Best overall
International Van Lines
4.6
1,480 reviews
9.6/10|ConsumerAffairs Score
- Deposit
- Varies (25% is common)
- Local moves
- Limited
- Long-distance moves
- Yes
- BBB rating
- A+
Best Moving Companies in St. Louis, MO
- Best overall
International Van Lines4.6(1,480) - Customer service
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group4.3(563) - Value
PODS4.5(5,666)
By:
Cassidy McCants
+1 more
Edited by:
Jon Bortin
Best Moving Companies in St. Louis, MO
Based on hundreds of verified local reviews, International Van Lines ranks as the best moving company in St. Louis. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group is a strong option for anyone seeking clear communication at every step. PODS is a great pick if you want an affordable, semi-DIY option for your relocation.
Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
- Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
- 4,956,328 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.
Our 7 moving company picks in St. Louis
- Best overall: International Van Lines
- Best customer service: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Best value: PODS
- Best quote accuracy: US Prime Movers
- Local favorite: Modern Moving Solutions
- Local favorite: Simple Moves
- Local favorite: Arch Moving
To help you find the best options, we compared moving companies available in St. Louis. Then we analyzed ratings and reviews on ConsumerAffairs from St. Louis customers.
To make our picks, we also considered pricing, the quote, deposit processes, the availability of packing services and storage options. Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.
Compare moving companies
| Company | Customer rating | ConsumerAffairs Score | Our pick for | Carrier vs. broker | Local moves | Long-distance moves | BBB rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 International Van Lines | Learn More | 4.6
1,480 reviews
1,480 reviews
| 9.6/10 | Best overall | Broker and carrier hybrid |  | | A+ |
 Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | Get a Quote | 4.3
563 reviews
563 reviews
| 9.2/10 | Customer service | Broker | | | B |
 PODS | Learn More | 4.5
5,666 reviews
5,666 reviews
| 9.0/10 | Value | Container company | | | A+ |
 US Prime Movers | Learn More | 2.4
40 reviews
40 reviews
| 9.4/10 | Quote accuracy | Carrier | | | B+ |
 Modern Moving Solutions | Write a Review | No rating | 9.1/10 | Local favorite | N/A | | | N/A |
 Simple Moves | Write a Review | No rating | 8.7/10 | Local favorite | Carrier | | | N/A |
 Arch Moving | Write a Review | No rating | 8.2/10 | Local favorite | Carrier | | | A+ |
Our top 4 St. Louis moving company picks
Learn more about our top picks for the best moving companies, based on verified reviews from St. Louis area customers and broader Missouri feedback on ConsumerAffairs.
Best customer service
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
4.3
563 reviews
9.2/10|ConsumerAffairs Score
- Deposit
- Varies
- Local moves
- Limited
- Long-distance moves
- Yes
- BBB rating
- B
Best value
PODS
4.5
5,666 reviews
9.0/10|ConsumerAffairs Score
- Deposit
- Varies
- Local moves
- Yes
- Long-distance moves
- Yes
- BBB rating
- A+
Best quote accuracy
US Prime Movers
2.4
40 reviews
9.4/10|ConsumerAffairs Score
- Deposit
- Varying percentage
- Local moves
- Yes
- Long-distance moves
- Yes
- BBB rating
- B+
» MORE: Best moving companies in Missouri
Best moving companies in nearby cities
Moving Companies in St. Louis Buyers Guide
Jump into our guides and start learning
In this guide
Moving in St. Louis is a game of "brick and mortar." Many historic neighborhoods, such as Soulard and the Central West End, have narrow streets and require alley access for loading. Keep in mind that you cannot block the one-way streets without a permit. We’ll help you find the right mover for these unique challenges.
Key insights
Missouri movers must be registered with MoDOT. Verify they are an active carrier on the MoDOT website.
Jump to insightMissouri law allows for binding estimates, which act as a firm contract price. This is often safer than hourly for complex city moves.
Jump to insightUse the alley. In many St. Louis neighborhoods, front doors are for guests; moving happens via the back alley. Ensure your mover knows this to bring the right truck.
Jump to insightHow to choose a mover in St. Louis
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.
How much do movers cost in St. Louis?
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.
| Distance | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Under 10 miles | $2,787 to $5,066 |
| 200 to 300 miles | $3,021 to $5,955 |
| 1,000+ miles | $8,266 to $10,416 |
Should you tip your movers?
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
Tips for a St. Louis move
- 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.
Moving regulations in St. Louis
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:
FAQ
What's included in a full-service move?
A full-service mover should handle everything from packing your belongings to loading, driving, unloading and optionally unpacking at your new place. If you choose a basic transport option, you’ll be responsible for packing and loading your own items.
Is moving insurance worth it?
Basic coverage is usually included, but if you own expensive or fragile items, you may want to buy extra insurance. Ask your mover about your options and make sure you understand what’s covered. Standard mover insurance pays out $0.60 per pound, regardless of the item’s actual value. That means if your 30-pound, $1,000 TV breaks, you’ll only get $18.
