Most Affordable Moving Companies for 2024
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Moving can be an expensive endeavor. We surveyed 1,000 consumers and found that 60% of them purchased a partial or full-service move from a professional moving company, and a majority of them paid between $1,000 and $4,000 for their move.
Picking the right professional movers can help make the moving process stress-free and allow you to avoid frustrating, hidden expenses. In this guide, we’ll give you details about moving services, storage options, and insurance coverage to help you select the right company for your upcoming relocation. We’ll also guide you through what you need to know to avoid unnecessary costs.
388 movers requested and received a free no-obligation quote from one of the above companies in the last 30 days.
The Most Affordable Moving Companies of 2024
Here are the most affordable movers according to our rating methodology:
Compare the Most Affordable Moving Companies
Here are the best and most affordable moving companies according to our rating methodology:
Company | Star Rating | Best For | BBB Rating | Cost Range | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Moving | B | $4,200-$6,150 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
High-Value Goods | A | $6,000–$7,600 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Condos and HOAs | A+ | – | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Major Cities | B | $6,000–$7,500 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Coordinated Moves | B | $7,250–$9,100 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Appliance Moving | A+ | $8,480–$9,380 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Customer Experience | A+ | $8,513–$9,415 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Self-Service Moves | A | $7,000–$8,872 | GET ESTIMATE |
Note: The sample cost quotes above are for a 3-bedroom move from San Francisco, California to Denver, Colorado.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Your Move?
The following factors may influence the overall cost of your move:
- Distance of your move
- Mileage
- Gas
- Size of your move (measured in total weight of items)
- Size of your moving crew
- The hours worked by the moving crew and their hourly rate
- Time of year you are moving
- Special handling of large and/or fragile items
- Your home’s layout and any difficult access points (narrow hallways, steep staircases, etc.)
- Any applicable toll and fuel charges, especially for cross-country moves
How Can I Save Money on a Move?
It’s possible to save money on a move by packing your own car or picking up a moving truck rental, but this can be a bigger hassle than you may be willing to endure. Luckily, there are a few ways you can cut the cost of your move with a professional moving company:
Think About Downsizing
Move Outside of Peak Season
Try a Do-It-Yourself Option
Look For Price-Matching
Our Thorough Reviews of Affordable Moving Companies
International Van Lines
Our Top Pick
Founded as an international logistics company in 2000, International Van Lines (IVL) specializes in global relocation services. Though IVL specializes in international moves, it also provides domestic moving services for both local and interstate moves, including a variety of add-on services.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides long-distance and local service across all 50 states
- Offers specialized large-item moving and handling services with set added fees
- Grants refunds of deposits with more than 48 hours’ notice for cancellations
Cons
- Has a track record of poor communication after booking, per negative reviews
- Outsources most of its domestic moves
Cost
IVL’s moving calculator tool provided us with a sample quote for a 3-bedroom move. That same move would cost between $6,000 and $8,700 for a four-bedroom home, and it would cost $7,200 to $11,250 for a five-bedroom home. IVL can provide a more precise binding estimate once you complete an online quote form and in-home or virtual survey with a customer service representative.
Sample Quote: $4,200–$6,150 (3-bedroom move from Dallas, TX to Phoenix, AZ in late April)
Deposit: 25% of your total moving cost
To find out the cost of your move, get a free quote from International Van Lines.
Moving Services Offered
- Full-Service
- Local
- International
- Long-Distance
- Vehicle transport
- Custom Crating
- Junk removal
- Deposit Refund Available
- 30 Free Days of Storage for Long-Distance Moves
American Van Lines
Best for Antiques
American Van Lines is a great option if you are looking to transport fine art, priceless antiques, or other high-value items. The company focuses on hiring and retaining experienced movers that can expertly pack, load, and transport items that require special handling. American Van Lines claims its movers hold an average of 10 years of experience, and it hires them on a full-time basis rather than the standard moving industry practice of contractual labor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides long-distance and local service across all 50 states
- Offers specialized large-item moving and handling services with set added fees
- Grants refunds of deposits with more than 48 hours’ notice for cancellations
Cons
- Has a track record of poor communication after booking, per negative reviews
- Outsources most of its domestic moves
Cost
American Van Lines works only with binding estimates for flat-rate, accurate pricing. To provide this pricing, AVL requires you to allow either an in-person or virtual survey of your home and inventory. American Van Lines accepts cash, credit cards, and checks. It also offers price matching, which allows you to avoid unnecessarily high prices.
Sample Quote: $9,275 (4-bedroom move from Dallas, TX to Phoenix, AZ)
Deposit: 50% of your total moving cost
Moving Services Offered
- Full-Service
- Exclusively Long-Distance
- Art / Antiques
- Cars / Vehicles
- High-Value Items
- Offer Full and Partial Service
- Storage Service Add-Ons
Safeway Moving Inc.
