moveBuddha’s Best Local Movers Awards for 2023

Finding a trusted provider for a local move can be challenging. Instead of just bribing your friends with pizza, hiring a trusted local mover to get you from point A to point B can be the better option.

It all comes down to selecting the best mover in your area, but how do you find someone worth their salt? Don’t worry — we have you covered!

We’ve researched movers in all 50 states and have come up with our picks for the top local moving companies of 2023. Congratulations to our winners, and read on to learn more about each company.

How we chose the best local movers

We get that it’s tough determining the best of the best, especially with something as subjective as moving services. Here’s how we came up with this year’s award winners:

• Customer satisfaction (30%): Customer experience is rule numero uno. We don’t accept payments to rank the best companies on our lists — we rely on real customer experiences. We interview moveBuddha Better Moves Project participants for their candid feedback and read customer reviews across multiple platforms, including BBB, Google, Yelp, and more.
• Standard services (20%): moveBuddha evaluates how well the mover’s services compare against competitors in the industry. Some companies offer full-service help, while others require a more DIY approach. We look for companies that offer a range of helpful services and call out any unique features in our reviews so you can make the best choice for your move and budget.
• Reputation (15%): We check industry ratings and look for green flags like business registration, location, insurance, BBB ratings, and professional organizations or memberships.
• Add-on services (10%): While they usually cost a little more, add-on services offer a degree of white-glove service that makes your life easier.
• Availability (10%): We looked at how available each company is for local moves, including how far out they require you to schedule. We gave bonus points to movers who take on last-minute moves.
• Type of mover (5%): Is the company an independent full-service mover or a broker with less control over the move? The type of mover can affect the overall quality of your move.
• Payment (5%): This factor assesses how easy it is to pay the mover. For example, some companies only accept cash, while others only accept Zelle or Venmo payments. We also looked at each mover’s payment process, giving preference to providers with more straightforward procedures.
• Scheduling (5%): How easy is it to get on the books with a mover? This factor assesses whether the mover offers online scheduling, the number of steps required during booking, and delivery timelines.

As you can see, we left no stone unturned in our hunt for the best local movers in the United States. Nobody’s perfect, but we’re confident that the 50 movers on our list are some of the best in the nation.

The best local movers of 2023

Whether you’re moving in the frozen wonderland of Alaska or the scorching summer heat of Florida, you want the best movers in your corner — even if you’re just moving across town. Check out the list of winners, especially if you want to find the best local mover in your state.

Alabama: Applewhite Movers LLC

Address: 5640 Oakwood Rd. Northwest, Huntsville, AL

Applewhite is a bonded, licensed, and insured local mover that’s been in business since 2010. They handle residential and commercial moves and offer helpful add-ons like packing, unpacking, storage, and packing supplies.

If you have unwanted property that you don’t want to deal with, Applewhite has you covered. They haul off junk and unwanted appliances as an additional service.

Alaska: Royal Alaskan Movers

Address: 2216 N. Post Rd., Anchorage, AK

Royal Alaskan Movers has 10 years of experience serving more than 160 cities and villages across Alaska. They’ll handle your relocation needs, whether you’re moving to or from Alaska or in-state.

Royal Alaskan Movers offers pre-move virtual surveys to kick off your move planning, providing a much more accurate quote. They also handle corporate relocations, military moves, freight logistics, storage, and vehicle transport.

Arkansas: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

Address: 5207 Mabelvale Pike, Little Rock, AR

College Hunks Hauling Junk is a national moving company, but its Little Rock division has stellar customer reviews. Choose between full-service moving (which includes packing, loading, and unloading) or hourly moving if you prefer to cherry-pick services. They offer free online estimates, making it easy to get an accurate estimate in just a few clicks.

College Hunks is also a popular option for folks who need junk hauled away. They offer donation pickups, so if you’re trying to get rid of carpet, scrap metal, old appliances, and mattresses before a move, they’re up for the job.

