Best Antique Moving Companies (Updated Review)
Here’s the bottom line: If you’re a collector of antique furniture, art, or decor, it’s essential to choose a moving company that’s equipped to handle your priceless belongings with care.
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Some of the top moving companies offer specialized services like custom crating and fragile-only packing for high-end pieces and family heirlooms. We’ve evaluated 4,400 movers and pinpointed the best moving companies for antiques. Read on to compare your options.
Our best antique moving companies’ ratings
Here are our top-rated antique moving companies:
- Best overall for antiques: American Van Lines
- Best antique furniture movers: JK Moving Services
- Best for HOAs and condos: Safeway Moving
- Best long-distance antique movers: Mayzlin Relocation
- Best DIY option: U-Pack
Compare the best antique movers
Take a look at how our picks for best antique movers stack up in terms of services.
| Moving company | Specialty services for antiques | Certified antique moving crews | Customized crates | Insurance Options | State availability | BBB rating |
| American Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Basic, full value | 48 (not in AK or HI) | A |
| JK Moving Services | ✓ | x | x | Basic, full value | 50 | A+ |
| Safeway Moving | ✓ | x | ✓ | Basic, full value | 50 | B |
| Mayzlin Relocation | x | x | ✓ | Basic (double the industry average), full value | 48 (not in AK or HI) | A- |
| U-Pack | x | x | x | Catastrophic liability, carrier negligence liability | 50 | A+ |
Our reviews of the best movers for antiques
Best overall for antiques: American Van Lines
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
With its highly trained staff and specialty offerings, American Van Lines (AVL) is our top pick for professional antique movers and one of our recommendations for best moving van lines.
AVL has been around since 1933, and its moving crew members have an average of 10 years of experience. Crews are required to complete annual courses in the company’s training facility as well.
We were impressed to see that AVL also has movers certified specifically in moving antiques and pianos, so you can rest assured your fragile household pieces are properly packed and safely moved to your new home.
Services
AVL can handle full-service moves with white-glove antique moving services—such as custom crates for large, fragile, or oddly shaped pieces—in every US state except for Alaska and Hawaii.
Like most moving companies, AVL offers two types of contents coverage plans—basic carrier liability and full-value protection. Federal law requires moving companies to carry basic carrier liability coverage, at $0.60 per pound. The optional full-value protection offers more comprehensive coverage of at least $6 per pound.
American Van Lines pros and cons
- Has certified antique moving crews
- Will match lower prices from competitors
- Offers climate-controlled storage units to protect antiques
- Charges a hefty deposit (up to 50%)
- Does not serve Alaska or Hawaii
Best antique furniture movers: JK Moving Services
rating
4.6 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
If your moving needs include antique furniture, JK Moving Services might be your best choice. As part of the company’s full-service moving package, trained crews will take apart your furniture and reassemble it at your new home.
This will eliminate the logistical headache of moving large pieces and ensure your furniture is transported safely and with the proper protection. It also makes relocating your heirlooms and collector’s items a stress-free experience since JK Moving specializes in handling high-value and fragile items.
Services
JK Moving Services offers local moves in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., as well as long-distance and international moves.
In addition to the services above, it provides storage solutions and allows you to track your belongings with a GPS tracking system on JK Moving’s easy-to-use app. A personal moving coordinator will also be there to answer any questions or address concerns you may have during the process.
JK Moving Services pros and cons
- Offers full-valuation coverage at no cost on full-service moves
- Provides GPS tracking of shipments and regular updates on your delivery status
- Has personal moving coordinators to assist customers throughout the process
- Is very limited in local moves (only in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC)
- Does not honor price matching
Best for HOAs and condos: Safeway Moving
rating
4.85 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Moving into or out of a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA) or condo association comes with its own unique set of headaches. One of Safeway Moving’s specialties is its knowledgeable approach to HOA, and condo association moves.
Safeway made our list of antique movers because it requires each of its partners to carry a $1 million liability insurance policy, which is higher than several competitors. This provides more extensive moving insurance coverage for antiques and valuables, and it’s compliant with HOA and condo association requirements.
