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Best Moving Companies

We compared 143 companies and chose the top movers

    • Best overall
      Colonial Van Lines
      4.4(2,689)
    • Affordable moves
      United Regions Van Lines
      4.3(783)
    • International moves
      International Van Lines
      4.4(1,025)

    Best Moving Companies

    Author picture
    By: Diana Flowers
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Our 7 picks for the best movers

    1. Best top pick overall: Colonial Van Lines
    2. Our pick for affordable moves: United Regions Van Lines
    3. Our pick for international moves: International Van Lines
    4. Our pick for interstate moves: Allied Van Lines
    5. Our pick for packing services: American Van Lines
    6. Our pick for local moves: Interstate Moving & Relocation
    7. Our pick for flat-rate pricing: FlatRate Moving

    Our research team compared 80 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
    Our pick for best overall
    Colonial Van Lines
    Colonial Van Lines
    4.4
    2,689 reviews
    Storage options
    Climate-controlled facilities and modular cubes
    Packing options
    Single items, kitchen, full packing
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military
    Types of quotes
    Binding
    Get a Quote Read Reviews

    Colonial Van Lines provides binding quotes after conducting in-person surveys, which helps ensure accurate pricing. The company performs full-service packing and offers climate-controlled storage facilities and modular storage units (called Colonial Cubes).

    Colonial Van Lines’ services are available in the 48 contiguous states. The company also has an app to streamline moving estimates.

    • Discounts: Seasonal
    • Deposit requirements: One-third to 40% of the total move cost
    • Insurance details: Limited liability (replacement or repair); additional insurance options available through third parties

    Reviewers on our site who were happy with their experience often mention Colonial’s quality of service.

    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. … If I would be moving in the future, I’d use them again.
    LonnieDuluth, GA
    The rep who worked with me was spot on. We were under on the weight a little bit. But other than that, everything went great. They showed up on time, did what they were supposed to do, and they delivered when they said they would deliver. Didn't have any damage. ... These guys were fantastic. The price was also half of what we got quoted by six other companies. This is the best company we ever used.
    RickCorona, CA

    Colonial Van Lines doesn’t offer local moves, so if you’re moving within your current state, you might have to look elsewhere. It also doesn’t offer relocations to or from Hawaii or Alaska.

    Our pick for affordable moves
    United Regions Van Lines
    United Regions Van Lines
    4.3
    783 reviews
    Storage options
    Climate-controlled; secured with cameras/guards 24/7
    Packing options
    Large items, furniture, fragile items; DIY packing boxes
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military, senior
    Types of quotes
    Binding
    Get a Quote Read Reviews

    United Regions Van Lines provides binding, affordable estimates to lock in your final price. If you’re looking to offset moving tasks or are not ready to move everything into your new place, you can take advantage of its packing services and secured, climate-controlled storage facilities. If you do the unpacking yourself, you can get 50% off packing services.

    The company also offers senior-specific relocation services.

    • Discounts: Seasonal
    • Deposit requirements: Usually 20% to 25%
    • Insurance details: In-house full-value insurance for replacement/repair; partners with Baker International for third-party quotes
    We couldn’t have asked for a better moving experience than the one we got from United Nation Van Lines. Probably one of the best value for money movers we have ever used. One of the things that stood out for me was how they made sure they didn’t leave any marks on the walls and floor when they moved the large furniture and appliances. … I would recommend this company because of the care that they took.
    AndrewLevittown, NY
    I made the best moving decision ever by hiring United Nation Van Lines and they would get 10 stars if it was possible. The first reason is the cost. They turned out to be cheaper for me to move back to Colorado from Wisconsin. … The second reason is the care. There was nothing broken, no furniture scratched, etc. because they took all the necessary precautions. Last but not least, they were fantastic guys! I would hire United Nation Van Lines and especially this team again!
    MarileeWestminster, CO

    Like Colonial Van Lines, United Regions focuses on long-distance moves. If you’re moving locally, try another company on our list.

    Our pick for international moves
    International Van Lines
    International Van Lines
    4.4
    1,025 reviews
    Storage options
    Short- and long-term (first month free); storage-in-transit
    Packing options
    Full-service packing and unpacking
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, auto transport
    Types of quotes
    Binding and nonbinding
    Read Reviews

    International Van Lines is equipped for air, ocean and auto transport for international relocations. It offers full-service packing and unpacking, and it has both short- and long-term storage options with one month free. For long-distance moves, storage-in-transit is available for 50 cents per cubic foot of space.

    International Van Lines offers both binding and nonbinding estimates; binding is typically recommended, though this varies by situation.

    • Discounts: None specified
    • Deposit requirements: One-third of total move cost
    • Insurance details: 60 cents per pound for limited liability coverage; in-house full replacement cost insurance; separate pricing for professional- vs. self-packed items

    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.

