4 best moving companies for seniors
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Long-distance moves | Local moves | Estimate for a 500-mile move* | USDOT # | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 International Van Lines | Get a Quote | 4.8 | Best overall |  | | $4,252 | 2293832 |
 Bronze Star Moving and Storage Inc. | Learn More | 3.7 | Packing services | | | $4,200 | 3710555 |
 Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | Get a Quote | 4.7 | Customer service | | | $6,000 to $8,000 | 3034100 |
 American Van Lines | Get a Quote | 4.2 | Storage options | | | $5,163 | 614506 |
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.
International Van Lines
- Deposit
- Varies (25% is common)
- Local moves
- Limited
- Discounts
- None specified
Bronze Star Moving and Storage Inc.
- Deposit
- Flat rate based on distance
- Local moves
- Yes
- Discounts
- Military
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Deposit
- Varies
- Local moves
- Limited
- Discounts
- None specified
American Van Lines
- Deposit
- 50%
- Local moves
- Limited
- Discounts
- Location-specific
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.
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 insightThe 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 insightVerify availability of packing, white-glove handling, storage and downsizing support before choosing a mover.
Jump to insightSenior-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.
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:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Steps to Select a Mover.” Accessed Dec. 10, 2025.
- AARP Minnesota, “Downsizing and Decluttering Resources.” Accessed Dec. 27, 2025.
- FreightWaves Checkpoint, “How Early Should You Book a Mover?” Accessed Dec. 27, 2025.
