Moving can be a big task at any age, but it often comes with extra hurdles for seniors. Whether it’s sorting through decades of memories or just handling the physical demands of packing, there’s a lot to consider.
We researched 15 moving companies and read hundreds of customer reviews to determine our top five moving companies for seniors. We found that Allied Van Lines and JK Moving Services are especially good at helping seniors move—they know how to handle special requests like downsizing assistance and coordinating with senior living facilities, assist with packing, and outline senior-specific moving assistance on their websites so that older adults (and their families) can feel more at ease.
Top Moving Companies for Seniors
The right moving company can make all the difference in creating a stress-free experience. Here are our top choices for movers that specialize in supporting older adults:
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
- JK Moving Services: Best Specialized Packing
- International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Reliable Pricing
- American Van Lines: Best Overall Moving Labor
Comparing Top Movers for Seniors
Below is a comparison table of our top moving companies, including their average prices, deposit requirements, and our overall ratings. We gathered this information by requesting quotes directly from each provider, reviewing their Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and confirming their licensing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the federal agency that regulates commercial motor vehicles.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | None | ||
A+ | None | ||
A+ | Up to 25% | ||
A+ | 20%–30% | ||
A+ | $250 |
*The Better Business Bureau is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of November 2024.
**We calculated average moving costs based on five quotes for two-bedroom moves ranging between 500 and 800 miles.
The table below displays each moving company’s services. All of our recommended movers offer packing/unpacking and loading/unloading.
| Specialty Services Offered | Allied Van Lines | JK Moving Services | International Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. | American Van Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | X |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly/reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Crating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Appliance and electronics handling | ✔ | X | X | ✔ | X |
| Antique/specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Key Moving Terms Explained
Here’s a quick guide to some common moving terms you may come across during your moving journey:
- Carrier: This is a moving company that handles every part of your move, from packing and transport to delivery and unloading. When you work with a carrier, you’re dealing directly with the people who will be responsible for your belongings.
- Broker: A broker arranges moves by connecting customers with licensed carriers. Unlike carriers, brokers don’t handle the physical aspects of moving and may work with multiple carriers to coordinate logistics. A broker isn’t responsible for any damages caused to your belongings—the company that completed your move is.
- Binding estimate: This is a fixed price provided by a moving company based on an assessment of your items. With a binding estimate, the cost won’t change as long as the details of the move remain the same.
- Nonbinding estimate: This is a quote based on the estimated weight of your belongings. While it gives you an idea of the cost, the final price may vary depending on your load’s actual weight.
- Not-to-exceed estimate: This type of estimate is often seen as the best of both worlds since your total cost won’t go above a set limit—even if your items weigh more than expected. If they weigh less, you’ll pay a lower price.
- Van lines: This term refers to large moving companies that handle moves nationwide or internationally. Van lines often have a network of local agents to assist with moves in various regions. They’re often confused with brokers, but van lines directly manage moves rather than coordinating services between clients and other carriers.
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Companies for Seniors
Below, we break down each of our moving company picks to help you find the best fit. Our provider reviews cover everything from cost estimates to senior-specific services and discounts.
Allied Van Lines
Company Overview
- Provides a 15% discount to seniors
- Offers a free retirement relocation guide on its website
- Is the only mover on our list that has portable storage containers that come with the option of professional packing
Keep in Mind
- Varies senior discount availability by region
- Puts items from multiple moving customers in the same truck, which can lead to incorrect unloading
Our Review
Allied Van Lines is our top pick for senior moves. The company offers a 15% senior discount, which can help ease the cost of moving for seniors who are on fixed incomes. Allied also provides a free retirement relocation guide on its website, which is a useful tool for seniors preparing to move. This guide provides practical tips and timelines tailored to older adults to help them stay organized and ease the stress of relocating.
Allied is also the only mover on our list that offers packing services alongside its portable storage containers. These containers are sturdy, weatherproof units that can be delivered to your home, packed at your convenience (either by yourself or with Allied’s help), and then transported to your new address. Opting for a storage container instead of a full-service move can save you money, though it might take a little longer for everything to arrive at your new home. This is because container-based moves sometimes wait to consolidate shipments, so they’re not always shipped directly like a full-service move.