Services
Safeway is both a carrier and a partner with other moving companies in certain locations. It offers full-service long-distance moves and includes services like packing and unpacking, custom crating, and climate-controlled storage.
If you’re moving to a new state, Safeway is the best choice. We rated it #1 on our best interstate moving companies guide.
Safeway Moving pros and cons
- Fulfills HOA and condo association insurance and license requirements for movers
- Includes 30 days of free storage with all moves
- Provides binding estimates, so you know exactly how much you’ll pay
- Requires a 40% deposit to secure your moving date
- Has limited information online
Best long-distance antique movers: Mayzlin Relocation
rating
4.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
We like Mayzlin Relocation for its attention to detail and customer-centric approach, which are well-suited to transporting antiques.
Although it’s smaller than many of the movers on our list and a newer company, Mayzlin’s quality service and personal touch make it one of the best moving companies in the industry.
Services
Mayzlin provides full-service long-distance moves throughout the contiguous U.S., regardless of size. Since many companies have a size minimum, Mayzlin might be a great fit if you are downsizing or are only shipping your antique furniture, not all your belongings.
As a carrier, Mayzlin handles each of its moves directly using its highly trained and fully vetted moving crew. The company will also assign you a relocation consultant to help you personalize your antiques move and assist with all other aspects of your relocation.
If you have questions or concerns, Mayzlin is available around the clock to provide support. Mayzlin Relocation is a great option for antiques and one of the best long distance moving companies we’ve rated.
Mayzlin Relocation pros and cons
- Offers double the industry average on its standard protection coverage
- Provides 30 days of free storage on long-distance moves
- Honors lower quotes from competitors
- You must pay a deposit to book your move
- Doesn’t give online quotes
Best DIY option: U-Pack
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
U-Pack is our pick for those who prefer to handle the bulk of the moving process on their own, and perhaps want to save some money in the process.
The company’s ReloCubes and trailers allow DIY movers to pack and load their antiques on their own without having to pay for bells and whistles they don’t want or need. For that reason, U-Pack is the most affordable antique mover on our list.
Services
U-Pack’s container size offerings include six-foot ReloCubes (similar to PODS containers) and a 28-foot trailer. We like the fact that U-Pack only charges you for the space you use, not the entire trailer. That makes U-Pack a good option for smaller antique moves.
Although you’ll have to do the heavy lifting, you won’t have to worry about hauling the moving containers yourself. U-Pack’s drivers will move your ReloCube or trailer once it’s loaded, pick it up for you, and transport it to your new home or storage facility.
Keep in mind, though, that U-Pack requires a quick turnaround—three days—when it comes to loading and unloading, so if you want a little more time to move, it might not be the best fit.
U-Pack pros and cons
- Provides a cheaper alternative to full-service movers
- Allows you to pay only for the space you use (on trailers)
- Offers multiple sizes of containers and trailers
- Does not handle local moves (50 miles or less)
- Only gives you three days each to load and unload your container
Summary of the best antique moving companies
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- White-glove handling of fragile & high-end items
- Guaranteed pickup & delivery
- $250 deposit for interstate moves
- Mobile app with 24/7 customer service
- Financing available
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
How to choose the right antique moving company
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting an antique moving company.
Customer reviews
To choose the right antique company, start by reviewing online customer feedback. You can read first-hand accounts of experiences with movers in our review through our Better Moves Project.
You can also check reviews on consumer sites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau to see what customers have to say about each mover’s attention to detail, careful handling of household items, professional service, and cost.
Services
While full-service moving companies provide packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and, often, furniture assembly and disassembly, you’ll want to look for a professional mover with specialty services.
Experienced movers who provide white-glove moving services specifically for antiques may assure you that your precious items will be treated with the utmost care.
Experience
When it comes to antique movers, experience matters. Companies like American Van Lines have certified antique and piano movers who are more knowledgeable about how to relocate those items properly.
It’s also a good rule of thumb to inquire about a moving company’s hiring process. Do they do background screenings? Do movers receive routine training in best moving practices for fragile and high-value items?
You should always check to ensure a company is licensed and approved for interstate moving by confirming and verifying the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number through the USDOT online database.
