Our 2025 survey of 1,000 moving customers nationwide revealed important insights into what today’s consumers value most, from pricing expectations and service preferences to moving motivations and how company reputation influences buying decisions. This information helped us determine the best moving companies in the nation, as well as any hidden roadblocks and tips our readers should know about.
Key Takeaways
- The most commonly reported motivation for purchasing moving services was convenience.
- The most common provider among survey respondents was Allied Van Lines, chosen by 20% of respondents.
- The most commonly selected add-on was full-service packing, with 42% of movers buying this service.
- The most important factor for customers when deciding between movers was cost.
Why Do People Hire a Moving Company?
Based on our survey, the top reason people hired professional movers was for convenience, making the complicated process of relocation easier. Every respondent gave this reason, among others, when asked why they hired movers. Cost and having full-service packing were also considerable factors for customers when choosing a provider. Customers said they wanted credible and dependable service providers, which can offer assurance of a safe and effective handling of property.
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost?
The average price of hiring a mover is around $3,020, based on an analysis of quotes we requested for local and long distance moves nationwide. Although this number represents a general benchmark, the cost of using a professional moving company can vary based on several factors. Some of the most significant factors include the distance of the move, the size of the move, and the types of services needed.
Based on our survey results, U-Haul provides the most economical average cost at $1,778, while American Van Lines provides a higher average cost of $3,218. However, these averages can vary widely based on specific situations. For example, cross-country moves of over 1,500 miles typically cost more than local moves. Survey respondents who moved across the country reported costs of anywhere from $5,000–$12,000 or more for going such a great distance. Local moves, or those up to 50 miles, generally cost less but rates can vary based on the weight of your belongings and any services you buy on top of basic relocation.
Distance is a significant factor that determines the cost of moving. Long-distance moves have increased fuel costs and require more hours of labor, which results in higher rates. The weight of the goods being moved also matters. For example, bigger homes containing a large number of belongings will cost more than moving a small home. The type of services you need also contributes to the total cost. Around 42% of our survey respondents chose packing services, and 21% chose unpacking. Nearly 30% of respondents also bought packing materials, 19% used a storage facility, 10% chose car shipment of vehicles, 16% chose custom fragile goods crating, and 5% chose piano moving.
Notably, 40% of the respondents didn’t buy any add-ons. Service add-ons influence the overall cost of using a moving company, as each one you buy results in additional costs that can cause a big jump in your total rate.
Top Moving Companies
The leading moving company in our survey was Allied Van Lines. Allied captured nearly 13% of respondents’ business, ahead of its nearest competitor, American Van Lines, at 9% market share.
North American Van Lines (8%) trailed close behind Allied Van Lines and American Van Lines, followed by Safeway Moving Inc. (6%). The disparity between the leaders and smaller competitors like Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (3%), Moving APT (2%), International Van Lines (2%), and BLVD Moving (2%) may suggest that customers rely on brand recognition before doing research into other possible movers.
| Provider | Percent of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Allied Van Lines | 13% |
| American Van Lines | 9% |
| North American Van Lines | 8% |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | 6% |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | 3% |
| Moving APT | 2% |
| International Van Lines | 2% |
| BLVD Moving | 2% |
Our survey results showed a concentrated market with the top three providers—Allied Van Lines, American Van Lines, and North American Van Lines—having a combined customer base of close to 30% of all respondents.
Claims Experience and Satisfaction
In our survey, respondents shared detailed feedback about their moving experiences, covering aspects such as service timelines and how well their moving providers handled damages and claims. Many customers praised companies for having efficient scheduling, courteous crews, and smooth installations. Plus, over 60% of customers reported that their hired movers arrived on time and completed the job as expected.
However, some customers encountered issues like delays, miscommunication, and difficulties in resolving problems. Among those who experienced damage, approximately 1 in 5 respondents filed a claim. While some companies responded quickly and compensated customers promptly, others left customers feeling ignored or undercompensated. These firsthand accounts underscore the relationship between the quoting process and the overall moving experience, suggesting that getting things right from the start can significantly impact customer satisfaction and trust.
Positive Claims Experience
More than 70% of respondents said they would recommend the moving company they used to others, with many highlighting positive experiences during the quoting process. Notably, 65% felt the value they received matched or exceeded the price they paid, often citing professionalism, clear communication, and reliable service as key factors in their satisfaction.
Customers praised the movers for being “very professional from estimate to delivery,” and over half noted that the quotes provided were honored without any surprise charges. One respondent commented, “The quote was accurate, and nothing was broken. It was worth every penny.”
Another customer appreciated that their quote was more than $2,000 less than competing offers. Many customers described their moving experience as “easy,” “stress-free,” and even “enjoyable.”
Negative Claims Experience
Despite overall satisfaction with their moving services, our survey revealed that nearly 1 in 4 respondents would not recommend their chosen mover. The issues these customers encountered were directly related to the quoting process and overall service experience. Twenty-two percent of respondents said their final bill was significantly higher than the quoted amount, often due to vague pricing terms or unexpected add-ons.
Another recurring complaint was about broken or missing items, which affected 19% of customers surveyed. In many cases, survey respondents said the moving companies offered little or no reimbursement for these losses. One participant shared their experience: “They quoted me $3,500, but I ended up paying over $5,000, and they lost a family heirloom.”
