Best Moving Companies

We compared 145 companies and chose the top movers

    • Best overall
      Northern Moving Systems
      4.9(81)
    • Affordability
      PODS
      4.6(4,375)
    • International moves
      FlatRate Moving
      4.3(170)
    +2 more
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Moving Companies

    Based on thousands of verified reviews and our analysis of moving costs, availability and storage and packing options, Northern Moving Systems is the top moving company in 2025. PODS is a great option for a tight budget, and Colonial Van Lines is known for its accurate quotes, which is a huge factor when it comes to planning expenses.

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    Our 7 picks for the best movers

    1. Best overall: Northern Moving Systems
    2. Best for affordability: PODS
    3. Best for international moves: FlatRate Moving
    4. Best moving crews: Perennial Van Lines
    5. Best customer service: Interstate Moving & Relocation
    6. Best storage options: International Van Lines
    7. Best quote accuracy: Colonial Van Lines

    Our research team compared dozens of companies and chose our top seven picks based on customer reviews and ratings, additional services offered, available discounts, storage options and deposit requirements.

    For more details on how we selected our top picks, read our full methodology. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations. Our publishing policy ensures that the journalistic content and user reviews on ConsumerAffairs remain independent of commercial influences.

    Learn more about movers
    Northern Moving Systems
    Storage options
    Yes
    Local
    Yes
    International
    No
    Discounts
    None specified

    Northern Moving Systems’ reviewers on our site are overwhelmingly happy with the company’s customer service, price and quote accuracy, as well as the moving crews’ punctuality and careful packing. It’s available across the U.S. for residential, commercial and corporate moves. Northern Moving Systems is a carrier, which means it owns and operates its own fleet of trucks versus operating as an intermediary between the customer and the mover.

    Northern Moving Services offer full-service packing and unpacking, as well as long-term, short-term and in-transit storage. You can also opt for specialized packing services for your fragile items. The company also has materials (boxes, etc.) for those who want to do DIY packing.

    • Estimate for a 500-mile move: $3,946.89*
    • Quote type: Binding and nonbinding
    • Deposit: About 25% (may vary)

    *Based on a quote for a basic move from Chicago, Illinois, to Kansas City, Missouri, for a two-bedroom home

    Northern Moving Services (USDOT 4216383) is a fully licensed and insured carrier. Its insurance coverage includes bodily injury and property damage insurance up to $750,000, cargo insurance and optional full value insurance.

    Pros

    • Price-match guarantee
    • Available nationwide
    • 30 days of free storage
    • Careful handling of delicate items, according to reviewers

    Cons

    • No international moves
    • No app

    Northern Moving Systems has the highest satisfaction rate of all our picks for the following:

    • Moving crews
    • Punctuality
    • Customer service
    • Packing
    • Price
    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    PODS
    Storage options
    Yes
    Local
    Yes
    International
    Yes
    Discounts
    Military, friend referral, long-term storage

    PODS is a bit different from our other picks in that it provides portable moving containers for you to load and unload yourself. This DIY element makes it more affordable overall, but it’s also convenient for those who want a more flexible schedule for their move. PODS also offers several discounts, including for military service members, friend referrals and long-term storage.

    While PODS won’t pack your belongings for you, it can recommend third-party movers if you’d like packing services. It provides moving containers for commercial, corporate, military and government moves. You can also store your belongings with PODS — the company offers short- and long-term storage in small, medium or large containers.

    • Estimate for a 500-mile move: $2,963.78*
    • Quote type: Nonbinding
    • Deposit: None

    *Based on a quote for a basic move from Chicago, Illinois, to Kansas City, Missouri, for a two-bedroom home — does not include loading and unloading.

    PODS (USDOT 1397252) is a fully licensed, insured and bonded carrier and broker. It offers bodily injury and property damage insurance up to $2,000,000, as well as optional limited liability and full value insurance.

    Pros

    • Flexible loading and unloading
    • Relatively affordable
    • No deposit
    • Available in most states

    Cons

    • Not available in Alaska, Montana or North Dakota
    • May not be available in remote locations
    • No loading or unloading services

    Reviewers on our site particularly appreciate PODS’ helpful customer service representatives.

    3x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Moving Experience and Best Overall Value
    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    FlatRate Moving
    Storage options
    Yes
    Local
    Yes
    International
    Yes
    Discounts
    Seasonal

    While FlatRate Moving isn’t available in every city and town in the U.S., it has hubs in every region, several international offices and a dedicated international moving department to make overseas moves less stressful. As its name implies, stands out for its flat-rate fee structure, which helps customers budget appropriately. Reviewers on our site also appreciate the comprehensive packing services and the features on the app.