Arizona: Dose Moving & Storage

Address: 2550 E. Mohawk Ln., Phoenix, AZ

Dose Moving has locations in Arizona, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., but it’s most popular in Arizona. With nearly a decade of experience, Dose knows a thing or two about full-service moving. They handle packing and unpacking and offer free packing blankets and wrapping with every move. With transparent pricing and zero hidden fees, they’re a popular option for Phoenix residents.

Need to store your stuff in between places? No problem. Dose has climate-controlled storage to keep your belongings in tip-top shape — a must for living in the Arizona desert.

California: Meathead Movers

Address: 2905 Unicorn Rd., Bakersfield, CA

Don’t let the name fool you — Meathead Movers is one of the top-rated local movers in California. They offer a rare 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, backed by financial incentives for their movers to handle your items with care. In fact, the movers earn more when they transport your items without damage!

All Meathead Movers employees are licensed, trained, drug-tested, and background-checked. It’s unusual, but Meathead Movers requires its employees to jog when they aren’t carrying your items. As you can guess, these folks are in pretty good physical shape.

If you need help spreading out the cost of your move, Meathead Movers also offers zero-interest payment plans to qualified customers.

Colorado: American Moving & Storage

Address: 2750 Industrial Ln., Broomfield, CO

American Moving & Storage serves the entire Front Range area. They’re fully licensed and insured and offer full-service moving help, including packing and unpacking. True to their name, they also provide short-term and long-term storage, plus moving supplies.

What sets American Moving apart, though, is their add-on concierge service. Rely on their local pros to help you find the best schools, daycares, and more to simplify the transition to your new home.

Connecticut: B & B Moving & Storage LLC

Address: 121 Towne St., Unit 304, Stamford, CT

Are you moving at the last minute? B & B specializes in last-minute moves, so call them if you need it done fast. B & B has served the Brookfield, Stamford, and Fairfield counties for more than 30 years, but they also offer daily and weekly service along the entire East Coast.

A manager supervises all B & B moves, and you get the same moving crew from point A to point B. They also specialize in piano moving, so if you have a beloved instrument that needs extra TLC, they’re happy to offer expert disassembly and reassembly.

Delaware: Stewart Moving & Storage

Address: 40 Ridgely St., Dover, DE

Stewart Moving & Storage is an independent, family-owned moving company with an A+ BBB rating. While local moves are their bread and butter, Stewart is registered, licensed, and insured for long-distance, interstate, and cross-country moves.

They also offer temporary and long-term storage options. Stewart is more than happy to store half your belongings and transport the rest to a temporary home. Just tell them what you need, and the folks at Stewart will be happy to help.

Florida: Top Notch Movers

Address: 3430 NW 16th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Since 2009, Top Notch Movers has handled well over 10,000 moves. They’re fully licensed and insured and offer local moving services to a 50-mile radius around Fort Lauderdale. But don’t worry, if you’re moving long-distance, they also service pickup and delivery in 40 states.

Top Notch also sets itself apart by using trucks designed for different types of moves. It has a fleet just for local moves and a separate fleet for long-distance, ensuring you get the most reliable delivery for your move. In addition to full-service moving services, they also offer storage, packing, unpacking, and piano moving.

Georgia: Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.

Address: 1700 Oakbrook Dr., Norcross, GA

Zip Moving services Maryland, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. They offer packing services, storage services, and more for local moves — although they also do long-distance and commercial moves.

Customers like Zip Moving because of their on-time guarantee, which promises to show up during their scheduled time slot — no surprises! You also get your own moving consultant to guide you through the process. They’re available seven days a week if you have any questions.

Iowa: Two Men and a Truck

Address: 1846 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA

Two Men and a Truck has served the Eastern Iowa corridor since 2006. All 17 of its trucks are operated by local employees who know the area like the back of their hand.

Iowa customers like Two Men and a Truck because they go to great lengths to keep your belongings and home safe. They use hardwood floor runners, banister covers, and carpet shields to keep your home pristine.