Additionally, more than 15% of respondents expressed frustration over poor communication, saying they had difficulty reaching customer service after booking their move. These experiences undermined trust and left customers feeling misled, highlighting the need for transparent, accurate, and communicative quoting processes.
Regional Insights on Moving
While the national average for a full-service move with packing costs is around $3,020, actual costs and opinions about value range widely by region. Movers in the Northeast reported higher satisfaction and lower costs, while many customers in the South and West paid higher rates and had mixed experiences. Here’s a regional breakdown of our most noteworthy survey findings:
- Distance: Short-distance moves across the West Coast, like Los Angeles to San Diego, were both affordable (under $2,000) and highly rated. However, cross-country moves commanding the highest prices ($10,000 or more) still received good ratings when full support was provided by a moving company. This suggests that customers’ perception of value relates more to service comprehensiveness than price alone.
- Packing preferences: Customers in Southern states had the highest rate of full packing services, while Northeastern customers were more likely to self-pack. Midwesterners frequently opted for partial packing services—particularly for fragile items—and West Coast customers who paid for full-service packing reported high satisfaction despite steep costs.
- Price: Northeast movers enjoyed the highest satisfaction at lower price points, including $4,500 for local moves, while Western cross-country relocations frequently exceeded $10,000, with California-to-Texas moves representing some of the highest costs in the survey. Southern moves averaged $5,000–$7,500, and Midwest relocations typically fell between $3,500–$6,500.
- Satisfaction: Northeastern customers consistently rated their moving experiences as “excellent” and “worth every penny,” even at lower price points. Southern customers showed mixed satisfaction, with many respondents describing services as “overpriced and disappointing.” Midwesterners typically described pricing as “a little pricey but fair,” and West Coast to East Coast movers often marked cross-country services as “excellent” when comprehensive services were included.
Common Trends in the Moving Industry
Our survey revealed several notable trends within the national moving industry. One significant finding was the growing popularity of hybrid moving solutions, in which consumers pack their belongings themselves but hire professionals for transportation. This approach was particularly common among customers making long-distance moves. The vast majority of respondents cited flexibility, control over the process, and cost savings as primary reasons for choosing a partial service model. Additionally, customers increasingly sought services that allowed them to pack and unpack at their own pace, such as PODS or U-Pack. Options like moving containers and truck rentals offer a less rigid timeline and can reduce stress for do-it-yourself (DIY) movers.
Another prominent trend was the high rate of long-distance moves. While local moves, or those under 200 miles, were still common among survey respondents in certain city clusters, a significant number of relocations involved crossing state lines or even moving coast to coast. This was often due to job changes, retirement, or the high cost of housing. Moves from states like California, New York, and Florida frequently exceeded 1,000 miles and often came with premium price tags ranging from $8,000–$10,000 or more. However, customers tended to feel more satisfied when the quality of service matched the price, particularly when damage was minimal and communication was maintained throughout the moving process.
Other noteworthy trends include:
- Cost transparency and accurate quotes seem essential for building trust among customers, as survey respondents identified these factors as key in determining whether they would recommend a provider.
- Damage claims were fairly common during moves, but customer satisfaction varied. Some moving companies quickly reimbursed customers for damaged items, while others were difficult to contact after the move.
- Full-service moving options that include packing were favored by individuals relocating across the country or those with complicated inventories, such as antiques and large furniture.
Is a Moving Company Worth It?
For customers in our survey, the answer is yes—but with caveats. Over 70% of respondents said they would recommend the moving company they used, and more than 65% felt the value matched or exceeded the price paid. These customers often cited benefits like reduced stress, professional handling of fragile items, and time saved as key reasons the service was worth the investment. In particular, those who selected full-service or cross-country movers, despite often paying $6,000–$10,000 or more, described the experience as worthwhile due to the convenience and peace of mind it provided.
However, the value of a moving company isn’t guaranteed. About 25% of respondents said they wouldn’t recommend their mover, largely due to surprise fees, poor communication, or damages without reimbursement. Ultimately, hiring a moving company is worth it when expectations align with reality. This includes using a company that offers transparent quotes, honors timelines, and ensures your belongings arrive safely. As one customer in our survey said: “It wasn’t cheap, but I didn’t have to lift a finger, and everything made it there in one piece. That alone made it worth every penny.”
Our Survey Methodology
In 2025, we conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 adult customers who have completed a household move within the past three years. The survey was administered online using Pollfish and included a nationwide sample that represented various demographics. Respondents included both renters and homeowners, with the majority aged between 25 and 54 years old, and a nearly even split between male and female participants. All participants were required to have hired or seriously considered hiring a professional moving company for either a local or long-distance move.
The objective of this survey was to gain real-world insights into the experience of hiring a moving company, going beyond glossy marketing claims and idealized estimates. We aimed to understand the true costs, satisfaction levels, hidden pain points, and overlooked value drivers from individuals with firsthand experience. By gathering feedback from actual movers, rather than industry insiders, we sought to uncover trends that impact pricing, service expectations, and customer trust. Our goal was to provide transparent, actionable data for anyone considering a move in today’s competitive relocation market.
