Best Moving Companies of September 2024
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If you’re planning your next move, you may be considering whether you want to hire a professional mover. While the do-it-yourself route can be appealing from a cost-effective standpoint, the ease of having professional movers handle your belongings can take the stress out of moving.
We conducted in-depth research on moving and storage companies nationwide and selected International Van Lines, American Van Lines, and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as our top three choices for best moving companies. In this article, we will discuss our list of the best moving companies based on in-depth research. Keep reading to learn more about these movers and our other choices for the best properly licensed and insured professional moving companies.
388 movers requested and received a free no-obligation quote from one of the above companies in the last 30 days.
The Best Moving Companies of 2024
Out of all the moving and storage companies we researched, these are the top moving companies that we think you should consider for your move:
- Our Top Pick: International Van Lines
- Best for Antiques: American Van Lines
- Best for Condos/HOAs: Safeway Moving Inc.
- Best for Major Cities: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Best for Coordinated Moves: Moving APT
- Best for High-End Appliances: North American Van Lines
- Best Customer Experience: Allied Van Lines
- Best for Self-Service Moves: 1-800-PACK-RAT
- Best for Small Moves: U-Pack
Side-by-Side Comparison of the Top Moving Companies
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Service Model | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Moving | Carrier and broker | B | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| High-Value Goods | Carrier and broker | A | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| Major Cities | Broker | B | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| Coordinated Moves | Broker | B | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| Condos and HOAs | Carrier | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| Appliance Moving | Carrier | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| Customer Experience | Carrier | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| Self-Service Moves | Container service | A | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| Small Moves | Container service | A+ | GET ESTIMATE |
International Van Lines
Our Top Pick
International Van Lines acts as the single point of contact and direct carrier for all of its moves. Additionally, it provides assistance with air freight transportation, which is the fastest way to get your items door-to-door. IVL also provides local moving services, though these moves may involve a partner agent. In addition to standard full-service options like packing and loading, the company offers a variety of add-ons to address its customers’ broader needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides international moving to 180 countries
- Has partners in all 50 states
- Offers full refunds on deposits when clients cancel with more than 48 hours’ notice
Cons
- Offers non-binding estimates
- May rely on a partnered company for smaller, local moves
- Includes additional fees for items that aren’t stackable
Cost Details
We used International Van Lines’ online moving calculator to obtain the ballpark estimates listed below. For a more precise binding estimate, you can complete an online quote form and in-home or virtual survey with a customer service representative. A vehicle shipped in an enclosed ocean freight container would cost $2,500 to $3,500.
- Sample Quote: $4,200 to $6,150 (3 bedroom move from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO)
- Deposit: 25% of total cost
Moving Services Offered
MOVE TYPES:
- Full-service moves
- Long-distance moves
- International moves
SHIPPING:
- Vehicles
- High-end items
- Bulky items like pianos
PERKS:
- Fragile-only packing
- Long and short term storage
- International moves
American Van Lines
Best for Antiques
American Van Lines handles all moves directly and focuses on hiring and retaining full-time, experienced movers, who the company claims have an average of 10 years of experience each. Its movers are required to complete ongoing education and annual training at the company’s on-site training facilities. This training includes instruction on safely moving difficult items such as grandfather clocks, vintage credenzas, musical instruments, recreational equipment, and fine art. In fact, American Van Lines has successfully relocated whole art collections from individuals, antique stores, and museums.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides flat-rate pricing for all moves
- Employs movers who average a decade of experience
- Operates solely as a carrier
Cons
- Has limited local moving options
- Requires large deposits for booking
- Doesn’t offer any online quotes
Cost Details
We included the sample quote below from the company’s website. American Van Lines works exclusively with binding estimates for flat-rate, accurate pricing. To provide this pricing, American conducts either an in-person or virtual survey of your home and inventory.
American Van Lines accepts cash, credit cards, and checks. Required deposits vary based on the difficulty of your move and typically range from 10% to 50% of your total moving cost.
- Sample Quote: $7,600 (3 bedroom move from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO)
- Deposit: 10%–50% of total cost
Moving Services Offered
MOVE TYPES:
- Full-service moves
- Long-distance moves
- Local moves
SHIPPING:
- Grandfather clocks
- Vintage items
- Bulky items like pianos
PERKS:
- GPS tracking for all shipments
- Full-service assistance for military
Safeway Moving Inc.
