We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.More
movers carrying a couch out of a moving truck

Best Last-Minute Moving Companies (2024)

Get a quote from local moving experts

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Invalid Zip Code
Enter details in under 3 minutes

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Clicking “Get Your Estimate” submits your data to Home Service Quotes, which will process your data in accordance with the Home Service Quotes Privacy Policy.

Ad Disclaimer

Written by Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz Updated 12/04/2024

Moving is one of the most stressful life events that any homeowner or renter will endure. The moving process becomes even more taxing when you have to plan it in a week or less. A huge component of a successful move is selecting an experienced moving company for the job. Moving to a new home on short notice will be difficult, but the best movers can help simplify this transition.

Here, we’ve listed the best last-minute moving companies in the industry, along with each provider’s service offerings and average costs. Learn more about each company and see which is the best fit for your move.


7 Best Last-Minute Moving Companies

These are are top choices if you need to book a moving company at the last minute:


Compare the Best Last-Minute Movers

Our Pick
International Van Lines
Visit Site
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Visit Site
Safeway Moving Inc.
Visit Site
American Van Lines
Visit Site
Moving APT
Visit Site
JK Moving Services
Visit Site
Allied Van Lines
Visit Site

Overall Rating

4.5 / 5 4 / 5 4.5 / 5 4.3 / 5 4.3 / 5 4.7 / 5 5 / 5

BBB Rating

A+ B B- A+ B+ A+ A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier/Broker Broker Carrier Carrier Broker Carrier Carrier

Average Price*

$5,250 $5,054 $5,631 $5,625 $4,683 $7,171 $5,370

Deposit Required

Up to 25% Up to 33% Up to 40% Up to 50% Varies $250 None

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Offers a quick quote process for last-minute moves
  • Prescreens all third-party movers in its network
  • Provides full-service packing and crating for all moving customers
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Free month of storage for all customers
  • Light packing is available for long-distance moves
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • Offers an online cost estimator
  • Offers price-matching
  • Provides quick service
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • No customer service on the weekends
  • No refund on your deposit if it's more than 72 hours after booking
  • Not responsible for damage due to broker status
  • Can’t promise extra services, such as fragile packing and crating
  • No upfront pricing
  • Reputation for difficult communication during the first phase of a move
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • Not responsible for any damage due to broker status
  • Service varies by location according to reviews
  • Unwanted contact from partner companies may occur
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process

Summary

We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.

We recommend Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as a reputable broker if you need to move quickly. The company’s customer service is prompt, and its broker network helps you find a vetted mover fast.

We recommend Safeway Moving Inc. for condo or HOA residents. The company has a special focus and training on the regulations and problems that may arise with these moves.

We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.

We recommend Moving APT because of its highly rated customer service and its ability to quickly provide you with multiple quotes for its partner companies.

We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.

Rating Categories

International Van Lines Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Safeway Moving Inc. American Van Lines Moving APT JK Moving Services Allied Van Lines

Customer Service

5 / 5
3.8 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
2.9 / 5
4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.9 / 5
5 / 5
3.9 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
4.2 / 5
3.3 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.7 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
3.5 / 5
4.3 / 5
5 / 5
4.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
3.9 / 5
4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5

International Van Lines (IVL) began handling domestic relocations in 2004 and operates throughout all 50 states. It works as a broker and carrier and can provide local and long-distance moving services.

Its ability to provide last-minute service will depend on the partner companies it works with in your area. We recommend you get a quote from IVL before deciding whether to book.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides moving service to all 50 states and 180 other countries Offers one month of free storage with all moves at your destination Grants full refunds for moves canceled more than 48 hours in advance Cons Provides limited local moving service (in Florida and Texas) Brokers many moves out to third-party carriers

Services

Along with its basic local and long-distance moving plans, which include all loading, unloading, and packing options, IVL provides a range of add-on services as its clients need. Piano moving, custom crating, long-term storage, vehicle shipping, and more are available when you book through this provider. Learn more about IVL’s services.

Cost

IVL lists average costs for local movers on its local moving page. A two- or three-bedroom home will cost between $150 and $200 per hour, assuming a crew of three or four movers. A move with loading, unloading, and transportation totaling nine hours put local moving costs with IVL at $1,350–$1,800.

