If you’re looking to move to or from Maryland, we recommend American Van Lines for its budget-friendly pricing, including a price-match guarantee and transparent billing. Our team prioritized moving companies offering competitive and flat-rate or guaranteed pricing in our review, meaning you shouldn’t end up with hidden fees or upcharges when you receive the bill.
Keep reading to learn about the best moving companies in Maryland so you can find a provider that best fits your needs and budget. Our secret shopping process and survey of 1,000 moving customers nationwide helped us gain insight into customer experiences with different moving companies and how pricing stacks up in the state.
Key Takeaways
- American Van Lines is the best Maryland moving company because it offers comprehensive services, competitive pricing, and flat-fee billing.
- The average cost of moving in Maryland is $3,099, which we determined by requesting sample quotes for local and long-distance moves for various sized homes.
- Our 2025 moving survey showed an overall satisfaction with professional moving services nationwide, and most respondents didn’t experience shady practices like hidden fees.
Top Moving Companies in Maryland
Here’s the list of our top-rated moving companies in Maryland:
- American Van Lines: Best Overall Moving Labor
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Specialized Packing
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
Compare the Top Moving Companies in Maryland
Learn more about Maryland’s top-rated moving companies and how they stack up against each other.
| Provider | Star Rating | 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 Maryland
American Van Lines
American Van Lines offers long-distance, military, and cross-country moves to and from Maryland. Not only does American Van Lines offer competitive prices, but the company uses flat-rate pricing that means you don’t have to worry about hidden fees for certain services. This billing structure provides several services alongside standard loading and unloading for one all-inclusive flat fee, including furniture disassembly and reassembly, fine art moving, antique services, and piano moving.
American Van Lines is also an eco-friendly provider that prioritizes responsible social and environmental practices. The company works with vendors that meet minimum sustainability guidelines, aims to increase recycling efforts, and tries to limit negative impact on air quality. However, this company doesn’t handle local moves in Maryland, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re not leaving the state.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a flat-rate pricing system that limits surprises when it’s time to pay
- Assigns every customer a personal moving coordinator
- Specializes in military moves, with multiple locations near military bases
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moves in Maryland
- Deposits can range widely from 10%–50%, which impacts up-front costs
Cost and Services
Moving with American Van Lines costs around $3,218 on average, based on quotes our team obtained for long-distance moves nationwide. American Van Lines doesn’t provide an online quote calculator with an instant estimate. After you fill out an online form, you must wait for a representative to call you with a rate, which is a drawback when many competitors offer instant quotes.
American Van Lines offers the following services:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines has nearly 100 years of industry experience and multiple Maryland offices, including locations in Jessup, Abingdon, and Gaithersburg, with high customer ratings for each one. Unlike American Van Lines, Allied can provide local and long-distance moves, which means you can use the company to go across town or out-of-state.
Allied Van Lines also offers competitive vehicle shipping services, with both enclosed and open transport options. The company covers each car up to $100,000 valuation with no deductible, giving you peace of mind and financial protection if you need to relocate your vehicle. While the company doesn’t offer 24/7 customer service like some competitors, we still recommend Allied Van Lines for Marylanders seeking a company with extensive industry experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers both full-service and do-it-yourself (DIY) moving options for various budgets
- Advertises billing with no hidden fees
- Pairs each customer with a relocation coordinator for personalized customer service
Cons
- May charge higher-than-average pricing based on our research
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 customer service
Cost and Services
An average move with Allied Van Lines costs $3,520, based on our sample quotes for local and long-distance moves for various home sizes nationwide. Allied Van Lines requires an in-person inspection for a guaranteed quote, but provides an estimated quote with its online moving calculator.
The company’s list of available moving services includes:
- 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
International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) offers extensive full and partial-packing moving services, including long-distance and international options. The company can service moves in all 50 U.S. states and 140 different countries, making it a good option if you’re a current Maryland resident moving abroad. If you’re moving bulky or fragile items, such as a hot tub, musical instruments, or delicate artwork, we also recommend IVL for its specialized services.
The company also has a domestic move tracker, so you can easily check the location of your belongings as they travel to your new home. Plus, IVL provides one month of free storage with its moves, which can help you save some money if you’re between places or making a large move. IVL doesn’t offer local moving in Maryland, however, so we’d recommend sticking with this company for long-distance moves.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers specialty packing for artwork, musical instruments, and antiques
- Advertises a 100% money-back guarantee if you cancel your move within 48 hours of pickup
- Provides extensive international moving services, including car shipping worldwide
Cons
- No local moving services available in Maryland
- Charges a $75 long-carry fee if a moving truck must park 75 feet or further from your home
Cost and Services
We found that moving with International Van Lines costs around $3,112 on average for domestic moves nationwide. Note that an international move will likely cost more. During our secret shopping process, we were offered a 5% off discount for a long-distance move when we called the company directly.