Allied still has a few drawbacks. The senior discount varies by region, so some seniors may not have access to the full 15% off. Additionally, Allied sometimes consolidates belongings from multiple customers on the same truck, which can lead to mix-ups at delivery. If that’s a concern, ask about options for direct shipment, though this may come with additional costs. We also called and couldn’t confirm an exact age range for the senior discount; Allied’s criteria may be 55+ or 65+. Check with a local Allied representative to see if you’re eligible.
Customer Experiences
Allied Van Lines has 1.07 out of 5 stars on the BBB based on 57 customer reviews and a more favorable 3.4 out of 5 stars according to 804 reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Positive reviewers said Allied communicated with them every step of the way and that their movers were professional and kind. However, while some customers said they had no lost property or damages, others claimed nearly all of their belongings were dinged or scratched.
“From start to finish, our experience with Allied was terrific! We were treated with respect and kept in the loop at every level. The people who packed, the team who loaded and unloaded the truck, and the driver were all professional and pleasant. We had zero ‘lost’ property and no damage. Moving is stressful, but this one was easy. If we ever move again, we’d choose Allied.” —Terry via ConsumerAffairs, September 2024
“We are in our 80s and have moved many times over the course of our lives. This move with Allied to another state was awful. They neglected to pack things, they lost boxes packed by them, and they did not reassemble our master bed properly. They broke a table leg and scratched several pieces of furniture. They then failed to compensate us for the losses, saying we signed a form at delivery accepting that all was delivered even though we had many boxes to unpack and had no way of knowing what was in them.” —Patricia H. via BBB, February 2024
JK Moving Services
Company Overview
- Has dedicated senior moving specialists to simplify moves to assisted living communities
- Offers online articles and resources to ease senior citizens into the moving process
- Has senior discounts for adults 55 and older, which is a wider age bracket than other movers on our list
Keep in Mind
- Is the most expensive mover on our list
- Doesn’t offer local or intrastate moving services outside of the Washington. D.C., metropolitan area
Our Review
JK Moving Services has specific moving specialists who are trained to assist seniors with their moves to senior living communities and assisted living facilities. They can also help with downsizing and making a moving plan. JK Moving offers several online resources and articles that guide seniors through the moving journey. These resources are helpful for seniors who may feel overwhelmed by the logistics and decisions involved in a move and can be great tools for those moving on their own.
One of JK Moving’s standout advantages is its senior discount for adults ages 55 and older. This discount gives more seniors access to moving services, as other companies often have a minimum age requirement of 60 or 65. This makes JK Moving a great option for seniors who might not qualify for discounts with other companies.
JK Moving is very similar to Allied Van Lines in terms of its services and insurance options, but it’s the priciest mover on our list, which could be a problem for seniors on fixed incomes. This mover also mainly handles international, long-distance, and interstate moves; it only offers local moves in the DMV area, so you’ll need to hire a different company if you’re planning a local move outside of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Customer Experiences
JK Moving Services has a 3.97 out of 5-star rating from 72 reviews on the BBB and a 3-out-of-5-star rating on ConsumerAffairs based on 39 reviews. Satisfied customers liked that their movers were punctual and went the extra mile by setting up their utilities and coordinating vehicle transportation. Unhappy customers expressed frustration with JK Moving’s cost and its lack of communication regarding hidden costs and last-minute changes.
“This was the most stress-free cross country move we’ve ever had. JK was amazing to work with. They helped us setup all our utilities and home services before we moved in, they made arrangements to transport both our cars, we had the same driver who coordinated the move from origin to destination which made a huge difference because he was familiar with all of our furniture and other items, everything arrived on time and was moved in flawlessly.” —Maxine L. via BBB, October 2023
“I am so frustrated with JK Moving. We booked them knowing they were the more expensive company to go with but had great reviews and sounded like they would have great customer service. Not only did our final total increase by over 20% of the estimate, the communication or complete lack thereof of has been abysmal.” —Kelly C. via BBB, July 2023
International Van Lines
Company Overview
- Has senior discounts for adults 65 and up that vary in percentage depending on your location and inventory
- Is the only mover on our list with an online moving calculator to help you estimate your total costs
- Offers a consolidation service for smaller moves, so you can share a moving truck with another customer to save money
Keep in Mind
- Requires a 25% deposit to book a moving date
- Doesn’t complete intrastate or local moves
Our Review
International Van Lines offers a senior discount to adults 65 and over, but unlike Allied Van Lines, the percentage can vary depending on your location and what you’re moving. One feature that makes IVL stand out from the other movers on this list is its online moving calculator. This tool can help you get an idea of what you’ll pay with IVL without having to make any phone calls.