Best for Condos/HOAs
Safeway Moving Inc. is a great option for families with large floor plans and inventories. The company also knows its way around HOA and COA regulations and can help with those types of moves without causing you undue stress. Safeway can provide full packing assistance anywhere in the country. It also helps coordinate international moves. Safeway’s marketing material on its website demonstrates an advocacy for senior citizens, and it claims to dedicate additional resources to seniors moving homes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers binding estimates for all moves
- Requires partners to carry $1 million insurance policies
- Provides 30 days of free storage with all moves
Cons
- Requires large deposits
- Offers no local moving options
- Offers few specialty services
Cost Details
Safeway provides binding estimates based on a self-reported inventory or a video survey. This estimate includes full packing and loading assistance. You can also request Safeway perform an in-home survey to ensure the estimate is as accurate as possible. The company offers one free month of storage.
- Sample Quote: Contact for a quote
- Deposit: 40% of total cost
Moving Services Offered
MOVE TYPES:
- Full-service moves
- Long-distance moves
SHIPPING:
- Packing and unpacking
- Custom crating
PERKS:
- Extra attention to senior moves
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Best for Major Cities
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a great choice for last-minute moves, often providing moving estimates within a day of a request and coordinating services on short notice. This is possible due to IMRG’s broker authority, enabling the company to work with a large nationwide network of moving companies to find availability for moving services in your city. Because IMRG is a broker, it’s important to remember that the company is not liable for shipments it outsources to its partners.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers price-matching for competing quotes
- Features guides and partner company bios online
- Provides a moving cost calculator tool online
Cons
- Operates solely as a broker
- Has varied customer reviews
- Will not refund your deposit and booking fee more than 72 hours after booking
Cost Details
The size of your home, the distance of the move, and other standard factors will play a major role in determining the total cost of your move. We used IMRG’s online calculator to get the sample quote listed below.
- Sample Quote: $8,500 (5 bedroom move from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO)
- Deposit: Deposit varies based on quote
Moving Services Offered
MOVE TYPES:
- Full-service moves
- Long-distance moves
- International moves
SHIPPING:
- Vehicle shipping
- Shipping materials available
PERKS:
- Flexible packing options available
- GPS tracking for shipments
Moving APT
Best for Coordinated Moves
Moving APT stands out in its open communication, enabling customers to speak to its available partners directly before booking a move. Moving APT partners with long-distance movers and local companies, providing flexibility in the types of services you can schedule. The Moving APT website also has detailed information about its partners that it considers the best movers suited to several different moving tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has more than 2,500 individual partners in all 50 states
- Provides local and long-distance service
- Offers price-matching for all moving quotes
Cons
- Services its moves through third-party carriers
- Has customer reviews that mention partner price-switching
- Customer reviews mention aggressive sales tactics, such as spam calling
Cost Details
We used Moving APT’s online moving cost calculator for the sample quote listed below. For a binding estimate, you’ll need to provide your move details to a Moving APT coordinator over the phone who will then transfer you to available movers.
- Sample Quote: $8,250–$12,100 (4 bedroom move from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO)
- Deposit: Varies
Moving Services Offered
MOVE TYPES:
- Full-service moves
- Long-distance moves
- Local moves
SHIPPING:
- Vehicles
- Storage options
- Custom crating
PERKS:
- Offers price matching for all moving quotes
North American Van Lines
Best for High-End Appliances
North American Van Lines (NAVL) coordinates and backs all partner moves, ensuring you have access to the complete range of its elite services, add-on options, and moving resources. NAVL’s standard full-service moving packages feature packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. If you have high-end appliances, NAVL is an especially savvy option, as the company will disconnect, transport, and reconnect these items, streamlining the process of getting them to your new home.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has more than 500 locations in 50 states
- Offers bottom-line pricing for all moves
- Features a reliable damage claims process
Cons
- Has varied customer reviews depending on location
- Outsources some of its services
- Some deposits get as high as 50% of the total cost
Cost Details
We used North American Van Lines’ online tool to generate the sample quote listed below. This ballpark quote includes standard full-service options, as well as GPS tracking and basic carrier liability coverage at 60 cents per pound per item.
Online quotes are not available for homes with four or more bedrooms. To get a personalized quote and a binding estimate for a larger home, you can either conduct an in-person walk-through or use NAVL’s mobile app to complete a virtual assessment of your home, create a digital inventory, and store your important moving documents.
