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Best Moving Companies

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      No matter how you go about it, moving can be expensive. When you hire professional movers to transport your belongings, you want to be sure you can trust them — and that you get your money’s worth.

      To help, our research team compared 47 companies and chose our top 7 picks based on services offered, customer reviews, available discounts and move type.

      For more detail on how we selected our top picks, read our full methodology. Our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,188,258 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
      Colonial Van Lines logoColonial Van LinesJK Moving Services logoJK Moving ServicesAllied Van Lines logoAllied Van LinesInternational Van Lines logoInternational Van LinesU-Pack logoU-PackMayflower logoMayflowerNorth American Van Lines logoNorth American Van Lines
      Rating4.14.23.83.63.53.43.5
      # of reviews2,1562066965724197416
      Types of moves Local, interstate, corporate, military Local, interstate, international Local, interstate, international, moving containers, corporate, military Interstate, international, corporate Interstate, international Local, interstate, international, corporate, military Local, interstate, international, corporate, military
      Discounts Seasonal Not disclosed Senior Not disclosed Not disclosed Military, student, senior, first responders (through agent) Military, seniors
      Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews
      All information accurate as of time of publication.

      Compare our top 7 moving company picks

      Our pick for interstate moves Colonial Van Lines
      • Highlight: Seasonal promotions
      • CA user rating:4.1
      • Availability: Full services in 44 states
      • USDOT number: 1434373
      Colonial Van Lines Logo Get a Quote

      Colonial Van Lines offers full-service and fragile item packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, installation services, debris removal, short-term and long-term storage and auto transport services. It provides long-distance, interstate, corporate and military relocations, and its full-service moves are available in 44 states.

      Each Colonial Van Lines move comes with a dedicated moving agent, so you can count on having a professional to guide you through the process. When we gathered data for this guide, Colonial was also one of the few movers we looked at that offered us specific cost estimates based on various moving scenarios; to move a three-bedroom home 500 miles, for instance, you can expect to spend around $6,000 for full packing services.
      Reviewers on our site who were happy with their experience often mention Colonial’s quality of service. A reviewer from Georgia said: “The experience with Colonial was great. They came and moved us from Mississippi to Atlanta. We have no complaints at all with the service or the quality of their work or the courtesy. The communication was good. They told us they would pick it up on a Tuesday and they would have it to us on Thursday or Friday … and at 8:30 Wednesday morning, they were sitting in my apartment in Atlanta, Georgia, to unload.”
      Our pick for full service JK Moving Services
      • Highlight: Sustainable practices
      • CA user rating:4.2
      • Availability: All 50 States and Washington, D.C.
      • USDOT number: 1065394
      JK Moving Services Logo Get a Quote

      JK Moving Services offers full-service and fragile item packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and short-term and long-term storage, as well as auto transport. It provides services for local, interstate, cross-country and international moves. If you relocate with JK Moving, you get a dedicated moving agent to assist you.

      You can get free storage for seven days if you hire JK Moving for a “small” move, and the company claims it can get you anywhere in the country within nine days if you have a small living space. It also surveys the contents of a home using a video call to provide a cost estimate, and it partners with Enhancify to offer financing plans, including zero-interest options.
      Recent reviews on our site from happy JK Moving customers mention the company’s helpful reps, with many reviewers saying they’d recommend JK Moving to others.
      One reviewer from Maryland said: “We've looked at others, but we liked the JK Moving representative that came and the pricing. Everything was very clear and upfront. We were well informed and didn't feel like we were going to be charged more later or that kind of stuff. They were on time. Everybody was friendly and very conscientious. We were overall very happy. I told somebody to give them a try.”
      Our pick for auto transport Allied Van Lines
      • Highlight: Online shipment tracking
      • CA user rating:3.8
      • Availability: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
      • USDOT number: 76235
      Allied Van Lines Logo Get a Quote

      Allied Van Lines performs local, long-distance, interstate, international, corporate and military moves, as well as moving container shipping and auto transport. Its range of moving services includes packing for fragile items, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and short-term and long-term storage.

