroom: $691–$1,399. Two to three bedrooms: $778–$1,664. Four-bedroom-or-larger: $988–$2,009. These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors That Drive Your Moving Costs
- Move size: Larger homes and more belongings mean higher costs.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season in St. Louis; expect higher rates.
- DIY vs. professional: Going solo is cheaper but demands significant effort compared to hiring a moving company.
- Distance: The 1,179-mile distance affects fuel surcharges and labor time.
Before You Move: What to Know
Relocating from St. Louis to Massachusetts brings fresh opportunity, but also a substantial jump in living costs. Massachusetts's cost of living runs about 19% higher than St. Louis, so a solid budget is essential.
Cost of Living Comparison: St. Louis vs. Massachusetts
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,588 |
| Average home cost | $171,463 | $623,131 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 84 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 3.9% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 9.0% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tax Foundation, Numbeo
Here's what that means for you:
- Rent is 27% higher in Massachusetts, so plan for steeper monthly costs.
- Homes cost 263% more, which translates to a much higher mortgage payment.
- Incomes run about 46% higher, offering more earning potential to offset expenses.
- Cost of living is 19% higher overall, so budget carefully.
- Unemployment is 38% lower, signaling stronger job opportunities.
- Income tax is 88% higher, reducing your take-home pay relative to Missouri.
How Life Differs: St. Louis vs. Massachusetts
Expect real changes when you relocate. Here's a side-by-side look:
| Aspect | St. Louis, MO | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 7,001,399 |
| Political lean | Republican (58–42) | Democratic (61.5–36.3) |
| Summer high | 89°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 23°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 42″ | 49″ |
| Annual snow | 16″ | 47″ |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 13.92 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270towin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AirNow
- Politics: Massachusetts leans Democratic; St. Louis leans Republican. Expect different political conversations and policies.
- Summers: Massachusetts peaks around 82°F versus St. Louis's 89°F. Cooler weather means lower energy bills and more outdoor comfort.
- Winters: Massachusetts dips to 16°F versus St. Louis's 23°F. Prepare for harder winters, higher heating costs, and more intense seasonal weather—but also stunning snowy landscapes.
- Rain: Massachusetts gets 49″ annually versus 42″ in St. Louis. Pack waterproof gear and expect more frequent wet days.
- Snow: Massachusetts sees 47″ per year versus St. Louis's 16″. You'll get spectacular winter scenery and outdoor fun, but also more shoveling and prep work.
- Crime: Massachusetts has a significantly lower crime index (13.92 vs. 69.65), meaning safer neighborhoods and greater peace of mind.
Pros and Cons of Each Location
Why St. Louis stands out:
- Rich culture and arts scene
- Abundant recreational activities
- Friendly communities
- Much lower cost of living
- Good weather for outdoor activities
Why Massachusetts appeals to newcomers:
- Excellent education system
- Natural beauty and outdoor recreation
- Quality public transportation
- Strong job market (especially tech and healthcare)
- Home to Boston and prestigious universities
- Lower crime rates
Challenges in St. Louis:
- Underfunded public schools
- Higher crime rates
- Limited economic mobility
- Urban sprawl
- Poor public transit
Challenges in Massachusetts:
- Harsh winter weather
- Poor driving conditions in winter
- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic in major cities
- Strict liquor laws
Important Logistics Before You Move
Don't just book a mover and call it done. Handle these details ahead of time:
- HOA rules: Confirm your HOA doesn't restrict moving or require advance notice.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, reserve it for moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require moving truck parking permits. Check local regulations early.
- State licensing: Massachusetts movers must be licensed by the Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division. Verify your mover's license before hiring.
- Cargo insurance: Moving companies in Massachusetts must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs, listing services and costs. Confirm coverage limits with your mover.
- Moving permits: You won't need a moving permit in Massachusetts, but check local parking rules.
- Change of address: Submit a USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You can set your official move date so mail forwards properly.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection is free but offers minimal coverage (60 cents per pound per article) in Massachusetts. For full-value coverage, discuss options with your mover or explore third-party insurance.
- Moving checklist: Use a moving checklist to stay organized and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Things to Do and See in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has something for everyone—museums, parks, sports, colleges, and coastal charm.
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 Teams:
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a move from St. Louis to Massachusetts take?
Expect two to eight days depending on your service type and the mover's schedule. Summer moves take longer due to peak demand. Confirm delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time to avoid surprises.
How many St. Louis movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Eight movers in our St. Louis database offer custom crating for delicate or unusual items like artwork and antiques. If you need this service, confirm with your chosen mover that they can handle your specific items.
What's the best way to ship a car from St. Louis to Massachusetts?
Choose a car shipping service with a strong reputation for professionalism and vehicle care. Look for real experience on the route and verified customer reviews.
Why are people moving from St. Louis to Massachusetts?
People are drawn to Massachusetts for its excellent education system, natural beauty, and stronger job market. They're leaving St. Louis primarily due to public school challenges and high crime rates.
Where can I find long-distance movers in St. Louis?
Start by comparing quotes from our top-rated St. Louis movers. We've vetted each company's reviews, licenses, and service offerings.
Do St. Louis movers accept cash?
Five St. Louis movers accept cash, though it's uncommon in the moving industry. Most require traceable payment (check, card, or bank transfer). You'll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Confirm payment methods and schedule with your mover.
Related Resources
Missouri Moving Services:
- Best Missouri movers
- Long-distance movers
- Best car shippers in Missouri
Popular Routes from Missouri:
- Missouri to California
- Missouri to Florida
- Missouri to Georgia
- Missouri to Illinois
- Missouri to Texas
Moving Resources:
Next step: Get quotes from St. Louis movers to compare costs for your specific move. Prices vary based on your exact home size, belongings, and timing—so talk to at least three companies before deciding.