- Sample Quote: $8,480–$9,380 (3 bedroom move from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO)
- Deposit: None required
Moving Services Offered
MOVE TYPES:
- Full-service moves
- Long-distance moves
- Local moves
SHIPPING:
- High-end appliances
PERKS:
- Damage claims process
- Offers bottom-line pricing for all moves
Allied Van Lines
Best Customer Experience
Allied Van Lines assigns each customer a moving coordinator for a personalized customer service experience. You’ll also have access to support through the company’s mobile app and user-friendly website that features a regularly updated moving blog and resources, such as a moving checklist. Though Allied focuses on full-service moves, it also accommodates partial-service moves through its fragile-only packing option. This could be an appealing alternative for those who prefer to do the majority of packing themselves but require assistance with packing just one room or only heirloom china, for example.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides in-house vehicle shipping service
- Offers Allied Express service for small moves
- Has local and long-distance moving capabilities
Cons
- Provides non-binding estimates
- Has limited customer service hours
- Reviews mention communication difficulty with its claims department
Cost Details
We obtained the sample quote below using Allied Van Lines’ instant quote tool. This quote includes packing and unpacking services, as well as loading, transportation, unloading, GPS tracking, basic carrier liability coverage, and associated fuel and toll costs.
Allied Van Lines will not provide an online or phone estimate for homes larger than three bedrooms but will provide a binding estimate after a virtual or in-home survey. Factors such as the overall distance, size/weight of your shipment, and date of your move will determine your total overall cost.
- Sample Quote: $8,513–$9,415 (3 bedroom move from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO)
- Deposit: None required
Moving Services Offered
MOVE TYPES:
- Full-service moves
- Long-distance moves
- Local moves
SHIPPING:
- Fragile items like fine china
- Vehicle shipping
PERKS:
- Portable moving containers available for small moves
1-800-PACK-RAT
Best for Self-Service Moves
If you’ve got a DIY move coming up, we recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT as the top overall choice for self-service moving. The company offers 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot containers. These can remain with you for 30 days after initial delivery, making it a good option for those who want to pack at their own pace or those who just need some short-term on-site storage. PACK-RAT provides convenience because it will deliver a waterproof, steel, portable storage container to your home. You’ll have access to online tools such as how-to videos, a guide to determine how many containers you need, checklists, location guides, and a weight calculator. And if you change your mind about going it alone, PACK-RAT offers reputable third-party assistance with loading and unloading through HireAHelper.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers three sizes of all-steel containers
- Has tiered contents protection plans up to $75,000 in total value
- Provides $10,000 in basic protection for all long-distance moves
Cons
- Has limited locations across the country
- Features negative reviews regarding hidden fees
- Doesn’t allow online booking
Cost Details
For the sample quote listed below, we simulated the booking process with 1-800-PACK-RAT and received a recommendation to use two 16-foot containers. For reference, two containers of this size hold up to 12,000 pounds. The contents of a four-bedroom home typically weigh around 14,000 pounds. This quote includes a no-cut steel lock with two keys, taxes, and $10,000 in contents protection on each container. Keeping the containers longer would cost $301 per container per month.
- Sample Quote: $8,872 (3 or 4 bedroom move from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO)
- Deposit: None required
Moving Services Offered
MOVE TYPES:
- Self-service
SHIPPING:
- 3 sizes of shipping containers for moves
PERKS:
- Partners with HireAHelper for customers who want help
U-Pack
Best for Small Moves
Specializing in self-service moves, U-Pack gives DIY enthusiasts and individuals who are uncomfortable hiring teams of movers a great option for moving to a new home. You can rent ReloCubes for smaller moves, which are modest-sized portable storage containers that U-Pack will drop off, pick up, and deliver. You can also choose a larger trailer that you will similarly load on your own. U-Pack can also guarantee a delivery window, a perk not offered by many full-service movers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Features a “pay for what you use” pricing structure
- Provides three days each for loading and unloading
- Allows clients to DIY their moves or hire help
Cons
- Offers no local moving services
- Has more limited service options than other container movers
- Limits loading and unloading to three day periods
Cost Details
The sample quote below assumes the use of an entire trailer worth of space. For using three ReloCubes to carry out the same move, U-Pack quotes a price of $5,212.
U-Pack conveniently provides quotes online and gives flexibility in your options. For customers who prefer to use a trailer for their move, U-Pack can estimate the price according to how much space you will use in the trailer.
