Mayflower Moving Review: Real Customer Experiences
Here’s the bottom line: Our Mayflower review finds that Mayflower Moving is one of the oldest full-service movers in the U.S., moving households since 1927 with basic Full-Value Protection included in every quote. Mayflower isn’t always the priciest option either: in our Better Moves Project data, readers paid $5,286 and $8,322 for long-distance moves, and Mayflower was the lowest of one reader’s six quotes. This review covers Mayflower’s pricing, customer reviews, services, and how it compares to Safeway Moving, JK Moving Services, and other best interstate moving companies.
rating
4.23 / 5
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years' experience
Mayflower is a full-service moving company that provides everything from packing and custom crating to storage and car shipping for local, long-distance, and international moves.
Mayflower Moving at a glance
- Best for: Full-service long-distance moves with specialty items
- Deposit required: No
- Full-Value Protection included: Yes, basic Full-Value Protection comes with every initial quote
- Online quotes: Instant ballpark quotes only; an in-home or virtual survey is required for a binding estimate
- Service area: Nationwide through a network of 400+ agents
- Local moves (within 50 miles): Yes, through local Mayflower agents
- International moves: Yes
- Military moves: Yes, GSA-approved carrier for PCS and other military relocations
- Financing available: No
- Price matching: Not advertised
- Founded: 1927
- Headquarters: Fenton, Missouri
- Parent company: UniGroup, which also owns sister company United Van Lines
Pros & cons of moving with Mayflower
- No deposit to book
- Full-Value Protection included
- Binding estimates lock in your price
- In-home & virtual surveys
- Car shipping, crating & storage add-ons
- Binding quotes require a survey
- Service quality varies by local agent
- Low ConsumerAffairs & BBB review scores
Why moveBuddha:
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
Key takeaways
- A long track record: Mayflower (USDOT 125563) has handled local, long-distance, and international moves since 1927, which makes it one of the nation’s oldest van lines.
- Survey-based pricing: Mayflower packages its services into a customized plan and confirms your price with a free in-home or virtual survey.
- Specialty services: Mayflower and sister company United Van Lines both offer packing and unpacking, debris removal, storage, car shipping, and military moving.
Jump to the Mayflower Moving info you’re looking for:
How much does Mayflower Moving cost?
Mayflower doesn’t publish flat rates, so your price depends on distance, home size, and the services you add. Mayflower’s quotes can run higher than competitors’ because basic Full-Value Protection is built in, but that isn’t always the case. Once you add the same level of protection to a lower quote from another mover, the prices often land closer together.
Here are costs from real Mayflower customers, which we gathered through our Better Moves Project. moveBuddha has awarded $50,000+ in Better Moves grants to readers who document their moves in detail:
| Customer | Move size | Distance | Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriela | 2 bedrooms + storage locker | ~2,100 miles | CA to IL | $5,286 |
| Steve | 3 bedrooms | ~760 miles | WI to KS | $8,322 |
Local Mayflower moves are handled by local agents operating under their own businesses and brands, so each agent sets its own rates and minimums. Long-distance moves are usually priced on the weight of your belongings, the distance, and the services you choose.
Mayflower includes basic Full-Value Protection in every initial quote, so compare its price against other movers only after adding the same coverage to their quotes.
We recommend that you request at least three quotes from the best moving companies before you book. The moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so the range you see reflects your actual move rather than a flat industry average. These factors have the biggest effect on your Mayflower quote:
- Requested services: Packing, custom crating, storage, and car shipping all add to the base price of your move.
- Timeline: Summer dates and tight delivery windows usually cost more than flexible, off-season moves.
- Distance: Long-distance moves are priced by weight and mileage, so a cross-country move costs far more than a regional one.
- Added protection: Coverage beyond basic Full-Value Protection raises your total, while switching to minimum protection lowers it.
- Property access: Stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service can add $75–$500+ when the truck can’t load directly at your home.
- Home size and shipment weight: More rooms and heavier belongings mean more crew time, truck space, and fuel.
Mayflower offers two types of quotes. An instant ballpark quote is a rough online estimate based on the basic details you enter. A detailed binding estimate only comes after a Mayflower representative completes an in-home or virtual walkthrough.
Pro tip: Ask Mayflower whether your estimate is binding or non-binding before you sign, since only a binding estimate locks in your price. Our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates explains what each type protects.
What do customers say about Mayflower Moving?
