10 Best Moving Companies
Whether you’re planning a long-distance or local move, working with a quality moving company is the best way to guarantee your belongings safely make it from point A to point B.
With countless professional movers to choose from, how do you make sure you’re making the right choice? In this guide, we’ll break down the best moving companies for any budget, from full-service movers to rental trucks. We;ve reviewed dozens of companies in each of these categories to help you find the best options from across the industry.
Our ratings of the best moving companies
Our methodology includes several important factors when rating moving companies, including:
- Customer satisfaction
- Services offered
- Industry reputation
- State availability
- Payment options
- Scheduling
- Type of mover
These ratings come from extensive research and the personal experiences of our readers:
- Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
- Best moving van line: Safeway Moving
- Best for white-glove services: JK Moving Services
- Best for customized moves: North American Van Lines
- Best moving container: U-Pack
- Best for local moves: American Van Lines
- Best moving truck: Penske
- Best for seniors: Allied Van Lines
- Best for flexible moves: PODS
- Best international moves: International Van Lines
Key takeaways
- Mayzlin Relocation is our top overall pick for best moving companies. As a family-owned carrier, this company has a reputation for strong customer service, with 24/7 customer support and a flexible cancellation policy to give you peace of mind for your move.
- Moving costs can vary significantly depending on the type of move you’re planning. Moving truck companies like Penske are significantly cheaper than full-service movers, but you’ll need to do all the heavy lifting and driving yourself. Moving container companies offer a middle ground in terms of pricing. Pricing also largely depends on the size and distance of your move. Use our moving cost calculator to get started.
- For more detailed personal experiences moveBuddha readers had with moving companies, check out the Better Moves Project. These in-depth reviews give an inside look at exactly what the moving experience was like from start to finish.
Comparing the top moving companies
Looking for a quick overview to start your search? Here’s how the best moving companies compare.
| Company | Our Rating | Best For | Price Range | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayzlin Relocation | 4.45/5 | Customer service | $$ | 25% |
| Safeway Moving | 4.5/5 | Moving van line | $$ | Up to 40% |
| JK Moving Services | 4.25/5 | White-glove services | $$$$ | $250 |
| North American Van Lines | 4.25/5 | Customized moves | $$$ | None |
| U-Pack | 5/5 | Moving container | $$ | None |
| American Van Lines | 4.5/5 | Local moves | $$ | Up to 50% |
| Penske | 4/5 | Moving truck | $ | None |
| Allied Van Lines | 4/5 | Seniors | $$$ | None |
| PODS | 4.8/5 | Flexible moves | $$$ | None |
| International Van Lines | 4.45/5 | International moves | $$ | 25% |
Our reviews of the best moving companies
Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
rating
- 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
Mayzlin Relocation is our top choice if you’re looking for a personalized moving experience and round-the-clock customer support.
Mayzlin is a family-owned business that handles all moves directly, rather than through third-party partners. They provide each customer with a relocation consultant to guide you through the process — from getting a quote and coordinating a moving date to unloading and unpacking.
Mayzlin’s customer support is available 24/7, and its flexible cancellation policy ensures you’ll get your deposit back if you cancel within seven days of your scheduled relocation.
Moving services include:
- Local moves (in certain areas)
- Long-distance moves
- Professional full-service packing and unpacking
- Storage options, including 30 days of free storage on long-distance moves
- Full-value protection coverage
- Personal moving consultant
Pros/Cons
- Will match lower prices from competitors
- Provides 30 days of free storage for interstate moves
- Assigns a personal moving coordinator for all relocations
- Full refund available for cancellations made seven days before the move date
- You have to call for a quote
- Requires a 25% deposit at booking
Best for cross-country moves: Safeway Moving
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
Safeway Moving is a large full-service moving company that hasn’t lost focus on providing quality service and fair pricing. That focus makes Safeway our top overall pick for best moving van lines.
Safeway partners with vetted movers to serve all 50 states and some international moves. We love Safeway because it requires all movers to carry $1 million insurance policies — a must-have for big moves. Their movers also offer packing services — complete with shrink wrapping and moving pads — to protect your furniture, bulky items, and fragile items during a long move.