- Sample Quote: $5,574 (3 bedroom move from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO)
- Deposit: None required
Moving Services Offered
MOVE TYPES:
- Self-service
- Smaller moves
SHIPPING:
- Pick-up and drop-off containers
PERKS:
- Offers ReloCube rental for long-term storage needs
Our Recommendation
International Van Lines is our best overall mover for a well-rounded, full-service moving company. In addition to maintaining a reputation for superior customer service, the company offers a wide selection of personalized moving services. North American Van Lines is a great pick if you have high-end appliances to move as part of your relocation. If you want to ship a single item with high-quality handling and care, then uShip is an excellent service.
We recommend you obtain at least three quotes from different movers and compare their service options, availability, and reputations carefully.
How to Choose a Moving Company
There are a few significant factors to consider when picking the right moving company for you and your family. Below we have listed some major steps to take to help you pick the right mover for your specific moving needs.
1. Find the Experts You Need
One important factor to consider is whether you want a full-service or self-service mover. Also pay close attention to the types of services each mover provides. Here are some key terms to know when choosing a moving company:
A full-service moving company aims to handle as much of your move as possible. Service options include furniture disassembly, packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking, and furniture reassembly.
A self-service moving company typically drops off portable storage containers that you will load with items you also packed. The company will still transport your belongings to your new home, but you will be responsible for unloading and unpacking in an agreed-upon time frame.
Local movers will conduct moving services within the same city or an adjacent city, never crossing state lines. These companies typically charge hourly rates and must comply with state regulations.
Long-distance movers will transport household goods between cities any distance apart. The term is often used interchangeably with interstate mover, but an important distinction is that long-distance movers do not always operate across state lines.
Interstate movers must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) regulations to transport household goods across state lines. These movers can legally conduct moves to neighboring states or all the way across the country.
International movers can relocate your belongings to countries around the globe. Each international moving company has a different coverage area, and some will outsource services to international freight services.
2. Research Its Reputation
An excellent method to gauge a moving company is to research its reputation on popular customer reviews sites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Yelp. If you know friends that have previously used a particular mover, then ask them about their experience. These avenues provide a glimpse into the customer service experience with each company.
3. Check That It Is Licensed
There are many scammers in the moving industry. One way to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate moving company is to obtain the company’s Department of Transportation (USDOT) number and visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website to look them up. This step lets you know whether or not the company is a legitimate carrier, broker, or both.
4. Get Quotes
Once you know what type of move you want and whether or not a company that interests you is legitimate, contact the company to request a free quote, preferably a binding estimate. A binding estimate helps you lock in a price that will not change on your moving day unless major items are added or subtracted from your inventory. Typically, you’ll need to conduct an in-home or virtual survey with the moving company to receive a binding estimate.
Comparing the Best Moving Companies
See how our top movers compare in several categories that can make or break the customer experience:
| Moving Company | Storage | Car Shipping | Free Cancellation | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IVL | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| American | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| IMRG | ✔* | ✔* | ✘ | ✘ |
| Moving APT | ✔* | ✔* | ✔ | ✘ |
| Safeway | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| NAVL | ✔ | ✔ | Varies** | ✔ |
| Allied | ✔ | ✔ | Varies** | ✔ |
| PACK-RAT | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| U-Pack | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
**These companies broker out services and cancellation policies may vary.
Note: Cancellation policies for many companies vary depending on the agent location and the time at which the customer cancels services. Fees may apply if cancellation occurs close to your moving date.
Is a Moving Company Worth It?
Hiring a moving company is worth it when you consider the time and stress it will save you during an already turbulent time. A moving company can streamline the physical moving process, freeing you to focus on other important tasks. Interstate moving companies also have contents coverage options available for financially protecting your shipment.
Many movers offer full-service packages that will allow you to step aside as professional moving crews handle all packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking responsibilities. This often includes using special protective packing materials for your fragile and high-end belongings.
A moving company handles all transportation for you, with long-distance specialists offering to haul household goods thousands of miles when necessary. For small moves or local moves over extremely short distances, it may be a better option for some people to use a moving truck rental. If you’re uncomfortable driving a large moving truck, a moving company is a worthwhile option.
What Factors Influence Your Move’s Cost?
Various factors influence the overall cost of a moving service. Local movers calculate rates differently than long-distance and interstate movers, often charging based on the number of movers and their total hours worked.
Below is a breakdown of what factors influence your move’s cost:
- Accessibility: The accessibility of your current and new homes, the presence of stairs or elevators, and any logistical challenges such as narrow streets or limited parking can increase the complexity of the move and, consequently, the cost.
