If you want to stay within a set price range for your upcoming move, hiring a reputable, inexpensive moving company should be at the top of your priority list. To assist your search, our team researched standard moving costs and analyzed the best moving companies in the country. We found that a 100-mile, two-bedroom move will cost between $2,000 and $2,750. This estimate does not include any packing or add-on services. All moves are unique, so we recommend requesting quotes before establishing a budget. Read our guide below for a breakdown of the best cheap moving options for your next relocation.



10 Best Cheap Moving Companies of 2023
Based on our in-depth research, here are the best cheap moving companies:
- International Van Lines: Best Overall Full-Service Mover
- American Van Lines: Most Experienced Moving Labor
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
- U-Pack: Most Affordable Moving Company
- JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
- Moving APT: Best Customer Service
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Customer-Oriented
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
- North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
- Mayflower Moving: Best for Large Moves
Compare the Best Cheap Moving Companies
We compared the top cheap moving companies in the table below. You can use the links included to get free quotes from each provider.
Best For | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
International Van Lines | ![]() | Best Service Offerings |
4.8/5
| B | VISIT SITE |
American Van Lines | ![]() | Best Overall Moving Labor |
4.5/5
| A | VISIT SITE |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | ![]() | Most Efficient |
4.3/5
| B | VISIT SITE |
Safeway Moving Inc. | ![]() | Most Reliable Pricing |
4.4/5
| A+ | VISIT SITE |
Moving APT | ![]() | Best Customer Service |
4.2/5
| B | VISIT SITE |
JK Moving Services | ![]() | Best Specialized Packing |
4.6/5
| A+ | VISIT SITE |
North American Van Lines | ![]() | Best for Claims |
4.6/5
| A+ | VISIT SITE |
Allied Van Lines | ![]() | Best for Vehicle Relocation |
4.7/5
| A+ | VISIT SITE |
United Van Lines | ![]() | Best Base Moving Coverage |
4.8/5
| A+ | VISIT SITE |
Mayflower | ![]() | Best for Large Moves |
4.6/5
| A+ | VISIT SITE |
International Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
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Best For | Best Service Offerings |
Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | B |
American Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Best For | Best Overall Moving Labor |
Star Rating |
4.5/5
|
BBB Rating | A |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Best For | Most Efficient |
Star Rating |
4.3/5
|
BBB Rating | B |
Safeway Moving Inc. | |
---|---|
Logo |
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Best For | Most Reliable Pricing |
Star Rating |
4.4/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Moving APT | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Best For | Best Customer Service |
Star Rating |
4.2/5
|
BBB Rating | B |
JK Moving Services | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Best For | Best Specialized Packing |
Star Rating |
4.6/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
North American Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Best For | Best for Claims |
Star Rating |
4.6/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Allied Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Best For | Best for Vehicle Relocation |
Star Rating |
4.7/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
United Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Best For | Best Base Moving Coverage |
Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Mayflower | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Best For | Best for Large Moves |
Star Rating |
4.6/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
*BBB ratings are current as of July 2023.
International Van Lines

Cost
We found quote process with International Van Lines to be efficient. The quote we received included all basic labor, transportation, and furniture protection. Long-distance moves come with 30 days of free storage, although our selected move route didn’t qualify for this. As a bonus, there was a 15% discount for senior citizens and free cancellation with 48 hours’ notice for local moves. The quote we received below is for a basic move. The client handled all packing on their own. The price range accounts for loading, unloading, and transportation with few add-ons or special offerings.
- Sample Quote: $825–$1,650 (one-bedroom house from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
- Deposit: 25%
- Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card (deposit only), money order, cashier’s check
Overview
If you want a company to handle almost every part of your move but still want affordable rates, look into International Van Lines (IVL). The company offers one of the most comprehensive service selections, with options such as packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, furniture assembly, storage, and car transportation. Its pricing for local and long-distance moving is fairly low compared to other full-service movers, and its deposit requirements are well within industry norms.
International Van Lines offers quick quotes and reasonable rates for local and long-distance moving needs. As a broker, it can search for the lowest rates possible to facilitate a more affordable move.
Availability: 50 states
Pros & Cons
- Has lower pricing relative to other full-service movers
- Offers multiple protection plans
- Provides specialty services for artwork, antiques, and pianos
- Doesn’t offer pricing online
- Has mixed customer reviews that vary by location and mention difficult communication
Moving Services
IVL’s basic full-service offerings include released liability coverage, loading and unloading, and in-transit furniture protection. It also provides 30 days of free storage at your destination for long-distance moves. You can add other services if they’re in your budget, including the following:
- Assembly and disassembly
- Crating
- Full packing
- Storage
- Vehicle shipping
American Van Lines

