Montana attracts many people due to its breathtaking scenery and agricultural opportunities. If you’re making a long-distance move to or from Montana, we recommend American Van Lines for its competitive pricing, flat-rate structure, and high customer satisfaction ratings. We also recommend Allied Van Lines for its customer service and do-it-yourself (DIY) moving container service.
Continue reading to discover the best moving companies in Montana and learn more about our recommendations based on industry reputation, coverage, services, and pricing.
Key Takeaways
- American Van Lines is our top recommendation for long-distance moves to or from Montana, thanks to its comprehensive services, binding prices, and customer service.
- We also recommend Allied Van Lines for its 24/7 customer service, DIY moving container service, and industry experience.
- The average cost of moving in Montana is $3,647, which is higher than the national moving average cost of $3,020.
Top Moving Companies in Montana
Based on our team’s industry research, secret shopping, and 2025 survey of moving customers nationwide, we picked the following moving companies as the best in Montana:
- 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 Montana
Compare our picks for the top moving companies in Montana using the table below.
| 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 Montana
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is our top pick for Montana moves because it offers long-distance, cross-country, and military moving services. This family-owned business made our list for its services and flat-rate pricing model, which includes services like furniture assembly and disassembly with your standard loading and unloading rate. American Van Lines also provides binding estimates based on an assessment of your list of goods before you move, so you won’t get hit with added costs later.
If you’re making a long-distance move to Montana, we recommend American Van Lines for its firm pricing models, competitive pricing, and extensive service offerings. However, since the company doesn’t handle local moves, you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re staying in the state.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers binding prices, so you’re not surprised by hidden fees later on
- Background checks its staff for additional peace of mind
- Has certified antique movers, custom crating services, and piano moving specialists
Cons
- Doesn’t offer local moving services in Montana
- Shipment tracking is only available over the phone, not online like with some competitors
Cost and Services
On average, moves with American Van Lines cost $3,218 nationwide. The company offers the following services for Montana customers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines has over 95 years of experience providing residential moving services, including local and long-distance moves in Montana. Allied’s trained teams can handle valuable, specialty, and fragile items—such as pianos, pool tables, and delicate artwork. If you’re on a budget, the company offers portable moving containers through its Allied Express service, comparable to PODS or U-Pack ReloCube. This service comes with a small team of movers to help you load your items and a guaranteed delivery date—and the company will pay you $75 per day if it fails to meet that date.
While we recommend Allied for its industry, services, and pricing, the company lacks weekend customer service hours and may charge fees for oversized items. However, our 2025 survey of 1,000 moving customers nationwide found that Allied typically doesn’t add any additional charges to original quotes. This is significant because one of the most common complaints from customers using moving services is hidden fees and higher prices than their initial quote.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offer a mobile app and 24/7 shipment tracking
- Pairs each customer with a “Move Representative” for a consistent point of contact
- Handles local and long-distance moves in Minnesota, unlike some competitors
Cons
- Requires an in-person inspection for a guaranteed rate
- May charge higher-than-average pricing, based on our quotes
Cost and Services
Allied Van Lines costs $3,520 on average, which includes rates for local and long-distance moves for various home sizes nationwide. The company offers the following services for Montana customers:
- 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) is our top pick for international moves because of its extensive service offerings nationwide and across more than 140 countries. The company offers global, freight, military, corporate, residential, and government relocations to and from Montana. Plus, IVL handles white-glove moves with specialized packing services for items such as hot tubs, pianos and other musical instruments, and vehicles. You can also choose to purchase moving supplies from IVL and self-pack if you’re looking to save some money.
