Best Moving Companies of 2025

We compared 145 companies and chose the top movers

    • Best overall
      Northern Moving Systems
      4.8(84)
    • Quote accuracy
      Colonial Van Lines
      4.3(2,734)
    • Affordability
      PODS
      4.6(4,491)
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Matt Zane
    Author picture
    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Moving Companies of 2025

    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 6 picks for the best movers

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

    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
    Deposit
    About 25%
    Local moves
    Yes
    International moves
    No
    Discounts
    None specified

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

    • Moving crews
    • Punctuality
    • Customer service
    • Packing
    • Price

    The company is 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.

    Services

    Northern Moving Services offers 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, and the company 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
    Best packing services

    Colonial Van Lines

    Colonial Van Lines
    Deposit
    33% to 40%
    Local moves
    No
    International moves
    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.

    Services

    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: 33% to 40%

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

    PODS

    PODS
    Deposit
    100% 1 to 7 days prior
    Local moves
    Yes
    International moves
    Yes
    Discounts
    Military, friend referral, long-term storage

    Reviewers on our site appreciate PODS’ helpful customer service representatives. It’s 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 ideal for those who want a flexible schedule. PODS also offers several discounts, including for military service members, friend referrals and long-term storage.

    Services

    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: 100% 1 to 7 days prior

    *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
    3x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Moving Experience and Best Overall Value
    Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
    Deposit
    Varying percentage
    Local moves
    Yes
    International moves
    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.

    Services

    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
    Best moving crews

    International Van Lines

    International Van Lines
    Deposit
    33%
    Local moves
    Yes
    International moves
    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, even for complicated moves. If you anticipate needing extra space for your things until you get settled, IVL is a great option.

    Services

    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: 33%

    *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
    3x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Moving Experience and Best Overall Value
    Best for international moves

    FlatRate Moving

    FlatRate Moving
    Deposit
    Varies by mileage and cubic feet
    Local moves
    Yes
    International moves
    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, it 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.

    Services

    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: Varies by mileage and cubic feet

    *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
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Overall Value

    Moving Companies Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Northern Moving Systems logo
    Colonial Van Lines logo
    PODS logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

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

      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 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.

      Your total moving costs depend on several factors — distance, how many things you have, etc. — but you can save by seeking out discounts and seasonal promos.
      • 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. "Never pay a deposit with cash,” Walker advised. “Use a credit card or another traceable form of payment in case you need to dispute the charge or request a refund.”
      • Packing services: Plan for an additional $350 to $600 for packing and unpacking, depending on how many belongings you have, plus costs for supplies.
      • Moving insurance: If you opt for higher-tier coverage (e.g., full-value protection), you’ll typically pay between 1% and 5% of the insured goods' value.
      • Specialty items: Generally, you’ll pay extra fees for large, heavy or delicate items like pianos, grandfather clocks or artwork. These items can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to your total cost — and may require additional insurance.
      • Location factors: Movers often charge additional fees for apartment buildings with lots of stairs or faraway parking.
      • 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.

      Quotes from our top picks

      As part of the selection process for our top picks, we received quotes for a basic move from Chicago, Illinois, to Kansas City, Missouri, for a two-bedroom home. Keep in mind that the figures below are based on a set inventory, starting location and destination — still, initial estimates may differ significantly from your final price.

      *Doesn’t include loading and unloading

      Moving costs by distance

      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: Hiring packers can simplify the process, but it can get pricey. If you’re trying to stay within a budget, you may decide to pack everything yourself before the moving team 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.
      • Look for discounts: Many movers offer seasonal discounts, as well as promotions for senior citizens and military servicemembers. Sometimes you can find discounts on storage and packing services, too.

      » MORE: Cheap ways to move across the country

      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 all the heavy lifting — 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, see how many years of experience they have, 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). You can also check BBB ratings.
      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 right moving company for you, 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.

      Types of moving companies

      When thinking about the type of moving company you want to hire, there are a few different things to consider. Do you want to work with a broker (i.e., an intermediary) or a direct carrier? Do you want a company that specializes in corporate or commercial moves, or one that focuses on local or long-distance relocations?