Coverage
If you have a lot of antiques, it might be a good idea to hire a mover that offers contents protection plans beyond the bare minimum.
Moving companies are required to offer basic coverage at no cost, but this plan only provides minor reimbursements if any of your antiques are broken, damaged, or lost during the move.
Moving companies with multiple options for insurance will give you the choice of protecting your precious antiques at or near their full value.
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What specialty services do antique movers offer?
Here are some of the specialty services to keep your eyes out for as you compare antique moving companies:
- Custom packing solutions: Antique movers use tailored packing to protect delicate items. They often use packing materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and custom crates.
- Climate-controlled transport: Many antique movers offer climate-controlled trucks to prevent damage caused by temperature fluctuations and protect your fragile items.
- White glove handling: White glove movers use careful techniques to handle items, including loading, unloading, and placement with the utmost care.
- Insurance options: Comprehensive insurance policies are available to cover potential damages during transit, offering peace of mind that your most valuable antiques are protected.
- Express services: For urgent needs, some movers might offer expedited shipping. This ensures timely delivery without compromising safety.
- International shipping expertise: Movers with global experience can handle international regulations and customs with ease, making cross-border moves with antiques smoother.
- Specialized equipment: Movers use lifts, dollies, and padding to ensure the safe transport of heavy antiques.
- In-home consultation: Movers often offer home visits to assess items, discuss logistics, and create a customized moving plan with an accurate quote.
- Storage solutions: Many of the best movers provide temporary or long-term storage options so you can store your antiques safely in secure, climate-controlled facilities.
How antiques affect moving costs
It’s important to get moving quotes from at least three moving companies to get an accurate picture of the cost to move and determine what add-on options you need to ensure your antiques are carefully handled.
Specialized services like white-glove treatment of your antiques and customized crates will impact the total cost of your move. Some moving companies, like JK Moving, will give you a free quote for any custom crating you need based on the size and weight of your valuable items.
Additionally, keep in mind that extra contents coverage (beyond the minimum provided at no cost by movers) will increase your moving costs. You’ll want to consider this when obtaining quotes to see if the added cost is worth it to protect your antique pieces.
Antique movers FAQs
Do antique movers offer storage?
Some antique movers offer short- and long-term storage options. However, not all moving companies provide storage and some that do have limited availability depending on location.
If you need storage for your antiques, it’s best to look for a company that has climate-controlled units that will best protect your old and fragile pieces from the elements.
Do all moving companies offer services for antiques?
Not all moving companies offer specialized services for antiques. Full-service movers can pack and load any household items, but some—like those in our review—offer specialty packing services for antiques and fragile and high-value items.
Do movers disassemble antique furniture before moving it?
Most full-service movers can disassemble antique furniture before moving it. However, keep in mind that this service may only be offered as an add-on option, which means you will have to pay extra.
Do movers assemble antique furniture after moving it?
Full-service movers that offer disassembly of antique furniture before moving will also assemble your antique furniture after moving it. Just remember that you may have to pay a little extra for this service.
Will I get my money back if my antiques are damaged while moving?
Depending on the contents coverage plan you select, you may get some or all of your money back if your antiques are damaged while moving. Basic insurance is free but only covers your items at $0.60 per pound per item.
Full-value protection plans provide more coverage—$6 per pound for each item. Some moving companies offer third-party insurance that will protect your items at their actual value. The amount you pay for these plans is typically 3%–4% of the total value of your belongings.
Should I get an appraisal before moving my antiques?
You do not need to get an appraisal before moving your antiques unless you purchase full-valuation coverage of your items.
Most moving companies will actually require you to have your antiques appraised before you can buy a full-value plan. Typically, the appraisal can be done as part of the moving estimate process.
We've been evaluating moving companies for over 10 years and have developed a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Customer satisfaction (40%): Dispute resolution (20%): Industry reputation (15%): Online reputation (10%): Service options (10%): National availability (5%):Methodology
We Look At:
The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
The company is well regarded within the moving industry as well as participates in industry conferences and organizations.
The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery and more.
The company offers origin and destination services across the country.
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