Mayflower’s public review scores are low. As of September 2026, ConsumerAffairs shows 1.9 stars from 247 reviews, with 63% of reviewers giving one star, and BBB customer reviews average one star. Common complaints involve damaged or missing items, delayed deliveries, and slow claims. Our Better Moves Project participants had better experiences, as the stories below show.
Gabriela was dreading every step of her long-distance move from Oakland, California, to Champaign, Illinois. Mayflower handled her two-bedroom apartment and storage locker without a hitch.
“I wouldn’t have changed anything. I had great, clear communication every step of the way. They were very careful with my items. They didn’t drop any boxes and handled everything labeled ‘fragile’ especially carefully. I appreciated their use of furniture blankets and other protective measures.”
—Gabriela G., Better Moves Project
Not every Mayflower move goes the same way. Steve had a rockier experience after his belongings left Wisconsin:
We also combed third-party review sites for other Mayflower moving experiences. Here are a few from happy customers:
“I used Mayflower’s container service (like PODS) to move from Houston to Boulder, Colorado. Every step of the process was handled impeccably. From the setup via their national customer service number to the coordination with truckers and warehouse, these folks are well organized, confirm commitments, and execute on time. It really was a very pleasant surprise, and they even made up for some lapses on my part.”
—Erik M., Yelp
“I recently used Mayflower for my move in San Francisco and I have to say that they exceeded my expectations in every way possible. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of my belongings, every member of their team was professional, courteous, and efficient. The moving process can be stressful, but Mayflower made it easy and hassle-free. They took great care in packing and transporting my belongings, ensuring that everything arrived at my new home in perfect condition.”
—Marina, ConsumerAffairs
“100% recommend using their services. The price is reasonable. Team members are very professional and efficient.”
—Raymond M., BBB
What services does Mayflower Moving offer?
Mayflower offers a full menu of residential, corporate, and military moving services through its network of 400+ agents. Here’s what each one includes:
- Long-distance moving: Mayflower handles interstate and cross-country moves nationwide. Every full-service move includes a dedicated move coordinator, basic Full-Value Protection, and real-time updates through the MyMayflower Move Portal.
- Small moves: Mayflower’s Snapmoves program uses containers for one- and two-bedroom apartments, studios, and partial household moves. Packing, unpacking, in-transit storage, and car shipping cost extra.
- Local moves: If you’re moving within the same state, typically within a 50-mile radius, Mayflower connects you with a local agent in your area.
- International moving: Residential and corporate customers can lean on Mayflower’s experience with customs clearance and overseas shipping.
- Corporate moves: Relocating companies can customize the process to include full or partial packing, crating of large items, and debris removal. Storage-in-transit (SIT) holds your shipment in a warehouse until you’re ready for delivery.
- Auto transportation: Mayflower ships cars, trucks, and motorcycles door-to-door. If you have a high-end or collectible car, compare open vs. enclosed auto transport before you book, or see our picks for the best car shipping companies.
- Military moves: Mayflower is a GSA-approved carrier with decades of experience moving military families. It handles Permanent Change of Station (PCS), temporary duty, overseas, and retirement relocations.
- Packing & unpacking: Choose full packing, partial packing, or self-packing, with custom crates available for artwork, antiques, and other fragile items. Mayflower can also take down and reinstall wall-mounted TVs, up to two per move.
- Storage: Mayflower offers short- and long-term storage, with climate-controlled space in select locations.
- Debris removal: Mayflower crews will haul away used boxes and packing materials within 30 days after delivery.
How does Mayflower compare to other moving companies?
Mayflower Moving is one of the nation’s largest moving companies, but it still has plenty of competition. Here’s how Mayflower compares to two other top full-service movers, Safeway Moving and JK Moving Services.
Mayflower Moving vs. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned interstate carrier that serves all 48 contiguous states, and it’s a moveBuddha Certified mover. Its affordable flat-rate pricing and A+ BBB rating make it a strong alternative to Mayflower.
Real-life customers Isabel and Christian ran into minor delays but praised Safeway for its pricing accuracy and professionalism.
Safeway is a particularly good fit if you need storage, since it builds storage into a single binding quote that covers pickup, storage, and delivery.
rating
4.9 / 5
Mayflower Moving vs. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services trains its own crews in-house and provides a white-glove experience that includes furniture disassembly and assembly.
Mayflower provides similar services at a lower price point, but quality can vary because your move may be handled by one of hundreds of independent local agents. JK Moving Services is our pick if you have many expensive or irreplaceable items.
JK Moving Services also offers financing through a lending partner, with rates as low as 0% for qualified borrowers, which can make its higher prices more manageable.