IVL is generally transparent about fees and costs on its website, but the company may charge extra fees for bulky items, long carries, using an elevator, or climbing flights of stairs. Keep this in mind as you budget for your Montana move, as these extra costs can add up. The company also doesn’t offer local moves in Montana, so you can only get a quote if you’re moving states.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides one month of free storage with all moves
- Advertises a 100% money-back guarantee if you cancel your move at least 48 hours in advance
- Has a domestic move tracker, allowing you to check on the location of your belongings
Cons
- May charge $75–$150 for moving bulky items and navigating elevators or stairs
- Advertises a free instant quote online, but you must wait for a representative to call you for a final rate
Cost and Services
On average, International Van Lines costs $3,112 for domestic moves, based on quotes we received for long-distance moves nationwide. Note that rates for an international move typically cost more. IVL offers the following services for Montana moves:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Office moves
- Vehicle shipping
JK Moving Services
For Montanans looking to make a long-distance move, we recommend JK Moving Services as an affordable option with unique financing options through Enhancify. On top of its more affordable pricing, JK Moving excels in customization. A dedicated personal moving coordinator will work with you throughout the move, tailoring a moving package to your exact needs. This can look like different binding pricing options and packing levels paired with any storage units if needed.
While JK Moving advertises 24/7 customer support, we found this claim misleading. During our secret shopping process, we had to wait for business hours the following day to speak with someone over the phone. However, the company offers a mobile app for ongoing assistance. Otherwise, JK Moving is one of our top picks for long-distance moves to or from Montana thanks to its comprehensive services and financing options.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Trains moving crews in-house using a sample home at the company headquarters
- Offers 0% financing through Enhancify, depending on your credit score
- Has a unique mobile app that allows you to inventory your items and start the quote process
Cons
- Doesn’t offer instant online quotes
- No local moving options available in Montana
Cost and Services
Our research found that JK Moving Services costs $2,273 on average nationwide, making it one of the most affordable moving providers on our list. JK Moving offers the following services for Montana customers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
North American Van Lines
With over 90 years of moving experience, North American Van Lines (NAVL) has the expertise to back your move and handle tricky logistics, whether you’re moving down the street or across states. It’s important to note that NAVL operates as both a carrier and a broker, which means it handles some moves in-house and uses third-party companies for other jobs. While this can complicate customer service and the claims process, it also helps broaden NAVL’s reach to include both local and long-distance moves in Montana.
NAVL also offers 24/7 customer service, multiple billing options, and an extensive selection of additional services. These features can help offer peace of mind and with budget management for large moves especially.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a unique variable pricing model that helps customers avoid sticker shock
- Provides real-time tracking and communication during your move
- Offers full-value protection if you need increased insurance for high-value items
Cons
- Most expensive provider on our list, which may not work for movers on a budget
- Limits coverage in Montana to Billings, Butte, Havre, Kalispell, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula
Cost and Services
North American Van Lines costs $3,601 on average nationwide, making it the most expensive company on our list. Montana customers can choose from the following services:
- 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 Montana Move Cost?
On average, the cost of moving in Montana is $3,647. This is 17% more than the national average of $3,020, based on quotes we gathered for local and long-distance moves for different home sizes.
Several factors can influence the cost of moving to or from Montana, most notably the distance you’re traveling and the size of your home, which impacts how many items you need moved. Compare moving costs based on different home sizes using the chart below:
| House Size | National Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $2,356 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,347 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,450 |
| 4 bedrooms | $6,382 |
How We Collected Moving Cost Data
To give readers insights into real moving costs in Montana and nationwide, we requested roughly 4,000 quotes from 15 moving companies across all 50 U.S. states. We received quotes for local and long-distance moves for various home sizes, ranging from 1–4 bedrooms in size. Then, we averaged prices by provider, home size, distance, and state to better estimate moving rates across different situations.
Additional Factors Affecting Move Costs
In addition to the distance of your move and the number of belongings you have, a few other factors can impact move costs, including: Other factors, like the time of the year and access to your home, can also impact moving costs.
Like with any industry, certain seasons are busier than others. The busy season for moving is between May and September. You may find it more challenging to book a move and pay more as a result. Booking after September, but before the snowy winter seasons in Montana, can help you get a better deal.
Buying additional services, such as packing and custom crating, will also increase your overall cost.
Your home’s design can increase moving costs, especially if movers need to climb multiple flights of stairs, use an elevator, or park far away from your front door. For example, International Van Lines charges an additional $75 for every extra flight of stairs needed to reach your home or apartment.
Moving companies must provide basic valuation coverage for your belongings, but you can also insure pricey items, family heirlooms, or fragile items with additional coverage. Buying insurance coverage will increase your cost but can provide peace of mind for your most valuable items.
