7 Best Moving Companies in Alaska

By Sean Donnelly

Nov 03, 2023
Packed household stuff for moving into new house. Boxes, plants, and carpets being prepared to move.

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Planning a full-service move in a more remote state can present additional challenges and logistical hurdles. We’ve thoroughly researched the best moving companies nationwide to help you with a range of moving needs. We narrowed our list to seven movers offering quality logistics management and local and long-distance moving services in Alaska. We recommend getting free quotes from the providers below to start planning your move in the Last Frontier.

 


 

The Best Movers in Alaska

Here are Best Overall Mover for local and interstate movers in Alaska:

 


 

Best Overall Mover: International Van Lines

Why International Van Lines Stands Out

International Van Lines (IVL) has the widest reach of any moving company we’ve researched. It began handling domestic moving services in 2004 and offers international moving to 180 countries.

IVL offers a comprehensive range of basic and add-on services, along with dedicated moving coordinators for each move it takes on. This provider strives to provide stress-free moving experiences, starting with an efficient quote process.

Cost

IVL provided us with speedy pricing when we called for a quote. All cost figures offered were ballpark estimates, which are more reliable when you schedule an in-person inspection or video call. If you’re booking a long-distance move, we noted that IVL offers free storage for a month. Delivery to your home from storage is included in the base price.

Services

International Van LinesAlaska movers offer basic and add-on services to efficiently settle you into your new home. Services include commercial moving options, custom crating, packing, storage, unpacking, and more.

Read more: International Van Lines Review

 


 

Best Appliance Movers: North American Van Lines

Why North American Van Lines Stands Out

North American Van Lines (NAVL) operates one of the largest moving networks in the United States. Its 500-plus local partners and moving agents in all 50 states provide everything from professional moving labor to full-service relocations.

NAVL provides bottom-line and not-to-exceed pricing options, which eliminate any surprises when you get your final bill on your move date. This professional moving company also features among the most efficient claims processes in the industry. You can get compensated if anything goes wrong with your move.

Cost

NAVL offered quick ballpark pricing when we called for a quote. The representative we spoke with was quick to clarify the individual costs of basic add-ons, such as packing services and specially catered care for household goods. If you’re planning a long-distance move with this carrier, we recommend getting a visual or in-person assessment of your things to receive binding rates.

Services

North American Van Lines features standout appliance installation and detachment service. Whether you’re moving a standard fridge or a specialized unit with a water line, NAVL can install it in your new home. It also offers standard crating, packing, storage, and more from its location in Anchorage and beyond.

Read more: North American Van Lines Review

 


 

Best for Major Cities: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Why Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Stands Out

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a moving broker that has partners across all 50 states. Its partner providers range from self-service to full-service moving companies, so IMRG can suit every moving need.

IMRG provides moving guides and resources to help you move within major urban areas. These guides may prove useful if you’re planning a major interstate move from Alaska to a larger city in the lower 48 states.

Cost

IMRG charges 33% deposits for long-distance moves that it contracts to its partner carriers. It offers price matching, although it does not provide binding estimates for lengthier moves. When we called for a quote, we spent roughly half an hour on the phone. All pricing is non-binding and contingent on accurate logging of inventory.

Services

IMRG’s partners provide both long-distance and local moves within Alaska. Once you get your free moving quote, IMRG will put you in contact with moving companies near you who can provide crating, storage services, packing, vehicle shipping, and more.

Read more: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Review

 


 

Best for Coordinated Moves: Moving APT

Why Moving APT Stands Out

Moving APT is a moving broker that services moves in all 50 states and has more than 2,500 long-distance and local mover partners. The customer service team at Moving APT helps customers through the self- or full-service moving process with online moving guides and resources for inexperienced homeowners and renters.

As a bonus, Moving APT provides price-matching capabilities, enabling it to offer lower pricing. However, be aware that some brokers book services with the lowest bidder, which could lead to spotty service depending on your location.

Cost

Moving APT doesn’t provide binding estimates. It advertises price matching for clients who receive lower pricing from competitors. However, its ability to offer price matching could be affected by local moving regulations and tariffs.

Our quote process with Moving APT lasted a total of 20 minutes across two calls. The first call was with a Moving APT representative, and the second was with one of its partner companies. Deposits range up to 33% when booking with this provider. All quotes can change on moving day if your inventory is greater than what you disclosed during the quote process.

Services

Moving APT’s partners include local and long-distance moving companies. These providers vary in quality, but all can offer basic move packages. Available services include packing, crating, and storage. Many of its partners offer specialized services, such as antique packing and crating, piano moving, vehicle shipping, and more.

Read more: Moving APT Review

 


 

Best for Condos and HOAs: Safeway Moving Inc.

Why Safeway Moving Inc. Stands Out

Safeway Moving Inc. is a veteran-owned moving broker and carrier based in Florida. While it has a small fleet of trucks for moves originating in Florida, it serves primarily as a broker for moves throughout the other 49 states.

This broker’s moving partners must carry $1 million in insurance policies, which exceeds industry minimum requirements. This requirement allows Safeway’s partners to operate within exclusive condo and apartment communities.

Cost

Safeway Moving Inc. offers flat rates for all moves. Deposits are 100% refundable, which allows you to book with peace of mind in case your plans change. The representative we spoke with spent nearly an hour on the phone with us to ensure accurate inventory logging and lock in a flat rate. They stressed that all binding quotes could potentially shift on moving day if our declared inventory weighed more than planned.

