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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 (self-service vs. full-service; long-distance vs. short-distance).

      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.
      • 4,213,724 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
      Rating4.24.23.93.63.53.63.2
      # of reviews2,2232068266424197424
      Our pick for Interstate moves Full service Auto transport International moves Self-service GPS tracking Customer service
      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:4.2
      • Available states: 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
      • Available states: 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:3.9
      • Available states: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
      • USDOT number: 076235
      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
      • Available states: The continental U.S.
      • USDOT number: 2293832
      International Van Lines Logo Learn More

      International Van Lines performs local, long-distance and international moves. 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
      • Available states: 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 typical storage containers as well as 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:3.6
      • Available states: 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.”

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        How much does moving cost?

        One of the biggest challenges of moving is how much it can set you back — and the costs can vary widely. It’s crucial to do your research at least a month before your move so you can set up and stick to an appropriate budget.

        The price of your move generally hinges on a few major factors: whether you move yourself, how much your belongings weigh (heavy or large items, like pianos and hot tubs, usually mean extra fees), the distance between your old and new home and how much time the move takes. You’ll also have to add in costs like gas and tolls. Ultimately, the bigger the move, the greater the final bill.

        If you’re hiring movers, you can expect to pay between $80 and $100 per hour for two laborers to complete a local move, while a long-distance move (about 1,000 miles or more) might set you back anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on what you’re moving and where.

        Moving companies generally offer one of three types of estimates: binding, nonbinding and guaranteed-not-to-exceed. Before you get any estimate, it’s a good idea to declutter and donate or sell things you don’t need or want anymore.

        » LEARN: What to know about moving quotes

        Additional moving fees and charges

        When you’re working on your moving budget, there are several smaller fees and charges to factor in — and they can add up.

        For instance, if you don’t have the time, energy or ability to pack all your things yourself, you can hire a mover to pack for you. Packing yourself is significantly cheaper, but you still have to pay for packing materials (tape, cushioning material, etc. — it’s a good idea to try to find free moving boxes around town). If you hire professional packers, you’ll pay a premium for the service.

        Also consider whether you’ll need temporary storage after you leave your current home. If it’ll be weeks or months before you can actually move into your new place, you’ll likely need to rent a storage unit or pay the moving company more to store your things.

        Moving insurance is another line item to consider when you’re working out a budget. Movers are required to provide liability insurance, which means if anything is lost or broken in transit, the company will pay for it — but usually just up to 60 cents per pound per item. If you have costly or precious items, you might consider taking out full-value protection insurance to cover the entire cost of your items.

        » MORE: 8 cheap ways to move across the country

        Hiring movers vs. renting a truck or moving container

        Whether you choose to hire a full-service moving company or just rent a truck or moving container comes down to your budget and preferences. Start by determining what your greatest resource is — is it money, time or the ability to do physical labor?

        Moving yourself is bound to be the least expensive option, but it can take a lot of time and energy. If you need to move in a hurry, have the funds and don’t want to risk physical strain, hiring a moving company is likely your best bet. Consider the pros and cons of each option to help you determine which option is right for you.

        Professional movers

        Hiring professional movers might be ideal if you’re moving a long distance, have a lot of possessions or live in a home that’s tricky to get to, like a walk-up apartment or a house with a lot of stairs.

        The biggest perk to hiring movers: It can save you lots of time and effort — lifting heavy boxes yourself can tire you out pretty quickly. And if you have any bulky or delicate items, movers will know how to transport them safely.

        One downside to hiring movers is the number of bad actors out there who may try to scam you. And, of course, it comes with higher overall costs than moving yourself.

        Moving truck rental

        If you’re looking to save a few dollars and don’t have too big a move ahead of you, renting a moving truck might make sense. Just keep in mind that while renting a truck can save you money, it may end up costing you in other ways. Moving can be hectic, and when you add the travel to rent and return a truck, your already long day might come with one more potential headache.

        If you go the do-it-yourself route, you’ll probably have to hire a moving crew or enlist friends and family to help. And if the truck doesn’t come with dollies or straps for loading your things and securing them in the truck, you may have to rent them for an extra cost.