Do movers charge extra for apartment buildings or parking restrictions in St. Louis?
Yes, movers may charge extra for apartment buildings or parking restrictions in St. Louis. Historic neighborhoods (Soulard, CWE) require alley access; trucks can't park in front. Walk-ups are common and trigger stair fees.
When is the cheapest time to move in St. Louis?
The cheapest time to move in St. Louis is usually winter. Summer is humid and busy. Avoid moving during Mardi Gras — streets are totally blocked.
Methodology: How we pick the top moving companies in St. Louis
To select our top moving companies, we start with reputable movers available in St. Louis, then rank them based on how they actually perform in your area.
Our approach: Local reviews and national standards
We score each company by combining:
- Local customer reviews (65%): What people in St. Louis and nearby areas say about the company.
- National track record (22%): How the company performs outside of Missouri.
- Service offerings and user experience (13%): An evaluation of each mover's logistical capabilities, cost transparency and ease of booking.
This way, companies with strong national reputations are judged on their actual local performance.
How we use local data
We gather customer feedback in layers to make sure we have enough information to rank companies fairly:
- Reviews from your city: If a company has several reviews from St. Louis, we use those (and weight them more heavily).
- Reviews from nearby areas: If not enough St. Louis reviews exist, we look at reviews from the surrounding metro area.
- Statewide data: If regional data is still limited, we use the company's overall performance across the state.
The more reviews we have, the more confident we are in the ranking. If lots of companies have reviews in a city, we prioritize them over companies that lack local reviews.
We make sure our top picks are actually active in your area. Companies with solid local reviews rank higher than those relying only on national reputation, even if they perform well nationally.
What we measure
We analyze customer reviews for:
- Moving crew quality
- Customer service
- On-time delivery
- Packing and care
- Quote accuracy
- Damage prevention
- Fair pricing
We also research what pricing and services each company offers, including:
- Quote for a 500-mile, 2-bedroom move
- Storage options
- Packing services
- Available discounts
- How easy it is to get an accurate quote
- Types of moves offered (local, long distance, international)
- Digital ease of use
Guide sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Missouri Department of Transportation, “Moving in Missouri.” Accessed Dec. 17, 2025.
Thanks for subscribing.
You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.
Read St. Louis moving company reviews
| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International Van Lines
| 4.6
1,480 reviews
| Licensed moving company that offers local, long-distance and international moves. Services available by van, freight, air and ocean. Works in the entire U.S. and more than 180 countries. Free moving quotes available. | Read Reviews |
|
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
| 4.3
563 reviews
| Licensed moving broker. Offers long-distance and military moves, auto transport and packing services. Free quotes. Works with authorized carriers. Available across the U.S. Online payments. | Get a Quote |
|
PODS
| 4.5
5,666 reviews
| Provides residential and commercial moving and storage solutions. Offers various container sizes. Local moves tend to cost about $500. Most long-distance moves cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Month-to-month pod rental. | Read Reviews |
|
US Prime Movers
| 2.4
40 reviews
| Provides long-distance moving services in 13 states and D.C. Completed over 9,500 moves. Provides free estimates and transparent pricing. Other services include packing and climate-controlled storage for short or longer periods. | Read Reviews |
Roadway Moving
| 4.9
381 reviews
| Full-service moving carrier. Offers local, interstate and international moving services. 99.3% on-time moves. Packing services and storage available. Provides free quotes. Licensed and insured. Track your move with mobile app. | Read Reviews |
AmeriSafe Van Lines
| 4.5
1,329 reviews
| Licensed carrier and broker providing full-service moving. Available nationwide. Local, long-distance and interstate moving services for residential and commercial customers. Packing and storage options. Free online quotes. | Get a Quote |
Colonial Van Lines
| 4.3
3,024 reviews
| Tailored moving services. Professional, experienced movers. Commitment to customer satisfaction, transparent pricing and a track record of reliable service. Moves out of state. Backed by years of expertise. | Get a Quote |
iMoving.com
| 4.4
164 reviews
| Offers local, long-distance, international and commercial moving services. Local moves cost $150 to $900. Most interstate moves cost $1,000 to $4,000. Storage services, auto transport and specialty packing services available. | Get a Quote |
America First Moving
| 4.2
335 reviews
| Long-distance, long-haul moving services. Licensed and insured moving broker. 24/7 customer support. Partner network of carriers across U.S. Online quotes. Quoted price is 100% binding. Packing and unpacking services. | Get a Quote |
Moving APT
| 4.1
297 reviews
| Broker that specializes in interstate moves for residential and commercial customers. Handles moves of all sizes. Packing services available. Free quotes include tolls, taxes, fuel and all other fees. | Get a Quote |
United Prime Van Lines
| 4.1
99 reviews
| Offers local and long-distance moves. Serves both residential and commercial customers. Storage solutions available as needed. Offers moving insurance against damaged items. Free quotes can be requested online. | Read Reviews |