    This was my first international move so as you can imagine I was concerned about the process. I spent weeks searching online for a company based in the US and U.K. and found IVL. I decided on them based on a friends reference, their reviews and my relocation coordinator Julie. Julie did an fantastic job explaining the process with customs, packing and time frame. It took a solid 6 weeks to get my stuff to Denver which is what I expected. … I appreciate companies like IVL that sell a service that they actually offer as opposed to getting taken for a ride.
    JessDenver, CO
    To complete the task of moving, especially long distance … can be time consuming, stressful and costly. … When the weather changed unexpectedly on the planned unloading day, the delivery team communicated with their main office and got back to us with the decision to postpone unloading to the next day out of concern of possible damage to the furniture in heavy rain. … The whole process was seamless. We also would like to mention that both the pickup and delivery teams were very professional and handled all the items with care.
    JianSugar Land, TX

    Because International Van Lines operates as both a broker and a carrier, your experience depends on whether the company handles your move directly or hires a mover in its network.

    Our pick for interstate moves
    Allied Van Lines
    Allied Van Lines
    3.3
    816 reviews
    Storage options
    Storage-in-transit up to 90 days; permanent climate-controlled with security; portable units
    Packing options
    Full-service and partial packing; packing materials provided
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military
    Types of quotes
    In-home estimates; likely binding
    Read Reviews

    Allied Van Lines performs local, interstate and international moves. As a full-service carrier, it offers both full- and partial-service packing and portable and climate-controlled storage units. The company also provides in-home pricing assessments, which should lead to accurate binding quotes.

    Allied Van Lines also operates as a broker, working with a nationwide carrier network.

    • Allied Van Lines doesn’t specify any standard discounts. Deposit requirements and insurance details depend on the carrier assigned to your move.

    Happy Allied customers on our site tend to mention careful and prepared staff.

    I recently utilized Allied for a cross country move that had short notice. … I have moved many times in my life, and this was by far the smoothest and the only move that did not end up with damaged or missing items. I truly appreciate the service received, would highly recommend, and definitely will use their services again for my next move.
    GraceVancouver, WA
    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.
    MarleneAllison Park, PA

    Because Allied Van Lines operates as both a carrier and a broker, it’s hard to say whether you’ll work directly with the company — and what you’ll experience regarding fees, insurance and deposit requirements.

    Our pick for packing services
    American Van Lines
    American Van Lines
    4.1
    2,545 reviews
    Storage options
    Personal vaults and climate-controlled units; 24/7 surveillance; first month free
    Packing options
    Full-service packing, custom crating
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military, antiques, piano
    Types of quotes
    Binding
    Read Reviews

    American Van Lines offers one month of free storage, which means extra flexibility if you’re in a pinch at the end of your move. If you’re too busy for the more tedious aspects of moving, the company provides full-service packing and custom crating. It can move single items from your home, too, like pianos and fragile antiques.

    The company also offers binding quotes, which can prevent unpleasant surprises when it comes to pricing.

    • Discounts: Location-specific
    • Deposit requirements: 50%
    • Insurance details: Unspecified

    American Van Lines customers on our site frequently mention great moving crews and quality packing services.

    I moved from Scottsdale, Arizona to Tyler, Texas and hired American Van Lines. There were two guys that came and did the packing and moving. They were fast and good. I've told everybody if they're moving, to get American Van Lines.
    AnnScottsdale, AZ
    Excellent service! From the beginning with the sales through the delivery, everything was very professional and smooth. … In the end, they were right in line with the estimate. … Even better, they did NOT increase rates because the cost of fuel was going up! Additionally, we really appreciate the fact that the driver is an employee of American Van Lines instead of a sub-contractor. We heard lots of horror stories from people who have used other moving companies (like last-minute cancellations, price gouging, etc), but we didn’t have any issues with American Van Lines!
    PaulFranklin, TN

    American Van Lines doesn’t offer international relocations, and it only performs local moves in Florida, North Carolina and Texas. Also, according to a rep, it’s typical to pay as much as 50% down for a move, which is on the higher end.

    Our pick for local moves
    Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
    Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
    4.6
    420 reviews
    Storage options
    None
    Packing options
    Full-service packing
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military, auto transport
    Types of quotes
    Binding and nonbinding
    Read Reviews

    As a broker, Interstate Moving & Relocation Group doesn’t actually perform moves, but it connects you with a network of vetted transporters. You can work with the company to move both your car and your other belongings, depending on your needs. If you hire Interstate Moving & Relocation Group to move your household, you can opt for full packing services.

    The company works with carriers across the U.S.

    • Discounts:  None specified
    • Deposit requirements: Percentage of total (unspecified)
    • Insurance details: Unspecified

    Customers on our site frequently mention the company’s quality staff and careful attention to their belongings.