Their add-ons are helpful, too. Two Men and a Truck offers full-service packing and unpacking, short- and long-term storage, and even furniture rearranging.

Idaho: Cross Town Movers

Address: 1419 North Eldorado St., Boise, ID

Cross Town Movers has served Boise and the Treasure Valley metro area for more than 35 years. This full-service moving company is a locally owned and operated small business. In fact, the owners and employees all live in the Boise area.

Cross Town Movers offers labor-only service, packing materials, and furniture rearranging if you’re doing a renovation.

Illinois: Moovers Chicago Inc

Address: 5359 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL

Moovers Chicago offers long-distance and out-of-state moves, but they really shine when it comes to local moves. Chicago is a big city that requires permitting and tricky parking rules.

Fortunately, Moovers knows the rules and is there to help customers every step of the way. They don’t charge extra for apartments, stairs, hallways, or elevators. They’ll even acquire permits and give you signs to reserve parking spots before move-in day.

If you need extra help, Moovers also offers labor-only truck loading and unloading and full-service storage in a climate-controlled facility.

Indiana: Planes Moving & Storage Company

Address: 2635 Planes Dr., Indianapolis, IN

Planes Moving has five facilities, but they operate in all 50 states thanks to a huge network of moving partners. They’re even available in 14 countries if you ever decide to relocate across the globe.

For local moves, Planes Moving offers full-service moving, packing services, and specialty item moves. They have their own secure climate-controlled storage facility in Indianapolis, too.

Kansas: Two Men and a Truck

Address: 1570 SW Wanamaker Rd. #130, Topeka, KS

Two Men and a Truck only hire full-time employees who complete a background check and drug screening. This local mover follows “The Grandma Rule”: they treat every customer like their own grandma to deliver service that goes above and beyond.

For local moving, Two Men and a Truck will show up with a 26-foot truck and provide padding, stretch wrap, and mattress bags to protect your belongings in transit. They also offer packing supplies and packing services.

Kentucky: Wildcat Moving LLC

Address: 236 Big Run Rd., Lexington, KY

Wildcat Moving is a locally-owned Kentucky business with an A+ BBB rating. Customers rate them as one of the best local movers because of their quality employees and transparent pricing. Packing starts at $140 per hour, and a two-person moving crew starts at $150 per hour.

Wildcat specializes in local moves but offers furniture assembly, labor-only PODS loading, and specialty moving. They also have a deep-cleaning service if you need floor-to-ceiling cleaning in your new or old home.

Louisiana: Two Men and a Truck

Address: 11818 South Harrell’s Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge, LA

Two Men and a Truck is a bonded, licensed, and insured local mover that’s served Baton Rouge and surrounding areas for more than 11 years. The company has 6,000 local moves under their belt, but they also specialize in senior relocations.

Massachusetts: Boston Best Rate Movers

Address: 252R Calvary St., Waltham, MA

Boston Best Rate Movers handles local moves for multiple counties throughout Massachusetts. With more than 20 years of experience in the biz, they have reasonable rates, starting with a two-person crew for $145 per hour.

But don’t worry, they also offer a range of discounts and coupons. You can trim your moving costs even more by using their junk removal service, eliminating the hassle of transporting unwanted stuff.

Maryland: Olympia Moving & Storage

Address: 4814 Frolich Ln., Hyattsville, MD

Olympia Moving is located five miles from downtown Washington, D.C. This central location makes it easy for Olympia to offer local moves to select areas of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Customers rate Olympia highly because they provide a personal moving coordinator for every job. They have their own storage facility in Hyattsville, Maryland, so whether you want overnight or long-term storage, you can keep everything with the same provider.

Olympia also offers custom crating, empty box pickup, piano moving, fragile item packing, and furniture and home protection.