      Allied Van Lines is available across the U.S., including in Washington, D.C. The company offers discounts for seniors, and it offers moving quotes online. Its website also has several informational resources, like cost calculators, FAQ, explanations of how moving quotes work and timelines for packing and moving.
      Happy Allied customers on our site tend to mention careful and prepared staff. One reviewer from Pennsylvania said: “These guys were great! They showed up within the window we were given, took special care of the product they were delivering and quickly put together our couch — all while remaining respectful of our home. For example, they brought their own long black runner to put down in the entry so as not to track in snow and they even took their shoes off. … You’d be surprised how many delivery companies do not do any of these things, and we couldn’t have been happier.”
      Our pick for international moves International Van Lines
      • Highlight: Quick (under 15 minutes) quotes
      • CA user rating:3.6
      • Availability: The continental U.S.
      • USDOT number: 2293832
      International Van Lines Logo Learn More

      International Van Lines performs local, long-distance and international moves, with services to and from 150 countries. According to the company, it completes more than 20,000 moves a year. Its MoveOne software allows for a virtual survey of your belongings, which means you can get an estimate without someone actually coming to your home.

      The IVL website has a whole host of moving scenarios on its website (e.g., a local move with three movers and full packing services), along with the associated cost estimates. Whether you’re moving near or far and opting for full-service or basic moving services, you’re likely to find a rough estimate for a move like yours on the site.
      Recent reviews from happy IVL customers on our site frequently mention the company’s prompt and effective processes, even when the moves are complicated. One reviewer from Nebraska said: “International Van Lines worked excellently for our complex, multipart move out of storage into a home where some furniture was being swapped out to go to another location and reasonably priced and did a great job. Highly recommend it.”
      Our pick for self-service U-Pack
      • Highlight: Secure storage centers
      • CA user rating:3.5
      • Availability: All 50 states and Puerto Rico
      • USDOT number: 2632086
      U-Pack Logo Learn More

      U-Pack offers moving and storage solutions for moves of at least 100 miles. It’s available nationwide, including Puerto Rico, as well as in Canada. If you provide your address and a list of what you plan to store or move with U-Pack, you can get a free quote through its website. The company offers short- and long-term storage options.

      With U-Pack, you can easily customize your moving or storage containers to match your needs. The company offers not only typical storage containers but also trailers and the ReloCube, a weatherproof metal container that can store the contents of approximately one large room. The company gives you three business days to fill the container once it’s delivered.
      Happy U-Pack customers on our site have mentioned timely deliveries, good prices and quality staff. One reviewer from Texas said about their son’s move with U-Pack: “Nothing but good things to say about UPack. ... Our son and his roommate moved their freshman dorm stuff from Texas to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The container arrived on their scheduled move-in day and everything was in good, working condition. Big shoutout to Aubrey on the Houston U-Pack side.”
      Our pick for GPS tracking Mayflower
      • Highlight: Home cleaning services
      • CA user rating:3.4
      • Availability: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
      • USDOT number: 125563
      Mayflower Logo Learn More

      Mayflower performs local, long-distance and international moves. Its add-on services include full-service and fragile item packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and storage options. It also offers auto transport, installation services and debris removal. Mayflower is a national company, but its network of carriers can assist with short-distance moves as well.

      You can search for Mayflower’s moving partners in your area on the company's website. You can also track your truck shipment — all you need is your order number and last name. The company assigns a dedicated moving agent to each move, and its cleaning and debris removal services can be a huge help if you have limited time and need help tidying up your old or new place.
      As of publishing, we don’t yet have many Mayflower reviews on our site, but some satisfied customers in recent years have mentioned trusty and organized moving staff and friendly service.
      “Leon held a presence of efficiency, durability and trust," one reviewer from Wisconsin said about their move. "Everything was marked on paper and numbered on stickers, color-coded and organized. He was deliberate, clear and concise when going through the move. There was no confusion as to what he was doing or when. He had normal and kind people working with him.”
      Our pick for customer service North American Van Lines
      • Highlight: Dedicated moving agents
      • CA user rating:3.5
      • Availability: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
      • USDOT number: 70851
      North American Van Lines Logo Get a Quote

      North American Van Lines provides local, long-distance, interstate, international, corporate and military moves nationwide. It also offers full-service and fragile packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, short- and long-term storage, GPS tracking and auto transport. The company has more than 500 agent locations across the U.S.

      North American Van Lines assigns a dedicated moving agent to each move, and its customer service is available 24/7. Its website is full of helpful resources, including moving and packing tips, calculators, timelines, checklists and FAQ.
      Happy customers seem to appreciate North American Van Lines’ careful service and quality staff. One reviewer from New York on our site said: “Beginning with [the] appointment to do remote survey, to the interaction with my move consultant Anthony, on to the moving day and delivery, the experience was smooth and very pleasant.”