    FlatRate provides services for commercial, residential and military moves. It offers short-term and long-term storage options in small, medium and large units with 24/7 monitoring and security. (Note that storage is only available in New Jersey and specific cities: New York City; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Washington, D.C.; and Miami).

    The company offers full-service, partial and fragile-item packing, including custom crating and packing services for fine art. It also has an app that lets you take inventory of your belongings for an accurate quote and track your moving truck once transport begins.

    • Estimate for a 500-mile move: $8,475*
    • Quote type: Binding
    • Deposit: Flat rate based on mileage, cubic feet and complexity

    *Based on a quote for a basic move from Chicago, Illinois, to Kansas City, Missouri, for a two-bedroom home

    FlatRate Moving (USDOT 488466) is a fully licensed, insured and bonded carrier, complying with regulations from the New York Department of Transportation. For interstate moves, it’s regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission. It offers two types of in-house insurance coverage: released value (up to 60 cents per pound) and full value (covers the entire value of your lost or damaged items). You can also get a third-party coverage plan.

    Pros

    • Fine art packing and custom crating
    • International offices
    • App for virtual inventory and truck tracking

    Cons

    • Not all services available in all U.S. locations
    • Some complaints of rates changing after the initial quote

    Reviewers on our site frequently mention that FlatRate’s quote process is simple and that they appreciate the clarity in pricing.

    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Overall Value
    Best quote accuracy
    Perennial Van Lines
    Storage options
    Yes
    Local
    No
    International
    No
    Discounts
    Not disclosed

    Perennial Van Lines reviewers on our site often mention satisfaction with the moving crews assigned to their relocations. They particularly seem to appreciate the punctuality of the movers — when crews aren’t on time, it can really throw a wrench in your plans. The company is a broker with moving services available in 43 states and Washington, D.C.

    Perennial Van Lines offers residential and commercial moving, car shipping and full-service packing and unpacking. If unforeseen circumstances put you in a position where you need your belongings stored, the company has temporary storage options available.

    • Quote type: Online and phone
    • Deposit: Varies by carrier

    Perennial Van Lines (USDOT 3197151) is a fully licensed, insured and bonded moving broker. It offers surety bond coverage up to $75,000.

    Pros

    • Car shipping available
    • Custom crating options
    • Temporary storage in case of emergency

    Cons

    • Not available in all states
    • Customer service can be hard to reach
    • No local or moves

    In addition to the accuracy of the quotes, reviewers are generally very happy with Perennial Van Lines’ moving crews, frequently mentioning their speed and careful packing.

    Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
    Storage options
    Yes
    Local
    Yes
    International
    No
    Discounts
    None specified

    Interstate Moving & Relocation Group reviews on our site often mention exceptional customer service, accurate price quotes and quick solutions in the event of communication or transport issues. While the company is a broker, reviewers overwhelmingly seem happy with its many local carriers — over a recent three-year period, it received the highest percentage of customers who were pleased with the moving crews.

    Interstate Moving & Relocation Group facilitates commercial, residential and military moves, as well as car shipping. Because it’s a broker, storage services vary — your options depend on your local carrier.

    The company offers full-service packing and can connect you with local packing companies for custom services.

    • Estimate for a 500-mile move: $6,000 to $8,000*
    • Quote type: Binding and nonbinding
    • Deposit: Varying percentage

    *Based on a quote for a basic move from Chicago, Illinois, to Kansas City, Missouri, for a two-bedroom home

    Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (USDOT 3034100) is a licensed broker. It offers surety bond coverage up to $75,000 and a limited liability option, which covers 60 cents per pound per lost or damaged article. You can also opt for third-party insurance.

    Pros

    • Nationwide agent network
    • Full-service packing (works with local packing companies)
    • Offers car shipping

    Cons

    • No app
    • Storage options dependent on local carrier

    In reviews on our site, Interstate Moving & Relocation Group customers often highlight the company’s great customer service and professional staff.

    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    International Van Lines
    Storage options
    Yes
    Local
    Yes
    International
    Yes
    Discounts
    None specified

    International Van Lines offers a free month of storage when you move, and reviewers on our site frequently report being happy with the company’s price, customer service and punctual movers. If you anticipate needing extra space for your things until you get settled, IVL is a great option.