Cost
American Van Lines offers flat-rate pricing for all moves it carries out. We rate this pricing model as one of its strong points because you won’t have to pay any hidden fees when you book. That said, it has a high deposit requirement and requires seven days’ notice for refunds if you need to cancel your move. The quoted price below is one of American Van Lines’ special rates between major cities. Moving a comparable distance along a non-expedited route would likely result in a higher rate.
- Sample Quote: $2,000 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
- Deposit: Up to 50%
- Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card, money order, cashier’s check, traveler’s check
Overview
If you are an art or antique collector, a fitness enthusiast, or a musician, American Van Lines might be worth checking out. AVL is a long-standing full-service moving company that specializes in the careful handling of large, fragile, and high-value or rare items, such as treadmills, pianos, and antiques. Moving crews are routinely trained in best practices for packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. No matter the service profile you select, you’ll be treated to flat-rate pricing to help ensure you don’t pay more for your move than you planned.
While AVL’s rates are often above industry averages, it provides expedited service between major cities. This service option offers lower rates for some long-distance moves.
Availability: 48 states (all but Alaska and Hawaii)
Pros & Cons
- Offers flat-rate pricing for all moves
- Has moving crews specifically for handling pianos and antiques
- Provides a guaranteed delivery date and time frame (additional charges apply)
- Doesn't give instant moving quotes on its website or by phone
- Has a high deposit requirement (50%)
Moving Services
American Van Lines provides loading and unloading services and basic furniture protection in its basic moving package. Plan to factor additional services into your budget as needed, including the following:
- Antique packing and moving
- Custom crating
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Special item moving
- Vehicle shipping
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Cost
When you book with Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG), one of its partner companies will handle your move. Many offer military discounts and fair pricing. However, IMRG requires a full week’s notice for all cancellations. Our free quote from IMRG provided for a basic move with no packing or unpacking assistance and one flight of stairs. The quote process was straightforward and quick, although we noted that this provider doesn’t offer binding rates. The price range below accounts for the possibility of added services such as packing, crating, and storage.
- Sample Quote: $1,500–$3,500 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
- Deposit: Up to 33%
- Payment Accepted: Credit card and check
Overview
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group is a moving broker that finds a provider in its network to fulfill your requested services. IMRG works with full-service moving companies to customize your move plan to include packing assistance and numerous add-on options. We noted IMRG for its efficiency in providing quotes; this provider returned a binding estimate to our team within 10 minutes of an inventory survey. As a broker, IMRG can compare rates among its partners and negotiate for you to lock in an affordable rate and provide more budget-friendly moves. However, this price-matching option may be limited in certain locales.
IMRG partners with companies in all 50 states, including self-service movers, to offer affordable moves for a range of service needs.
Availability: 50 states
Pros & Cons
- Provides quick estimates, helping expedite the booking process to accommodate last-minute moves
- Can find cheap movers for local, long-distance, and international relocations
- Features a moving checklist, cost calculator, and other resources on its site
- Is reliant on third-party movers to perform services, leading to mixed moving experiences according to Google and Yelp reviews
- Has no weekend customer service
Moving Services
IMRG’s basic move packages vary, depending on the partner you book. Container rentals include transportation and container delivery at either end of your move. Full-service move packages come with loading and unloading, while the following services cost extra:
- Added coverage plans
- Crating
- Disassembly/reassembly
- Packing/unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
U-Pack

