11 Best Moving Companies of November 2023

By Amanda Lutz

Nov 07, 2023

Affiliate Disclaimer: All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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. In this article, we will discuss our list of top 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.

 


 

The Best Moving Companies

Of the moving and storage companies we researched, these are the top 11 that we think you should consider for your move:

 


Star Rating BBB Rating Link
International Van Lines International Van Lines
B VISIT SITE
American Van Lines American Van Lines
A VISIT SITE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
B VISIT SITE
Moving APT Moving APT
B VISIT SITE
Safeway Moving Inc. Safeway Moving Inc.
A+ VISIT SITE
JK Moving Services JK Moving Services
A+ VISIT SITE
North American Van Lines North American Van Lines
A+ VISIT SITE
Allied Van Lines Allied Van Lines
A+ VISIT SITE
1-800-PACK-RAT 1-800-PACK-RAT
A VISIT SITE
U-Pack U-Pack
A+ VISIT SITE
Mayflower Moving Mayflower Moving
A+ VISIT SITE
International Van Lines
Logo International Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
American Van Lines
Logo American Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A
VISIT SITE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Logo Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Moving APT
Logo Moving APT
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Safeway Moving Inc.
Logo Safeway Moving Inc.
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
JK Moving Services
Logo JK Moving Services
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
North American Van Lines
Logo North American Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Allied Van Lines
Logo Allied Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
1-800-PACK-RAT
Logo 1-800-PACK-RAT
Star Rating
BBB Rating A
VISIT SITE
U-Pack
Logo U-Pack
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Mayflower Moving
Logo Mayflower Moving
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Providers
Star Rating
Best For
BBB Rating
Our Top Pick
B
Best for Antiques
A
Best for Major Cities
B
Best for Coordinated Moves
B
Best for Condos and HOAs
A+
Best Mobile App
A+
Best Customer Experience
A+
Best for Self-Service Moves
A
Best for Single Items
Best for Small Moves
A+
Best for Expedited Moves
A+

 

Close up man using adhesive tape dispenser, packing cardboard box

 

International Van Lines

Our Top Pick
4.7

International Van Lines was founded in 2000 as an international logistics company, and it continues to specialize in global relocation services to 180 countries—more than any other provider in our review.

What We Like

We like that IVL acts as the single point of contact and direct carrier for all of its international moves.  Additionally, we like that it provides assistance with air freight transportation, which is the fastest way to get your items door-to-door. High-end or rare vehicles can be shipped via ocean freight in exclusive, enclosed containers to protect them from the elements and potential damage from other vehicles.

IVL also provides domestic 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.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ 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

➖ Operates primarily as a broker
➖ Offers non-binding estimates

Cost

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
  • Payment Options: Credit card, cash, check, or money order

Moving Services

IVL’s full-service moving package includes:

  • Comprehensive packing assistance or fragile-only packing
  • Handling of bulky items and pianos for an additional fee
  • Long- and short-term storage solutions

IVL’s full-service options are available for both international and domestic moves. IVL also offers various contents coverage and insurance options to protect your shipment.

American Van Lines

Best for Antiques
4.4

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

What We Like

We like that American Van Line’s 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.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ Provides flat-rate pricing for all moves
➕ Employs movers who average a decade of experience
➕ Operates solely as a carrier

➖ Has limited local moving options
➖ Requires large deposits for booking

Cost

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
  • Payment Options: Cash, credit card, or check

Moving Services

As a full-service moving company, American Van Lines offers:

  • Packing and loading of your household goods.
  • Unloading and unpacking of your items at your new home
  • Temporary and permanent storage options
  • GPS tracking for all shipments
  • Full-service assistance for military moves

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Best for Major Cities
4.2

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.

What We Like

We like IMRG because it specializes in long-distance and cross-country moves but also works with local movers to serve the broader needs of its customers. It also has some flexibility for scheduling international moves. Because IMRG is a broker, it’s important to remember that the company is not liable for shipments it outsources to its partners.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ Offers price-matching for competing quotes
➕ Features guides and partner company bios online
➕ Provides a moving cost calculator tool online

➖ Operates solely as a broker
➖ Has varied customer reviews 

Cost

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: Varies
  • Payment Options: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card, or money order

Moving Services

IMRG can help personalize your moving services to match your needs. Flexible packing options are available, and if you wish to pack some of your own belongings, many of IMRG’s partners have packing materials for purchase.

For hands-off moves, IMRG has various full-service movers in its network that offer specialty services such as:

  • Vehicle shipping
  • GPS tracking for your shipments
  • Commerical moving

Moving APT

Best for Coordinated Moves
4.5

Moving APT is steadfast in its commitment to providing nationwide relocation services, partnering with more than 2,500 vetted moving companies. It holds authority exclusively as a broker, outsourcing all moving services.

