If you’re planning a move, booking a moving company is an important step. We created this moving guide to help you in your decision-making process. Our team researched the best moving companies and reviewed each provider’s services, costs, availability, and overall quality.
11 Best Moving Companies of 2023
The best and most reliable moving companies include the following:
- International Van Lines: Best Overall Full-Service Mover
- American Van Lines: Most Experienced Moving Labor
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Customer-Oriented
- Moving APT: Best Customer Service
- JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
- North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
- 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best Overall Self-Service
- U-Pack: Most Affordable
- United Van Lines: Best for Moving Tech Items
Summary of the Top-Rated Moving Companies
There are similarities across the moving industry, but some companies stand out for their services, values, and overall reputation. See how some of the top moving companies compare to help make your decision a little easier.
| Superlative | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines |
|
Best Full-Service Mover | B | VISIT SITE | |
| American Van Lines |
|
Most Experienced Mover | B- | VISIT SITE | |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group |
|
Most Efficient | B | VISIT SITE | |
| Safeway Moving Inc. |
|
Most Customer-Oriented | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Moving APT |
 |
Best Customer Service | B | VISIT SITE | |
| JK Moving Services |
|
Most Customizable | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Allied Van Lines |
|
Best for Vehicle Relocation | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| North American Van Lines |
|
Best for Claims | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| United Van Lines |
|
Best for Moving Tech Items | A+ | VISIT SITE |
| International Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Superlative | Best Full-Service Mover |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| American Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Superlative | Most Experienced Mover |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Superlative | Most Efficient |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Superlative | Most Customer-Oriented |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Moving APT | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Superlative | Best Customer Service |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| JK Moving Services | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Superlative | Most Customizable |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Allied Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Superlative | Best for Vehicle Relocation |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| North American Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Superlative | Best for Claims |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| United Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Superlative | Best for Moving Tech Items |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
Note: BBB ratings accurate as of June 2023.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Costs
Moves of different lengths are billed differently. You should be fully aware of this when you request a moving quote.
Here are the key differences between the cost of local and long-distance moves:
- Local moves: Local moves are billed at hourly rates. You’ll be quoted a specific rate for your move, which will depend on how many trucks and movers are needed and your final bill will directly correlate to how many hours your move took.
- Long-distance moves: Line-haul fees are calculated based on the total distance and weight of your move. For this reason, your long-distance cost is far more likely to be quoted as a flat rate or bottom-line price. Ask your moving company representative about this when you get a quote for any longer move.
Detailed Look at the Best Moving Companies
1-800-PACK-RAT
Best Self-Service Mover
U-Pack
Most Affordable
How To Choose the Best Moving Company
The vetting process for any moving company can look daunting if you’re unfamiliar with hiring professional movers. We’ve broken the process down into a few basic criteria to consider:
1. Determine Your Service Needs
A primary step in any moving process is listing all basic and add-on services you need. Basic services offered by full-service movers include loading and unloading, packing, and storage. Additional services include:
- Crating
- Debris removal
- GPS tracking for long-distance moves
- Home and floorplan arrangement
- Selling packing supplies
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Check whether your movers are local or long-distance carriers. Many movers offer both services, but this isn’t a given.
2. Check Licensing
All moving companies must comply with licensing requirements. Local movers must carry state-level registration. Most states have a governing body that regulates moving companies. Often, this is a function of a state’s Department of Transportation, but it can be its own separate entity. Ask about this during the quote process.
All interstate moving companies must carry active registrations with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which requires movers to hold active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers.
You can check licensing status on the FMCSA website. A moving company’s U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and motor carrier (MC) numbers can be used to search operating authority and determine whether your given mover is a broker or a carrier. Some movers only carry licensing as one or the other, while others are licensed as both. Moving companies licensed as carriers will directly handle all moves they book, while brokers contract moving services out to other providers. Determine how your mover of choice operates before booking.
3. Look at Reviews and Reputation
All moving companies you consider should have many positive customer reviews. Reading reviews is the best way to assess a mover’s positive and negative customer service trends. Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and social media are all valid sources. Look at both negative and positive reviews for any mover you consider for your move.
4. Get Multiple Quotes
Before you sign a moving contract, survey all possible options. Starting the quote process at least six weeks before your move date will help ensure you have a full understanding of the options in your price range and that you won’t overpay when you book your move.
5. Understand Your Pricing Breakdown and Insurance Options
Most moving companies charge a deposit to book a move. This should be disclosed during the quote process, either during or immediately after an estimate has been given. This can either be a fixed dollar amount or a fixed percentage of your move. This percentage typically ranges between 10% and 40%.
Local moves are billed hourly, and the total move bill is collected after your goods have been unloaded at your new home. Long-distance moves are billed based on distance covered and shipping weight. You’ll be quoted a larger lump-sum rate. Such estimates can be binding (won’t shift unless your inventory changes) or non-binding (subject to change). Long-distance move bills are collected in two stages. After your goods have been loaded, your movers will collect half of the remaining total after your deposit. The remaining total is due after your goods are unloaded at your new home.
In addition to basic cost information, determine whether you require additional insurance for your goods. Moving companies provide released liability coverage for lost or damaged items. This coverage comes with any basic move price, but it only reimburses you for $0.60 per pound per item of your goods. Most movers also offer valuation coverage options, which cost extra but can cover you for the full value of your goods.
How Much Do Moving Companies Cost?
Moving companies typically bill differently for local and long-distance moves. Local moves are billed by the hour, while long-distance moves are assigned total charges that take move distance and size into account.