    I recently hired Interstate moving and relocation group for my move, and I couldn’t be more impressed with their service. From start to finish, they made the entire process smooth and stress-free. The team arrived right on time and was extremely professional. They took great care with my belongings, ensuring everything was properly packed and secured for transport. Not a single item was damaged, and I appreciated their attention to detail. … What stood out most was their friendly, courteous attitude throughout the move. … I would highly recommend this company to anyone in need of reliable, affordable moving services.
    JimMemphis, TN
    I liked that it was a video estimate vs an in person estimate as it was easier for me to plan for. Shortly after the video estimate, I received a quote which included a ‘not to exceed’ price which helps with the no bad surprises at the end of the move. It was great that everything was included in the price as well as honestly one of my biggest concerns was being price gouged.
    JoeVernon Rockville, CT

    Because it’s a broker, your experience with quotes and deposit requirements may vary.

    Our pick for flat-rate pricing
    FlatRate Moving
    FlatRate Moving
    4.2
    170 reviews
    Storage options
    Short- and long-term climate-controlled storage
    Packing options
    Full-serving packing
    Types of moves
    Local, long-distance, international, office moves
    Types of quotes
    Flat-rate quotes
    Read Reviews

    FlatRate Moving is a moving carrier that offers local, long-distance, international and office moves and full-service packing. While it’s not available in every city and town, it has hubs in every region and serves most of the country. It also has several international offices, including in Toronto, Vancouver, London, Hong Kong, Berlin, Paris, Madrid and Sydney.

    • Discounts: Seasonal
    • Deposit requirements: Flat rate calculated by mileage, cubic feet and complexity of the move
    • Insurance details: Released value, full value or a third-party protection coverage plan

    Many reviewers on our site appreciate the company’s pricing system, which prevents any surprise charges. They also like that FlatRate provides DIY moving boxes and other materials.

    I like that everything is upfront with FlatRate. They tell you how much it's gonna cost. The process of getting a quote is very easy too. I made a phone call to a rep that we had used before. We walked through a quick list of the contents of the apartment, gave him the address where we were moving to, and we found a day that worked for both of us, and he had a quote within minutes.
    MikeTrenton, NJ

    Many reviewers on our site appreciate FlatRate's transparent pricing system, but something to keep in mind is that the company will charge you two days prior to the actual move. Just make sure you're prepared for this payment upfront.

    Best moving companies by city
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    Moving Companies Buyers guide

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      Moving buyers guide

      Moving is one of the most stressful events a person can go through. Unfortunately, there are plenty of shady companies out there that aren’t trying to make it any easier on you. This guide will help you find the best moving company and teach you what to look for 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

      Some less reputable movers may intentionally offer cheap cost estimates to get your business at first and then inflate the final bill.

      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

      What to consider when hiring movers

      The right mover for you largely depends on what you’re moving, how far you’re moving and what your moving budget is. These are the questions to ask yourself.

      Where am I moving?

      This may seem like a no-brainer, but you want to make sure you hire movers who can actually do the job you need. Some companies only operate within state lines, for instance, while others offer regional but not cross-country services.

      • Local moves: If you’re relocating within the same city or state, you probably want to hire a short-distance moving company. However, these businesses can't transport goods across state lines, even if it is a very short distance.
      • Interstate moves: An interstate move crosses state lines, regardless of distance, while a long-distance move may stay within one state. Legitimate interstate moving companies are always regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
      • Long-distance moves: Long-distance moving companies generally take on relocations of 400 miles or more
      • International moves: When you move out of the country, your belongings usually need to travel by boat or plane, making the logistics much more complicated, which is why international moving companies charge higher rates.
      When am I moving?

      Summer is the most popular time to move and also when you’ll see the highest rates. “I believe moving across the country between September and November is the best time of year to do it for many reasons, including the price,” Mike Harvey, managing director of 1st Move International, an international shipper, told us.

      The same goes for weekends. If you can move in the off-season or midweek, you may be able to reduce costs.

      How much help do I need?

      If you need help with packing and unpacking, short- or long-term storage or moving specialty items, ask about this upfront — these additional services will likely add to your cost or need to be outsourced.

      • Full-service: A full-service provider packs up your belongings, transports them to your new home, and unloads and unpacks for you.
      • Partial service: With this option, the moving company only packs up certain items while you do everything else.
      • Self-service: You’re responsible for packing, loading and unloading your belongings, but you’ll depend on the moving company for transport.
      • Specialty: Some moving companies focus on specialized services to move items like pianos, pool tables, fragile items, pets or vehicles.
      What is my moving budget?

      Moving costs depend on whether you’re relocating locally or to another state. Local movers tend to charge by the hour, while interstate movers calculate fees based on mileage and the weight of your inventory.

      Either way, always look for companies with clear and transparent pricing. Ask about hidden fees or add-ons, as well as the company’s policy on lost or damaged items and cancellations. Additional factors affect your moving budget, which we’ll explain below.