While not as expensive as the move itself, tipping your moving crew is generally expected and can add to costs. Plan to tip $5–$10 per mover if you feel satisfied with the service.
Moving Factors To Consider in Montana
Montana has experienced population growth in the past decade, with more people relocating to the state. Known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities, Montana also has unpredictable weather that can impact moving. Like other states, Montana also has guidelines on changing your address and getting a new license.
We put together a list of a few considerations to keep in mind when moving to Montana:
- Weather considerations: Montana has a varied climate, characterized by cold winters and arid, hot summers. Many parts of the state experience harsh winters that can make moves challenging, especially if roads shut down. Spring and autumn can also bring unpredictable weather with strong winds, rain, and snow.
- Change of address: Notify the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within 10 days when changing your address. You can mail a change of address form for your driver’s license or visit the MVD for a replacement ID card.
- Driver’s license: You have 60 days to bring your valid out-of-state license to your local MVD to receive a new Montana license without being retested.
- Moving pets: Montana doesn’t require permits for small pets moving into the state with you. However, your pet will need proof of current rabies vaccination.
How Does Montana Regulate Moving Companies?
On a federal level, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulate moving companies that cross state lines. Local moving regulations vary by state, so it’s important to research laws where you’re moving to learn more. Here are a few of the most common regulations to know before moving within Montana:
- File a complaint: If you’ve struggled with deceptive or unfair business practices from a moving company, speak with the company first. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Montana Office of Consumer Protection.
- Lost or damaged belongings: Montana doesn’t have specific laws for lost or damaged belongings when moving, but the federal government provides certain protections. Typically, the moving company is responsible for the cost of replacing household goods after a customer files a claim for financial compensation.
- Moving truck parking permits: Most Montana cities require a temporary on-street parking permit for moving trucks, at least in areas with time-restricted parking. However, this varies by town, so check with your local municipality for exact details.
- State licensing requirements: Laws require local Montana moving companies to have a Public Service Commission number to operate. You can verify the validity of this number by calling the consumer assistance line.
Insights from Movers in Montana
In 2025, we surveyed 1,000 consumers who have recently moved within the U.S. to better understand their experiences. Among Montana consumers, American Van Lines was a commonly used provider, and customers reported a highly positive experience.
On a national level, most respondents moved three-bedroom homes and required a three-person moving team with one truck. The most popular add-on moving services included packing (34%), packing supplies (30%), and unpacking (21%). Nearly 89% of respondents said their final bill matched their initial quote, and 88% said they would hire their same movers again. However, of respondents who said they wouldn’t hire their movers again, damaged furniture (62%) was the most common reason.
Despite some negative experiences, 49% of respondents nationwide said they were “very satisfied” with their move, while nearly 36% were “satisfied.” Montana consumers also felt “very satisfied” with their move and chosen moving company, suggesting this service was worthwhile.
FAQs About Moving Companies in Montana
Does Montana have state-specific regulations for moving companies?
Montana requires that local moving companies have a Public Service Commission number. You can check this number by calling the commission’s customer service line and checking on the company you’re considering.
How far in advance should I book my Montana move?
We recommend booking your Montana move at least one month in advance, if not earlier. Booking 2–3 months in advance gives you the best opportunity to secure a good deal, work with your preferred provider, and avoid higher prices for in-demand seasons, such as summer.
What factors should I consider when budgeting for a move in Montana?
When budgeting for a move in Montana, consider the weather conditions. Montana is known for icy, freezing winters and strong winds during spring and fall. Montana winters can quickly make roads impassable, delaying your move and potentially increasing labor costs. Also factor in your home’s layout, packing services, moving supplies, and the number of moving trucks you may need.
How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies in Montana
We’ve created a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company on our list, starting with extensive research into each provider’s website, services, and customer reviews. Our recommendations focus on long-distance moving companies, rather than local providers, to ensure service for customers looking to move states. We also specifically sought out companies offering a balance between services and price, as Montana has a slightly higher cost of living than the national average.
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 recent moving 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.