You can choose from the following services if you move with IVL:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Office moves
- Vehicle shipping
JK Moving Services
With a main office in Gaithersburg and over 40 years working in the state, JK Moving is our top choice for comprehensive moving services in Maryland. JK Moving offers comprehensive white-glove service for local and long-distance moves in Maryland, so you’re covered whether you’re moving down the street or across multiple states. The company also tailors each moving package to your budget and specific needs, with the option for storage solutions in parts of Maryland.
As another unique perk, JK Moving offers financing options through Enhancify to help offset up-front costs. We also recommend JK Moving for older Maryland residents, with teams of senior moving specialists available who can help coordinate your move. However, while our team’s average pricing for JK Moving was on the lower end, some customer reviews suggest higher-than-expected rates.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Trains employees using a sample home
- Has an innovative mobile app you can use for the inventory and quote processes
- Offers financing with Enhancify with as low as 0% financing, depending on your credit
Cons
- Some customer reviews note inconsistent price estimates and broken items
- Doesn’t offer some specialty moving services, such as vehicle shipping
Cost and Services
We requested and averaged sample quotes and found that JK Moving costs around $2,273 for local and long-distance moves nationwide. Note that JK Moving doesn’t provide online quotes through a moving calculator like most of its competitors, which is a drawback if you’re trying to gather pricing information in a pinch.
JK Moving offers the following services for Maryland moving customers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a full-service moving company offering everything from local and long-distance moves to Maryland, vehicle shipping services, and specialty crating for oversized items. This provider has 24/7 customer support and nationwide coverage, making it an accessible option no matter where you’re moving.
One of NAVL’s most beneficial features is its unique pricing. You can speak with your dedicated relocation specialists about the three types of pricing: bottom-line pricing, not-to-exceed pricing, or customized pricing. Bottom-line pricing is a guaranteed rate based on your estimate, while not-to-exceed pricing means your final cost may end up lower than your initial estimate, but never higher. Custom pricing is a combination of both. These pricing models can give you greater flexibility when budgeting for your move, which can especially help if you have a large move and worry about the price.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides real-time shipment tracking and communication
- Offers full value protection for your belongings
- Has unique variable pricing models you can choose from to avoid sticker shock
Cons
- The most expensive moving provider on our list
- Customer reviews note issues with damaged personal belongings and pricing guarantees
Cost and Services
The average cost of moving with North American Van Lines is around $3,601, based on local and long-distance quotes we gathered for various home sizes. NAVL is the most costly provider on our list, which may not work for budget moves.
The company’s list of available services includes:
- 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
How Much Does a Maryland Move Cost?
A Maryland move costs around $3,099 on average, which we determined by requesting quotes for local and long-distance moves around the state. Moving companies determine costs based on the size of your home, distance between your old and new locations, and the time of year. Specialty services, such as auto transport, long-term storage, or appliance disconnection and reconnection, will also increase costs. Summer is the most popular and expensive time to move in Maryland, so you can typically save money by moving outside these months and during the weekdays.
Here’s a quick overview of how home size impacts the cost of moving in Maryland:
| House Size | Average Moving Costs in Maryland |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,955 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,495 |
How We Collected Moving Cost Data
To estimate moving costs in Maryland and nationwide, our team gathered roughly 4,000 quotes from 15 providers throughout the U.S. We used sample addresses for single-family homes under 4,000 square feet in each state to gather average pricing. For Maryland, this included collecting 68 quotes for homes in Rosedale, Chesapeake Beach, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Ocean City for a comprehensive overview of pricing in both urban and rural areas. After receiving these quotes, we averaged the cost of a move in each state to determine a national price range.
Additional Factors Affecting Move Costs
When thinking about hiring movers, you might consider the cost of labor, gas, and packing supplies. However, other factors, such as the weather, time of year, and your home layout, can impact how much you’ll pay for professional moving services in Maryland.
Summer is usually the most expensive time to move, with rates being cheaper during the winter and fall. However, you’ll want to factor in that Maryland has snowy, icy winters that can cause delays and raise rates. If you have flexibility, consider moving during early fall or spring to avoid poor weather conditions.
If you’re interested in extra services, such as packing, storage, or vehicle shipping, you’ll pay an additional cost.