Services

Safeway Moving Inc. exclusively provides long-distance moving services in Alaska. It offers some light packing with each long-distance move package it books, along with 30 days of free storage at your destination. Other services include carting, long-term storage, vehicle shipping, and more.

Read more: Safeway Moving Inc. Review

 


 

Best for Small Moves: U-Pack

Why U-Pack Stands Out

U-Pack is among the most reliable self-service moving companies in the business. It has one of the widest shipping and service ranges of any provider we cover for Alaskan moves. This mover offers DIY service for long-distance relocations of 150 miles or more.

U-Pack’s service center in Anchorage provides transparent low pricing that rivals many of its competitors. This self-service provider offers speedy service, moving supplies, and moving labor when needed.

Cost

U-Pack has one of the most efficient quote processes for self-service and container movers. You can get your hassle-free quote online with just a few clicks and some basic information about your move. Its pay-for-what-you-use pricing structure means that your inventory’s volume will be the primary determining factor when it comes to pricing changes on moving day.

Services

U-Pack’s easy-to-understand pricing structure is largely due to the fact that it doesn’t offer numerous services in its basic moving packages. All basic quotes factor space requirements and move distance into the final figure. U-Pack offers a 27-foot moving trailer and an eight-foot ReloCube, each with three-day loading periods so you can pack at your own pace. It offers tiered protection plans for your items, along with packing materials if you need them.

 


 

Best Customer Experience: Allied Van Lines

Why Allied Van Lines Stands Out

Allied Van Lines operates throughout all 50 states and is one of the most recognized moving brands in the industry. Its trademark orange-and-black trucks can be seen on roads all over the country, as it handles more than 100,000 individual moves per year.

Allied’s calling cards are its diverse service profile and in-house vehicle shipping services. Its large moving vans enable it to handle most car and large vehicle shipping needs on its own, cutting down on the involvement of third-party carriers.

Cost

Allied Van Lines has an InstaQuote feature on its site that provides speedy ballpark pricing for all moves below four bedrooms in size. These prices are reliable, but we’ve noted they are often presented as wide ranges. These ranges account for the possible addition of services or inventory.

Allied’s quote process is easy to navigate. The representative we spoke to took 15 minutes to walk us through our ballpark estimate. However, you’ll need an in-home estimate to receive a binding cost assessment.

Services

Allied offers local, long-distance, and international moving assistance. International service includes shipment tracking and logistics management in more than 130 countries. Domestic moving services include packing, vehicle shipping, shipment tracking, contents protection plans, long-term storage, and more.

Read more: Allied Van Lines Review

 


 

Compare the Top Moving Companies in Alaska

We’ve included a side-by-side comparison of our top choices for moves within and beyond Alaska. Get free quotes from these providers to expedite your moving plan.

Star Rating BBB Rating Link
International Van Lines International Van Lines
B VISIT SITE
American Van Lines American Van Lines
A VISIT SITE
IMRG Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
B VISIT SITE
Safeway Safeway Moving Inc.
A+ VISIT SITE
Moving APT Moving APT
B VISIT SITE
JK Moving JK Moving Services
A+ VISIT SITE
Allied Allied Van Lines
A+ VISIT SITE
North American North American Van Lines
A+ VISIT SITE
United Van Lines United Van Lines
A+ VISIT SITE
Mayflower 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
IMRG
Logo Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Safeway
Logo Safeway Moving Inc.
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Moving APT
Logo Moving APT
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
JK Moving
Logo JK Moving Services
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Allied
Logo Allied Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
North American
Logo North American Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
United Van Lines
Logo United Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Mayflower
Logo Mayflower Moving
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE

 


 

Our Recommendation

We recommend getting quotes from at least three different providers before settling on your top choice, especially if you’re new to working with professional movers. Given Alaska’s remote location relative to the lower 48 states, any interstate move you plan will be a long-distance project that could require qualified professionals. Many of the movers listed here offer logistics management and direct moving assistance to simplify that process.

International Van Lines is our pick for any move going to Canada or overseas, and we also like the local options it offers. Consider North American Van Lines if your move requires specialized appliance installation or contents protection plans for valuables. Finally, if you’re moving to or within Juneau, Fairbanks, or Anchorage, Interstate Moving & Relocation Group can offer the coordination and efficiency you need for a smooth move.

 


 

Alaska Moving Companies FAQ

What does moving labor cost in Alaska?

Moving labor in Alaska averages $277 for two movers for two hours of work, according to U-Haul’s Moving Help data. Before booking, be aware that most moving labor providers charge two-hour minimums for service of any kind.

How are moving companies regulated in Alaska?

No state-level licensing is required for moving companies to operate within Alaska. However, interstate movers must carry basic business licensing and U.S. Department of Transportation numbers to transport household goods. You can look up a mover’s licensing status through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.

What is the cost of living in Alaska?

The overall cost of living in Alaska is 16.5% higher than the national average, according to bestplaces.net. The cost of housing alone falls near the average with a median home price of $336,100. Utilities (69.8% higher) and groceries (41.7% higher) are the main reasons for the state’s high cost of living overall.

 


 

How We Chose the Top Moving Companies in Alaska

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.