Moving services include:
- Long-distance moves
- Some international moves
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Custom crating for heavier items
- Storage solutions
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Full-value protection coverage
Pros/Cons
- Offers transparent flat-rate pricing and price matching
- Transparent pricing
- 24/7 customer service
- 30 days of storage included for free
- Triple-check verification system to ensure accurate quotes
- Available in all 50 states
- Barebones website with no online pricing information
- Does not service local moves
- Not well-suited for small moves
Best for white-glove services: JK Moving Services
- 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
JK Moving Services is a full-service mover that offers an impressive range of specialty services, like special handling of antiques and pianos, moving large items like yard or fitness equipment, and custom crates for artwork and other fragile items.
While JK Moving is one of our higher-priced best moving companies, the customer reviews simply rave about their amazing white-glove customer service and comprehensive moving services.
Moving services Include:
- Long-distance and international moves (local moving services are limited)
- Full-service packing and unpacking, including furniture disassembly and assembly
- Storage options
- Vehicle transport
- Full insurance coverage
- Financing for moving services
- Corporate relocations with concierge service
Pros/Cons
- Low-interest financing options (for those who qualify)
- Background-checked and drug-screened moving staff
- AI technology-powered quotes available
- 24/7 customer support available during your move
- Variety of insurance coverage options
- One of the most expensive moving companies on our list
- Customers report the claims process can take a long time
- Local moves are limited to Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Best for customized moves: North American Van Lines
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
North American Van Lines (NAVL) provides customizable full-service moves for local, long-distance, and international relocations.
If you choose their guaranteed not-to-exceed quote, you will pay exactly that and nothing more, even if your items end up being a little heavier than expected. You can also pick and choose which of NAVL’s varied moving services you want to use for your move, allowing you total control over how much you will pay for your move in total.
Moving Services Include:
- Long-distance, local, and international moves
- Full-service packing and unpacking, including furniture disassembly and assembly
- Storage options
- Auto transport
- Specialty fragile item transportation
- Cleaning services
- Full insurance coverage
- Corporate relocations and commercial moving services
- Packing supplies available for purchase
Pros/Cons
- Full-service moving options that can be customized to fit your move
- Free online quotes with no upfront deposit
- 24/7 online shipment tracking during your move
- Custom crating options for fragile items
- Nationwide availability
- Customers report it can be difficult to get ahold of customer service
- An in-home walk-through is required to receive a binding quote
- The claims process can be difficult according to online consumer reviews
Best moving container: U-Pack
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
U-Pack is one of the more affordable moving companies our top choice among the best moving container companies in the industry.
With U-Pack, you book online, they drop a moving container off at your house, you load and pack it, and U-Pack transports it to your new address.
Choose between a truck trailer (for bigger moves) or a ReloCube (for smaller moves). Best of all, U-Pack offers transparent online quotes and only charges you for the space you use in the moving trailer.
Moving services include:
- Moving containers and freight trailers that you load and unload yourself
- Long-distance moves
- Door-to-door or service center delivery
- Storage solutions
- Packing materials and moving supplies available for purchase
- Catastrophic liability coverage
Pros/Cons
- Only pay for the space you use with freight trailer rentals
- Professional drivers transport the container
- Less expensive than full-service movers
- Fast delivery times with online shipment tracking
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Not available for local moves
- Only provides three days to load and unload the container
- ReloCubes can only be stored at a U-Pack facility
Best for local moves: American Van Lines
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Although it is a long-distance moving company, American Van Lines also provides quality full-service moving for local moves.
American Van Lines offers full-service packing, as well as fragile-only packing for specialty items like pianos and art. The company is a popular choice for local moves, thanks in large part to its binding pricing system and background-checked movers — both of which have given American a reputation for providing consistent, high-quality service and competitive rates.
Moving services include:
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
- Commercial moving and corporate relocation services
- Antique and piano moving, including custom crating
- Antique and piano moving, including custom crating
- Full-service packing and unpacking, as well as fragile-only services
- Storage options
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Full-value protection coverage
Pros/Cons
- Predictable, flat-rate pricing with binding quotes
- Moving for specialized items
- Background-checked and drug-tested employees
- Offers several discounts, including military and senior discounts
- Doesn’t offer moves to or from Alaska or Hawaii
- Requires up to a 50% deposit
- No online shipment tracking available
Best moving truck: Penske
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
If you want to go the DIY route to save money or cut down on long-distance moving costs, Penske Truck Rental is your best bet.
With Penske, you’re in charge of packing and loading the truck. You can also buy packing supplies from Penske or rent hand trucks or furniture pads to streamline your move. Use the Penske app to book and manage your truck rental, including 24/7 roadside assistance if you ever have a problem.