Maine: Two Men and a Truck

Address: 24 Bridgton Rd., Westbrook, ME

Two Men and a Truck has served the Portland, Maine, area since 2016. This location trains their drivers in the Smith System, a framework for safe driving that keeps your belongings safe and damage-free. Two Men and a Truck moves heavy items like gun safes and even offers internal moving services, like furniture rearranging for renovations.

Michigan: Two Men and a Truck

Address: 125 Dino Dr., Ann Arbor, MI

Two Men and a Truck hires full-time, background-checked employees for their moves, so you know only trustworthy people are in your home. This branch has served Southeast Michigan for more than 15 years, handling 30,000 moves in the Ann Arbor area alone.

This Two Men and a Truck location is unique because it just started offering junk removal and storage. They’ll either donate, recycle, or responsibly dispose of your unwanted property to streamline your move. They even offer discounts for curbside service, so you could save a few bucks if you don’t mind moving that old dishwasher to the curb yourself.

Missouri: Two Men and a Truck

Address: 10966 Gravois Industrial Ct., St. Louis, MO

Two Men and a Truck St. Louis started in 1994, making it one of the oldest franchises in the nation. This branch has 40 trucks that handle 10,000 moves per year — which is a lot!

Two Men and a Truck stands out because it has a 1,500-square-foot mock home training facility that keeps its movers in shape. It also offers a limited access storage facility for Two Men and a Truck customers, keeping your belongings safe.

Mississippi: Two Men and a Truck

Address: 4613 Tennessee Ave., Gulfport, MS

Opened in 2013, this Two Men and a Truck franchise has a fleet of 10 trucks and 25 movers that serves the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. They charge for packing, loading, and unloading services by the hour to keep costs low, so you only pay for what you need.

If you live in an apartment, dorm, elevated home, or condo, don’t sweat it. Two Men and a Truck usually won’t charge you extra for living on the second floor.

Montana: InterWest Moving and Storage

Address: 523 Business Hub Dr., Belgrade, MT

Founded in 1956, InterWest has locations in Idaho, Utah, and Montana. As an agent of Atlas Van Lines, this small business has a surprisingly global network of resources. For local moving, they offer full-service moving, military relocations, furniture rearranging, and climate-controlled storage.

North Carolina: All My Sons Moving & Storage

Address: 6901 Northpark Blvd., Charlotte, NC

Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., so it’s no wonder why All My Sons is so busy. This local mover is open every day of the week and offers discounted local moves within a 35-mile radius.

Ask about their 3% military discount, 35,000-square-foot climate-controlled warehouse, and full-service packing options.

North Dakota: Midwest Moving Company

Address: 430 28th Ct. NW, West Fargo, ND

Midwest Moving Company is a small business that offers full-service moving, but you can cherry-pick the services you need to save a few bucks.

Customers hire them for local moving, car transport, and packing services. They also provide specialty moving for pianos, marble tables, and animal trophy mounts (which is very North Dakota).

Nebraska: All My Sons Moving & Storage

Address: 8611 F St., Omaha, NE

The Omaha branch of All My Sons specializes in the ins and outs of moving in a big city. If you aren’t sure about the best way to move to a metropolis, their moving experts have got you covered.

Their full-time employees are all licensed and insured and available seven days a week to make your Omaha move as seamless as possible.

New Hampshire: Ray the Mover

Address: 1 Allard Dr., Manchester, NH

Founded in 1937, Ray the Mover is a popular local moving company that’s also an agent of Allied Van Lines. If you’re a New Hampshire local, tap Ray’s for free in-home, virtual, or phone moving estimates.

They charge hourly rates for three- or four-person moving crews with a single flat-rate fee for transportation, labor, and moving supplies, so there are no surprises.

New Jersey: Alpha Moving & Storage

Address: 234 16th St., 2nd floor, Jersey City, NJ

Alpha Moving & Storage specializes in New Jersey and New York City moves. Unlike other moving companies, they offer 24/7 service, so if you need to move at odd hours, they can make it happen.