      They continued: “The moving crew, Jose and his son, were fantastic, extremely attentive to our needs and took special care loading our belongings, and the delivery crew in Georgia was just as competent, professional and courteous. We are so pleased with the service provided by North American Moving Services/Hall Lane and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing moving service.”

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        How to hire movers

        Moving is stressful, whether you’re moving out of your parents' house, to another state or to a new country.

        With everything you need to do for a move, it’s tempting to choose the first moving company that looks good. If you want the best deal, though, it's best to research a few options and compare quotes from several companies.

        Follow these six steps to find the best moving company for you:

        1. Get multiple estimates: Your first interaction with any local moving company is when you request a quote. If the moving representative is unhelpful or pushy, move on to the next company. Getting a moving quote gives you an idea of what the company will charge for your move, but sometimes estimated quotes can change. Some companies provide price matching.
        2. Conduct a walk-through: To get an accurate idea of how much movers cost, have multiple moving companies do a walk-through of your current home. Some charge extra for fragile items, bulky furniture or additional labor. The walk-through also gives you a chance to see if you feel comfortable with the company.
        3. Ask for references: Reputable moving companies provide references upon request. These references may be former clients, professional organizations or insurance agents. Checking references is an essential step when making sure a company is trustworthy, has a good track record and offers excellent customer service.
        4. Read customer reviews: Make sure to read local company moving reviews to find out what other people near you have experienced. It’s essential to know how other customers feel about the company and the types of complaints that are commonly made against it. A mover may look good on paper, but former customers can tell you what it’s really like to work with the company.
        5. Watch out for red flags: If the company has no address, hasn’t been operating very long or has more than one business name, this can be a sign of fraud or a scam. A company that has no phone number is also suspect — confirm a carrier or broker’s phone number through the FMCSA or your state’s regulatory agency.
        6. Pay only on delivery: A reputable company won’t ask for full payment until the move is complete. Some companies may require a deposit (typically 20% or less), but you should never prepay the entire cost of a move. Pay your deposit with a credit card in case you end up having to dispute charges — it’s easier to get your money back this way.

        If you’re the victim of fraud by a moving company, you can file a moving fraud complaint with the FMCSA.

        Types of movers

        There are two main types of moving companies: brokers and carriers. A moving carrier owns a fleet of trucks and handles the actual moving process.

        A broker books moving services and hires carriers to complete the move. Brokers charge a fee for facilitating relocation services, handling logistics and providing customer service. With a carrier, you’re not dealing with a middleman, but you might have fewer moving date options.

        Both brokers and carriers usually specialize in one or more of the following services:

        Long-distance moves

        Long-distance moving companies usually help you relocate from one state to another. However, depending where you live, long-distance moves may or may not cross state lines.

        Most U.S. movers consider a move long-distance if it exceeds a specific number of miles — typically 100 to 400. Most moves that require traveling over state lines are considered long-distance moves.

        Each long-distance mover is required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. These movers usually charge for services based on the distance and size of the move.

        Local moves

        Some moving companies only operate inside a defined local area, like within a specific city or state. They may be required to register with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or local authorities.

        Local movers often charge by the hour. How the mover classifies your move — local or long-distance — will likely determine how it calculates your quote.

        Corporate moves

        Corporate relocation companies specialize in moving entire businesses. They can move a large number of belongings, and they have relatively quick turnaround times to make sure the business being moved is back up and running as soon as possible. They also typically provide more packing material and organizational help, such as furniture assembly and disassembly, than other types of movers.

        International moves

        International moving companies help individuals, families and corporations move their belongings overseas. They are well-versed in international moving logistics, including shipping by air and sea, handling customs and tracking items.

        Full-service moves 

        Full-service movers handle every aspect of a move. A full-service move is an excellent option for working professionals or anyone else who doesn’t have enough hours in the day to get all aspects of a move done, including:

        • Packing: Full-service movers pack your home and provide all the materials needed to safely and securely relocate your belongings. This includes handling any large items, like furniture, that may need to be disassembled to make moving easier.
        • Labor and transport: Full-service movers load your packed belongings and transport them to your new home.
        • Unpacking: Full-service movers unload and reassemble furniture. They can also unpack your belongings and dispose of all packing supplies before they go.

        Moving questions

        How much do movers cost?