Moving services include:
- Moving truck rentals
- Towing equipment rentals
- Packing supplies and equipment available for purchase or rent
- Moving labor (through Simple Moving Labor)
Pros/Cons
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Truck rentals are the most affordable way to move
- Online quotes available
- Unlimited mileage for long-distance moves
- Several truck sizes and equipment add-ons to meet your moving needs
- Charges per-mileage rates for local moves
- Can be more expensive and has fewer locations than other truck rental providers
Best for seniors: Allied Van Lines
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
Whether you’re an older adult who’s moving to downsize or you’re helping an aging loved one move to a new home, the senior moving process comes with its own challenges. Fortunately, Allied Van Lines understands both the emotional and logistical challenges of moving seniors.
Allied Van Lines offers full-service moving to help with packing, which is especially helpful for older people. Its team can even handle add-on services like antiques and fragile items, piano moving, and vehicle shipping.
Moving services include:
- Local, long-distance, and international moves
- Corporate and office relocations
- Full-value protection coverage
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Temporary storage in transit for up to 90 days
- Packing supplies available for purchase
- Moving container options available
Pros/Cons
- Instant online quotes
- 24-hour customer service
- Moves cars, RVs and boats
- Online shipment tracking
- Available in all 50 states and 130 countries
- Donates unwanted items to the Salvation Army
- You need to call for local moving quotes
- Tends to be more expensive than other full-service movers
- Some customers report experiencing technical issues with Allied’s claims process
Our Full Review: Allied Van Lines Review
Best for flexible moves: PODS
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
PODS seriously simplifies moving with flexible options that cater to various DIY moves. Founded in 1998, PODS is a moving and storage container company that’s available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K.
PODS offers three container sizes — eight, 12 and 16 feet — at different price points. You can also order multiple PODS if needed for a larger move.
All rentals automatically include 30 days of storage, giving you ample time for loading and unloading. PODS containers can also be used for temporary or long-term storage, either on your own property or at a PODS facility. The company offers several discounts for new customers as well. For local moves, PODS offers 10% off initial delivery and 10% off first month’s rental. For long-distance moves, PODS gives 10% off initial delivery, 10% off first month’s rental, and 10% off long-distance transit.
Moving services include:
- Portable moving and storage containers
- Storage options
- Third-party packing and loading assistance available
- Car shipping through partner companies
- Boxes and moving supplies available for purchase
Pros/Cons
- Three container sizes
- Easily store your belongings at a PODS facility or your own property
- Very flexible loading and unloading timelines — move at your own pace
- Onsite storage
- Money-back cancellation policy
- New customer discounts
- Not available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming
- Long-distance moves must be booked by phone
Best international moves: International Van Lines
- 10% discount for veterans and seniors
- Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
- Services local, long-distance, and international moves
- Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer service
For homeowners planning an overseas relocation International Van Lines (IVL) comes in best overall on our list of top international movers.
In addition to serving local and long-distance moves, the company handles relocations to 180 countries, thanks to a vast network of global partners. This network also allows IVL to offer very competitive rates.
IVL provides several useful add-ons for domestic and international moves, such as vehicle shipping and specialty item transport.
Moving services include:
- Local and long-distance moves
- International moves to 180 countries
- Storage services
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Auto transport
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Full-value protection coverage
- Government and military moves
- Office relocation
Pros/Cons
- Services all 50 states and over 180 countries
- Add-on services include vehicle shipping and fragile item transport
- 30 days of free storage included
- Offers discounts for bundled services
- Handles last-minute moves (within 48 hours of booking)
- No mobile app available
- Not always the most affordable for domestic moves
What to look for in a moving company
It’s a good idea to start your search for a moving company with the companies on this list, but even then, you need to know what to look for. Consider the factors below when it’s time to hire a moving company.
Services
What does this company actually offer? If you need, say, car shipping along with full-service moving help, not all companies offer that.
Check out their standard moving services, as well as their selection of add-on services, to make sure they offer the right kind of help. What kind of perks appeal to you? For example, do you want a company that has online shipment tracking?
There’s no need to hire multiple companies for your move, so go with the moving company that offers everything you need.
Reputation
Reputation is everything. A pro mover might talk a big game on its website, but what is the company actually like?
Do a little digging on your moving company to make sure they’re reputable. Always check:
- Reviews and ratings
- Awards
- Certifications
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accreditation
Licensing and insurance
Don’t hire Billy Bob’s Moving Company without double-checking that they’re properly licensed and insured.