      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.

      We received the following quotes for moving a three-bedroom home with no additional services from Los Angeles:

      Potential hidden fees

      Common surprise surcharges we’ve seen in ConsumerAffairs reviews include:

      • $650 shuttle fee when a full-size truck couldn’t reach their address. Astrid in Florida is one of many unhappy moving company reviewers who told us about “unnecessary and undisclosed charges.”
      • Rich in Louisiana paid a $75 fee because the movers had to walk more than 50 feet to load items in the 18-wheeler.
      • Amele in Maryland said her moving company charges $150 per hour if you are not home for the delivery.
      • Others were surprised to see such high charges for seemingly “basic” moving materials, like Jeremy in Florida, who had to pay an extra $400 for furniture wrapping materials.
      • Linda in Colorado even had to pay an extra $2,300 for storage and redelivery after a mover held their belongings hostage for 11 days.

      How moving quotes work

      As you start comparing moving quotes, it’s important to understand if 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.

      Real “bait and switch” moving quote examples

      ConsumerAffairs has been reporting on moving scams for almost 20 years, and we’ve noticed an unfortunate trend: People get a low, nonbinding quote initially, but then are blindsided by much higher actual costs on or around moving day.

      For instance, Tom in New York was originally quoted around $4,800 to move his two-bedroom apartment to Arkansas. On moving day, a moving company rep asked for an extra $500 because, based on a brief FaceTime consultation, “some items were not appropriately described,” Tom told us. It gets worse: “Very long story short (after they started packing no less) the movers quoted me nearly $13,000,” Tom said. “Yes, that's right. NEARLY TRIPLE the original quote.”

      Camille in Colorado had a similar experience moving to South Carolina. She was quoted $4,000, but on moving day, after the truck was already loaded, she learned her new total was $11,000. This “bait and switch” tactic has been a popular moving scam for years. The truth is, it's hard to get your belongings back unless you pay the new total.

      Tips to avoid moving scams

      To make sure you're getting the most accurate moving quotes, get an in-home survey. The more detailed your survey, the fewer surprises — and extra charges — you’ll face on moving day. Here are some red flags that could mean a moving company is not trustworthy:

      • Gives only a phone-based quote and refuses an in-home or virtual survey
      • Demands cash payment or large deposit upfront
      • Website lacks local address, licensing or insurance information
      • Claims all goods are fully covered by their insurance
      • Fails to provide the required "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet
      • Office or warehouse is in poor condition (or nonexistent)
      • Shows up with a rental truck instead of a company-branded vehicle
      • Doesn’t provide a written contract
      • Doesn’t have a USDOT number (you can look this number up on the DOT website)
      If they give you a quote over the phone, that’s a big red flag.”
      — Mark Huffman, longtime moving scam reporter for ConsumerAffairs

      What to know about moving insurance

      Mistakes and accidents happen even with the best moving companies. That’s where moving insurance comes in. Basic coverage is free, 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. You must opt into this type of coverage.

      » RELATED: Is moving insurance worth it?

      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 choose the best moving company for you

      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. This is ideal if you're short on time or moving long-distance.
      • Self-service movers only handle transport. You pack, load and unload your belongings. This is usually cheaper, but far more hands-on.
      • Moving brokers arrange the move but don’t own trucks or employ movers. They pass your job to a third party. This can be efficient but also risky if the broker doesn’t vet partners well.
      • Carriers do the work themselves. You’re dealing directly with the company that owns the trucks and employs the crew, which can simplify logistics and accountability.

      2. Start researching

      Some of the best tools you have are the people you know. Ask family, friends and neighbors for their recommendations and experiences with moving companies. If you’ve just bought a new home, your realtor is also a great resource for advice.

      3. Read reviews

      Once you have a few companies in mind, check out their websites, and then read moving company reviews from impartial sources like ConsumerAffairs. You want a company with high overall ratings, of course, but also look specifically at what customers liked about the service (e.g., punctuality). Also, look for reviews that discuss how the company handles refunds, payouts, delays or damaged goods to get an idea of how it operates when things don’t go as planned.

      4. Compare quotes

      Many companies have online quote tools or provide estimates over the phone. While this is a good place to start, it doesn’t take the place of an in-home survey. Read through all your quotes thoroughly and compare them side by side. The in-person estimate is also a good time to take stock of the professionalism of the company and its crew.

      Don’t be tempted to go with the lowest bid — if an estimate comes in significantly lower than the others, it may indicate that charges were left out or that you’re working with a dishonest company.

      5. 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.

      6. 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 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.

      » MORE: Moving checklist

      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.

      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.

      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.

      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 Aug. 1, 2021, to Aug. 1, 2024, 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
      • Deposit requirements
      • Discounts
      • App

      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.

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