We requested a quote for a long-distance move between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, for a two-bedroom residential move. With no packing services included, we were given a price range of $2,015–$3,445. The move date selected was five days from the quote date and included an offer of a further 15%–20% discount since our move would be included in a larger IVL shipment. Get your free IVL quote started now.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Most Efficient
4

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a nationwide moving broker that handles moves in all 50 states. Like many brokers, it offers price matching for all quotes. This means that if you can obtain a competitor quote for a lower price, IMRG will match it.

IMRG’s moving partners can provide a full range of add-on services, such as auto transport and packing services. If you’re planning a move with little or no notice, this may interest you, as packing a full home at the last minute is difficult to manage.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes full reviews of its partners on its website Offers price matching Partners with companies in all 50 states Cons Offers little customer support outside regular business hours Charges a 4% fee for canceled moves

Services

IMRG’s many partners offer local and long-distance service within all 50 states. These partners can provide full-service moves with pickup and delivery or container service for a DIY moving experience. This will depend on your exact needs for your move. If you require full packing or unpacking during your relocation, IMRG will work to connect you with a mover who can help. Learn more about IMRG’s services.

Cost

We requested a quote from IMRG for a move within a week of our quote date. Our quote for a two-bedroom move between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, yielded a price range of $3,900–$7,000.

When you get a quote from this broker, you’ll have to fill out a lengthy inventory form online to get an accurate quote from an appropriate mover. Your method of payment and deposit amount will depend on the moving partner booked for your relocation. Start your free IMRG quote.

Safeway Moving Inc.

Most Reliable Pricing
4.5

Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving broker based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a presence in New Jersey and Indiana. Its partner companies and a newly acquired fleet of moving trucks can offer long-distance service across all 50 states.

If you’re planning to move to or from an apartment complex or new housing development, Safeway’s insurance protection may interest you. It carries a $1,000,000 liability coverage policy, which complies with most homeowners association (HOA) standards and exceeds moving industry norms.

Pros and Cons

Pros Partners with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Offers flat-rate pricing for all moves Provides packing and 30 days of storage with all moving quotes Cons Has no local moving option Gives little information on its website

Services

Safeway provides 30 days of free storage and packing with every moving quote it provides its clients. It also provides a range of insurance options beyond the $0.60 per pound per item required in the moving industry. Learn more about Safeway’s services.

Cost

Safeway yields flat rates for all estimates it provides. This means you’ll be quoted a transparent bottom-line estimate including the cost of all services you need. Fill out a quote form on Safeway’s website to get a transparent pricing estimate today.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3

American Van Lines has been in business since the mid-1990s and provides service throughout the lower 48 states as a carrier. It operates major hubs in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, with service options throughout all states except Alaska and Hawaii. For an emergency move, clients would be better served by American Van Lines if their point of origin is within these areas.

This carrier’s key strength, which customers praise in reviews, is its flat-rate pricing. You’ll be given a transparent bottom-line price with no hidden fees during the quote process.

Pros and Cons

Pros Advertises moving crews with an average of a decade on the job Charges flat rates for all moves Offers shuttle service between major cities for expedited service Cons Charges high deposits Doesn’t provide an online quote tool

Services

American Van Lines offers a full suite of moving services. According to its website, last-minute long-distance movers can be obtained from this carrier with no added fees attached. Its experienced crews have the know-how to cater to numerous moving needs, including full-service packing, piano moving, and crating. Read our full review to learn about AVL’s services.

Cost

When you get a cost estimate for a local or cross-country move from American Van Lines, you’ll be quoted an easy-to-understand flat rate, which won’t shift unless your moving options and services do. We recommend calling AVL at 877-960-3186 to schedule a quote. As stated, last-minute moving services will not cost extra when you book with this provider.

With AVL, a two-bedroom move between New York City and Miami, Florida, would cost around $3,900. Get your free customized AVL quote started.

Moving APT

Best Customer Service
4.3

Moving APT is another nationwide moving broker that partners with more than 2,500 individual carriers across all 50 states. These partners provide various services, including packing, delivery of packing supplies, storage, and furniture assembly and disassembly.