IVL also offers a consolidation service, which is a great option for seniors with fewer items to move. This service allows you to share a truck with another customer for a discounted rate. This is a good deal considering that some movers, like Allied, consolidate shipments anyway; at least this way you can save money in the process.
On the downside, IVL requires a 25% deposit to book a moving date. That’s a lot to pay upfront, so make sure you have that in your budget. Some other movers on our list have deposits “up to” higher percentages, but those could end up being lower than IVL’s 25%. Also, IVL doesn’t do local or intrastate moves anywhere in the country, so cross it off your list if you’re planning to move within the same state. If you’re not going far, other companies like Allied Van Lines or Safeway Moving Inc. may be a better fit.
Customer Experiences
International Van Lines has 2.98 out of 5 stars according to 119 reviews on the BBB and a higher 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,006 reviews on ConsumerAffairs. We believe the ConsumerAffairs rating is a more accurate representation of customer sentiment because it’s a larger sample size.
Happy customers said IVL was careful while moving furniture and belongings, and one customer said his elderly parents were well taken care of. On the flip side, some customers were unhappy with IVL’s claims process, saying it’s difficult to report damages.
“Moving my elderly parents to a smaller house was tough, but the kind team from the moving company helped a lot. They listened to my parents and were gentle with their stuff. They’re great for sensitive moves.” —Jimmy S. via BBB, October 2023
“Do not hire this company. They do not tell the truth and say that you are the problem. If you don’t buy replacement insurance, they can break things and not have to replace them. Both truck drivers were very unpleasant to deal with. We were told we would get a form to at least report damages on but that hasn’t happened. Both drivers bragged that they were the best, but if that is true, I would sure hate to see the worst. One packer did a good job, but the other one just crammed things in boxes without wrapping them … They said they were a great company for seniors. Yes, so, they could rip you off.” —Corinne S. via BBB, March 2023
Safeway Moving Inc.
Company Overview
- Has a Retirement Advocate Program to help seniors understand moving and associated costs
- Specializes in Homeowners Association (HOA) moves and regulations
- Has AARP, veteran, and senior citizen discounts—senior discounts are for adults 65 and older
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t sell packing supplies, so you’ll have to buy them from a third party
- Only offers two insurance options, whereas other companies that offer three or more
Our Review
Safeway Moving Inc. is a great choice if you’re looking for extra help with the moving process. It has a Retirement Advocate Program that helps seniors understand the costs and steps involved in moving, which is really helpful if you’re not familiar with the process or need some extra support. The company also specializes in moves that involve Homeowners Associations (HOAs), which could be a big deal if you’re moving into a community with specific rules. Plus, Safeway offers discounts for AARP members, veterans, and seniors 65 and older, so you can save some money if you qualify.
That said, Safeway doesn’t sell packing supplies, so if you don’t pay for packing services, you’ll have to find your own boxes and tape. This could be a hassle. Safeway also requires a moving deposit of up to 40% of your total cost, which can be a bit intimidating.
Another downside is that Safeway only offers two insurance options, while other companies have three or more. This might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but if you want coverage for high-value items or antiques, consider another mover or look into third-party insurance. We discuss different insurance options later in this article.
Customer Experiences
Safeway Moving Inc. has a high BBB rating of 4.44 out of 5 stars based on 347 customer reviews. Its Yelp score is a bit lower at 1.5 out of 5 stars, though this score reflects a smaller pool of just 94 reviews.
Many positive reviewers mentioned that Safeway packed and loaded their belongings quickly and carefully. However, some customers said the company had poor communication throughout the moving process and initial cost estimates weren’t accurate, so they ended up paying more out of pocket. Since Safeway offers flat-rate pricing, we believe these customers may have needed additional services, such as storage or long carries, which could’ve increased their final cost.
