If you’re planning an upcoming move to or from Kentucky, we recommend American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines as the best moving companies in the state. American Van Lines offers price-matching and flat-rate pricing to help you save on moving costs, while Allied Van Lines handles both local and long-distance moves in Kentucky, a rare feature for national movers.
While we were searching for the best moving companies in Kentucky, we also looked into state moving regulations, parking permit requirements, and instructions for renewing out-of-state licenses and registrations to help you plan your upcoming move. Read on for more information about our top moving companies and tips on how to get the most out of your moving experience.
Key Takeaways
- American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines top our list of the best moving companies in Kentucky because of their wide range of services, customer-friendly perks, and overall value.
- The average cost of moving in Kentucky is $2,117, based on quotes we obtained for local and long-distance moves across various home sizes.
- Our 2025 survey of moving customers nationwide showed that custom crating was the most popular add-on service option for Kentucky respondents.
Top Moving Companies in Kentucky
Choosing the right company for your move can feel stressful, but preparing in advance can help ease the process. To help you with your search, here’s the list of our top picks for the best moving companies in Kentucky:
- American Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
Compare the Top Moving Companies in Kentucky
Deciding which mover to hire can feel difficult, but comparing your options side-by-side can make it easier. Use the chart below to get a quick overview of what each provider on our list has to offer.
| Provider | Star Ratings | BBB Rating | Average Price | Deposit Required | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A- | $3,218 | 10%–50% | |||
A+ | $3,520 | None | |||
A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | |||
A+ | $2,273 | $250 | |||
A+ | $3,601 | None |
Our Top Picks For Moving Companies in Kentucky
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is one of our top picks for Kentucky residents, mainly because of its price-matching policy and flat-rate billing. It’s not uncommon for movers to negotiate on price, but not many companies offer a straightforward price-matching policy like American Van Lines. If you get a better rate with another company, American Van Lines will match it, making it simple and easy for customers to get high-quality service at the lowest possible price.
American Van Lines also uses flat-rate billing, which includes loading, unloading, fine art moving, antique services, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and piano moving services for no additional fee. This can help you avoid hidden fees or charges for additional services, and save money as a result. However, American Van Lines doesn’t offer local moving or storage in Kentucky, which is a dealbreaker if you’re moving within state lines. Still, its budget-friendly perks and wide range of services make it one of the best long-distance moving options in Kentucky.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Is one of the only long-distance movers we’ve reviewed that offers a price-matching policy
- Offers discounts for seniors, students, and first responders
- Uses flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moving services in Kentucky
- Doesn’t offer storage solutions in Kentucky—only in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina
Cost and Services
American Van Lines costs $3,218 on average, which we determined by requesting quotes for local and long-distance moves throughout the country. The company offers the following services for Kentucky customers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
Kentucky has two military bases, and if you’re moving to or from either one, American Van Lines also specializes in military moving services. American Van Lines has 25 years of experience with military moves and can help customers with the specific documents needed for each branch of the military. This can make the process easier, especially if you need help navigating the paperwork and logistics of a military move, including a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or a Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY).
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines is another one of our top moving companies in Kentucky because of its convenient features, industry experience, and wide range of services. For starters, Allied Van Lines offers both local and long-distance moving services in Kentucky, which is rare for most national companies. The company also offers 24/7 online GPS shipment tracking so you can keep tabs on your belongings at all times. Plus, Allied has been in business since 1928, giving the company 97 years of moving experience—more than any other provider on our list.
While Allied Van Lines has plenty of perks, the company also has a few downsides. The biggest one is that it doesn’t offer customer service on nights and weekends like a lot of competitors. This means you can’t reach the company outside of normal business hours. Still, Allied’s user-friendly mobile app and local moving services make it a convenient option for Kentucky customers, bumping it to one of the top spots on our list.
Allied Van Lines was among the most frequently mentioned companies in the 2025 This Old House Moving Survey nationwide and was specifically named by Kentucky respondents as a company they used for their moves. Nationally, Allied Van Lines ranked as one of the top moving companies cited across all states surveyed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes 24/7 GPS tracking with every move
- Offers local and long-distance moving services in Kentucky
- Has its own mobile app for tracking shipments and making claims
Cons
- Doesn’t offer weekend customer service hours
- Has fewer customer reviews than the competition, despite having nearly 100 years of experience
Cost and Services
Allied Van Lines costs $3,520 on average, which includes quotes for local and long-distance moves for various home sizes nationwide. Allied is tied with North American Van Lines for the most service offerings on our list, and Kentucky movers can choose from the following:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
Allied Van Lines also offers moving container services through Allied Express, giving you more options for your Kentucky move. With Allied Express, Allied Van Lines will send a portable moving container to your apartment or home along with a crew of three or four movers to help you load it. Once you’re done loading, you can either ship the container to your new home or send it to storage until you’re ready to move in.