This mover’s next-day or same-day service abilities will depend on the movers it partners with in your area. When you contact Moving APT for a quote, you’ll be put in quick contact with a moving partner near you.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides a move cost calculator on its website Has moving tips and partner company reviews easily viewable online Offers price matching for all moves Cons Receives price-switching by partners as a common complaint with the FMCSA Holds to a strict cancelation policy for all moves

Services

Moving APT’s service profile depends on the partners in your area. The professional movers employed by these partners can offer full-service assistance with packing, crating, storage, and more. To get the service package, you must disclose your moving needs during your quote. Read about Moving APT’s specific services.

Cost

Your cost with Moving APT will depend on your move size, service needs, move distance, and just how last-minute your move is. Using Moving APT’s cost calculator, we determined that a two-bedroom move between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, would cost $3,900–$6,600.

Since Moving APT will match you with a third-party moving crew, the exact same-day moving policies will determine where your move falls in this price range. Your cost will also vary depending on whether you request packers or other added services. Start your free Moving APT quote.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7

JK Moving Services has been in business since 1982 and has provided moving services for more than half a million clients. It operates primarily as a broker but gains our recognition as the provider of the most customizable moving experience available. When you get a quote from this carrier and broker, you’ll be able to customize the exact service package you need for a stress-free move.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers an AI-assisted virtual quote tool Provides GPS tracking for all moves Has financing options as low as 0% through Enhancify Cons Operates in a limited capacity for local moves Has a time-consuming quote process

Services

JK Moving Services operates as a local mover in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland but provides long-distance services to the rest of the lower 48 states. It offers packing, storage, furniture assembly and disassembly, and more as needed. Learn more about JK Moving Services’ add-ons. The company has a longer quote process than competitors because its representatives will ask for as many details as possible to create the best quote. Its longer quote process could make this mover less ideal for short-notice moves, but it provides a more accurate estimate. 

Cost

JK Moving Services offers financing options for any move bill, whether you’re moving locally or across the country. Especially when hiring emergency or same-day movers, this can greatly help reduce the overall hassle of relocating. We couldn’t get a quote from JK Moving Services, but we still think it is worth contacting for an estimate for your upcoming move. When we contacted an agent, we were informed that the moving route we had chosen couldn’t be serviced on short notice. This will vary, depending on where you’re located, and how late you book your move. Fill out the quote form on JK Moving’s website, and a customer service representative will contact you to get more details.

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
5

Allied Van Lines is one of the more recognizable moving companies in operation in the United States. It has more than 94 years of experience and has handled 750,000 individual moves over the last 15 years alone. Its 1,000-plus trucks in operation service moves throughout all 50 states and enable this mover to provide services such as vehicle shipping and large-item moving in-house.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers GPS tracking for all moves Provides vehicle shipping in-house Has a quick quote tool on its website Cons Has complaints of difficulty following up on damage claims Prices moves slightly higher than the competition

Services

Allied Van Lines owns and operates a fleet of more than 1,000 trucks throughout the United States. This enables the crews it employs to provide vehicle shipping and specialty services without contracting tasks out to third-party carriers. From packing and unpacking to crating and vehicle shipping, you’ll be able to hire assistance directly from Allied. Learn more about Allied Van Lines services.

Cost

Allied Van Lines offers a fairly quick and easy quote process. When you fill out a quote form on its website, you’ll be contacted by a customer service representative to set up an in-person or virtual quote, depending on your location. We were able to get a preliminary quote from Allied for a two-bedroom move between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, for five days after our quote date.

Our estimated price range was $6,603–$7,556. This accounts for a one-floor home and the possibility of added services, such as packing. Get your free customized Allied quote.


Our Conclusion

The moving companies in this list represent the best options for emergency movers available today. Each provider listed can provide last-minute service, depending on availability.  

Of the movers above, International Van Lines gets our vote for the best full-service mover due to its availability and reasonable pricing. If your service needs are more involved, and you need a quick full-service solution for your moving needs, we recommend Allied Van Lines due to its large fleet of trucks across the country. When moving with any professional moving company, we recommend getting visual estimates from multiple providers before booking.