Cost
U-Pack has a pay-for-what-you-use service model that keeps costs low. When you rent a trailer from this provider, you’ll only pay for the space you use. Its pricing model makes it easy to downsize to cut costs. You can also hire moving labor to help with more difficult tasks directly through U-Pack. U-Pack charges tiered cancellation fees; you’ll pay $50 for canceling within a week of your move and $150 for same-day cancellations. All move fees are due before the delivery of your goods.
- Sample Quote: $1,100 (one-bedroom move from Dallas, Texas to Denver, Colorado)
- Deposit: None
- Payment Accepted: Credit card, debit card, or PayPal
Overview
U-Pack is our pick for the most affordable mover. This self-service mover offers a pay-for-what-you-use space policy on its moving trailers. This option allows customers to pay per foot on a moving trailer for flexibility in pricing. U-Pack also provides adjustable contents protection plans and reliable delivery windows to ensure that your long-distance move goes smoothly.
Availability: 50 states
Pros & Cons
- Has a flexible and budget-friendly pay-for-what-you-use policy
- Provides GPS tracking on your containers
- Has no deposit requirement
- Doesn’t provide access to storage during transit
- Only gives customers three days to load and unload their belongings
Moving Services
U-Pack offers self-service portable storage container moves. The company delivers one of its container options to your home, then you load your belongings at your own pace within the three days allotted. You can notify the company when to pick up and deliver the container to your new home, and you unload your belongings at your own pace.
U-Pack provides its ReloCube moving container (70” x 82” x 93”) or a large moving trailer used by ABF Freights. For the moving trailer, customers pay for only the square footage they use.
You have less time to load and unload U-Pack containers than 1-800-PACK-RAT, which offers 30 days of loading and unloading time. However, you can save money by renting U-Pack containers. We recommend careful planning to ensure you can load and unload within the three days allotted.
JK Moving Services

Cost
JK Moving Services offers virtual assessments of your goods via its mobile app. Its financing options provide clients with accurate remote pricing for all long-distance moving needs. Its $250 deposit is low compared to most long-distance moves. However, any cancellation will result in you forfeiting that entire amount.
- Sample Quote: $1,600 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
- Deposit: $250
- Payment Accepted: Cash or credit card
Overview
JK Moving Services is a good option if you are looking for a personalized moving package. In addition to standard full-service moves that include packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading, JK Moving allows customers to create a customized plan through add-on options. JK Moving is one of the more tech-forward companies on our list, allowing customers to handle nearly every step of the moving process through its comprehensive and user-friendly app. Once moves have been booked, JK Moving offers financing options as low as 0% to help customers pay their move bills.
This mover requires low deposits to secure booking. We like that its proprietary mobile app offers accurate inventory logging for virtual estimates. This helps ensure the accuracy of JK Moving quotes so you won’t overpay.
Availability: 50 states (only offers local service in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.)
Pros & Cons
- Has a cheap deposit requirement
- Trains moving crews using a full-size replica home
- Offers in-house moving loans
- Only provides local moves in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
- Does not honor lower quotes from competitors
Moving Services
We like JK Moving Services’ a la carte service profile that allows you to select only the services you need. This helps ensure your price won’t exceed a tight moving budget. Basic moves include loading and unloading, basic furniture protection, and transportation of your goods. The following services cost extra:
- Antique moving
- Car shipping
- Crating
- Packing/unpacking
- Piano moving
Moving APT