International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) is best known for its international moving services, but its domestic offerings also make it one of the best moving companies in Kentucky. IVL handles moves to all 50 U.S. states and more than 140 countries, giving it a wider reach than any other company on our list. The company also includes a free month of storage with each move, which is convenient if you have some time between your move-in and move-out dates.
IVL doesn’t offer local moving services in Kentucky, however, so you can’t use this company if you’re moving across the street or close by. However, its 24/7 customer service, helpful online chat, and online shipment tracking for domestic moves make it one of the most customer-friendly long-distance movers in the country. IVL even offers discount codes on its website, making it easy for you to save on your move.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers international moving services to more than 140 countries
- Provides a free month of storage with every move
- Offers 24/7 customer service
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moving services in Kentucky
- Charges a higher deposit than most competitors
Cost and Services
Based on our quotes, International Van Lines costs $3,112 on average for domestic moves. However, note that international moves generally cost more. IVL offers the following services for Kentucky moves:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Office moves
- Vehicle shipping
International Van Lines also offers cargo shipping services for oversized items and machinery. If you have farming equipment on your property in Kentucky and need to ship it to your new home, IVL is a good option for shipping large items.
JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services has a reputation for being a high-end moving company, partially because it’s moved multiple presidents in and out of the White House and has helped move museum collections. Plus, the company offers luxury moving services for fragile and high-value items, and trains its employees in-house so they know how to wrap and protect items correctly. Even if you’re just moving regular household belongings, this shows the level of care and dedication that JK Moving puts into its services.
JK Moving is also one of the only moving companies we’ve reviewed that offer financing options without hurting your credit score. This can give Kentucky moving customers on a budget the freedom to move without worrying about up-front expenses. On the other hand, JK Moving’s biggest downside is that it doesn’t offer local moving services in Kentucky, which means you’ll have to look elsewhere if you plan on moving in-state. Still, if you’re moving out of state, JK Moving’s quality of service and range of residential and commercial moving services make it one of the best options for the job.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Charges a flat-rate deposit instead of a percentage of your total estimate
- Offers financing through Enhancify to help reduce the up-front costs of moving
- Trains employees to move valuable items like paintings, sculptures, and antiques
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moving services in Kentucky
- Has mixed customer reviews on price
Cost and Services
JK Moving Services costs $2,273 on average, making it the cheapest moving company on our list. However, online customer reviews give mixed opinions on price, so prepare for your individual rates to vary. JK Moving offers the following services for Kentucky movers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
In terms of commercial moving, JK Moving offers several unique services that we haven’t found with other companies. If you’re moving your small business to or from Kentucky, you can choose from the following services:
- Archive services
- Concierge services
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment services
- Laboratories and medical services
- Technology services
- Warehousing and storage services
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL) differs from the other companies on our list because it functions as both a carrier and a broker, which comes with pros and cons. A carrier is a company with its own trucks and employees, while a broker acts as an agent to book moves with third-party companies. Since NAVL does both, it has the availability to handle local and long-distance moves in all 50 U.S. states, making it a good option for Kentucky residents who plan on staying in town.
However, the downside is that sometimes NAVL uses third-party movers, which can make communication more difficult. Using a broker can also complicate the claims process because the booking company likely won’t take responsibility, so if you have any damages or losses, you must contact your third-party movers, not NAVL. Still, NAVL offers bottom-line, not-to-exceed, and customized pricing options instead of the normal binding or non-binding options, giving you more ways to structure your estimate. It also has discounts for disabled American veterans and offers deals on packing, moving, and storage services, as well as $100,000 in full replacement coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers local and long-distance moving in all 50 U.S. states
- Lets customers choose between multiple pricing options
- Provides generous discounts to disabled American veterans
Cons
- Outsources moves to third-party contractors
- Has higher average rates than most competitors we’ve reviewed
Cost and Services
Based on our quotes, North American Van Lines costs $3,601 on average, making it the most expensive company on our list. NAVL is tied with Allied Van Lines for the most service offerings on our list, and Kentucky customers can choose from the following options:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
NAVL also offers a wide range of packing materials for sale, including the following:
- Dishpack barrels
- Mattress boxes
- Mirror boxes
- Moving boxes
- Stretch wrap
- Wardrobe boxes
How Much Does a Kentucky Move Cost?