Compare the Top Last-Minute Moving Companies

See our quick comparison chart for more information on our top last-minute moving companies:

Star Rating BBB Rating Sample Quote Deposit Required Link
International Van Lines International Van Lines
A+ $2,519–$4,306 Up to 25% GET ESTIMATE
American Van Lines American Van Lines
A+ $4,544 Up to 50% GET ESTIMATE
Safeway Moving Inc. Safeway Moving Inc.
B- $4,000–$5,000 Up to 40% GET ESTIMATE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
B $3,823–$4,824 Up to 33% GET ESTIMATE
Moving APT Moving APT
B $3,566–$6,266 Varies between partners GET ESTIMATE
JK Moving Services JK Moving Services
A+ $5,600–$6,622 $250 GET ESTIMATE
North American Van Lines North American Van Lines
A+ $4,700–$5,540 None GET ESTIMATE
Allied Van Lines Allied Van Lines
A+ $5,442 – $6,312 None GET ESTIMATE
United Van Lines United Van Lines
A+ Call for quote None GET ESTIMATE
Mayflower Mayflower
A+ $3,500–$4,500 None GET ESTIMATE
International Van Lines
Logo International Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $2,519–$4,306
Deposit Required Up to 25%
GET ESTIMATE
American Van Lines
Logo American Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $4,544
Deposit Required Up to 50%
GET ESTIMATE
Safeway Moving Inc.
Logo Safeway Moving Inc.
Star Rating
BBB Rating B-
Sample Quote $4,000–$5,000
Deposit Required Up to 40%
GET ESTIMATE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Logo Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Sample Quote $3,823–$4,824
Deposit Required Up to 33%
GET ESTIMATE
Moving APT
Logo Moving APT
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Sample Quote $3,566–$6,266
Deposit Required Varies between partners
GET ESTIMATE
JK Moving Services
Logo JK Moving Services
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $5,600–$6,622
Deposit Required $250
GET ESTIMATE
North American Van Lines
Logo North American Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $4,700–$5,540
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
Allied Van Lines
Logo Allied Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $5,442 – $6,312
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
United Van Lines
Logo United Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote Call for quote
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
Mayflower
Logo Mayflower
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $3,500–$4,500
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
Providers
Best For
Star Rating
BBB Rating
Service Model
Best Service Offerings
A+
Carrier and broker
Best Overall Moving Labor
A+
Carrier and broker
Most Reliable Pricing
B-
Carrier and broker
Most Efficient
B
Broker
Best Customer Service
B
Broker
Best Specialized Packing
A+
Carrier and broker
Best for Claims
A+
Carrier
Best for Vehicle Relocation
A+
Carrier
Best Base Moving Coverage
A+
Carrier and broker
Best for Large Moves
A+
Carrier and broker

Last-Minute Moves

Planning an emergency move is going to come with its fair share of headaches. If your circumstances make a last-minute relocation necessary, consider the following:

Packing

Packing is an involved service. Whether you’d prefer to do your own packing under normal circumstances will likely not matter if you’re forced to move with a week’s notice or less. Unless you are moving a small home, this won’t be feasible to do on your own. Hiring packers from a moving company will typically involve movers coming to your home the day before your actual move. 

They can bring packing supplies on request and pack as little or as much as you need them to. This type of add-on service will be expensive. Movers charge hourly rates for moving labor and added fees for packing materials.

Mover Availability

Mover availability makes booking last-minute moves difficult. Some moving companies advertise no added fees for same-week or same-day booking. However, booking any mover with little notice could be difficult due to availability, regardless of the season.

Special Services

The need for specialty-added services could slow your booking process since moving companies can provide different ranges of moving services for antiques or other out-of-the-ordinary items. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies before booking to gauge which movers will be your best fit.


FAQ About Last-Minute Moves

When is the most difficult time of year to schedule a last-minute move?

Summer is the most difficult time to schedule a last-minute move. The moving season peaks between May and September, and movers cope with heightened demand during these months. Booking a mover that likely has a full schedule will often be difficult when you’re doing so within a week of your preferred move date.

Do all movers offer free quotes?

All reputable movers offer free quotes. If a mover asks for payment after conducting a survey of your home or performing an estimate, you are under no obligation to pay. We recommend that you take your business elsewhere if this occurs.

What happens if my movers damage my furniture?

If your movers damage your furniture, you’re entitled to $0.60 per pound per item damaged. This coverage is included in the base price of any move and is called “released liability coverage.” Note that this won’t cover you for the value of most goods. However, you can supplement this with valuation coverage from most movers at an additional cost.


Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.