Moving companies give binding or non-binding moving estimates. Binding estimates will not change unless your inventory or service needs change between quote day and moving day. Non-binding estimates can be subject to change. Read all moving estimates and contracts thoroughly before signing to ensure you understand your pricing plan.
Most moving companies have the same factors affect the average cost of their services. The following factors will influence the final price you pay for your moving services:
- Date and time of your move
- Fuel costs
- Hours worked by moving labor
- Overall distance of the move
- Size/weight of your move
- Truck parking access
- Truck size used
Sample Moving Prices
The table below compares each moving company’s deposit requirements and estimated costs to move a two-bedroom apartment.
Moving Company |
Deposit Required |
Estimated Cost |
Move Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
10%–50% |
$2,000–$3,450 |
1,083 miles |
|
10%–50% |
$4,670 |
1,083 miles |
|
– |
$6,200 |
719 miles |
|
Up to 40% |
$5,800 |
1,083 miles |
|
– |
$7,000 |
1,083 miles |
|
$250 |
$7,500 |
719 miles |
|
$0 |
$5,360–$6,130 |
1,083 miles |
|
$0 |
$5,340–$6,100 |
1,083 miles |
|
$500 |
$3,240 |
1,083 miles |
|
$0 |
$2,750–$3,570 |
1,083 miles |
|
$0 |
$3,500–$4,700 |
1,083 miles |
How To Prepare for a Move
Moving companies often have tips, reminders, and in-depth resources available to help customers prepare for a move. Some appoint personal move coordinators to coach you through the planning stages of the moving process, and many provide online moving guides and checklists.
Even with these resources, preparing for a move is a stressful undertaking, and it’s easy to overlook important steps. Here, we’ve listed key actions to take for a smooth moving experience, along with ideal time windows.
Eight Weeks Out
Your moving process should begin around eight weeks before the big day, whether you’re planning a local move or a cross-country relocation. At this juncture, take the following steps.
- Research movers near you: Look into moving companies near you whose service offerings match your moving needs. Schedule at least three separate quotes with different providers.
- Take a full inventory of your home: Make separate lists of items that you plan to take with you and things you plan to get rid of. Break these lists down room by room, and show them to any moving company representative during the quote process.
- Start packing: Begin packing your goods. Start with out-of-season items and clothing, and work your way toward commonly used items. Aim to pack a box or two per day.
Six Weeks Out
At this stage, you should be actively fielding quotes. Here are some key steps to take at the six-week mark.
- Get moving quotes: At this point, you should have quotes scheduled with movers in your area. Collect copies of all estimates you receive and evaluate your options.
- Arrange to downsize if necessary: Many moving companies offer junk removal services. If you need to dispose of unneeded items, discuss this service during the quote process.
- Continue packing: Keep organizing and packing your goods at the same pace.
Four Weeks Out
This is a crucial stage of your moving process, at which time you should do the following.
- Book your move: Pick your ideal moving company and book your move. Be prepared to pay a deposit, which typically ranges from 10% to 40% of your total move bill. Get hard copies of your contract and estimate from your movers.
- Arrange utility services: Contact your current utility providers and schedule shutoff dates. Then, contact utility companies around your new home and schedule turn-on dates for all services.
- File change-of-address forms: File a change-of-address form with your local post office.
- Continue packing: Gradually work toward packing more essential items.
Two Weeks Out
At the two-week mark, you should have most or all of your non-essential goods packed. Here are a few extra steps to take at this stage.
- Arrange for child and pet care: Moving with children or pets is challenging. Arrange to have them out of the way on moving day. This could involve having a family member or friend care for them or simply keeping them in an out-of-the-way room while work is being done.
- Plan your meals for moving week: Since your kitchen items will mostly be packed during moving week, plan out your meals for the days leading up to your move.
- Continue packing: Pack more essential goods. Continue packing at the same pace.
Moving Week
During moving week, wrap up your moving preparations, including packing your essential items such as kitchenware, linens, and in-season clothing.
Moving Day
Now that the big day is here, pack a moving day bag. If you’re driving cross-country along with your movers, this should include ample changes of clothing for however long you plan to be on the road. Beyond that, pack all essentials, including toiletries, snacks, water, your laptop, essential documents, and moving documents.
Our Conclusion
Hiring the best moving company for your upcoming relocation is a great way to ensure a quality moving experience. Your chosen professional movers will have a huge impact on the quality of your move and the safety of your household goods.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three moving companies before settling on a mover. Use customer reviews and your impressions gained during the quote process to make your decision. International Van Lines, American Van Lines, and IMRG are our top picks for a variety of local and long-distance moving needs. Each offers qualified moving crews and can help ensure your moving day goes smoothly.
FAQ About the Best Moving Companies
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs 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. We adjusted this score in content to reflect a star rating, scoring each provider out of 5.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
Other Moving Resources
We’ve done extensive research on the best moving companies across the country and have compiled easy-to-digest guides and comparisons:
Best Moving Companies by Type
- Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
- Best Short-Distance Moving Companies
- Best Interstate Moving Companies
- Best Cheap Moving Companies
- Best Moving Companies for Small Moves
- Best Moving Companies for Military Moves
- Best Moving Companies for Seniors
- Best Apartment Moving Companies
- Best Packing and Moving Companies
- Best Flat-Fee Movers
Moving Trucks and Containers
- Best Moving Truck Rentals
- Cheapest Moving Truck Rentals
- Best Moving Container Companies
- Cheapest Moving Containers
Specialty Movers
- Best Pet Shipping Companies
- Best Antique Moving Companies
- Best Piano Movers
- Best Office Moving Companies
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