“The Safeway Moving team were helpful. Being just an old woman and with no other help, they were helping me above and beyond. They were quick and courteous. No banging around or scratch marks. Ever so careful. I recommended them to my storage manager who is always looking for reputable moving companies. Thanks for a job well done.” —Rhys M. via BBB, September 2024
“My elderly parents hired Safeway to move them from Texas to North Carolina. They offered a lower rate than some of the big National companies and seemed to have decent reviews so they decided to go with them. However, the ‘estimate’ was more like a bait and switch scam and they raised the price considerably come moving day. They were late to pick up the items and so my mother had to pay for some of the packing materials they were supposed to provide. The only good thing was that they were quick to get from Texas to North Carolina.” —Bret H. via Yelp, October 2024
American Van Lines
Company Overview
- Offers several discounts for seniors
- Provides flat-rate pricing, so there won’t be surprise charges on moving day
- Has the highest customer ratings out of all movers on our list
Keep in Mind
- Offers the fewest senior-specific services of any company on our list
- Doesn’t offer vehicle shipping
Our Review
Like the other movers on our list, American Van Lines offers several discounts for seniors. The customer service representative we spoke to wouldn’t share exact percentages, but it’s still worth checking with AVL to see if you qualify. The company also offers flat-rate pricing, meaning you’ll know the exact cost of your move upfront with no surprises later. This is a big plus for seniors on a budget, since you won’t have to worry about hidden fees or fluctuating costs. Even with all-inclusive services such as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, as well as specialty moving for fine arts, antiques, and pianos, you still pay one flat fee.
All of that being said, we ranked AVL lower because it lacks some of the senior-specific resources and services provided by other companies, such as specialized relocation guides or more personalized assistance. It also requires a deposit of up to 50% of your total moving cost, which is a lot of money to fork up upfront.
Additionally, American Van Lines doesn’t offer vehicle shipping, which could be an issue for seniors who need to move their cars along with their household belongings. If you need vehicle shipping, you’ll have to make separate arrangements, which can make your move a little more complicated.
Customer Experiences
American Van Lines has strong customer ratings, with 4.2 out of 5 stars on ConsumerAffairs from 2,503 reviews and 4.23 out of 5 stars on the BBB based on 540 reviews. Feedback on both sites is notably consistent, with customers sharing positive experiences. Many reviewers highlight the company’s professionalism, reliability, and attentive service throughout the moving process. Some negative reviews mention concerns about sensitivity to medical safety and reports of rude behavior from movers. One elderly customer shared that the movers declined her request to wear masks, which left her feeling disregarded.
“I surfed the net for van lines that give senior discounts and American Van Lines was highly rated. They assigned me to somebody who was supposed to keep me informed and she was fair. I had to call to find out when they were actually gonna show up at my house. The movers showed up on time. They were extremely efficient, and packed very, very carefully.” —Lucy via ConsumerAffairs, May 2024
“American Van Lines has no business sending people with no masks. They didn’t want to put it on. And we are 85 years old, and that was when they are supposed to put it on. I never ever experienced people like that. Also, the people that were wrapping were cursing [at] each other. My husband tried to say [something] about the way they were doing the glass. It could break. He said, ‘Get out of here. I am a professional, I don’t need your input.’ We didn’t have a choice to do anything at that point. So we hope that the rest will be okay.” —Julia via ConsumerAffairs, February 2022
Other Moving Options
If you want to save on costs or have more control over the moving process, self-service options like truck rentals and moving containers can be a good alternative to the full-service moving companies on our list. Renting a truck from a company like U-Haul or Penske allows you to pack and load your belongings yourself and then drive them to your new home, which can be more affordable than hiring movers. However, this option can be physically demanding and may not be feasible if you have mobility issues or health concerns. Additionally, driving a large truck long distances can be challenging—especially if you’re unfamiliar with handling bigger vehicles. We only recommend a truck rental if you’re moving locally (less than 150 miles).
Moving container companies offer a bit more convenience and flexibility. A company drops off a container at your home, you load it at your own pace or hire movers to load it for you, and then it’s picked up and delivered to your new location. This option is usually less labor-intensive than a full DIY move, as you don’t have to drive a truck. Plus, it gives you more time to pack. However, it still requires a fair amount of physical effort to load and unload the container if you don’t hire movers, and the costs can add up if you need the container for an extended period.
How Much Does Moving Cost?
Your moving costs will vary depending on the weight of your belongings and how far you’re moving. For example, a local studio move will cost much less than a two-bedroom long-distance move (more than 150 miles). If you’re moving cross-country, costs increase further—moves over 1,500 miles can range from $4,340 for a one-bedroom to $16,600 for a four-bedroom home, according to our data below.
Understanding how these costs are calculated can help you budget and plan. Distance is a major factor in pricing, with longer moves requiring more fuel and time from the moving crew. Likewise, the weight of your inventory can drive up costs, as many movers price based on the total load they transport. Downsizing before moving, particularly when transitioning to a smaller home, can help reduce your overall price.