      Brokers vs. carriers

      A moving broker arranges your move but doesn’t physically transport your belongings. Instead, brokers assign your move to a carrier who’s responsible for getting your household goods from one location to the next.

      Local vs. interstate vs. international movers
      • Local moving companies: These movers operate within a defined local area and typically charge hourly rates.
      • Interstate/long-distance moving companies: These handle moves exceeding 100 miles, often across state lines, and are regulated by the USDOT.
      • International moving companies: These companies manage overseas relocations, handle customs and shipping logistics and are regulated by both the DOT and the Federal Maritime Commission.
      Residential movers vs. corporate/military movers

      Residential movers are probably what you think of when you think of traditional movers — they help move individuals and their families from home to home. Some movers specialize in relocations for businesses and military personnel, however. These companies often provide additional services like office furniture assembly. Military movers are also registered with the Department of Defense.

      Full-service movers

      While many moving companies offer “full-service” moves with packing, disassembly, transport and unpacking services, some offer more comprehensive support (like debris disposal).

      Moving company red flags

      Unfortunately, moving scams aren’t uncommon, and it’s important to know the signs. “If a moving company is unwilling to provide a written estimate, is not insured, and avoids answering your questions, those are red flags,” Tywanquila Walker, CEO and founder of Order Your Life, a company that specializes in moving logistics and organization, warned.

      Your move should also be assigned a dedicated representative: “If you are constantly talking to a different person each time you contact the moving company, that too may be a red flag,” Walker told us.

      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. (More on this below.)
      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.

      Tips on decluttering

      Decluttering is the most important part of planning a move, according to Walker of Order Your Life.

      “By going through everything you own and deciding what to keep, throw away or donate, you're actually accomplishing two tasks. First, you're discarding things you don’t want or need. Second, you're grouping items that should be packed together during your move. If you already have your moving boxes, pack as you declutter. Packing as you declutter is a third accomplishment,” Walker said. “Go you!”

      According to Walker, the time you'll need for decluttering depends on your timeline and how much stuff you have. For a long lead time, dedicate 10 to 15 minutes daily to decluttering. A shorter timeline might require an hour or more each day.

      When is the best time to move?

      To save money, consider moving during the off-season, specifically in winter or fall. Moving companies are busiest and charge more during the summer, so cooler months offer less competition and potentially lower rates.

      Ideally, you avoid peak times like weekends, spring break, summer and holidays. “Think of when most people will be off work or out of school,” Walker advised. If a summer move is unavoidable, aim for the middle of the week.

      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.

      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.
      Do I need moving insurance?

      Basic moving insurance is included in your moving costs, but for valuable items or long-distance moves, extra protection may be worth it. Note that most homeowners and renters insurance policies exclude damage that occurs while belongings are in transit, so confirm coverage details with your insurer before assuming you’re protected.

      Your contract should include details about valuation and insurance, which generally fall into one of two categories for interstate moves:

      • Full-value protection: Most companies use full-value protection by default. It offers the most comprehensive coverage and essentially means the mover is liable to repair, replace or cover the cost of repair or replacement for any lost or damaged item. The only exceptions are items of “extraordinary value” assessed at over $100 per pound, which need to be individually named and may be insured separately by a third party.
      • Released-value (limited-value) protection: This is the least expensive option and will only reimburse you for a fraction of your item’s value. This insurance is based on weight and will pay up to 60 cents per pound.

      If you have valuable items, like antiques or high-end jewelry, you may want additional insurance for your move. “For each of your high-value items, take pictures of the item from every angle, record the serial numbers, write descriptions of the items and save the receipts, if you have them,” Walker of Order Your Life advised.

      What is a Bill of Lading?

      A Bill of Lading is a detailed list of all the belongings a moving company transports for you. It also lays out the mover’s liability (based on the type of insurance you choose).

      Best states to move to in 2025

      Maybe your job wants to move you across the country, or maybe you're just eager for a change of scenery. Either way, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team is here to help. According to our analysis, Utah, New Hampshire and Idaho are the top three states to move to for the second year in a row. If New Mexico’s affordable housing and abundant sunshine are calling your name, you might think again — the state scored poorly in safety, health care and education, making it the worst state to move to this year.

