Best Moving Companies for Seniors

International Van Lines is our top pick overall

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      American Van Lines, International Van Lines and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
      an elderly man and woman unpacking boxes

      Moving later in life is an overwhelming task, both physically and emotionally. You might be downsizing from a family home or relocating closer to your loved ones. Maybe you’re transitioning into a retirement or assisted-living community.

      In any event, it’s stressful logistically. The right moving company can make a huge difference.

      As a senior, you’re likely hoping for more help than just transportation from point A to point B. You might prioritize flexible timelines, packing help, storage options, careful handling of your cherished belongings, or compassionate customer service.

      Based on our research and recent verified customer reviews, these four moving companies stand out for senior relocations:

      1. International Van Lines: Best overall
      2. Bronze Star Moving and Storage: Best for packing services
      3. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Best for customer service
      4. American Van Lines: Best for storage options
      Methodology The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared 15 popular moving companies on customer ratings and reviews, packing services, storage options, available discounts and other factors to select our top picks for this guide. Read our full methodology for all the details on how we make moving company recommendations for seniors.

      4 best moving companies for seniors

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

      Compare our top moving companies for seniors

      This guide will help you (and anyone in a supporting role) compare moving companies and choose the one that best meets your unique needs.

      Our top pick overall

      International Van Lines

      International Van Lines
      Deposit
      Varies (25% is common)
      Local moves
      Limited
      Discounts
      None specified

      International Van Lines (IVL) earned the highest overall score in our senior-focused evaluation. The score is based on verified reviewers’ satisfaction with moving crews, customer service, punctuality, packing, price and quote accuracy, among other factors.

      Physical limitations, emotional attachments to long-time belongings and tighter timelines can all make the moving process more complex. IVL’s senior-focused moving services are designed to ease that burden by offering extra support.

      This includes everything from careful packing and downsizing assistance to flexible scheduling and storage options. That way, older adults and their families can manage a move with less stress and greater confidence.

      International Van Lines (USDOT 2293832) stands out for its wide range of services, including packing, unpacking, storage and specialty handling. This is especially helpful for older adults who want fewer vendors involved in their relocations.

      IVL functions as both a licensed broker and a carrier for commercial and residential relocations. You can opt for basic transport with no added services, or you can pay a premium for full-service packing. It also offers shipping for cars, RVs, motorcycles and boats.

      If you pay for packing services, the cost of insurance is 3% of the total declared value of your items. For DIY packing, you can buy total loss coverage for 2% of the declared value. 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.

      Pros
      • Operates all over the U.S. and internationally
      • Month of free storage
      • Car shipping services available
      • Efficient moving crews
      Cons
      • You might have to deal with a third party
      • No app
      • Occasional delivery delays
      3x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Moving Experience and Best Overall Value
      Our pick for packing services

      Bronze Star Moving and Storage Inc.

      Bronze Star Moving and Storage Inc.
      Deposit
      Flat rate based on distance
      Local moves
      Yes
      Discounts
      Military

      Bronze Star Moving & Storage stands out for hands-on assistance, earning a perfect satisfaction score for packing services availability in our analysis. If you worry about movers not transporting your possessions with care, this company is a strong option.

      Bronze Star has a solid track record of customers being satisfied with how their belongings are handled.

      According to our scoring for this guide, Bronze Star also performs well in price satisfaction and damage prevention. These are important factors for seniors with fragile or sentimental belongings.

      Bronze Star Moving and Storage (USDOT 3710555) handles residential and commercial relocations as both a broker and carrier. It offers local and cross-country moves, along with short- and long-term storage (including 30 days free). You can choose basic transport or full-service packing, loading and furniture assembly.

      Bronze Star Moving and Storage offers the standard 60 cents per pound of limited liability protection, with optional full replacement value for carrier-packed items. Third-party insurance is also available.

      Pros
      • Transparent cancellation policy
      • Nationwide availability
      • Efficient crews, according to reviewers
      Cons
      • Some reports of price fluctuations
      • Occasional issues with subcontractors
      Our pick for customer service

      Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

      Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
      Deposit
      Varies
      Local moves
      Limited
      Discounts
      None specified

      Seniors and caregivers often need extra guidance during the quote and scheduling process, and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) customer support model reflects that need.

      IMRG achieved the highest mover satisfaction score in our analysis plus ranked among the top companies for packing satisfaction.

      Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (USDOT 3034100) is a licensed broker that facilitates commercial, residential and military moves, as well as car shipping.

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

      Because it’s a broker, storage services vary depending on your local carrier.

      IMRG offers a $75,000 surety bond, which protects you in the event of broker misconduct. You can also opt for third-party insurance.

      Pros
      • Military discounts available
      • Nationwide agent network
      • Full-service packing (works with local packing companies)
      • Offers car shipping
      Cons
      • No app
      • Storage options dependent on local carrier
      Our pick for storage options

      American Van Lines

      American Van Lines
      Deposit
      50%
      Local moves
      Limited
      Discounts
      Location-specific

      American Van Lines is our top choice for seniors who need storage. We like that it offers both short- and long-term storage solutions that integrate well with its moving services. This makes it especially well-suited for downsizing moves and delayed move-in dates.

      American Van Lines (USDOT 614506) offers residential, business, corporate and military moving services, along with packing, storage and specialty handling for high-value items.

      The company provides climate-controlled, secure storage, full packing and crating, and trained movers for pianos, antiques and other fragile belongings. Military-approved storage, valuation insurance and shipment tracking are also available.