We gathered the data below by requesting 84 binding estimates from 11 different moving companies.
| Number of Bedrooms | 1 Bedroom (2,000–4,000 lbs) | 2 Bedroom (4,000–7,000 lbs) | 3 Bedroom (7,000–10,000 lbs) | 4 Bedroom(10,000+ lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | Average Cost | Average Cost | Average Cost | Average Cost |
| < 1,000 miles | $3,540 | $5,605 | $7,970 | $12,900 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $4,190 | $7,125 | $10,125 | $14,800 |
| > 1,500 miles | $4,340 | $7,375 | $10,325 | $16,600 |
Single-Day vs. Multiday Moves
Single-day moves are generally less expensive than multiday moves because they only require labor and resources for one day. In contrast, multiday moves—which are typical for long-distance or cross-country relocations—tend to be more expensive due to extra labor, fuel, and lodging for the crew. Multiday moves also involve more logistical coordination and handling, which can add to the overall cost.
Full-Service vs. Partial-Service Moves
Full-service movers handle every part of the moving process, from packing your belongings to loading, transporting, unloading, and even unpacking at your new home. We recommend these moving companies to seniors since they take on a majority of the moving burden, though they do come at a higher price for this comprehensive support. While partial-service moves are a more budget-friendly option, they require more hands-on involvement, like packing and sometimes driving, which may not be practical or safe for some seniors.
Should You Tip Your Movers?
Tipping your movers is generally expected—especially if they went the extra mile. Here are a few easy ways to approach tipping:
- Per mover: Consider giving each mover $20–$50 for a full day’s work, depending on the difficulty of the move.
- Hourly: You can also tip around $4–$5 per hour for each mover, which works well for moves that might take longer or involve special care.
- Percentage: A 15%–20% tip on the total cost of the move, split among the team, is also a standard approach.
Movers typically prefer cash, but if that’s not convenient for you, some can accept tips through apps like Venmo or Zelle—just confirm ahead of time.
How To Get a Good Price
Finding the best price for your move takes a bit of extra legwork, but it can be worth it to save some cash. Here are some tips to help you get the best rate:
- Look for senior discounts: Many movers offer discounts for seniors, so ask about any special offers. Age requirements vary—some movers consider “senior” to be 55 and older, while others set the age at 65.
- Take advantage of AARP discounts: Some moving companies provide discounts for AARP members, so don’t forget to ask about any retirement programs or moving promotions.
- Inquire about veteran discounts: Many moving companies offer additional discounts to veterans as a thank-you for their service.
- Move during the off-season: Moving during the winter or mid-month can save you money, as moving demand is lower.
- Reduce what you move: Downsizing your belongings before a move can lower your total cost, as many movers charge based on weight or volume.
- Get multiple quotes: Compare quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting a competitive rate.
What Is Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance protects your things while they’re being transported. Most moving companies offer basic options, but you can also go through a third party for more coverage. Here are the main types of moving insurance and when each might make sense:
- Released value protection: This is the basic coverage that all moving companies must offer. It’s included with your move at no extra cost and covers your items at 60 cents per pound, so it’s best if you’re moving items that aren’t high-value or easily damaged.
- Full-value protection: This coverage offers a lot more protection than the basic option. If you go with full-value protection, your moving company is responsible for fixing, replacing, or paying out the full value of any item that’s damaged during your move, rather than only a fraction of the cost. It is an additional fee, but it’s worth it if you’re moving valuable or sentimental belongings.
- High-value item protection: This covers special items like jewelry, artwork, or collectibles. High-value protection is usually an add-on to full value, ensuring that valuables are insured at their appraised value.
- Catastrophic protection: This coverage option is for those “just in case” situations, like natural disasters. This could be worth the extra cost if you’re moving in the winter or during hurricane season.
- Third-party insurance: If you’re looking for more coverage than your moving company provides, third-party insurance can fill the gap. It costs more than in-house insurance options, but it’s there if you want extra assurance for your belongings.
Moving Regulations
Knowing some general moving regulations can help you determine if your mover is certified to handle your relocation. For example, all interstate moving companies must be licensed by the FMCSA and should display a USDOT number on their websites or moving trucks. This confirms their compliance with federal standards.
