Louisiana
Moving companies in New Orleans, LA.
New Orleans moves come with real complications — shotgun doubles on narrow streets, historic districts with strict rules, and a climate that punishes unprepared crews. Our directory connects you with movers who know the difference between the Marigny and Metairie, understand flood-zone logistics, and can navigate a parking variance on Magazine Street before your sofa gets stuck in the rain.
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Top movers in New Orleans
New Orleans movers worth a look.
A few of New Orleans’s top movers. Want a tailored recommendation? Use the Get quotes form below.
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Trusted movers in New Orleans.
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Find your mover→All New Orleans movers
51 movers serving New Orleans.
Slidell Moving
New Orleans, LA
Northlake Moving & Storage
New Orleans, LA
Movers NOLA
New Orleans, LA
Metro Moving
New Orleans, LA
Hug-Condon Moving & Storage Co
New Orleans, LA
Atmosphere Movers
New Orleans, LA
AllSafe Moving
New Orleans, LA
Benson Dupre Moving Services
New Orleans, LA
Helping Hands Movers Of Nola
New Orleans, LA
Mega Movers
New Orleans, LA
Solid Movers LLC
New Orleans, LA
Red Dot Movers
New Orleans, LA
Miracle Movers Of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
American Machinery Movers INC
New Orleans, LA
Garfield Moving Services, LLC
New Orleans, LA
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Cost calculator
Ballpark moving costs for New Orleans
These ranges reflect typical New Orleans market rates for local moves within the metro, regional moves to nearby Gulf Coast or Deep South cities, and long-distance moves to major metros. Actual quotes vary based on stairs, volume, packing services, and seasonal demand.
| Home size | Local (under 50 mi) | Regional (50-500 mi) | Cross-country (500+ mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | $300–$650 | $950–$1,800 | $1,800–$3,200 |
| 2BR | $550–$950 | $1,600–$2,800 | $2,800–$4,500 |
| 3BR house | $850–$1,500 | $2,400–$4,000 | $4,000–$6,500 |
| 4BR+ house | $1,300–$2,400 | $3,500–$6,000 | $6,000–$10,000 |
Neighborhood guide
Where are you landing in New Orleans?
French Quarter
Tourist epicenter, dense, historic, loud
Median 2BR rent: ~$1,700/mo
Street parking is extremely limited and COA parking variances are required for moving trucks on many blocks; book the permit at least a week out.
Garden District
Upscale, Greek Revival mansions, tree-lined
Median 2BR rent: ~$2,200/mo
Mature live oaks with low canopies and narrow Prytania Street can restrict large truck access; smaller moving trucks or shuttle loads are sometimes necessary.
Marigny / Bywater
Artsy, colorful, dense shotgun blocks
Median 2BR rent: ~$1,550/mo
St. Claude Avenue is manageable but side streets are tight; plan for a box truck rather than a 26-foot moving van on residential blocks.
Mid-City
Diverse, walkable, near City Park
Median 2BR rent: ~$1,450/mo
Broad Street and Canal Boulevard allow standard trucks, but many side blocks are narrow and unpaved in spots — clarify truck size with your mover.
Lakeview
Suburban feel, rebuilt post-Katrina, family-oriented
Median 2BR rent: ~$1,600/mo
Most homes here are elevated on concrete piers post-2005 rebuilds, adding stair carries to nearly every job; factor in extra labor time.
Uptown / Carrollton
University-adjacent, leafy, mix of rental and owned
Median 2BR rent: ~$1,650/mo
Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue moves during Tulane or Loyola move-in weekends in August are extremely competitive for truck availability — book early.
Metairie (Jefferson Parish)
Suburban, commercial, heavily car-dependent
Median 2BR rent: ~$1,350/mo
Wider streets and more parking than Orleans Parish make truck access easier, but Jefferson Parish has its own permitting office if you need street parking authorization.
Algiers Point
Historic, quiet, west bank of the Mississippi
Median 2BR rent: ~$1,250/mo
Accessible only by ferry or the Greater New Orleans Bridge; movers need to cross the bridge and factor toll and traffic into scheduling.
Common routes
Where New Orleans movers most often go
New Orleans → Baton Rouge, LA
~80 mi west via I-10
$950–$1,800
The most common intra-state move as people relocate between Louisiana's two largest cities for work, school at LSU, or lower cost of living.
New Orleans → Houston, TX
~350 mi west via I-10
$2,200–$3,800
A major corridor for oil-and-gas industry relocations; I-10 is the direct route through Lafayette and Beaumont.