      American Van Lines has two moving insurance options:

      • Full value protection means that your mover must replace, repair or make a cash settlement for anything that is lost, damaged or destroyed. This is automatic unless you opt into release value protection.
      • Released value means that the mover is only liable for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if your 10-pound television breaks during transport, you would only be compensated $6.
      Pros
      • Easy booking process
      • Flat-rate pricing
      • Competitive, upfront pricing, according to reviewers
      Cons
      • Some weight restrictions
      • A few complaints of poor communication

      Why seniors need specialized moving services

      Moving later in life often comes with different priorities than when you move earlier in life. Your physical limitations can make it hard to lift, pack and navigate stairs. This is not even to mention the emotional aspect. It’s tough to leave a longtime home, especially when it holds decades of memories.

      That’s why the best moving companies of 2025 have to account for senior-specific needs.

      Key insights

      Senior-focused moving services prioritize extra support such as packing, downsizing assistance, white-glove handling and storage to reduce physical and emotional strain during a move.

      Jump to insight

      The cost of a senior move depends on distance and services, with added support like packing, storage and specialized handling often increasing overall expenses.

      Jump to insight

      Verify availability of packing, white-glove handling, storage and downsizing support before choosing a mover.

      Jump to insight

      Senior-focused moving services explained

      Senior-focused movers are better equipped to provide reassurance and accommodate special requests. This includes everything from carefully handling heirlooms to coordinating move-in dates with your assisted-living facility.

      Packing and unpacking assistance

      Full-service packing helps protect your delicate or sentimental items while reducing the physical demands seniors and caregivers may face.

      White-glove services

      These services include extra care handling, furniture disassembly, custom crating and precise placement in the new home.

      Downsizing help

      Some movers assist with sorting, organizing and coordinating donations or disposal. This can be a major benefit when you’re moving to a smaller space.

      Storage options

      Short- and long-term storage is useful when move-in dates don’t line up or when you want more time to decide what to keep.

      Local vs. long-distance moves

      Long-distance relocations often require more coordination, detailed inventories and flexible delivery windows.

      How much does it cost to move as a senior?

      Senior moving costs can vary based on distance, services and timing. According to ConsumerAffairs cost research, local moves typically range from $600 to $1,000. Long-distance moves often fall between $2,000 and $8,000.

      Senior moves can cost more than standard relocations because they frequently include additional services such as full packing and unpacking, white-glove handling, downsizing assistance and short- or long-term storage. While these services can increase the total cost, they can also provide meaningful peace of mind to seniors.

      How to choose a senior-friendly mover

      A senior-friendly mover should offer transparent pricing, flexible scheduling and experience handling moves that require extra care.

      The steps below will help you compare companies confidently and focus on what matters most for a smooth, low-stress relocation.

      1. Check experience with senior moves

      Ask whether the company regularly works with seniors, retirement communities or assisted-living facilities. Here are some of the most important questions you should ask when figuring out how to hire movers.

      • What services are included in this quote?
      • Are packing and unpacking optional?
      • How are fragile items protected?
      • What moving insurance or valuation options are available?

      2. Review senior-specific feedback

      Look for moving company reviews that mention patience, care and communication. You want to know about more than just speed or price.

      3. Compare pricing and flexibility

      Seniors often benefit from flexible schedules and transparent pricing over the lowest initial quote.

      Getting an accurate quote is critical for seniors, as detailed surveys and clear estimates help avoid surprise costs and ensure special needs are accounted for upfront.

      A trustworthy quote starts with a detailed survey, either in-home or virtual. Movers might ask you about your stairs, elevators, narrow hallways and parking access. All of these can affect your pricing and logistics.

      Binding vs. nonbinding estimates

      Binding estimates lock in pricing. In contrast, nonbinding estimates may change based on actual weight or the services you choose.

      Simplify your search

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

        FAQs

        What services should I expect for a senior move?

        Most senior moves include packing assistance, careful handling, flexible scheduling and optional storage.

        Are movers required to help with downsizing?

        No. And most cheap moving companies probably won’t. But many senior-friendly movers offer downsizing support as an add-on service.

        What is a “white-glove” moving service?

        White-glove service includes extra care handling, custom packing and precise setup in the new home.

        Do movers offer unpacking assistance?

        Yes. Many companies offer unpacking to help seniors settle in more comfortably.

        Are there discounts available for seniors?

        Some movers do offer senior discounts, military discounts or seasonal discounts. Availability varies by company.

        When should I book a mover for a senior relocation?

        Booking six to eight weeks in advance is ideal. This is especially true for long-distance or peak-season moves.

        Methodology: How we chose the best movers for seniors

        The ConsumerAffairs Research Team evaluated 15 national moving companies using verified customer reviews collected between Sept. 1, 2022, and Aug. 31, 2025. We also looked at features for each company.

        We scored each company across 14 categories:

        • Mover satisfaction
        • Customer service satisfaction
        • Punctuality satisfaction
        • Packing quality satisfaction
        • Price satisfaction
        • Quote accuracy satisfaction
        • Damage outcome satisfaction
        • Storage availability
        • Packing services
        • Discounts
        • Quote for a two-bedroom move
        • Website usability
        • Types of moves supported

        We scored each company in each category, and adjusted the category weightings for each of the top picks.


        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 guide include:

        1. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Steps to Select a Mover.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2025.
        2. AARP Minnesota, “Downsizing and Decluttering Resources.” Accessed Dec. 27, 2025.
        3. FreightWaves Checkpoint, “How Early Should You Book a Mover?” Accessed Dec. 27, 2025.
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