        On average, a long-distance move costs between $2,000 and $5,000. You can expect local moving labor costs to range between $80 and $100 an hour, and international moving costs can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Professional relocation companies charge based on several factors. Moving expenses are rarely tax deductible.

        In addition to moving distance, price estimates depend on several factors, including:

        • The weight of your possessions
        • Your house or apartment size
        • The amount you tip your movers

        How much you pay your movers isn’t the only cost you need to consider. Full-service movers provide boxes and other packing materials, but labor-only movers do not.

        Don’t forget to factor in these material costs if you plan on doing your own packing. These supplies can add up, so we recommend creating a moving budget ahead of time and seeing what supplies you can get free from friends, family or businesses willing to pass on their recycled boxes.

        We also recommend getting quotes from at least a few companies to make sure you know you’re getting a fair rate. Shop around and look for discounts to find the cheapest way to move long-distance.

        Can you hire movers to move one item?

        Yes, you can hire movers to transport one item. Moving a large item like a piece of furniture or a piano requires specialized services and extra caution, especially if there are stairs or tight hallways involved. Most movers can relocate delicate or bulky items for a fee. They also have the proper materials to pack and transport bulky or fragile items safely.

        Can you hire movers without a truck?

        Yes, most movers offer services that don’t include a moving truck; you might hear this service referred to as labor-only moving. Labor-only movers typically charge by the hour. There are a few situations where you might want to hire movers without a truck:

        • You need help packing. If you’re moving delicate or fragile items that require special caution, consider hiring a professional to help you properly pack your valuables.
        • You need help loading or unloading. Maybe packing was a breeze, but loading and unloading are intimidating. You can hire movers by the hour to help you load and unload your possessions.
        What won't movers move?

        Depending on where you live, your mover might have specific regulations or guidelines to follow. Movers usually won’t transport:

        • Perishable items
        • Hazardous materials
        • Plants
        • Pets

        While movers do handle items that can’t be replaced, such as valuable documents or personal and sentimental items, it may be best to pack those and keep them with you to prevent them from being lost or damaged.

        Can you negotiate with moving companies?

        You can try using an estimate from one or several moving companies to negotiate prices with other movers. Find out the average cost to move a home the size of yours and compare features offered by different companies. Don’t be afraid to negotiate lower prices for additional fees or to ask about available discounts or promotions.

        Once you settle on a moving company, get a written contract that includes all costs.

        Do I need moving insurance?

        Any mover you hire should be registered, bonded and insured. You can purchase moving insurance as an add-on to the base level of coverage provided by the moving company you choose.

        The biggest benefit of purchasing additional coverage is making sure your most valuable assets are fully protected. We think this is especially important for long-distance moves or for anyone moving particularly valuable items, like art or antiques.

        Methodology

        The ConsumerAffairs Research Team collects in-depth, verified reviews in order to offer you honest, real-world company feedback. To select our top picks from the 47 brokers and carriers listed on this guide, we first eliminated companies with an overall satisfaction rating below 3.5 stars on our site. We then analyzed reviews submitted over the last year (November 2021 through November 2022).

        Availability of services and recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data were also considered when making the final selections. Moving scams run rampant throughout the country, so we’ve ensured all companies recommended here are legit and have a proven track record of on-time, completed deliveries and no shoddy tactics.

        From there, we compared several key features to ensure that all seven met our standards. That analysis informed the highlighted headline for each brand. Included in these features were the following:

        • Availability: We made sure our top picks operate in the majority of the U.S. states and are available to most of our readers.
        • Additional services: We prioritized movers who offer full-service moving options, like fragile item packing, furniture assembly and debris removal.
        • Quote process: We went through the quote process with each considered company and ensured our top picks have a quick, easy-to-understand and transparent quote process.
        • Cost: Moving prices can vary significantly depending on the distance, the weight of your belongings and chosen services, but our top picks fall within the normal range of costs for the moving industry.
        • Licensing: Moving companies must follow state and federal regulations. We checked each company’s licensing and made certain there were no alerts.
        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. To learn more about the content on our site, visit our ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. To learn more about the content on our site, visit our FAQ page.
        1. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Search by Company.” Accessed Sept. 9, 2021.
        2. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Licensing and Insurance Public.” Accessed Sept. 9, 2021.
        3. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Movers vs. Brokers.” Accessed June 3, 2021.

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        Disclaimer

        Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.

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