This table compares Mayflower, JK Moving Services, and Safeway Moving on BBB rating, service area, and typical price range as of September 2026:
| Company | BBB rating | Service area | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayflower Moving | A+ | Nationwide | $$ |
| JK Moving Services | NR (not rated) | Nationwide | $$$$ |
| Safeway Moving | A+ | 48 contiguous states | $$ |
If you’d rather keep your move with one company from pickup to delivery, consider Mayzlin Relocation. Mayflower and sister company United Van Lines compete for business, so request quotes from both to see which one prices your move lower.
The takeaway: Choose Mayflower for a well-known van line with included Full-Value Protection, Safeway Moving for lower flat-rate pricing with storage built in, and JK Moving Services for white-glove service on high-value belongings.
How do you book a move with Mayflower?
You can start a Mayflower quote online or through live chat, and you’ll get an instant ballpark price. You’ll need an in-home or virtual survey before Mayflower gives you a binding estimate. If you want a benchmark before that survey, the moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator runs on 1,000+ live price points refreshed every month, which gives you a real number to measure Mayflower’s estimate against.
The quote form asks for your origin and destination ZIP codes, with a lookup tool if you don’t know your new ZIP code yet. You’ll pick a move date or mark your schedule as flexible, then choose your home type, number of bedrooms, and who’s paying for the move. Some employers pay Mayflower directly as part of a relocation package.
The form also lets you add packing, unpacking, car shipping, debris removal, and storage. Enter your contact information and preferred call times, click “Get a Quote,” and a Mayflower representative will call you back.
On that call, you’ll schedule your in-home or virtual survey. The estimator inventories your belongings so Mayflower can give you an accurate binding estimate.
Once you’re happy with the estimate, you book your move and lock in your dates. On moving day, your crew gives you a heads-up before arrival and then handles the services you chose.
Is Mayflower Moving worth it?
Mayflower is worth it for most long-distance movers who want an established van line, no deposit, and Full-Value Protection built into the price. Mayflower’s 90+ years in the moving industry speak to its staying power, but it isn’t the right fit for every move. Use the scenarios below if you’re on the fence.
Use Mayflower Moving if:
- Experience matters to you: Mayflower has moved households since 1927 and works through a network of 400+ agents across the U.S.
- You have specialty items: Mayflower builds custom crates for artwork, collectibles, and other fragile belongings.
- You want a firm price: A binding estimate after your survey means your price won’t change unless you add services.
- You want protection included: Basic Full-Value Protection comes with every initial Mayflower quote.
Don’t use Mayflower Moving if:
- You want a firm quote without a survey: Mayflower’s online quotes are only ballpark figures. The moveBuddha Mover Marketplace collects up to five no-obligation quotes from one request, matched to movers’ real-time availability.
- You’re on a tight budget: Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, so compare the best moving container companies first.
FAQ
Is Mayflower a legitimate moving company?
Yes, Mayflower is a legitimate moving company that has moved households since 1927. It holds active FMCSA authority under USDOT 125563. The BBB gives Mayflower an A+ rating, though it isn’t BBB accredited.
How much does Mayflower Moving cost?
Mayflower doesn’t publish rates, so your price depends on distance, home size, and services. moveBuddha readers paid $5,286 for a two-bedroom cross-country move and $8,322 for a three-bedroom move. Get a free survey for a binding estimate, then compare it to at least two other quotes.
Does Mayflower require a deposit?
No, Mayflower doesn’t require a deposit to book a move. If you pay by credit card, Mayflower authorizes your card up to two days before loading. It charges the card only after your belongings are loaded.
Does Mayflower include full-value protection?
Yes, Mayflower includes basic Full-Value Protection in every initial quote. You can switch to cheaper minimum protection or buy added coverage. Ask your move coordinator to confirm your coverage amount in writing.
Is Mayflower owned by United Van Lines?
No, UniGroup owns both Mayflower and United Van Lines, and it acquired Mayflower in 1995. The two sister van lines still compete for business. Get a quote from each to see which one prices your move lower.
Is Mayflower a broker or a carrier?
Mayflower is both. FMCSA lists Mayflower Transit as a carrier, freight forwarder, and broker, and local agents under their own brands handle many of its moves. Ask which agent will perform your move before you book.
Can I cancel a move with Mayflower?
Mayflower doesn’t publish a cancellation policy online. Because it doesn’t take a deposit, you have less money at risk than with movers that do. Get the cancellation terms from your move coordinator in writing before you book.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