    International Van Lines handles commercial and residential relocations. It also offers shipping for cars, RVs, motorcycles and boats. The company has short- and long-term storage options, and customers get 30 days of free storage after their move.

    With IVL, you can opt for basic transport with no added services, or you can pay a premium for full-service packing.

    • Estimate for a 500-mile move: $4,252*
    • Quote type: Binding and nonbinding
    • Deposit: One-third of the total

    *Based on a quote for a basic move from Chicago, Illinois, to Kansas City, Missouri, for a two-bedroom home

    IVL (USDOT 2293832) functions as both a licensed broker and a carrier. If you pay for packing services, the cost of insurance is 3% of the total declared value of your items (4% for full-service packing). To receive this coverage, you’ll have to turn in an insurance form the week before the move. For DIY packing, you can purchase total loss coverage for 2% of the declared value, but this covers you only if your items are lost, not damaged.

    Limited liability, which covers 60 cents per pound of your belongings, and full replacement cost insurance are also available in-house.

    Pros

    • Month of free storage
    • Full-service packing
    • Vehicle shipping services available
    • Operates all over the U.S. and internationally

    Cons

    • Functions as a broker and a carrier (you might have to deal with a third party)
    • Local moves are limited to certain cities
    • No app

    Recent reviews from happy IVL customers on our site frequently mention the company’s prompt and effective communication and processes, even when the moves are complicated.

    3x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Moving Experience and Best Overall Value
    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    Colonial Van Lines
    Storage options
    Yes
    Local
    No
    International
    No
    Discounts
    Seasonal

    Reviewers on our site often mention satisfaction with the accuracy of the quotes they received — and accurate quotes can make a huge difference when you’re budgeting carefully. They also appreciate the careful packing services and the punctuality and performance of the moving staff. Overall, we think Colonial is a great choice if you want a reliable, consistent, tried-and-true mover.

    Colonial Van Lines offers comprehensive moving services primarily for commercial, residential and military clients. It provides storage options for up to a year in climate-controlled facilities, including its modular Colonial Cubes.

    The company also offers comprehensive packing services, including full-service, single-item, kitchen and specialty packing for interstate moves. You can get a moving estimate based on your belongings with the Colonial app.

    • Estimate for a 500-mile move: $999 to $2,100*
    • Quote type: Binding
    • Deposit: One-third to 40% of total

    *Based on a quote for a basic move from Chicago, Illinois, to Kansas City, Missouri, for a two-bedroom home

    Colonial Van Lines (USDOT 1434373) is a fully licensed and insured carrier. It offers limited liability coverage, which pays for the replacement of damaged items, as well as third-party insurance coverage.

    Pros

    • Climate-controlled facilities, including Colonial Cubes
    • Specialty packing
    • App available
    • Direct carrier (vs. third-party movers)

    Cons

    • No international or local moves
    • Some unexpected charges and issues with transparency, according to reviews
    • Not available in Hawaii or Alaska

    Colonial Van Lines reviewers on our site often highlight the quality of the crews and excellent communication throughout the process.

    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

    Moving Companies Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Northern Moving Systems logo
    PODS logo
    FlatRate Moving logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Find a team that works for you & enjoy a stress-free move.

      Moving buyers guide

      Moving can be a stressful time for the whole family. There are plenty of shady companies out there that can make the whole process harder, but, fortunately, there are certain signs to look out for to protect yourself from the worst. Read on to learn how to find the best moving company and what else to consider as you plan your relocation.

      Key insights

      Local movers typically charge between $80 to $100 an hour, while a cross-country move can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.

      Jump to insight

      To make your move as painless as possible, start planning early if you can. Ideally, you have enough time to receive quotes from several movers, declutter your things and stay organized as you pack.

      Jump to insight

      Get an in-person estimate if you can, and always read the fine print. Avoid jumping at the lowest price.

      Jump to insight

      How to choose a moving company

      Hiring a reputable moving company is likely your single biggest relocation expense, so you want to get it right. Start by determining the type of mover you need, then start researching companies, evaluating their services and determining your best option.