What We Like

What we like about Moving APT is that it 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.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ Has more than 2,500 individual partners in all 50 states
➕ Provides local and long-distance service
➕ Offers price-matching for all moving quotes

➖ Services its moves through third-party carriers
➖ Has customer reviews that mention partner price-switching

Cost

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
  • Payment Options: Varies

Moving Services

Moving APT full-service partners offer comprehensive packing services, and its self-service partners, such as PODS, use portable container storage options that you will load. You will be able to choose from large national movers or more localized franchises, depending on your needs and preferences.

Moving APT can arrange numerous specialty services including:

  • Vehicle shipping
  • International relocation
  • Storage options
  • Custom crating

Safeway Moving Inc.

Best for Condos and HOAs
3.5

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.

What We Like

With a central focus on long-distance relocation, we like that 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.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ Offers binding estimates for all moves
➕ Requires partners to carry $1 million insurance policies
➕ Provides 30 days of free storage with all moves

➖ Requires large deposits
➖ Offers no local moving options

Cost

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:
  • Deposit: 40% of total cost
  • Payment Options: Cash, credit card, wire transfer, and several additional options

Moving Services

Safeway’s long-distance moves include:

  • Full-service packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking assistance
  • Short- and long-term storage options
  • Custom crating for fragile and high-value items

For Safeway’s senior moves, it makes firm statements on its website advocating the extra attention it will give to senior customers to help ensure a more seamless transition to a new home.

JK Moving Services

Best Mobile App
4.9

JK Moving Services has been focused on providing high-quality customer service since 1982. You’ll work with a personal moving coordinator to create a custom full-service moving package and select additional services from vehicle relocation to specialty moving of antique furniture, artwork, pianos, and Pelotons.

What We Like

We like JK Moving for its full-service packages which include full-replacement value protection. This moving insurance coverage is based on the actual value of your belongings and is the amount the company will reimburse you if items are lost, damaged, or stolen in transit. Not to worry, though, JK Moving has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)* and is so reliable that it’s received just seven FMCSA complaints in the past three years.

*BBB ratings accurate as of November 2023.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ Provides GPS tracking for move shipments
➕ Trains its movers in a fully-furnished house
➕ Background-checks its movers

➖ Requires a phone call for sample pricing and quotes
➖ Offers limited local moving options

Cost

JK Moving requires an in-person or virtual walk-through to provide a binding estimate for larger homes. During this process, your personal moving coordinator will make a complete inventory of your household items, identify any potentially hard-to-move pieces, and assess architectural features, such as winding staircases, which may complicate your move. This process allows JK Moving to determine the right number of movers to dispatch and any special equipment they’ll need on your moving day.

We worked with a JK Moving coordinator to obtain the ballpark moving quote listed below. This quote includes packing, furniture disassembly, wrapping and padding, loading, and unloading for all household items, as well as full-replacement value protection.

  • Sample Quote: $7,500 (2 bedroom move from Las Vegas, NV to Denver, CO)
  • Deposit: $250
  • Payment Options: Credit card, cash, or check

Moving Services

JK Moving offers services including:

  • Customizable full-service packing
  • Allows you to choose from several tiers of DIY packing and comprehensive assistance
  • Residential and commercial moves

JK Moving specializes in long-distance and international moving services and has limited availability for local moves within state lines. Live customer support is available 24 hours a day.

North American Van Lines

Best for High-End Appliances
4.8

North American Van Lines (NAVL) holds more than 85 years of moving experience and, with its extensive network of 500 local moving partners, offers services nationwide. 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.

What We Like

We like that 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.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ Has more than 500 locations in 50 states
➕ Offers bottom-line pricing for all moves
➕ Features a reliable damage claims process

➖ Has varied customer reviews depending on location
➖ Outsources some of its services

Cost

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
  • Payment Options: Credit card, cash, or certified check

Moving Services

NAVL offers moving services including:

  • Full-service offerings for residential moves
  • Coordinating corporate relocations
  • Relocation consultants to help plan employee relocations to fall within your company’s budget and timeline.
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities under short- or long-term contracts

With a nationwide network of moving agents, NAVL works with local movers and long-distance moving specialists in addition to providing in-house services.

Allied Van Lines

Best Customer Experience
4.7

Founded in 1928, Allied Van Lines is one of the longest-running moving companies in the United States and is available in all 50 states along with more than 130 countries. Like JK Moving, Allied 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.

What We Like

Though Allied focuses on full-service moves, we like that 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.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ Provides in-house vehicle shipping service
➕ Offers Allied Express service for small moves
➕ Has local and long-distance moving capabilities

➖ Provides non-binding estimates
➖ Has limited customer service hours

Cost

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
  • Payment Options: Credit card, cash, or check

Moving Services

Allied offers multiple moving services including:

  • Full-service packing option
  • Corporate relocation services to help families relocate due to work requirements
  • Sells packing supplies in its convenient moving kits for customers who request to do some level of packing on their own
  • Vehicle shipping, using Allied’s own trailers for many of its auto transport services.
  • Portable moving containers that can be used for small moves or as convenient short-term storage on your own property

1-800-PACK-RAT

Best for Self-Service Moves
3.9

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.