- Distance: The distance between your current and new residence is a significant cost factor. Local moves within the same city or state tend to be more affordable, while long-distance or interstate moves typically incur higher costs due to increased transportation expenses, fuel surcharges, and labor requirements.
- Extra services and supplies: Any additional services or supplies you require, such as specialized crating for fragile items, storage solutions, or the purchase of packing materials, can add to the overall cost of your move.
- Services: The range of services you require from the moving company can significantly impact the cost. Basic labor-only moves are typically more affordable, while full-service options that include packing, unpacking, disassembly, and reassembly of furniture can substantially increase the expenses.
- Size: The volume and weight of your belongings play a crucial role in determining the cost. Larger homes with more furniture, appliances, and boxes require more personnel, larger moving trucks, and potentially additional trips, all of which increase the overall cost.
- Specialty items: Moving certain items, such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, or antiques, may require specialized handling and equipment, which can result in additional fees from the moving company.
- Time of the year: Moving during peak seasons, such as summer months or around the beginning and end of each month, can result in higher costs due to increased demand for moving services. Off-peak periods may offer more affordable rates.
- Valuation coverage: The level of valuation coverage you choose to protect your belongings during the move can influence the cost. Basic coverage is generally included, but opting for more comprehensive protection, such as full-value replacement coverage, will increase the expenses.
Additionally, you should expect to pay extra for the following:
- Heavy, bulky, or difficult-to-move items
- Driveways with limited access for moving trucks
- Multiple flights of stairs
- Full-service packing
- Tipping the moving crew on your moving day
Out of 1,000 movers we surveyed, the second-highest surprise cost was for large and difficult-to-move items.
What Is Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance provides vital financial protection for your belongings during a move, safeguarding you from potential losses or damages beyond what is covered by the basic liability options legally required of moving companies.
Moving companies must offer two basic liability options by federal law, and they include the following:
- Full value protection: This is the most comprehensive coverage movers provide. It must cover the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment with only a minimal deductible.
- Released value: This basic coverage is minimal, paying just 60 cents per pound per article lost or damaged, with no deductible. Many movers already include this protection in your moving package for free. It’s often not worth cutting costs, though. For example, if a 10-pound TV worth $500 got damaged, you’d only receive $6 back.
Long-Distance vs. Local Moves
The distinction between local and long-distance moves is important because it affects various aspects of the relocation process, including costs, logistics, and regulations.
- Distance: A local move is typically a relocation within a relatively short distance, usually within the same city or a radius of 50 to 100 miles from the point of origin. A long-distance move, also known as an interstate move, is a relocation that crosses state lines or covers a significant distance, often exceeding 100 miles or more.
- Regulation: State laws and local ordinances usually regulate local moves. Moving companies operating within a state may be required to obtain specific licenses or permits from the appropriate state authorities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates interstate moves. This organization oversees the licensing and operations of moving companies engaged in interstate commerce. Moving companies must comply with federal regulations, including maintaining proper insurance coverage and adhering to specific guidelines for interstate transportation.
- Pricing: Local moves are often priced based on an hourly rate, with additional charges for factors such as the number of movers required, the distance traveled, and any special services needed. Long-distance moves are typically priced based on the weight of the shipment and the distance traveled. Moving companies may also factor in additional costs, such as fuel surcharges, and provide binding or nonbinding estimates based on the services requested.
Best Moving Companies FAQ
How do I find the best movers in my area?
To find the best moving companies in your area, look at customer testimonials from several third-party sources to get a firm grasp of each company’s overall reputation. You should consult the FMCSA’s website to ensure that the company is actively licensed and insured. We also recommend contacting a company representative to ensure that your origin and destination cities fall within the mover’s standard coverage area.
Is paying a moving company worth it?
Paying a moving company is worth it if you want to relocate homes without the hassle of packing, loading, and transporting items. A full-service mover can help with each phase of your relocation efforts, allowing for a completely hands-off moving experience.
What are some benefits of hiring a moving company?
In addition to streamlining the packing, loading, and hauling responsibilities during a move, moving companies offer various specialty services. Depending on the company you choose, you can request assistance with tasks such as vehicle shipping, piano moving, junk removal, and storage.
How We Chose the Best Moving Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.
We also gathered pricing data from each of the companies and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. To determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as their overall score on Yelp.