The average cost of moving in Kentucky is $2,117, which represents quotes we gathered for local and long-distance moves for different house sizes. While many factors can affect the price of your move, the main two are the size of your home and the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations.
Pro Tip
- The majority of Kentucky moves in our survey were local—9 out of 11 respondents reported a local, single-day move—and most movers charged an hourly rate. Storage was the most commonly purchased add-on among Kentucky respondents, followed by packing, unpacking, packing supplies, and vehicle shipping.
The size of your home typically refers to the number of bedrooms, but more accurately, it represents the amount of belongings you need moved. In general, more belongings equals more weight when moving, which results in higher rates. Similarly, the further the distance your movers must travel, the more expensive your rate.
Check out the table below to get a better idea of how much your move will cost based on the size of your home, whether you live in a one-bedroom apartment or four-bedroom home, using real Kentucky moving quotes.
| House Size | Average Cost in Kentucky |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,226 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,682 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,500 |
How We Collected Moving Cost Data
To give readers the most accurate cost data possible, we requested roughly 4,000 real moving quotes from 15 moving companies, including 40 quotes in Kentucky. For state pricing, we received quotes for sample moves in Louisville, Covington, Jenkins, and Lexington. State and national quotes covered local and long-distance moves for different home sizes, with some estimates including additional services like packing. Then, we averaged prices by home size, distance, moving provider, and state to show how these factors can affect your overall costs.
Homeowner Insights
- Notably, all 11 Kentucky respondents in our 2025 survey reported that their final total aligned with their quoted rate, and every one said they would hire their movers again—a strong sign that the moving companies operating in the state are delivering on their promises.
Additional Factors Affecting Move Costs
Plenty of factors other than the size of your home and the distance you’re traveling can affect your overall moving costs. Here’s a list of a few important things to consider as you plan your move:
- Time of year: Summer is the busiest season for movers across the country, and the busier it gets, the more expensive your rate. If you want to save money, try booking during the off-season when companies have more flexible schedules and you can negotiate a lower rate.
- Services: Not all services come with your standard moving rate. If you want add-ons like professional packing, unpacking, and vehicle shipping, you’ll have to pay extra. If you’re working with a tight budget, consider doing the packing and unpacking yourself to save time and money.
- Home layout: Many moving companies charge a stair fee if the crew has to use any external elevators or flights of stairs to get to your front door. Not every company advertises these fees, so if you have an apartment or home with these features, ask about pricing during the estimate process.
- Tipping: You may not know that tipping your movers is an expectation in the industry. We recommend budgeting $5–$10 per mover per hour for tips, which can easily reach $100 or more depending on the size of your moving crew.
Moving Factors To Consider in Kentucky
There are a lot of details to keep track of when moving. To make things easier, here’s a list of important things to consider when planning your Kentucky move:
While most of Kentucky is rural, you may have trouble securing parking for a moving truck in Lexington and other cities. Each municipality may handle parking differently, but in most cases, you can call your local police station at least 24 hours in advance of your moving day and request a temporary reservation in front of your home.
According to the United Van Lines 2024 National Movers Study, family-related reasons are the leading cause of inbound moves to Kentucky, while most residents leave the state because of job-related concerns. If you’re moving to or from another state, you’ll need to hire interstate movers, not local movers. Most local movers can’t legally move household goods across state lines, so double-check your movers can handle long-distance jobs before you get a quote.
To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Kentucky, visit your local Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Driver Licensing Regional office with proof of legal status, proof of residency, your social security card, and your valid out-of-state license. If your out-of-state license is no longer valid, you must obtain a certified Driving History Record (DHR) or clearance letter from your previous state.
To transfer your out-of-state title to Kentucky, visit your local County Clerk’s office with proof of insurance, your new Kentucky driver’s license, and a completed TC96-182 form.
According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, there are no specific regulations for moving cats, dogs, and ferrets across state lines.
How Does Kentucky Regulate Moving Companies?
The federal government regulates interstate moving companies through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), leaving local moving regulations to individual states. The KYTC regulates local moving companies in Kentucky. To get a license with the KYTC, moving companies need to meet insurance requirements, register their vehicles, and submit a household goods tariff document.
If you’re new to moving company regulations in Kentucky, the following tips can help if you run into any issues with your move:
- If you have issues with a local Kentucky moving company, you can file a complaint with the KYTC by filling out a TC 95-622 Consumer Complaint Document.
- If you have issues with an interstate moving company, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA or call a representative during business hours.
