Best Moving Companies for Seniors (2024)
Written by
Reviewed by
Moving can be a challenging experience for senior citizens due to the strenuous packing, heavy lifting, and tedious driving involved. Fortunately, some moving companies provide senior services and discounts to ease the process.
We recommend International Van Lines as the best option for seniors because it provides a senior discount and tailors its services to match their needs. Our second pick is American Van Lines because the company focuses on skilled moving labor that can adjust to seniors’ needs. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group is another great option because it also connects them with movers who match their unique needs and budget.
We conducted extensive research, including interviewing industry experts, surveying 1,000 moving customers, and thoroughly analyzing service offerings and protection plans to find the best companies for seniors. This research helped us identify the five best moving companies that offer ample and affordable services for seniors. Find all of our top picks and what makes them stand out below.
Best Moving Companies for Seniors in 2024
We use a methodology to rate moving companies on a scale of 1–100 based on their service packages, insurance coverage, online reputation with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and other factors. We then compare the service options and discounts each moving company offers to determine how well they cater to the needs of an average senior move.
Here are the best moving companies for seniors in 2024:
What Should I Know About Senior Movers?
It’s important to understand key information about moving companies before booking services. You should know how much it will cost to move, what moving insurance options you have, and what services you can choose.
Compare Moving Companies
We recognize International Van Lines and American Van Lines as the top companies for seniors because of their comprehensive service options, senior discounts, and quality insurance coverage, which includes full-value protection plans. See how our top movers compare based on these important factors and more below.
FMCSA Licensing
Average Price*
Deposit Required
Pros
- Flexible insurance plans
- Free month of storage
- Upfront pricing
- Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
- Provides fixed-rate quotes
- Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
- 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
- GPS tracking is available
- Fast delivery times
- Less expensive pricing than full-service movers
- Flat-rate pricing
- Free month of storage for all customers
- Light packing is available for long-distance moves
Cons
- Below-average customer reviews
- Outsources some moves
- Requires up to a 25% deposit
- Charges higher average prices
- Has limited customer service on weekends
- Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
- 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
- Cancelation fee charged if within a week of your service date
- Moves must exceed 150 miles
- Storage only available at a company facility
- 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
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 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 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 U-Pack if you’re moving on a tight budget. You can save big if you’re willing to handle most of the labor yourself, but the company also offers third-party assistance with packing and loading services.
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.
Rating Categories
Customer Service
Reputation
Value
Service Offerings
Item Protection
Scheduling
Note: Estimates are based on a two- or three-bedroom a move from Albany, New York, to Miami, Florida.
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of January 2024.
International Van Lines
Best Service Offerings
American Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Most Efficient
U-Pack
Most Affordable
Safeway Moving Inc.
Most Reliable Pricing
What Determines a Move’s Cost?
Your moving cost will depend on the distance, weight of your items, and the time of year. We outlined two basic pricing structures for moves below.
Single-Day Moves
Short-distance moves are moves completed within a single day. Moving companies typically calculate their costs hourly, similar to the cost structure for local moves. If you need additional services, such as packing, the movers will add the cost of these services to the final total based on the number of hours the movers work. Sometimes, you may have to pay for packing supplies or crating or opt for flat fees for specific services such as piano or pool table moving. However, you’ll always receive an estimate that includes all the services provided, an hourly rate based on the company’s demand and an approximate estimate of the total time required to complete the move.
Multiday Moves
Longer moves, such as state-to-state moves, are where costs get more complicated. You’ll pay flat rates or ballpark estimates based on the following factors:
- Add-on services: Added services like packing, crating, and vehicle shipping inflate your cost. These services may have flat fees associated with them or be a part of your line-haul fee, depending on the mover you choose.
- Advanced booking: Booking your move at least six weeks to a month in advance will help ensure that you don’t incur higher rates. Some movers bill higher rates when you book within a week of your move date.
- Company size: Comparing quotes between national van lines, local movers, and truck rental options can reveal significant pricing differences. Well-known brands usually charge more than smaller independent movers but may offer better service, reliability, and claims handling.