What We Like

We like the convenience of PACK-RAT, due to the fact that they will deliver a waterproof, steel, portable storage container to your home. After you’ve loaded your container, the company will pick it up and deliver it to your new home. If it takes you longer to pack, or if you choose to use PACK-RAT as a storage option—to house your college-age child’s belongings while they’re home for the summer, for example—you may purchase more time at a flat rate.

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.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ 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

➖ Has limited locations across the country
➖ Features negative reviews regarding hidden fees

Cost

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
  • Payment Options: Credit card

Moving Services

PACK-RAT is a self-service provider and with its basic offerings, you will be responsible for loading and unloading its portable storage containers. However, the company does partner with Hire A Helper to set customers up with full packing and loading assistance as requested.

uShip

Best for Single Items
3.6

uShip is an online platform where customers connect directly to more than 800,000 shippers. We recommend uShip for moves involving one or a few items.

What We Like

We like uShip for smaller moves because it can help with moving large, single items like cars, jet skis, and antiques. You create a profile on the uShip platform and post shipping job requests online. After uShip recommends five-star shippers who can move your item, you can accept a bid from the shipper that best fits your needs. Then it acts like an Uber for your grandmother’s armoire.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ Partners with more than 40,000 carriers and owner/operators across the country
➕ Allows clients to negotiate with drivers and carriers for shipping needs
➕ Features many carriers that offer GPS shipping

➖ Has no vetting requirements for carriers
➖ Features negative reviews about the claims process for damaged goods

Cost

The job you accept on uShip acts as a binding estimate for the shipment; then uShip charges a service fee that is adjusted based on your shipment’s total.

  • Sample Quote: $706–$890 (shipping a 2021 Jaguar F-Type with an enclosed carrier from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO)
  • Deposit: Varies
  • Payment Options: Debit or credit card

Moving Services

Because uShip is an online marketplace, the services offered will largely depend on the carrier bidding for your services. However, uShip makes it easy to find the services you need by providing several categories to choose from when starting your move request. You can request assistance with moving services including:

  • Home moves
  • Office moves
  • Pet relocation

The flagship service of uShip is its vehicle relocation option, which includes:

  • An enclosed carrier to protect your rare or classic car from the elements during transit
  • A user-friendly mobile app
  • The ability to track your shipment via GPS and contact your shipper directly

U-Pack

Best for Small Moves
3.1

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.

What We Like

One thing we like about U-Pack for smaller moves is that you can rent ReloCubes, 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.

Benefits and Drawbacks

➕ 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

➖ Offers no local moving services
➖ Has more limited service options than other container movers

Cost

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
  • Payment Options: Credit card

Moving Services

U-Pack does not offer full-service packing or unpacking assistance, requiring customers to perform all packing and loading duties. Its ReloCubes fit inside a standard parking space and can usually hold the items from a single room. Because of the small footprint, U-Pack markets to students and members of the military who need to relocate minimal belongings. For long-term storage needs, you can also rent a ReloCube for extended periods of time.

 


 

Comparing the Best Moving Companies

See how our top movers compare in several categories that can make or break the customer experience:

Moving CompanyStorageCar ShippingFree CancellationMobile App

IVL

American

IMRG

✔*

✔*

Moving APT

✔*

✔*

Safeway

JK Moving

NAVL

Varies**

Allied

Varies**

PACK-RAT

uShip

✔*

✔*

U-Pack

*These companies are either brokers or an online marketplace and do not handle moves directly. However, companies in their network may provide these services.

**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.

 


 

Our Best Moving Company 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:

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. Make Sure they Service Your Location

It’s always best to make sure you are choosing a moving company that will work well in your location, see the top recommended moving companies for your state:

5. 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.

 


 

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.

A long-distance move involves different cost factors, often including the following:

Weight and volume of the shipment

Distance from pick-up and drop-off locations

Contents coverage or third-party insurance

Specialty services

Booking deposit or broker fee

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.

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 financial protection for your move in the event of a lost or damaged shipment. These insurance policies differ from the contents coverage options offered by interstate moving companies as required by law. Moving insurance is a contract between you and a third-party insurance agency that typically affords more comprehensive coverage. Contents coverage is a contract between you and the mover that may be more limited in scope.


Long-Distance vs. Local Moves

Before booking moving services, it’s important to understand the primary differences between local and long-distance moves. See a breakdown below of the main differences between these two types of moves.

LocalLong-Distance

Mileage

50 miles or less

100 miles or more

Billing

Hourly rate

Flat-rate

Regulated By

State

Federal

 


 

Best Moving Companies FAQ

How do I find the best movers in my area?

To find the best movers 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 Top 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.