Best for Condos/HOAs
Safeway Moving Inc. is another nationally recognized mover. Its’s key services involve larger homes and out-of-state relocations, but it can service most moving needs. Its $1,000,000 insurance policy requirement for its moving partners make it one of the best moving companies for relocations in neighborhoods with homeowners associations (HOAs). Safeway’s core values of integrity and accountability are primarily demonstrated by its commitment to flat-rate pricing, which means customers won’t have to pay surprise charges on moving day.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides flat-rate pricing for all moves
- Donates a portion of all move profits to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Offers discounts for senior citizens
Cons
- Offers varied services by location
- Provides long-distance moving only
Cost
Safeway’s flat-rate pricing means that all relocations will be quoted a single all-inclusive price. To start the process and get a free quote from Safeway, you’ll have to contact a representative via its phone number at 844-886-1118 or fill out a quote form online.
As a bonus, Safeway includes 30 free days of storage with all moves. Depending on the moving partner that books your move, this will most likely be at your move’s destination point rather than your point of origin.
To find out the cost of your move, get a free quote from Safeway Moving Inc.
Moving Services Offered
- Out-of-State Moves
- Specializes in Moves Involving HOA’s
- International Moves
- Specialty Item Shipping
- Packing Services Available
- 30 Free Days Storage
- No Surprise Charges
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Best for Major Cities
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a nationwide broker mainly focusing on long-distance relocations. However, its wide partner carrier network allows it to service plenty of local moving needs. Whether you’re looking for full-service or self-service moving assistance, you’ll likely be able to find an IMRG moving partner in your network that can help.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers moving guides and other customer resources on its website
- Responds quickly to quote requests
- Provides an instant ballpark quote tool on its site
Cons
- Has mixed reviews, depending on location and which of its partner companies is involved with a given move
- Requires 72 hours’ notice for deposit refunds after move cancellations
Cost
IMRG has a handy cost estimator tool on its site that can help you get a ballpark estimate. Beyond that, you’ll have to fill out a quote request form on IMRG’s homepage to have an IMRG moving representative contact you.
You can get an estimate over the phone, but we recommend an in-home or visual consultation via video call to get a truly binding estimate. Costs from IMRG will be based on the given partner your move is assigned to, as well as your move’s distance and size.
To find out the cost of your move, get a free quote from Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Moving Services Offered
- Long-Distance
- Full-Service
- Self-Service
- Shipping Across 50 States
- Packing Services Available
- Storage and Crating Services
Moving APT
Best for Coordinated Moves
Moving APT was founded in 1999 as a small five-person operation. It has since expanded to a larger team that facilitates moves across all 50 states. It now operates through more than 2,500 individual moving partners. Moving APT’s website stands as one of its strongest features. It includes an easy-to-use cost calculator tool for preliminary estimates, moving guides, and partner company information to help ensure that customers are well-informed ahead of their relocations.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides partner bios and helpful information on its site
- Offers price-matching
- Has a 24/7 customer service line
Cons
- Provides varied quality of service across different locations
- Offers different ranges of add-on services, depending on partners in your area
Cost
Moving APT’s quote process begins when you submit a quote form on its homepage or when you call its phone number at 855-910-1001. Once you’ve spoken to a Moving APT consultant, your basic move details will be transferred to one of its partners in your area.
After you’ve been put into contact with one of Moving APT’s partners, you’ll schedule an in-home or video-call consultation with a representative. Deposit amounts and billing methods will depend on the partner handling your move.
To find out the cost of your move, get a free quote from Moving APT.
Moving Services Offered
- Long-Distance
- Interstate
- Local
- Shipping Across 50 States
- Standard Add-On Services Available
North American Van Lines
Best for High-End Appliances
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has more than 85 years of experience in the moving industry and features an extensive network of more than 500 local movers. Your move will still be coordinated and backed by NAVL, which ensures you have access to all of the company’s full-service offerings, add-ons, and moving resources.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Operates more than 500 locations around the country to provide moving services to a large number of potential customers
- Offers flat-rate and bottom-line pricing plans to avoid surprise fees
- Has an app that allows customers to track their moves at all points
Cons
- Has varied reviews depending on the location
- Brokers out some moves to third-party carriers
Cost
North American Van Lines provided us with an instant online quote. This ballpark quote includes packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking, as well as GPS tracking and basic carrier liability coverage at 60 cents per pound per item. If your home is larger, NAVL will provide a binding estimate once you complete an in-person or virtual assessment of your home.
Sample Quote: $6,435-$7,110 (3-bedroom home moving from Dallas, TX to Phoenix, AZ)
Deposit: No up-front deposit is required.
To find out the cost of your move, get a free quote from North American Van Lines.