- Insurance: Insurance options such as replacement value protection plans contribute to the overall price. Higher-value plans cost more, but they protect your items. Going without protection saves money but carries financial risks if your items get damaged.
- Move date: The move date is a crucial factor in determining the cost of a move. Moving between May and September will often come with higher rates because it’s peak season.
- Move distance and shipping weight: Factors such as distance and shipping weight help determine the “line-haul fees,” which account for the majority of long-distance move costs. Movers need to have a defined weigh-in process for their trucks and stable per-mile rates to calculate these fees.
How Do You Prepare for a Senior Citizen Move?
Moving can be physically and emotionally difficult for anyone, especially for seniors with limited mobility or those who’ve lived in their homes for decades. You can make preparing for a senior citizen move easier by asking for help, downsizing, and getting all available discounts.
Below is a complete list of recommendations if you’re a senior who’s moving or you’re helping to move an elderly loved one.
- Ask for help: Don’t try to do any heavy lifting or long hours you’re uncomfortable with. Get help from family, friends, and professionals.
- Be sensitive: Moving is a personal and emotional time, especially for someone who’s lived in their home for a long time. Be patient and listen if your loved one is having a hard time. Don’t rush them or dismiss their concerns. Don’t force them to get rid of items they’re attached to. Treat them how you would want to be treated.
- Downsize: Moving is a great time to downsize. Create a donation corner for anything you no longer need or use to free up space in your new home. This also means you’ll need a smaller moving truck, which will save you money.
- Get all available discounts: Moving discounts for seniors aren’t just available through moving companies. Look at organizations such as AARP and The Senior Citizens League to see where you may be able to get extra savings.
- Label boxes: Reduce the stress of your move by staying on top of labeling your boxes. Clearly label what’s inside each box and which room it should go in your new residence.
- Research and communicate about where they’re going: When it’s time for a senior to leave their living situation, have a conversation with them about where they want to live: in a new home, with relatives, or in a senior living community. There are various factors to consider when deciding where a senior should live next, such as medical care, accessibility, social interaction, and distance to family and friends.
- Remove the stress: Your involvement should reduce stress, not add to it. Help keep the process organized and calm. Determine what kind of move should happen. If you have plenty of help from friends and family, want to save money, and want on-site storage options, you may want to consider a self-service mover such as U-Pack. If you want as much assistance and support as possible, a full-service mover, such as International Van Lines or American Van Lines, might be a better choice.
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.
Our Conclusion
Moving won’t be stressful if you find the right company. We recommend International Van Lines if you want a reputable provider that will handle everything from start to finish. The company is available worldwide, offers full-service moving, protects high-value items, and provides comprehensive protection plan options.
American Van Lines is another great option for seniors because the company customizes packages with the help of specialty-trained movers to assist older adults. You might want to choose IMRG if you desire an efficient service that helps you get in touch with a reliable carrier for an affordable rate.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three moving companies to compare pricing before deciding on a provider. We also suggest reading each provider’s fine print and asking about shipment tracking.
FAQ About Moving Companies for Seniors
What is a senior move manager?
A senior move manager refers to a professional move organizer. They don’t offer actual moving services, but they manage the other tasks that go into moving a senior. For example, they may help arrange to sell, donate, or dispose of unwanted items. You can get in touch with a senior move manager via the National Association of Senior Move Managers.
What is relocation stress syndrome?
Relocation stress syndrome is a diagnosis characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, and loneliness. This syndrome sometimes occurs in senior adults after moving from their own home to a nursing home or assisted living facility.
How do you help an older person move?
You can help an older person move by simplifying the moving process, being sensitive to their needs, and helping with labor. Organize the process by labeling boxes, breaking the move into manageable tasks, and handling paperwork. Most importantly, listen to their needs and concerns, help them transition in their own time, and don’t force them to get rid of things they’re not ready for.
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 options, additional benefits and custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