Perennial Van Lines
| 4.0
112 reviews
| A brokerage company that arranges transportation for your move. Offers auto transport, packing and storage services. Not available in all states. Serves some states only partially. Free quote online or by phone. | Read Reviews |
New Start Relocation
| 3.9
1,214 reviews
| Offers local, long-distance and office moving services from its location in Boynton Beach, Florida. Hires carriers for moves and provides a team of moving professionals. | Read Reviews |
American Van Lines
| 4.0
2,792 reviews
| Offers long-distance, military, commercial and corporate moving services. No extra charges for last-minute moves. Requires a significant deposit to reserve a move. Cross-country moves typically cost from $3,000 to $6,000. | Get a Quote |
X Van Lines
| 3.4
140 reviews
| Offers four types of moving services. Short- and long-term storage options available. Available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Quotes range from $2,000 to $15,000 as of publishing. | Read Reviews |
U-Pack
| 3.5
32 reviews
| Provides movable storage boxes you pack and unload yourself. Handles moves of at least 150 miles. Offers free quotes and flexible storage options. Does not offer services for local moves. Typical moves cost from $2,000 to $9,000. | Read Reviews |
Safebound Moving & Storage
| 3.2
313 reviews
| Specializes in long-distance moves. Charges around $2,500 for a cross-country move. Full packing and unpacking services. Short- and long-term storage options available. Provides a dedicated moving coordinator. Military discounts. | Read Reviews |
Allied Van Lines
| 2.9
850 reviews
| Over 95 years in service. Cross-country and long-distance moves. Offers a variety of packing, moving and storage services. Vehicle shipping. Covers all 50 states and international moves. | Read Reviews |
United Regions Van Lines
| 2.8
826 reviews
| Offers long-distance moving and corporate relocation services. Packing services and storage available. Serves the continental U.S. Charges between $2,500 and $5,000 for a two-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Kansas City. | Read Reviews |
North American Van Lines
| 2.6
528 reviews
| Full-service mover offering local, long-distance, international and corporate moves. Also offers packing, storage and auto transport services. Available nationwide. Virtual in-home survey may be required for binding quotes. | Read Reviews |
24/7 Logistic Services
| 2.3
292 reviews
| Specializes in moves for corporations, military personnel and seniors. Charges from $2,000 to $5,000 for long-distance moves. Provides door-to-door relocation options. Offers furniture assembly and protection. | Read Reviews |
Van Lines Inc.
| 2.4
194 reviews
| National mover licensed in all 50 states. Provides a single point of contact for support on all moves. Offers multiple services, including white-glove delivery, antique moving and motorcycle moving. Rents storage units. | Read Reviews |
Mayflower
| 1.9
247 reviews
| Full-service moving company in business since 1927. Can handle local, long-distance and international moves. Additional services like auto transport and storage available. Provides full-valuation protection. Available nationwide. | Get a Quote |
JK Moving Services
| 1.8
59 reviews
| Transports locally, long-distance and internationally. Offers residential and commercial moving. Also offers storage and archive services. Uses sustainable practices. Offers 24-hour customer support and mobile app. | Read Reviews |
Penske Truck Rental
| 1.7
360 reviews
| Rents 12- to 26-feet-long moving trucks. Sells packing materials. Free unlimited mileage on one-way trips. Discounts for AAA members and other programs. Minimum rental periods apply. A move from Houston to Dallas costs about $202. | Read Reviews |
U-Haul
| 1.4
1,356 reviews
| Offers container shipping, storage, moving tools, packing supplies and hitches. Rental options include pickups and 26-foot trucks. Serves the U.S. and Canada. Hourly and per-mile fees. Local moves cost as little as $19.95 a day. | Read Reviews |
Mayzlin Relocation
| 1.5
232 reviews
| Moving company based in North Carolina. Offers local, long-distance, commercial and military moving services. Packing and storage options are available. Provides a free quote with no hidden costs. | Read Reviews |
Bellhop
| 1.3
296 reviews
| Matches clients with moving service providers. Local and long-distance moving in 28 states. Provides tailored packages. Offers hourly labor for loading and unloading. Sells packing supply kits. Offers a tracking app. | Read Reviews |
Budget Truck Rental
| 1.1
978 reviews
| Rents out moving trucks and accessories for residential and commercial moves. Offers packing, loading and unloading assistance. Sells packing supplies. Available nationwide. Provides discounts for students, vets and older adults. | Read Reviews |
Arch Moving
| No reviews | Locally owned residential and commercial mover offering local and long-distance moves, packing/unpacking, labor-only services and storage. Specialty moves include pianos, pool tables, safes, antiques and fine art. | |
Modern Moving Solutions
| No reviews | St. Louis-based mover with a Kansas City location offering residential and commercial local and long-distance moves. Provides packing, specialty and single-item deliveries and climate-controlled storage solutions. | |
Simple Moves
| No reviews | Veteran-owned residential and commercial mover serving St. Louis, St. Charles and beyond. Offers local and long-distance moves, packing/unpacking, load-only services, storage and packing supplies with no hourly minimums. |
Showing 10 of 32
Want your company to be on this guide?
Yes, ContinueComparing
×![]()