Moving Services Offered
- Full-Service
- Long-Distance
- Vehicle shipping
- Fragile Item shipping
- Oversized Pieces shipping
- Disconnection/Reconnection of Appliances
- Has a Mobile App
- Flat-Rate Plans
Allied Van Lines
Best Customer Experience
Founded in 1928, Allied Van Lines is one of the oldest movers on this list. Similar to JK Moving, Allied provides a personal moving coordinator for added customer service. In addition to standard full-service options such as packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading, Allied also offers a fragile-only packing service.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides 24/7 shipment tracking services
- Offers an expedited moving service for smaller moves via Allied Express
- Assigns a single move coordinator for each move as a point of contact
Cons
- Requires phone or in-person estimates for large moves
- Has slow response times for damage claims, per many customer reviews
Cost
Allied Van Lines’ online moving calculator gave us a ballpark moving quote. This quote includes packing and unpacking services, as well as loading, transportation, unloading, GPS tracking, basic carrier liability coverage, and associated fuel and toll cost.
Sample Quote: $6,462-7,141 (3-bedroom home moving from Dallas, TX to Phoenix, AZ in late March)
Deposit: No up-front deposit is required.
To find out the cost of your move, get a free quote from Allied Van Lines.
Moving Services Offered
- Full-Service
- Long-Distance
- Vehicle Shipping
- Fragile Items shipping
- Oversized Pieces (pianos, pool tables, etc.) shipping
- Offers Self-Service with Assistance
- Offers Expedited Service
- Fragile Only Option
1-800-PACK-RAT
Best for Self-Service Moves
An excellent option for anyone with a smaller number of items, 1-800-PACK-RAT is Best Overall Mover for a self-service mover. PACK-RAT provides waterproof steel portable storage containers that it delivers directly to your home. You then load your items at your own pace within a 30-day rental period. Once loaded, PACK-RAT picks up the containers and delivers them to your new home. It is a DIY service, however, they do offer third-party assistance via HireAHelper.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes $10,000 in contents protection for all long-distance moves
- Provides all-steel weatherproof containers for all moves
- Offers tiered protection plans for all goods
Cons
- Offers limited coverage in 30 states
- Provides no online booking option
Cost
One of 1-800-PACK-RAT’s 16-foot containers holds up to 6,000 pounds, which is about two or three rooms of furniture and items. Inclcuded with drop-off and pick-up is transportation to your new home, a security lock, and coverage of up to $10,000 on your items. The PACK-RAT representative we spoke to during our quote process also mentioned that the company is willing to price match with competitors offering a similar service.
Sample Quote: ~$2,538 (Single container from Dallas, TX to Phoenix, AZ)
Deposit: No up-front deposit is required.
To find out the cost of your move, get a free quote from 1-800-PACK-RAT.
Moving Services Offered
- Self-Service
- Long-Distance
- Local
- Provide You With Steel Waterproof Containers to Pack at Your Pace
- Offers Third-Party Assistance
- 3 Different Container Sizes
How Do I Choose an Affordable Moving Company?
Selecting a moving provider with competitive pricing starts with taking a complete and honest inventory of your belongings. You will need this list for full-service companies that will use it in the process of providing binding estimates.
Should you decide that your move is small enough to handle on your own, a moving container company like 1-800-PACK-RAT has online tools to help you determine container sizes and how many moving containers you need to transport your items.
Out of 1,000 consumers we surveyed, we found that the second most common surprise cost was the additional charge for large and difficult items. You should note in advance whether you need specialty services, such as electronics crating or vehicle shipping. Most moving companies will charge a hefty premium for tacking on these services at the last minute, which may feel like a hidden fee. Providing this information upfront will help you accurately compare the quotes from each full-service mover.
Which Affordable Moving Company is Right for You?
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive moving experience, we recommend International Van Lines. Overall, you will find that the most affordable moving option will be a self-service provider like 1-800-PACK-RAT—so long as you are willing to handle a large portion of the work yourself or are looking to move just a few specialty items. Though all of these providers are top choices for affordable movers, we encourage you to request quotes from at least three movers to get a better idea of the services you will receive for the cost.
Affordable Moving FAQ
What is the best single way to save money on a move?
The best way to save money on a move is to downsize. Selling or otherwise getting rid of unneeded items before your relocation will save your movers time and space in their trucks when they arrive on moving day. This will lead to a shorter and cheaper move.
What time of year is the most expensive time to move?
Summer is the most expensive time of year to move. Moving companies cope with higher demand in the warmer months, which can lead to rate increases.
Should I buy used packing supplies?
Buying used packing supplies off Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is a great way to save money. Some people even give these away for free to save space. However, if you’re planning on packing valuables or antiques, we recommend buying new packing supplies to ensure the safety of your items.
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.