- If you have any lost or damaged items, we recommend filing a claim with your moving company promptly. Read your bill of lading to see if there are any time constraints on when you can file a claim after a move. Keep any damaged items as evidence.
Homeowner Insights
- According to the 2025 This Old House Moving Survey, the majority of Kentucky movers (9 out of 11 respondents) made local moves within the state, while 2 completed long-distance interstate relocations—making Allied’s ability to handle both local and long-distance jobs especially relevant for Kentucky residents.
Insights from Movers in Kentucky
To learn more about real moving experiences, we conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 moving customers in 2025, including 11 people from Kentucky. We found that 82% of all Kentucky respondents moved locally, meaning they either stayed within state lines or moved within a day. Additionally, 78% of Kentucky respondents said their hired movers charged an hourly rate between $60–$150 per hour. This makes sense considering most local moving companies charge by the hour, while long-distance movers charge by shipment weight.
Homeowner Insights
- Among the moving companies named by Kentucky survey respondents, Moving APT was the most frequently cited, followed by a mix of national carriers like Allied Van Lines and Safeway Moving Inc. as well as regional options such as Kentuckiana Moving and Big John.
In terms of total cost, Kentucky residents reported paying bills between $500–$3,560, a lower sum compared to the national range of $200–$20,000. Around 73% of Kentuckians declined full-value protection, but the 27% who purchased insurance reported paying $100–$250 for this protection. Again, this is modest compared to the national range of $50–$2,000, suggesting more affordable moving costs in Kentucky.
Roughly 64% of Kentucky moving customers declined add-on services altogether, but for the remaining 36% respondents, custom crating was the most common purchase. Around 73% of Kentucky respondents said their chosen moving company didn’t offer a binding estimate. Still, every respondent said their final bill aligned closely with their initial quote, and that they would hire professional movers again.
FAQs About Moving Companies in Kentucky
What licensing and insurance requirements must Kentucky moving companies meet?
Local Kentucky moving companies need a license from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) in order to operate legally. Movers also need to file certain forms for liability insurance, cargo insurance, and uniform motor carrier bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.
What is the cheapest day to hire movers in Kentucky?
While there’s no singular day that’s more affordable, it’s generally cheaper to move on weekdays than on weekends. Weekends typically have the highest demand, making weekdays less busy, which means you may more easily negotiate rates during the week.
Do I need a full-service mover when moving in Kentucky?
You don’t necessarily need a full-service mover if you’d prefer a do-it-yourself (DIY) move, but we recommend hiring professionals if you have the budget. Full-service movers can help with packing, loading, unloading, unpacking, and even more complicated services like vehicle shipping and custom crating. While renting a moving truck and enlisting the help of friends and family may work for some moves, having professional movers on your side can make your experience much less stressful.
How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies in Kentucky
When ranking the best moving companies in Kentucky, we prioritized full-service movers with a wide range of service options available, rather than rental companies or partial-service movers. We also focused on long-distance movers that work throughout the whole country, not just in Kentucky. Lastly, we made sure our top providers have proper registration with the FMCSA and a valid USDOT number.
To fairly and thoroughly evaluate moving companies, we developed a 100-point rating system grounded in real customer feedback, regulatory data, and hands-on testing. We gathered quotes, verified licensing and safety records, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and even conducted secret shopping to get a full picture of the customer experience. Each company was scored across six essential categories and then given a final rating out of 5 stars.
Here’s how we broke down our review:
- Customer service (18%): We looked at reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot, surveyed over 3,000 recent customers, and tested each company’s website and support team ourselves. Companies earned higher marks for having clear communication, responsiveness, and a helpful, user-friendly online experience.
- Reputation (14%): We verified that each mover has proper licensing through the USDOT and checked FMCSA safety records, specifically truck maintenance data. We also gave extra credit to companies that publicly commit to background-checking their crews, showing they prioritize customer safety.
- Value (18%): Using real quotes for 3-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles, we compared average prices across providers. We also considered whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they have a clear and simple billing process.
- Service offerings (19%): We evaluated the range of services available, from packing and unpacking to piano moving and junk removal. Movers that offer more options, including DIY solutions like portable storage, scored higher for flexibility and convenience.
- Item protection (20%): We reviewed each company’s insurance offerings and how well they prevent damage during the move. Higher scores went to movers that offer full-value protection and use best practices like shrink wrap, padding, and floor guards.
- Scheduling (11%): We assessed how easy it is to request a quote, speak to a representative, and manage a move from start to finish. Companies with multiple contact options, digital tools like apps or customer portals, and streamlined booking processes stood out from the rest.