You can look up a company’s licensing status and complaint history through the FMCSA website to make sure you’re working with a reputable mover. Moving companies are also required to provide a “Rights and Responsibilities” booklet, which outlines what you’re entitled to as a customer, including information on insurance, dispute resolution, and estimates. If you’re working with an interstate mover, make sure to ask for this information if the company doesn’t provide it upfront.
Nailing Down Your Moving Timeline
Moving can feel overwhelming, but the process will be smoother with some organization and preparation. Here’s a moving timeline tailored to help seniors stay on track:
- Two months before: Start researching moving companies, getting quotes, and checking for senior discounts. Begin sorting through your belongings, decide what to keep or donate, and start collecting packing supplies. Also, make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, and schedule a doctor’s appointment to transfer any prescriptions to a new pharmacy.
- Six weeks before: Hire your moving company and confirm your moving date. Notify important places (like your doctor and family) and start packing nonessentials. Update your address with the post office.
- One month before: Finalize your moving details and disconnect utilities at your old home. You should also set up services at your new place. If you’re moving to a new town or city, transfer medical, financial, and personal records.
- Two weeks before: Finish packing essential items and review your moving insurance to make sure it fits your needs.
- One week before: Do a final walkthrough of your home and pack any delicate items, such as dishware and vases. Schedule any internet or cable connection services for your new home.
- Moving day: Supervise your movers, make sure all items are loaded, and keep your paperwork handy. Settle any final payments and keep receipts and paperwork for your records.
- After the move: Unpack essential items first and check for any damage to your belongings. Contact your moving company immediately to file a claim if you notice any loss or damage.
Advice From Real Moving Customers
Moving is never easy, but unexpected costs can make it more stressful. This was the case for Yvonne E. and her husband. The pair moved from Pennsylvania to Florida in 2023 and used Great Nation Moving Company, a carrier based out of Maryland.
“We were told that we received a veteran’s discount, but after the $10,000+ over-quote bill, I do not think that it was worth it,” Yvonne said. If she could do it over again, Yvonne said they would use a moving facilitator instead of hiring a company themselves. These professionals coordinate and manage different aspects of a move and handle things like logistics, mover hiring, and organization. We think this is worth considering since all the planning and coordination will be handled by someone else. However, it is an additional cost—generally anywhere from $500 to $3,000.
If you’re looking to keep costs lower and are comfortable packing on your own, hiring a reputable mover to do the heavy lifting can still be worth it. Just make sure to read reviews, ask for binding estimates when possible, and check contracts for any hidden fees before booking. Another moving customer we spoke to, 61-year-old Peter L., completed a local move with his partner in 2019 and had a pleasant experience overall.
“We packed and unpacked our things ourselves while the movers transported, loaded, and unloaded,” Peter said. He was 55 at the time of the move. “I couldn’t physically carry dressers and things like that up and down the stairs anymore, but the movers took care of everything and were respectful.”
Expert Tips and Insights
We asked two experts to share their insights on how seniors and their family members can ease the transition to a new home. Read their tips below.
How We Evaluated Movers for Seniors
We chose the best companies for senior moves based on their senior-specific services and discounts. All of the movers on our list are experienced in senior relocations and offer services for packing, storage, and more.
Our Rating System
To find the best moving companies for seniors, we carefully reviewed feedback from hundreds of recent customers, checked ratings on trusted platforms like the BBB and ConsumerAffairs, and analyzed quotes from various movers to get a clear sense of average pricing. We focused on factors that are especially important for seniors, such as discounts, specialized services, and customer service quality.
Here’s a look at our moving methodology:
- Customer service: We assessed each company’s BBB rating, customer feedback, and available online tools, such as moving calculators and checklists. Movers with A or A+ BBB ratings, strong customer service, and a variety of helpful online resources earned top marks.
- Reputation: We looked into each mover’s licensing, truck reliability, and whether they background check employees. Movers with carrier licenses, a low rate of truck breakdowns, and thorough employee screening received the highest scores.
- Value: This category focused on pricing, the types of quotes offered, and DIY availability. Allied Van Lines ranked highest for providing affordable pricing, binding estimates, and DIY portable storage options.
- Service offerings: We compared the services each company provides, from packing and unloading to vehicle shipping. Movers with a broader selection of services earned higher scores.
- Item protection: We considered the insurance options available, along with extra protection services such as GPS tracking, crating, and storage. Movers offering more than just the minimum required coverage and a variety of protection services received the most points.
- Scheduling: We awarded more points to movers with easy-to-use scheduling tools, mobile apps, and multiple ways to contact the company.