If you live in a building with an apartment or don’t have nearby parking, your movers may charge an elevator or long-carry fee. You can also secure a parking permit for your movers with your local Maryland Department of Transportation branch if you’re moving to or from a busier city like Baltimore.
Buying insurance is another factor in moving costs, especially if you choose high-value protection for pricier items, such as artwork or electronics. However, moving insurance can easily pay for itself should anything break in transit. If you want to skip insurance, shop around for rates, choose less busy seasons or days of the week for your move, and ask about discounts to save on moving costs.
Moving Factors To Consider in Maryland
Outside of cost, a few different factors can play into your move, whether you’re going from Annapolis to Bethesda or from Maryland to New York. You may need to take the following steps before or after your move, especially for out-of-state residents.
- Weather: Moving trucks can’t always safely drive in icy or snowy conditions. Maryland experiences large amounts of snowfall, ice, sleet, freezing rain, and other weather conditions that can derail moving plans in the winter months.
- Licensing requirements: Maryland moving companies must register with the Maryland Department of Labor. However, state lawmakers don’t require a local license, so check that the company is registered with the Maryland Department of Labor and has a federal U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number.
- Vehicle registration: If you’re moving to Maryland for the first time, you must obtain a driver’s license or identification (ID) card within 60 days of moving. You can register your car and get an in-state license at a Maryland Department of Transportation branch.
- Moving with pets: If you’re moving your pet into Maryland, you’ll need official identification, including a certificate of veterinary inspection indicating they’ve been treated with at least one approved rabies vaccine. This excludes puppies and kittens four months old and younger.
How Does Maryland Regulate Moving Companies?
Knowing Maryland-specific moving regulations can protect you if you have a bad experience with a company or need to file a damage claim.
- Complaints: In Maryland, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Department of Labor by filling out an online form or calling the agency.
- Parking permits: You may need a parking permit depending on where you’re moving in Maryland. For cities like Baltimore, this involves submitting a right-of-way permit application. However, you don’t always need a permit in other areas, so double-check with your local Department of Transportation before moving day to learn more.
- Know your rights: Maryland movers must provide a written estimate with a breakdown of every charge, and it must state whether the rate is binding or non-binding. This helps protect you if the movers try to change the price later on.
- Non-binding estimates: In Maryland, a moving company cannot charge you more than 125% of the original quote, except in the case of undisclosed or unavoidable events. This could include situations in which you have more items than disclosed, a lack of an elevator in certain buildings, or bad traffic conditions.
Insights from Movers in Maryland
In 2025, we surveyed 1,000 consumers who recently moved within the U.S. to understand their experience with booking and using different moving companies. Among Maryland respondents, 86% made a single-day, local move, while nearly 14% made a multi-day or long-distance move. Most moving companies (63%) charged an hourly rate for labor, which is common for local moves, ranging from $50–$150 per hour.
Around 86% of Marylanders reported said their final bill aligned with their initial quoted rate, but only 32% of respondents were given a binding estimate. For anyone moving to or from Maryland, getting a binding agreement can save you sticker shock if you end up with a higher-than-expected bill.
Despite billing differences, every Maryland respondent in our survey said they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their moving experience, saying they would hire the same moving company again.
FAQs About Moving Companies in Maryle23and
How far in advance should I schedule movers?
We recommend scheduling movers 6–8 weeks before your move. Start researching licensed and insured Maryland movers and gather at least three quotes around the eight-week mark. Then, book your preferred Maryland movers by the six-week mark.
What licensing and insurance should Maryland moving companies have?
A legitimate moving company should hold registration with the Maryland Department of Labor, but a specific license with the state of Maryland isn’t required. Instead, look for the company’s USDOT number and vet the company with the Maryland Consumer Protection Division to learn about any complaints on record.
What additional fees should I watch for when hiring Maryland movers?
Watch for additional fees, like credit card processing fees and charges for packing materials or large items not previously discussed. In Maryland, you’re protected with limits on how much a mover can charge you beyond the original estimate. Interstate moving companies should provide you with a written estimate with a detailed breakdown of each charge, and state whether the rate is binding or non-binding. If you have a binding agreement, the mover can’t charge you more than what’s listed. If it’s a non-binding estimate, your movers can’t charge you more than 125% of the original price in Maryland.
How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies in Maryland
While ranking the best moving companies in Maryland, we looked at factors most important to consumers like you, including available services, pricing, and trustworthiness. We focused on national providers that offer flexible moving services, with options for local, long-distance, and international moves. Our review also prioritized full-service movers with various services, from packing to vehicle shipping, rather than truck rental or container companies.
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:
- 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.
- 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 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (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.