Alpha provides in-home estimates and doesn’t charge extra for stairs, booking on weekends, or moving specialty items like antiques or pianos.

New Mexico: Two Men and a Truck

Address: 514 Carmony Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM

Two Men and a Truck has been in Albuquerque for more than 20 years and has an A+ rating from the BBB. Customers like that the company offers virtual estimates in less than 10 minutes.

They also provide a personal relocation consultant as the point of contact throughout the moving process. They can move some specialty items like upright pianos.

Nevada: All My Sons Moving & Storage

Address: 2975 Coleman St., North Las Vegas, NV

All My Sons serves Las Vegas and all of Clark County — and yes, that includes downtown Las Vegas. For more than 20 years, this local moving company has helped Nevadans relocate within Clark County.

They even offer storage as part of the deal, so if you need a temporary place to store your boxes, All My Sons is happy to help.

Ohio: Leaders Moving & Storage Co.

Address: 7455 Alta View Blvd., Columbus, OH

Leaders Moving & Storage Co has been in business since 1994. They have more than 40 trucks and have handled over 175,000 moves, so they know a thing or two about moving.

About 85% of their business comes from local moves, and they actually specialize in one-day moves for Columbus residents.

Leaders has a 37,000-square-foot climate-controlled warehouse for both short-term and long-term storage. They even have a Box Loan Program that will buy back your gently used Leaders boxes after the move.

Oklahoma: All My Sons Moving & Storage

Address: 3158 S. 108th E Ave., Suite 280, Tulsa, OK

All My Sons Moving & Storage has 30 years of experience moving Okies in Tulsa. They’re open every day of the week and even have a storage facility if you want short-term storage for your move.

Some customers say All My Sons can occasionally handle next-day moving, although this depends on the time of year and their current schedule.

Oregon: PDX Movers

Address: 19585 SW 118th Ave., Tualatin, OR

Are you moving within 50 to 100 miles of Portland, Oregon? PDX Movers charges transparent rates for full-service moving, packing, labor-only services, and container storage.

All employees are background-checked and trained on safely transporting your belongings from point A to point B. PDX Movers charges $237 per hour for a three-person crew and one truck and $409 per hour for two trucks and a five-person team.

Pennsylvania: Zip to Zip Moving Inc

Address: 558 W. Uwchlan Ave., Exton, PA

Zip to Zip Moving has more than 10 years of experience crafting relocation plans and end-to-end logistics for local moves. Customers hire them for packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly, storage, piano and safe moving, and specialty moving for fine art.

They even offer last-minute and labor-only moves, so they’re happy to create a custom plan that fits the unique needs of your move.

Rhode Island: Gentle Giant Moving Company

Address: 125 Amaral St., Providence, RI

Located in East Providence, Gentle Giant knows the ins and outs of moving in both urban and rural areas. Whether you want to move to a different area of Rhode Island or want a bigger place in the same building, Gentle Giant is a highly rated local mover by Rhode Islanders.

In addition to moving, they offer climate-controlled storage and packing services. They even have a money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with your packers, drivers, or movers.

South Carolina: HD Auston Moving Systems

Address: 200 Pate Dr., Greenville, SC

HD Auston Moving Systems is one of the smallest local movers on our list, but they have glowing customer reviews. Whether it’s a tricky senior move or a short-term move with one day’s notice, HD Auston’s team is well-known for providing white-glove service.

In addition to full-service moving, they offer specialty moving for pianos and furniture disassembly and assembly.

Just let them know if you have unusual items, a quick turnaround, or complex circumstances, and they’ll do their best to help you out!

South Dakota: Brouwer Relocation Inc

Address: 4800 N. Velocity Ave., Sioux Falls, SD

Founded in 1969, Brouwer Relocation serves South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. As a full-service mover, they offer packing, debris removal, and even same-day packing and delivery. There’s no need to buy boxes, either. All Brouwer moves come with free used Brouwer boxes to keep the cost of moving nice and low.