      1. Decide on the right type of mover: Full-service movers handle everything — packing, loading, transport and unpacking. Self-service movers only handle transport; you pack, load and unload. This is usually cheaper but far more hands-on. Then there's the consideration of brokers versus carriers: Moving brokers arrange the move but don’t own trucks or employ movers, while carriers do the work themselves. Working with a carrier can simplify logistics and hold movers accountable.
      2. Start researching: Ask family, friends and neighbors for their recommendations. If you’ve just bought a new home, your Realtor is also a great resource for advice. Once you have a few companies in mind, check out their websites, and then read moving company reviews from impartial sources like ConsumerAffairs. Look for high ratings, of course, but also see what customers liked about the service (e.g., punctuality, refunds, payouts).
      3. Compare quotes: Many companies offer online or phone estimates. While this is a good place to start, it doesn’t take the place of an in-home survey. The in-person estimate is also a good time to see how professional the crew is. Read quotes thoroughly and compare them side by side. Don’t be tempted to go with the lowest bid — if one comes in significantly lower than the others, it may mean charges were left out or that you’re working with a dishonest company.
      4. Verify licenses: All reputable moving companies should be licensed and insured, and any commercial moving truck crossing state lines is required to have a USDOT number. We suggest using the FMCSA's mover search tool to verify this. At the state level, regulations will vary, so it’s best to check with your state’s Department of Transportation about what makes a mover legit.
      5. Read the contract: When you find a company you want to move forward with, sign a detailed contract only if it has an itemized inventory list. If there’s loss or damage, you’ll need this documentation to file a claim. Your contract should also note details about valuation and insurance.

      How much do movers cost?

      Local movers typically charge between $80 and $100 an hour for two workers. A cross-country move can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Your total moving costs could also vary based on the following factors.

      • Upfront deposits: Moving companies often ask for a deposit between 20% and 50% of the total moving cost. Most of your payment should be due upon delivery after the job has been completed. These deposits are typically nonrefundable.
      • Storage: Storage unit costs depend on what size unit you need, where it’s located and its features, the level of on-site security and other factors. In general, expect to pay between $90 to $290 per month.
      • Gratuity: Tipping movers is a fairly standard practice, but it’s not required. If you’re happy with your service, it’s nice to set aside $20 to $50 in cash per worker.

      Below are ranges based on quotes we received for moving a two-bedroom home (with no additional services). Note that your cost will depend on where you’re moving to and from, how many things you have, time of year (and week) and how many months in advance you book services.

      How to save money when moving

      Moving is expensive, even if you do everything yourself. The best way to approach this is to set a moving budget early and try your best to stick to it. That said, there are a few ways you can cut down on costs.

      • Pack everything yourself: If you’re trying to stay within a budget, you may decide to do a lot of the prep work yourself by packing everything before the moving crew comes.
      • Call in some favors: Ask for free moving boxes from your local liquor store. Friends or neighbors who’ve recently moved might have other moving supplies they are willing to give you for free.
      • Be flexible on dates: Rates drop 20% to 30% if you move mid‑week or between September and February, when trucks are less in demand.

      » MORE: Cheap ways to move across the country

      How to prepare for a move

      Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth move, and by starting early, following this checklist and staying organized, you’ll set yourself up for success.

      It’s usually a good idea to start planning at least two months in advance of the expected moving date. This should give you enough time to get quotes from at least three moving companies and allow you to organize and pack your home. It also builds in enough wiggle room that if something unexpected comes up, you’ll have time to respond without feeling rushed.

      1. Look at the big picture: Take an initial inventory of your needs, including your time frame, how much you have to move and your budget, keeping in mind you’ll want to hold some money back for incidental expenses.
      2. Declutter: Most movers charge by weight and cubic volume, so you may want to pare down your heaviest belongings (e.g., books, aging furniture, appliances). The cost and hassle of moving old junk may not be worth it. Figure out what you’ll take with you and what you’ll leave behind.
      3. Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to pack. Start with lesser‑used areas first:
        • Guest room
        • Garage
        • Closets
        • Seasonal items (e.g., sports gear, lawn tools, winter clothes, specialty kitchen gadgets)

        Tackle one room per day and label every box so movers can unload quickly and accurately.

      4. Gather your essentials: A week out from the big day, make sure you have your essentials boxes planned out. Ideally, everyone in your household has one box or bag that gets them through moving day and the day after. This should include a change of clothes, toiletry items and necessary medication.
      5. Get mover's contact info: Make sure you have a reliable contact for the moving company so you can communicate with the driver about where they should park for loading and unloading. If possible, plan to have kids and pets out of the way to make it easier for your movers to do their job.

      FAQ

      Are there items movers won’t transport?