New Orleans → Atlanta, GA
~470 mi northeast via I-59/I-20
$2,600–$4,200
A frequent destination for career-driven moves, with I-59 north through Hattiesburg connecting to the I-20 corridor into Atlanta.
New Orleans → Nashville, TN
~530 mi north via I-55/I-40
$2,800–$4,500
Growing demand as remote workers and musicians relocate; the route runs north on I-55 through Jackson, MS, then east on I-40.
New Orleans → Dallas, TX
~505 mi northwest via I-49/I-20
$2,700–$4,400
Corporate relocations and affordability-driven moves fuel this route; movers typically use I-49 north to Shreveport then I-20 west.
New Orleans → Covington / Mandeville, LA
~45 mi north via I-10 and Lake Causeway
$700–$1,400
Post-Katrina suburban flight to St. Tammany Parish continues; this short move crosses the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which requires toll planning for trucks.
Cost of living
What your money buys compared to other cities
New Orleans is notably more affordable than most large coastal metros, though it sits mid-range among Southern cities. Rents in walkable neighborhoods like the Marigny or Mid-City are substantially lower than comparable urban areas in Texas or the Southeast. Property insurance costs — elevated due to hurricane risk — are a significant expense that renters and buyers both feel.
| Moving from | COL Index | vs. New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 187 | A 2BR at $4,800/mo in Brooklyn is roughly $1,600/mo in Mid-City or Uptown New Orleans |
| San Francisco, CA | 194 | A 1BR at $3,400/mo in the Mission District runs about $1,350–$1,550/mo in comparable New Orleans neighborhoods |
| Washington, DC | 159 | A 2BR at $3,200/mo in Capitol Hill compares to roughly $1,600–$1,900/mo in the Garden District or Uptown |
| Austin, TX | 132 | A 2BR at $2,200/mo in East Austin finds a rough equivalent at $1,450–$1,700/mo in New Orleans's Bywater or Mid-City |
| Atlanta, GA | 118 | A 2BR at $2,000/mo in Inman Park is about $1,450–$1,650/mo in a similar walkable New Orleans neighborhood |
| Nashville, TN | 122 | A 2BR at $2,100/mo in East Nashville translates to roughly $1,450–$1,650/mo in the Marigny or Gentilly |
| Houston, TX | 108 | Houston rents are broadly similar; a 2BR at $1,600/mo in Midtown Houston is comparable to $1,500–$1,700/mo in New Orleans's upriver neighborhoods |
When to move
New Orleans moving seasons, month by month
Jan
off
Mild temperatures (highs in the low 60s) make weather pleasant, and demand is low — but Mardi Gras prep begins to tighten availability late in the month.
Feb
off
Mardi Gras typically falls in February and brings widespread road closures and near-zero truck availability in the weeks surrounding parade season — avoid if possible.
Mar
shoulder
Post-Mardi Gras, demand picks up slightly with spring lease transitions; weather is comfortable and rain is manageable, making this a reasonable moving window.
Apr
shoulder
French Quarter Festival mid-month affects the Quarter and surrounding streets; otherwise a good moving month with mild temps before humidity arrives.
May
shoulder
Jazz Fest at the Fair Grounds (late April–early May) impacts Gentilly and Treme access; book before or after the festival weeks for smoother logistics.
Jun
peak
Summer peak begins — heat indices regularly exceed 100°F, hurricane season opens June 1, and university lease turnover drives up demand and pricing.
Jul
peak
The most brutal month to move in New Orleans: extreme heat, high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and peak rental demand all coincide.
Aug
peak
Tulane and Loyola move-in, ongoing hurricane season, and relentless heat make August the single most competitive and logistically difficult month to move.
Sep
peak
Hurricane season peaks in September; movers may delay or cancel on short notice if a storm threatens, and demand remains high from summer overflow.
Oct
shoulder
Temperatures drop to the mid-70s, humidity eases, and demand softens — one of the better months to move in New Orleans with reasonable pricing.
Nov
off
Excellent moving weather with mild temps and low humidity; demand drops sharply after October and movers are generally available on flexible schedules.
Dec
off
The slowest month for movers; holiday scheduling and end-of-year lease transitions create some demand but rates and availability are generally favorable.
Permits + local rules
What you need to know before moving day
Orleans Parish Street Parking Variance
To park a moving truck in a metered or restricted parking zone in Orleans Parish, you need a Temporary No-Parking Zone permit from the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works. Apply online or in person at City Hall. The permit designates specific block faces and must be posted 72 hours in advance to allow cars to clear. Without it, your truck risks a ticket or tow.