Any company in the moving industry that does interstate moves needs a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Check the FMCSA website to see if your moving company has a USDOT number.
Every mover should offer some kind of liability coverage. Check the fine print to make sure they offer coverage and that you’re comfortable with that level of coverage. Many of the best moving companies offer additional coverage add-ons to better protect your belongings.
Availability
Some movers don’t operate in all areas — especially challenging places like Alaska and Hawaii. Interstate moving companies typically have a wider coverage area, since they handle moves that cross state lines. When in doubt, contact a few movers to double-check that they service your pickup and drop-off locations.
Aside from that, check that the mover is actually available for your moving dates. Summer is peak moving season, so you might have a harder time finding a mover for your desired moving plans.
Pricing
Hey, everybody’s got a budget — and the last thing you want to do is overspend. You want a moving company that offers moving services in your price range.
Look for a mover with:
- Transparent pricing and an obvious pricing structure
- No surprise add-on fees or “gotchas”
- Free virtual or in-home estimates – an in-person estimate is always more reliable
- Payment terms and payment methods that work for you
Get pricing information from several moving companies before making a decision. This way, you’ll have a better idea of fair pricing for your move. Our moving cost calculator makes it easy to estimate your moving costs and compare quotes.
How much does a moving company cost
Every moving company is different, and pricing can vary significantly from one company to another for the same move.
Your quote will primarily be based on the size and distance of your move. However, additional factors like the time of year, whether you need add-on services like packing or custom crating, and moving specialty items can also affect your costs.
The following table highlights example quotes from the moving companies on this list:
| Company | Upfront deposit | Cost estimate | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayzlin Relocation | 25% | $4,500 | 1,050 miles |
| Safeway | Up to 40% | $4,300 | 2,900 miles |
| JK Moving Services | $250 | $15,960 | 1,900 miles |
| U-Pack | None | $1,430 | Less than 250 miles |
| American Van Lines | Up to 50% | $3,578 | 1,360 miles |
| Penske | None | $1,199 | 342 miles |
| Allied Van Lines | None | $12,999 (full-service) | 1,242 miles |
| PODS | None | $4,000 | 1,242 miles |
| International Van Lines | 25% | $4,153 | 1,300 miles |
Keep in mind that these are just estimates. For a better idea of moving costs, check out our free moving cost calculator.
National moving company discounts
We love a good discount. If you’d like to save some cash, see if you qualify for these discounts with your moving company.
| Company | Senior | Military | AAA Member | Student | First responders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayzlin Relocation | Call | Call | |||
| Safeway | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| JK Moving Services | |||||
| U-Pack | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| American Van Lines | |||||
| Penske | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Allied Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| PODS | ✓ | ||||
| International Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ |
Types of moving companies
The type of moving company you book has a big effect on how much time and money you’ll spend on your move. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of moving companies you might work with.
Residential moving companies
Residential moving companies include local moving companies, long-distance movers, and interstate movers. Local movers specialize in servicing moves within a 50 to 100-mile radius.
Long-distance movers usually handle moves in the 100– to 400-mile range. These companies usually operate within one state (crossing state lines comes with a lot of rules), and have larger fleets and more robust services than most local movers.
Interstate moving companies are also sometimes known as long-haul movers or cross-country movers. They specialize in moving you from one state to another. By law, these companies need to be licensed with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
International moving companies
International moving companies rely on large international networks to facilitate moves to other countries. They typically offer a variety of shipping options to transport your property, including ocean freight, full container shipping, and air freight.
Most international movers also provide storage services and can help with vehicle shipping.
Moving container companies
Moving container companies are a creative and affordable alternative to hiring full-service movers. They deliver a portable storage container to your property, which you load at your own pace.
From there, the company transports the container for you, with options for immediate delivery to your new home or keeping the container in temporary storage for a while. If you need long-term storage or flexible moving dates, moving containers are a great option.
Moving truck rental companies
Moving truck rental companies are the go-to option for DIY moves. Truck rentals are typically the cheapest option by far for a move because you are responsible for all the work. You’ll take care of all packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and even driving.
Some truck rental companies offer unlimited mileage for long-distance one-way moves, giving you complete pricing transparency. For many households, the cost savings are well worth the extra work.
Freight companies
Freight companies operate similar to moving container companies. The freight company provides a freight trailer, but you are responsible for packing and loading your items.
Many freight companies allow you to only fill part of the trailer and pay for that space. They then fill the rest of the trailer with other shipments going to the same area and transport the contents. This can provide a cost-effective middle ground between DIY and full-service moves.