Cost
Moving APT functions solely as a moving broker, meaning that instead of providing its own moving services, it will coordinate your move through its large national network of vetted pro movers. We noted that Moving APT’s network of moving brokers offers speedy quotes. While its deposit amounts vary, it offers discounts to groups such as senior citizens, active military service members and veterans. Booking fees with Moving APT (charged for all moves) are non-refundable. Remaining deposits are only refundable if you cancel more than seven days before your scheduled move.
- Sample Quote: $1,530–$3,030 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
- Deposit: Varies
- Payment Accepted: Cash, check, or money order
Overview
Moving APT stands out for its approach to customer service. Although it won’t handle your move directly, Moving APT matches you with a company that fits your needs and budget and remains involved in every aspect of the relocation process to ensure your satisfaction. Moving APT offers price matching for moving clients in certain locales. Check your state’s moving tariff regulations to ensure this is an option.
Moving APT’s 2,500-plus moving partners enable it to search for the lowest available rate for your move. It requires deposits of up to 33%, which may deter clients looking for a budget-friendly move. However, its speedy quotes and cost calculator tool make it a transparent option.
Availability: 50 states
Pros & Cons
- Offers price matching in many areas (can be limited by local tariffs)
- Provides around-the-clock customer support
- Offers a variety of ongoing deals, including early-booking and senior citizen discounts
- Includes pop-up chat windows on each page of its website
- Has a limited cancellation policy and will retain your deposit if you cancel less than one week before your scheduled moving date
Moving Services
Moving APT’s basic service offerings depend on the partner company. Pickup, delivery, and transportation are all included in your base cost when you book with one of its container providers. Full-service movers offer loading, unloading, and basic furniture protection. Added services cost extra and include the following:
- Antique moving
- Crating
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
Safeway Moving Inc.

Cost
Safeway Moving Inc. representatives were slow to get back to us during the quote process. However, based on the reviews we read, customers were pleased with its flat-rate pricing and adherence to stated fees. Its basic pricing includes light packing, loading and unloading, 30 days of storage at your destination, and transportation of your goods. Cancellations with this mover incur a 5% fee.
- Sample Quote: Contact for a quote
- Deposit: Up to 40%
- Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card, money order, or certified check
Overview
Safeway Moving Inc. specializes in cross-country and interstate moves, using its own trucks and crews for most services and booking a small portion through a network of moving partners. Available in all 50 states, Safeway advertises flat-rate moving costs to keep pricing consistent and to give you peace of mind regarding hidden fees. With years of experience complying with HOAs and COAs during a move, Safeway is worth considering for relocating to or from a condo.
To help ensure a stress-free move for senior citizens, Safeway dedicates additional staffing assistance for coordinating senior relocation efforts. It also offers video surveys for reduced hassle when gathering information for a moving cost estimate.
This mover’s pricing model is not as budget-friendly as other providers, but you won’t be stuck paying added fees on moving day. While Safeway’s rates are typically higher than competitors, its long-distance quotes are reliable.
Availability: 50 states
Pros & Cons
- Uses a flat-rate pricing structure
- Offers 30 free days of storage to all customers
- Makes donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a portion of your moving fees
- Has no local moving option
- Requires customers to pay a 40% booking deposit
Moving Services
Safeway Moving only provides long-distance service. Its basic moving packages come with 30 days of free storage at your destination, as well as basic loading and unloading and light packing. You can add other services as your budget allows, including the following:
- Assembly and disassembly
- Crating
- Packing and unpacking]
- Vehicle shipping
Allied Van Lines