Permit ~$50–$100/day, apply 5–7 business days in advance
Vieux Carré (French Quarter) Special Rules
The Vieux Carré Commission regulates the French Quarter's historic character. Large vehicles are restricted on certain narrow streets and loading times are limited. Truck access through Bourbon Street is prohibited during pedestrian hours. Movers must typically use Royal, Chartres, or Decatur Streets for access and should confirm specific block rules with the VCC or NOPD traffic division before moving day.
No separate VCC permit for moves, but coordinate with DPW parking variance; allow 7+ days
Jefferson Parish Moving Truck Parking
Moves within Jefferson Parish (Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Westwego) require coordination with Jefferson Parish Department of Public Works for any street parking blockage in public right-of-way. Residential streets are generally wider than Orleans Parish and often permit curbside staging without a formal permit, but commercial zones and major corridors like Veterans Memorial Boulevard require prior approval.
Contact JP DPW; fees vary by location, typically $40–$80, 3–5 business days
HOA Rules in Gated and Planned Communities
Several communities in Metairie, Lakeview, and East New Orleans have HOA restrictions on moving hours, elevator reservations (for mid-rise condos), and truck access through gates. Common condo buildings on St. Charles Avenue, along the lakefront, and in the CBD require elevator padding reservations and may charge a refundable damage deposit of $200–$500. Confirm move-in rules with building management at least two weeks out.
Elevator reservation deposit $200–$500 refundable; reserve 10–14 days ahead
CBD and Warehouse District Loading Zones
The Central Business District and Warehouse District have commercial loading zones with strict time windows, typically 7 a.m.–10 a.m. on weekdays. Moving trucks cannot idle in travel lanes; violations are enforced by NOPD. For loft-style condo buildings in the Warehouse District, building management usually requires a Certificate of Insurance from your mover before issuing elevator access — confirm this requirement before booking.
No permit cost for loading zones if used within posted hours; COI from mover typically required, no extra fee
About moving to New Orleans
What you should know before you book.
New Orleans is one of the most architecturally and culturally distinct cities in the United States — a place where French Quarter cottages sit beside Creole townhouses, where below-sea-level elevations shape everything from drainage to foundation type, and where neighborhood identity is intensely local. Moving here means dealing with narrow streets designed for horse-drawn carts, raised-foundation homes requiring extra labor, and a subtropical climate that makes summer moves genuinely punishing. The metro also spans Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, and St. Bernard parishes, each with its own rules, permit offices, and infrastructure quirks.
Architecture and Access
New Orleans is filled with shotgun houses, double-shotguns, camelbacks, and Creole cottages — many on piers or elevated slabs. Narrow side aisles, wraparound galleries, and steep front steps make furniture moves labor-intensive. Large trucks often can't fit residential streets in the Marigny or Bywater. Movers experienced with these building types are worth paying extra for.
Parish-by-Parish Complexity
The metro spans multiple parishes. Jefferson Parish (Metairie, Kenner, Gretna) has different permitting offices than Orleans Parish. St. Tammany Parish across the Lake Causeway operates entirely separately. If your move crosses parish lines, confirm your mover is licensed to operate in both jurisdictions and knows local parking and permit norms for each.
Flood Zone Awareness
Much of New Orleans sits at or below sea level. Many homes are elevated on piers, adding stairs to every load-in. Ground-floor storage is rare; expect items to be carried up. Movers familiar with the city won't be caught off guard by a raised ranch in Lakeview or a first-floor garage that doubles as a flood buffer in Gentilly.
Festival and Event Calendar
Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Festival, and Essence Festival cause significant road closures and hotel-rate spikes. Scheduling a move during or immediately before a major festival can mean blocked routes, scarce crew availability, and higher rates. Movers book out weeks in advance around these periods; plan accordingly or avoid them entirely.
New Orleans moving FAQ
Common questions, locally-answered.
How far in advance should I book movers in New Orleans?
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For summer moves (June–August), book 4–6 weeks out at minimum — Tulane and Loyola lease turnover in late July and August creates serious crew shortages. For moves during or near Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or French Quarter Festival, book even earlier or reschedule around those events entirely. Off-season moves (November–January) can often be booked 1–2 weeks out with good availability and better pricing.
Do I need a parking permit for my moving truck in New Orleans?
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In Orleans Parish, yes — if your truck needs to occupy a metered spot, bike lane, or restricted zone, you'll need a Temporary No-Parking Zone variance from the Department of Public Works. This must be posted 72 hours before the move to let vehicles clear. In Jefferson Parish, requirements are looser on residential streets but still apply on major corridors. Most experienced local movers will handle this for you, but confirm it's included in your quote.