Moving companies with storage
Many long-distance moving companies also provide storage options for your move. The most common option is called storage in transit, which provides temporary storage for the items in your moving truck for up to 90 days. Some companies also offer longer-term storage.
These storage solutions can be useful if you won’t be able to move into your new home right away after you move out.
Moving companies with junk & debris removal
Some full-service moving companies offer junk and debris removal as part of their services, which can come in handy at both the beginning and end of a move. Cleaning up moving supplies and other trash related to the move will give you one less item on your to-do list — though you’ll typically need to pay a premium for these services.
Car shipping companies
If you already have a car, take it with you! Car shipping companies specialize in safely moving vehicles from point A to point B.
This is really useful for long-distance or international moves where it just isn’t practical (or fun) to drive your car to your new home. Most car shippers transport your car via truck, but train shipping is also a popular option.
Specialty movers
Need to move something that’s especially fragile, bulky, or downright unusual? That’s where specialty movers come in.
These experts specialize in disassembly and reassembly for items like:
- Pool tables
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques (check out our best antique moving companies here)
Keep in mind that you might also need to hire a regular full-service mover to handle the bulk of your stuff and a separate specialty mover for these items.
Commercial moving companies
Businesses need moving services, too! Commercial moving companies specialize in office moves, bringing added expertise to transporting computers and other business equipment.
Commercial moving companies often also assist with corporate relocations by providing moving services when an employee needs to move for work.
How to choose the right mover
You’re only doing this move once (hopefully), so you definitely want to choose the right moving company. Follow these tips to find the perfect company for your move.
Watch for red flags
Run for the hills if you notice any of these red flags with your moving company:
- Big deposit requirements (especially if they demand payment in full upfront)
- Lowball quotes — if it’s too good to be true, it is
- Rushed walkthroughs or quotes
- No contract or incomplete contracts
- A lack of reviews, a verifiable office address, or phone number
Verify credentials
When it comes to choosing a moving company, we say, “Trust but verify.” Always check the claims moving companies make on their websites, including.:
- Licensing: For interstate moves, look up the company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website. Check your state laws for licensing requirements in-state moves.
- Insurance: Read the fine print on the company’s website and their contract (before you sign it!) to make sure the company has insurance.
- BBB accreditation: Not all moving companies are BBB accredited, but it’s certainly a sign of a quality company.
Get multiple quotes
Never accept the first estimate you get. It’s always a good idea to get a quote from at least three moving companies. Getting multiple quotes gives you a good idea of the standard moving company cost.
Some companies will offer binding moving estimates, which guarantees the actual cost won’t be more than the quote. Other companies provide non-binding quotes, which means the final cost could be higher than the quote.
Non-binding quotes aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s important to know what type of quote you’re looking at so you can compare them fairly.
Check for discounts
It never hurts to ask for discounts! Many moving companies offer discounts for:
- Off-peak season moves (fall and winter)
- Students
- Seniors
- Military
- AAA members
You can also try to negotiate with moving companies. The moving company won’t always agree to it, but you might be able to reduce the total cost of your move with a quick conversation.
Ask questions about your quote
Unsure about a term or a fee on your quote? Don’t hesitate to ask your mover questions. They should be able to happily answer any questions you have about a quote.
It’s good to ask:
- About additional fees for heavy items, packing, unpacking, etc.
- If the quote includes packing materials or moving equipment
- If the company has a cancellation policy and, if so, how it works
Check timing and availability
You should always confirm that a moving company will be available for when you need to move. Many moving companies don’t offer guaranteed pickup and delivery dates. Instead, they’ll initially provide a window of a few days for when they’ll be able to arrive and then confirm the exact timeframe closer to pickup.
If you have very specific timeline requirements, some companies allow you to pay extra for expedited and guaranteed dates.
Read real moving experiences
At the end of the day, the best way to learn about a moving company is to hear from real customers’ experiences.
Check out moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project to read about the honest experiences of real customers — including how much they paid— to see how your moving company stacks up. You can also read customer reviews on consumer sites like the BBB, Trustpilot, and Yelp.
Tips for a stress-free move
Moving is an exciting adventure that comes with its fair share of challenges, but it can also be pretty stressful. A well-planned move eliminates a lot of stress. Follow these tips to make your move as easy as pie.
Avoid busy times
If you have a say in when you move, try to move during non-peak times. It’s usually cheaper and you’ll get extra-attentive service, which is a big perk.