      BEST STATES TO MOVE TO

      1. Utah
      2. New Hampshire
      3. Idaho
      4. Virginia
      5. South Dakota
      6. Maine
      7. Nebraska
      8. Massachusetts
      9. Wisconsin
      10. Wyoming

      WORST STATES TO MOVE TO

      1. New Mexico
      2. Louisiana
      3. California
      4. Oregon
      5. Arkansas
      6. Nevada
      7. Oklahoma
      8. Alaska
      9. Arizona
      10. New York

      Top Picks

      See who reviewers like

      Northern Moving Systems logo
      Colonial Van Lines logo
      PODS logo
      See our top picks

      See how your state ranks

      Whether you’re planning to move for personal or practical reasons, it’s a good idea to get a sense of how well the state you’re considering aligns with your values. To get started, check out the data for each state on affordability, safety, economic strength, health care, education and quality of life.

      Methodology and sources: Best states to move to in 2025

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team evaluated all 50 states across five weighted categories to identify the best states to move to in the U.S.

      • Affordability (25 points): This category includes each state’s regional price parity (8 points), median income (8), median housing costs as a share of median income (6) and state tax burden (3). Data is from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (2023), the U.S. Census Bureau (2023) and the Tax Foundation (2024).
      • Safety (25 points): This score is based on each state’s climate risk index (5 points) and rates of violent crime (10) and property crime (10) per 1,000 residents. Data is from FEMA and NeighborhoodScout.
      • Economy (20 points): The economy score considers job growth in each state from 2019 to 2023 (10 points), the state’s percentage of residents below the poverty level (7) and the unemployment rate (3). Data is from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (2019 to 2023) and the U.S. Census Bureau (2023).
      • Health care and education (15 points): This category includes each state’s quality of health care (5 points), the number of health care professionals per 100,000 people (2.5), the high school graduation rate (2.5) and the share of adults who have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher (5). Data is from AHRQ (2023), NCES (2021-2022) and the U.S. Census Bureau (2023).
      • Quality of life (15 points): The quality of life score considers each state’s Community Well-Being Index (5 points), average high summer temperature (2.5), average high winter temperature (2.5), the percentage of days with good air quality (3) and the number of state and national parks per 100,000 people (2). Data is from Sharecare (2022), Weather Spark (2024), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2019-2024), the National Association of State Park Directors (2025) and National Park Trips (2025).

      In each category, the state that performed the best was given the highest possible score, with others getting relative scores. We added the category scores together to get an overall score, which is out of 100 points.

      Reference policy

      We love it when people share our findings! If you do, please link back to our original article to credit our research.

      For questions about the data or if you'd like to set up an interview, please contact rsowell@consumeraffairs.com.


      Article 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. U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, “SARPP Real personal income, real PCE, and regional price parities by state.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      2. U.S. Census Bureau, “Median Household Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2023 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) by Household Size.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      3. U.S. Census Bureau, “Median Selected Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income in the Past 12 Months.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      4. Tax Foundation, “Facts & Figures 2024: How Does Your State Compare?” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      5. NeighborhoodScout, “NeighborhoodScout.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      6. Federal Emergency Management Agency, “Map | National Risk Index.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      7. U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, “SASUMMARY State annual summary statistics: personal income, GDP, consumer spending, price indexes, and employment.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      8. U.S. Census Bureau, “Employment and Labor Force Status.” Accessed July 7, 2025.<
      9. U.S. Census Bureau, “Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      10. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “2023 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      11. U.S. Census Bureau, “Occupation by Sex for the Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      12. National Center for Education Statistics, “Public high school 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR).” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      13. U.S. Census Bureau, “Educational Attainment.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      14. Sharecare, “Community Well-Being Index.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      15. Weather Spark, “Weather Spark.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      16. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Air Data: Air Quality Data Collected at Outdoor Monitors Across the US.” Accessed July 7, 2025.
      17. National Park Trips, “U.S. National Parks by State.” Accessed July 7, 2025
      18. National Association of State Park Directors, “Locate a Park.” Accessed July 7, 2025.

      Methodology

      To select our top picks for buyers with different priorities (like our pick for international moves), as well as our top overall moving company, we started with a list of 26 licensed and insured movers that are available in at least 45 states. We then 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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