        Moving container rental

        With this option, a moving container company delivers the unit to you, and you can pack it according to your own schedule (container rentals usually start at seven days and go up to a month or more).

        Once you pack a box, you can place it in the container and get it out of your way. When you’re finished, the rental company will pick up the unit and deliver it to your new home — then you can unpack at your own pace.

        This convenience does come at a cost; it’s unlikely to be as affordable as renting a truck. Also note that some locations — like busy city streets or homes without driveways — make placing a container impossible.

        >> MORE:5 types of moving companies

        How to hire a mover

        The importance of hiring a responsible, professional mover with good customer reviews cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, there are plenty of shady companies out there that specialize in scamming everyday people, bilking them for extra dollars at the end of a move or doing a poor job. And no one needs any extra challenges when they’re already facing the stress and logistics that come with moving.

        So whether you’re moving out of your parents' house, to another state or to a new country, here’s a quick step-by-step guide to hiring movers. Note that you can hire a moving company directly or you can work with a moving broker.

        1. Get multiple estimates and walk-throughs: Have the company come to your home to do a walk-through. If a moving company doesn’t offer this service free, take it as a giant red flag. After the walk-through, a representative will provide a cost estimate based on your things. Keep in mind that estimated quotes can change — how much stuff you have and the total move time will determine your final cost.
        2. Read customer reviews and ask for references: As you research movers, be sure to ask friends and family if they’ve worked with a company they’d recommend. And be sure to read online moving reviews, even after you get a good review from someone you know.

          What past customers think of a moving company is one of the best indicators of what your overall experience will be. While one or two negative reviews shouldn’t sink a company, a bunch of bad reviews that mention the same negatives (overcharges, slow moves, broken items) should give you pause.

        3. Watch out for red flags: If you find a moving company with nothing but 5-star reviews, it might seem like a perfect match, but it’s really a serious warning sign. As a general rule, no matter how great a company is, there are always a few customers who aren’t completely satisfied. Not everyone will have the same experience, so if no reviewers are unhappy, they’re likely fake reviews.

          Another thing to look out for: relatively new moving companies with no address, no phone number or several different business names. It can be fairly easy for a company that doesn’t actually exist to set up a website, give you a quote via email or text, and ask for a down payment you’ll never see again. If a mover asks for a significant down payment, it’s probably not legit.

          To find out if a company is legitimate or not, search the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registry, and check with your state’s moving regulatory agency.

        FAQ

        What should I do if I’m the victim of moving fraud?

        It’s not uncommon for someone to fall victim to moving fraud. A fake moving company might run away with customers’ money or hold possessions hostage, demanding an exorbitant amount of money for their return. If this happens to you, file a complaint against the moving company with the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database. Also contact your local state regulator and the police, and make sure to note the movers' clothing, physical characteristics and license plate numbers.

        Do you need to tip movers?

        You don’t need to tip, but this practice is customary. So how much should you tip your movers? In general, consider tipping $5 to $10 per mover per hour or up to 20% of the total cost of your move.

        Can I deduct my moving expenses from my taxes?

        Due to tax reform under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), tax deductions for moving expenses have been suspended until 2025. Unfortunately, in most scenarios you can’t deduct the cost of your move from your federal taxes. This holds true even if you’re moving for work or a new job. One exception is if your move is military-related, in which case you may be able to deduct the move cost.

        Can you hire movers to move one item?

        Yes, you can hire movers to move just one item. This might make sense if you have something fragile you’re putting in storage or you’re moving a large item from a friend’s home to yours. Just remember to follow the same steps you would for a larger move: Get a few quotes, and make sure the company is legitimate and has good reviews.

        Do I need moving insurance?

        All legitimate movers offer insurance. Typically, moving companies pay 60 cents per pound per item for lost or damaged items. Lots of your possessions are probably worth more than this, though, so you might want to consider buying additional insurance from the company. This is especially true if you have high-value items and own anything particularly delicate or sentimental. 

        The cost of additional insurance may be well worth it if something valuable suffers damage in transit, and most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage to items during a move.

        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.

        Not sure how to choose?

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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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