Moving companies are usually busiest:
- In the spring and summer
- At the beginning and end of the month when leases turn over
- During weekends
The best times to move are:
- During fall or winter
- Mid-week
- Mid-month
Of course, moving during the winter in places like Michigan might be a no-go, so use your best judgment to determine what’s practical.
Declutter
Hey, it’s easier to move if you’re transporting less stuff. Sort through your belongings to decide what you’ll keep, sell, donate, or toss. Not only does this save you the stress of packing more stuff, but it will probably reduce your moving costs.
Get packing supplies
If you don’t have a cache of boxes in your attic, start gathering them now. You can buy boxes from Home Depot or Lowe’s, but why buy boxes when you can reuse the boxes you already have?
Aside from boxes, you’ll also need:
- Plenty of clear packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Markers
- Packing paper or newspaper
- Furniture blankets (though many full-service movers provide these)
Plan ahead
It isn’t always possible to spend months planning a move, but if you have the luxury of time, use it! Try to prep for your move at least two months in advance.
You should decide on a moving company six weeks before your moving day — especially if you’re moving during peak season.
Use a moving checklist to stay organized
There are a lot of moving parts to any move, which is why it’s so important to keep your head on straight. Create a moving checklist before the move so you don’t have to make decisions mid-move.
Consider moving insurance
Most full-service moving companies provide basic moving insurance that covers your items at a value of $0.60 per pound for interstate moves. However, if you are moving higher-value possessions, you should definitely consider full valuation coverage.
With full valuation coverage, moving companies will pay the current market value to repair or replace damaged items. Even the best moving companies experience damaged items during moves, so be sure to consider if you want extra coverage.
Know what you can’t move
There are several items movers will not move due to local and national law.
This includes hazardous materials like:
- Fireworks
- Ammunition
- Propane tanks
- Bleach
- Pool chemicals
- Paints
- Scuba gear
Most movers also won’t transport house plants, perishable food items, and pets, as none of these are likely to survive extended transportation inside a moving truck. However, some full-service movers, including JK Moving and International Van Lines, will partner with pet shipping companies to transport your animals. Check out our guide to moving with pets for more ways to safely move your furry friends.
If you’re not sure about something, ask your moving company about items they won’t ship.
FAQ
How much do professional movers cost?
On average, professional movers cost around $2,100 for a local move of a three-bedroom home and $5,500 for a long distance move. However, the cost of professional movers can vary significantly based primarily on the size and distance of your move. Check out our moving cost calculator to get a rough estimate based on the specifics of your move.
What is the cheapest moving company?
The cheapest full-service moving company is American Van Lines, based on our research and the experiences of moveBuddha Better Moves Project participants. For DIY moves, Budget Truck Rental is usually the cheapest option, while U-Pack tends to be the most cost-effective for moving container moves.
What is a moving van line?
A moving van line is a multi-state network of moving companies that partner with each other to operate under a larger, more well-known name. These companies partner together to provide nationwide service. Brands like North American Van Lines and International Van Lines are good examples of this type of mover.
What is a moving broker?
A moving broker is a company that arranges the transportation of your household goods through a network of carriers, who perform the actual work. Many of the biggest moving companies are actually brokers that utilize a wide network of smaller carriers.
How do I know if a moving company is reputable?
The best movers have:
- Licensing from the FMCSA or state agencies
- Plenty of positive customer reviews
- Clear, detailed contracts
- Insurance to cover damages
- Transparent pricing
- Verifiable years of experience
How far in advance should I hire a moving company?
You should hire a moving company at least six weeks before your moving date so you can ensure they are available .When possible, it’s best to collect quotes at least two months before your move.
Do moving companies require a deposit?
Many moving companies require a deposit, but the actual deposit amount varies from company to company. It’s a red flag if the moving company requires full payment upfront.
Do I need to pack my own things?
You do not necessarily need to pack your own things. If you buy packing services from your moving company, they will handle packing. But if you don’t buy packing services, you will need to handle it yourself ahead of moving day.
Should I tip movers?
Tipping movers isn’t required, but it is a standard practice – and it’s a kind way to express gratitude for a job well done. The typical tip range is 10% to 20% of the total moving cost. Try to tip in cash and divide it equally among the crew.
Am I supposed to feed my movers?
You are not expected or required to feed movers but it is a nice gesture, especially for full-day or multi-day jobs. Bottled water, individual bags of chips, and pizza are all easy ways to show gratitude.
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