If you’re in the market for storage, Brouwer has something for that, too. Their 25,000-square-foot storage facility keeps belongings safe for both short- and long-term storage.

Utah: Helping Hands Moving and Maids L.L.C.

Address: 90 W 9400 S, Sandy, UT

Helping Hands has more than 17 years of experience offering full-service moving and cleaning services at locations in Sandy, Salt Lake City, and Provo. Moving rates range from $85 to $200 an hour, depending on how many movers you need.

All moves include cellophane wrap, dollies, blankets, gas, and mileage. If your new home is a little dusty, Helping Hands also offers full-service maid service.

Virginia: JK Moving

Address: 44112 Mercure Circle, Sterling, VA

JK Moving has served Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., for more than 40 years. This highly rated local mover is famous for its accurate, AI-powered virtual surveys.

They even offer 24/7 customer service through the mobile app. And if you need storage, JK Moving gives you access to a secure climate-controlled facility with video monitoring.

Vermont: Local Muscle Movers

Address: 7 Ambrose Place, Burlington, VT

Local Muscle Movers offers full-day, single-item, and even last-minute moves. Whether you need to rearrange furniture or relocate a piano or safe across town, this highly rated small business is up to the task.

They frequently offer specials on their hourly rates, so check their website and social media for savings.

Washington: You Move Me

Address: 7620 NE 47th Ave., Vancouver, WA

Clever name aside, You Move Me is consistently rated as one of the best local movers in Washington state.

Customers love You Move Me’s unique wrinkle-free wardrobe service. They use heavy-duty wardrobe boxes to transport clothing on hangers and will even rehang your clothes in your new home — guaranteed to be without wrinkles.

Wisconsin: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

Addresses:

• 11801 W. Fairview Ave., Milwaukee, WI
• 5656 S. Packard Ave., Cudahy, WI
• 2306 W. Nordale Dr., Appleton, WI

College Hunks has multiple highly-rated locations in Wisconsin. Every full-service move includes supply boxes, loading, unloading, and transport. They even offer junk removal if you have old office equipment you don’t want to take to your new place.

College Hunks donates 70% of the junk they pick up, so there’s a good chance your old desk will get a second life with someone in need. It’s a win-win!

West Virginia: Central Van & Storage, Inc.

Address: 37 Jacobson Dr., Charleston, WV

Central Van & Storage is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured local moving company with locations across West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

All moves include wrapping and boxing, clear box and item labeling, and crating for bulky items. They even throw in in-home setup and assembly, so your home is walk-in ready on moving day.

Wyoming: Arrow Moving & Storage Company Inc

Address: 1900 Wyott Dr., Cheyenne, WY

Founded in 1936, Arrow Moving & Storage offers full-service moving to Cheyenne and the surrounding areas. As a storage company, they also provide secure, climate-controlled storage for customers who need to store items.

Customers also like that the Cheyenne branch offers portable moving containers, allowing onsite storage and flexible move dates.

FAQs about the best local movers

Are the best local movers always the most expensive options?

While price is an important factor, it isn’t the only way to determine a quality local moving company. Some movers offer better service at a lower price, so gather at least three quotes using a moving cost calculator to get an apples-to-apples comparison.

What factors should I consider when choosing the best local mover?

Find a quality mover by considering factors like:

• Customer reviews
• Industry reputation
• Services
• Add-ons
• Payment options

Should I rely on customer reviews to choose the best local mover?

Customer reviews provide valuable insights into what it’s like to work with a mover, but it’s important to look at the whole picture. More often than not, you’ll find a ton of negative reviews for even the most seasoned moving companies. Take these reviews with a grain of salt. Otherwise, you’ll never find a mover!

When in doubt, look for patterns in the reviews to get an honest understanding of the mover’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s also a good idea to read real customers’ in-depth experiences —like the ones from the moveBuddha Better Moves Project — to better understand each mover’s pros and cons.