      Yes, many movers limit certain items, including flammable or hazardous materials (e.g., gasoline, propane, paint), perishable food, plants and high-value items like cash or jewelry. Some states or local jurisdictions have additional rules about transporting plants or firearms.

      Always confirm with your moving company ahead of time to understand its specific list of prohibited items, and check state or local laws if you’re unsure.

      What’s the difference between a binding and nonbinding estimate?

      A binding estimate guarantees the price of the move based on the inventory, while a nonbinding estimate is an approximation that could change if the actual move requires more resources than expected. A binding-not-to-exceed estimate locks in a maximum cost but allows for a lower final bill if the shipment weight is less than expected.

      Are moving expenses tax deductible?

      No, unfortunately, most Americans’ moving expenses don’t qualify for tax deductions. Moving expenses are only tax deductible for active-duty military members who relocate due to a military order.

      » EXPLORE: Tax deductions for homeowners

      What is the difference between a moving company and a moving broker?

      A moving company handles the actual packing, transportation and delivery of your belongings. A moving broker arranges the move by connecting customers with moving companies but does not transport items themselves.

      In other words, brokers charge a fee for facilitating relocation services, handling logistics and providing customer services. With a carrier, you’re not paying for sales and marketing teams, but you might have fewer delivery date options. It can also be challenging to resolve problems if they occur.

      How soon should you change your address when moving?

      You should change your address about two weeks before moving to ensure you get mail at your new home without delays. This gives the postal service time to process your request and forward your mail correctly. You should also update your address with financial institutions, insurance providers and subscription services.

      » MORE: 11 things to do when moving into a new house

      How far in advance should I book a moving company?

      You should book a moving company four to eight weeks before your desired move date. Peak summer weekends fill up fast, so booking two to three months out can secure your first‑choice company and keep rates lower.

      How do moving quotes work?

      How a moving quote works depends on whether the estimate is “binding” or “nonbinding.” A binding estimate guarantees the price of the move based on the inventory, while a nonbinding estimate is an approximation that (sometimes drastically) increases.

      • Binding estimates: The price is locked in, which provides much greater cost certainty. The company guarantees the total cost of your move (as long as inventory stays the same). Any changes to the shipment, such as adding or removing items, will require a new binding estimate.
      • Binding-not-to-exceed: These are essentially the same as a binding estimate, except you could end up paying less if the actual load weight is lower than the estimate.
      • Nonbinding estimate: This kind of estimate is basically just a guess. The actual cost can exceed the estimate, especially if the mover underestimates the weight or volume. Most contracts allow the company to charge up to 10% above the quoted amount.

      The best and worst states to move to

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team considered safety, affordability, quality of life and other factors to determine the best states for movers. Utah is the best state to move to, according to our rankings, followed by New Hampshire, Idaho and Minnesota. California’s poor scores in quality of life and safety helped make it the worst state to move to, followed by New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana.

      See how your state ranks

      Here’s a breakdown of the factors we analyzed to calculate each state’s total score.

      Top Picks

      See who reviewers like

      Northern Moving Systems logo
      PODS logo
      FlatRate Moving logo
      See our top picks

      Methodology

      To decide our seven top picks for buyers with different priorities (like our pick for interstate moves), as well as our top overall moving company, we used a weighted scoring system that took into account both reviews about each company from ConsumerAffairs users and specific company offerings we researched.

      We conducted sentence-by-sentence sentiment analysis of thousands of reviews on our site from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2025, to identify the aspects people care about most — and which companies reviewers were happiest with in terms of these aspects. For movers, these included:

      • Moving crew
      • Customer service
      • Punctuality
      • Packing
      • Quote accuracy
      • Damage
      • Price

      We then carefully selected the most important offerings consumers should consider before choosing a mover and researched these offerings at each company. For moving, these features included:

      • Storage options
      • Packing services
      • Discounts
      • Quote for a 500-mile move

      The company with the highest score in each category’s uniquely weighted formula was given the “Our pick for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, the company with the second-highest score was named the winner.

      Guide sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. National Library of Medicine, “Ten Surprising Facts About Stressful Life Events and Disease Risk.” Accessed March 19, 2025.
      2. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Steps to Select a Mover.” Accessed March 19, 2025.
      3. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Protect Your Move.” Accessed March 19, 2025.
      4. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “FMCSA Regulations and Enforcement of Interstate Moves.” Accessed March 19, 2025.
      5. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “What is a binding move estimate?” Accessed March 19, 2025.

      Not sure how to choose?

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