Best Moving Companies in St. Louis, MO

The best way to pick a mover in St. Louis is to first figure out exactly which services you need for your move. Then, compare at least three companies that are licensed and insured, looking closely at their written estimates and reviews for warning signs such as hidden costs or a pattern of property damage.

Hiring the right moving company is one of the largest expenses of your relocation, so it's worth taking the time to research carefully. Here are the key steps for evaluating movers and finding the best fit for your needs:

1. Determine your move type

Before you start comparing companies, decide on the type of move you’re planning. Are you moving within St. Louis or leaving Missouri? Will you need help with packing, or just a truck and crew for loading?

Identifying your move type will make it much easier to compare companies that actually offer what you need. Full-service movers will handle packing and heavy lifting, but self-service options let you save by doing more on your own.

2. Research movers in your area

Start by asking friends, family and neighbors for recommendations. Check online reviews on ConsumerAffairs and other independent sources to see what customers say about their experiences. Some of the most common complaints we see about movers include:

• Damage to belongings during transit: Customers report broken furniture, scratched items and damaged personal possessions with slow or difficult claim processes. Some movers dispute damage claims or offer inadequate compensation.
• Hidden fees and cost overages: Moving estimates don't match final invoices, with unexpected charges added for fuel, weight differences or labor. Customers report being asked to pay hundreds of dollars more on moving day with no recourse.
• Poor crew quality and unprofessional conduct: Movers arrive late, work slowly, take extended breaks or handle items carelessly. Some customers report rude or dismissive behavior when raising concerns during the move.

  Maxfield from St. Louis dealt with an unprofessional crew during his move. He stated, “Showed up with broken truck three hours late with one person.”

• Unmet delivery dates and communication breakdowns: Moves are delayed without notice or explanation, with delivery windows shifting multiple times. Customers struggle to reach their moving company to get updates on arrival times or next steps.

3. Compare multiple quotes

Online quotes are a rough starting point. An in-home survey gives a more accurate estimate.

Reach out to several companies and request detailed, written quotes. Having someone come to your home for a walkthrough will typically lead to a much more accurate estimate than what you get online. Compare the breakdowns closely — don’t just look at the price, but also what each quote includes.

Be especially wary of any quote that’s much lower than the rest, as these can leave out key services or lead to last-minute upcharges. Good estimates should spell out labor, truck costs, materials and any extra fees.

4. Ask about extra services

Ask up front about the cost of additional services you might need, like packing or storage, or for handling tricky items such as pianos or antiques. If your move involves stairs, difficult parking or unique access issues, get those charges in writing. This transparency lets you create an accurate budget and helps avoid being surprised by extra fees on moving day.

5. Verify credentials

All reputable movers should be licensed and insured in your state. If your move crosses state lines, the company must also have a USDOT number registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation — you can verify this on the FMCSA website. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the company's insurance coverage and claims process in case of damage.

Moving costs typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on distance, belongings volume and services selected.

Movers must have active authority from MoDOT; check their websites.

Factors that affect pricing include:

• Distance: Moving your household from Soulard to the Central West End costs a fraction of a cross-country relocation.
• Volume: Larger homes and more belongings increase labor and truck space needs.
• Services: Packing, unpacking and specialty item handling add to the total.
• Timing: Peak seasons (summer) and weekends are more expensive; off-season rates are typically 20 to 30% lower.
• Deposits: Brokers often require 20 to 50% upfront (as a broker fee); the remainder is due upon completion. Deposits for carriers are typically much lower.

Rates average $110 to $145 per hour. Trip fees are standard. If you are moving into a historic 'red brick' walk-up, expect a stair fee. Some movers charge extra for 'hoisting' furniture over balconies if stairwells are too narrow.

Average cost for moving services from and within St. Louis

The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

Tipping isn’t required but is standard practice. A typical moving tip ranges from $20 to $50 per mover for local moves. For long-distance moves, consider a larger amount or a percentage of the total cost. Noncash gestures, such as cold drinks and snacks, are also appreciated.

» COMPARE: Our top picks for the best national movers

• Begin your preparations two months out: Gather quotes, get your home organized and allow time for unexpected complications.
• Calculate every aspect of your budget: Estimate all costs, including volume fees, storage and packing materials, to avoid hidden surprises.
• Sort through your items before packing: You’ll pay less and have less to move if you sell, donate or discard items you no longer need.
• Organize boxes by room and priority: Begin with less-used rooms, label boxes by both contents and destination and use sturdy packing materials.
• Pack a box for immediate needs: The week before you move, pack a box with everything you’ll need for your first night or two in your new home.
• Keep communication lines open with movers: Confirm your moving company’s on-site supervisor’s name and number to ensure moving day goes smoothly.

» MORE: Cheap ways to move across the country

All legitimate moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured. For moves crossing state lines, companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a valid USDOT number (verify on the FMCSA website).

Moves are regulated by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), and movers must provide a Bill of Lading. You have 90 days to file a written claim for damages, and the mover must acknowledge it within 30 days.

Moving within or to Missouri?

We’ve got some resources for you:

• Best solar companies in Missouri
• Best home warranties in Missouri
• How to do a Missouri change of address
• Missouri closing costs