What's the best time of year to move in New Orleans to avoid the heat?
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October through December is the sweet spot. Temperatures drop to the low 70s, humidity is manageable, hurricane season winds down after November 30, and mover demand is low. March and April are also good options before summer heat sets in. Avoid June through September if you can — heat indices above 100°F, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and peak demand all overlap in those months.
How do movers handle New Orleans's narrow streets and shotgun houses?
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Experienced local movers know to bring smaller box trucks (16–22 feet) for residential neighborhoods like the Marigny, Bywater, and Tremé, where 26-foot vans can't turn or park. Shotgun houses have long, single-file floor plans where furniture must be carried the full length of the house. Many also have steep front stoops and no direct garage access. Always confirm your mover's truck size and experience with historic New Orleans building types before booking.
Is it hard to move to the west bank (Algiers, Gretna, Westwego)?
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It adds logistical steps. The Greater New Orleans Bridge (US-90) is the only road crossing for most movers; the Canal Street Ferry doesn't accommodate moving trucks. Bridge tolls apply in the westbound direction. Algiers Point's historic streets are narrow like the Quarter. Gretna and Westwego have wider suburban streets but are in Jefferson Parish, which has its own permit norms. Factor an extra 20–30 minutes of transit time and confirm your mover works the west bank regularly.
What should I know about moving to a raised or pier-and-beam house in New Orleans?
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A large portion of New Orleans housing stock — especially post-Katrina rebuilds in Lakeview, Gentilly, and New Orleans East — sits on elevated piers or stilts, adding a full flight of exterior stairs to every load. This increases labor time and cost compared to slab-on-grade homes. If your new home has a high elevation, tell your mover during the quote process so they can price in the extra carry time and ensure enough crew.
How does hurricane season affect moving logistics in New Orleans?
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Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak risk in August and September. A named storm threatening the Gulf can cause movers to cancel or postpone on 24–48 hours' notice, which is completely beyond their control. If you're moving during peak season, have a contingency plan for a one or two-day delay. Ask your mover about their storm cancellation and rescheduling policy before signing a contract.
What does a typical local move cost in New Orleans?
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A local move within Orleans or Jefferson Parish for a 1–2 bedroom apartment typically runs $350–$900 for a 2–4 hour job with a two-person crew. Larger homes or moves requiring stair carries, long walks, or specialty items (pianos, antiques) push costs higher. Full-service packing adds $200–$600 depending on home size. Always get at least two in-home or video-survey quotes — phone estimates for New Orleans homes are often inaccurate given the building complexity.
Are there special rules for moving in the French Quarter?
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Yes. The French Quarter has some of the strictest moving logistics in the city. Many streets are pedestrian-priority during certain hours, and Bourbon Street is effectively off-limits to large vehicles. The Vieux Carré Commission doesn't regulate move logistics directly, but NOPD and DPW enforce parking restrictions tightly. Your mover needs to identify the correct access street for your specific block — Royal, Chartres, and Decatur are typically the workable truck corridors. Book your DPW parking variance at least a week out.
Should I tip my movers in New Orleans?
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Tipping is customary but not required. A standard range is $20–$50 per mover for a local job, more for a long or particularly difficult move involving stairs, heat, or heavy items. Given that summer moves in New Orleans involve genuine physical hardship — often working in 95°F heat with high humidity — a tip on those jobs is especially appreciated. Cash is preferred. You can also offer cold water and sports drinks, which is genuinely practical on hot moving days.
How do moves across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway work?
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Moving from Orleans or Jefferson Parish to St. Tammany Parish (Covington, Mandeville, Slidell) via the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is common. Moving trucks are allowed on the Causeway; tolls apply southbound (~$5 for passenger vehicles, more for large trucks). Allow extra time — the Causeway has speed limits and occasional wind restrictions. Some movers charge a bridge surcharge. Confirm your mover is familiar with St. Tammany Parish delivery logistics, which differ from Orleans Parish norms.
What's the difference between hiring movers in Orleans Parish versus Jefferson Parish?
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The main practical differences are permitting and street conditions. Orleans Parish has more historic, narrow streets and requires DPW parking variances for many moves. Jefferson Parish (Metairie, Kenner) has wider suburban streets and more lenient curbside parking norms, though its own DPW applies on major roads. Both parishes require state-licensed movers. If your move crosses parish lines, confirm your mover operates regularly in both and carries insurance valid for both jurisdictions.
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