Cost
Allied Van Lines doesn’t require deposits, and its discount offerings vary from location to location. The basic move price we received includes loading and unloading, as well as transportation of goods. Adding full-service packing for a home of this size could add hundreds of dollars to your move cost, if not double it. Allied typically provides non-binding estimates. This means your quoted price is subject to change between getting your quote and signing a moving contract.
- Sample Quote: $1,000 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
- Deposit: None required
- Payment Accepted: Cash, check, money order, or certified check
Overview
Allied Van Lines is an experienced full-service moving company that offers customizable local, long-distance, and international relocation plans. Following a home review, Allied provides a guaranteed flat rate. Customers can pick and choose from additional services to create customized packages that fit their budgets. The company owns its own fleet of car carriers, so customers work directly with Allied for their vehicle transportation needs, not with a third-party agent. This helps you avoid booking fees associated with third-party carriers and makes for smooth and budget-friendly moves.
Allied Van Lines’ comprehensive service options make it a top choice for moving clients. It offers local, long-distance, and international moving services, as well as vehicle shipping and expedited small move service via Allied Express. While these services aren’t advertised at low rates, Allied is a one-stop destination for all moving needs.
Availability: 50 states
Pros & Cons
- Allows customers to pick and choose the services they want without extending their budget
- Offers vehicle coverage of up to $100,000 with no deductible
- Provides mobile storage containers through Allied Express with loading and unloading services
- Doesn’t provide instant quotes for local moves
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 claims support
Moving Services
Allied Van Lines provides basic loading and unloading services with any moving package, along with basic moving coverage. The following services cost extra:
- Assembly and disassembly
- Crating
- Installation of appliances
- Packing and unpacking
- Small moves via its Allied Express program
- Vehicle shipping for cars, boats, trucks, and RVs
North American Van Lines

Cost
We like that North American Van Lines (NAVL) doesn’t require deposits for booking. The pricing we received below accounts for loading and unloading and transportation of goods. Added insurance protection, storage, crating, and packing all cost extra. NAVL has advertised discounts for senior citizens and other groups in the past, but these offerings vary by location. NAVL provides the option to receive binding estimates when you book. Ask about this when you sign your moving contract.
- Sample Quote: $1,000 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
- Deposit: None required
- Payment Accepted: Cash, check, money order, or certified check
Overview
North American Van Lines is a large national mover with more than a thousand moving trucks in operation and more than 500 agent locations nationwide. The company brings customer support to the front and center, providing numerous online resources that include convenient claims forms for seeking reimbursement due to issues occurring during a move. NAVL has customer service representatives available 24/7, and it offers online shipment tracking with status updates 24 hours a day.
NAVL offers binding and “not-to-exceed” estimates. This means you can have a bottom-line price for any local or long-distance move. NAVL provides a streamlined process for damage claims, providing assurance that your goods will be protected. Its moving crews can handle almost any type of household goods.
Availability: 50 states
Pros & Cons
- Uses a predictable pricing model, including a not-to-exceed pricing option that few direct competitors offer
- Reduces the stress of filing a claim by providing access to domestic and international claims forms on its website and hosting dedicated customer support lines
- Bolsters its availability by having agents located in strategic locations throughout the United States
- Will typically not provide fast, ballpark estimates for assessing potential moving costs
- Brokers some services to moving companies and drivers outside its own employee base
Moving Services
North American Van Lines offers basic loading and unloading services, along with transportation of your goods in all basic move packages. To make your move less expensive, it also offers moving supplies for DIY packing. Added services cost extra and include the following:
- Appliance installation
- Crating
- Furniture assembly
- Packing and unpacking
- Valuation coverage
- Vehicle shipping
Mayflower

Cost
- Sample Quote: Contact for a quote
- Deposit: None required
- Payment Accepted: Cash, check, money order, or certified check
Overview
Mayflower Moving is a nationwide moving company that was founded in 1927. It offers local and long-distance moving to 46 states and markets itself as “America’s Most Trusted Moving Company.” We like the breadth of services this company offers and its wealth of experienc
Mayflower is one of the best options for larger long-distance moving needs. Its tiered protection plans and included full-value protection make it worth considering for relocations with high-value goods. Mayflower reviews vary between locations, but many of its local agents are highly rated and offer excellent service.
Availability: 46 states (all but Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and West Virginia)
Pros & Cons
- Offers binding estimates for long-distance moves
- Requires no deposits for booking
- Includes full-value coverage with all quotes
- Has some reviews that mention moves being brokered out
- Features elevated rates for basic moving services
Moving Services
Mayflower offers excellent long-distance and interstate moving services. This includes its Snapmoves plan that expedites smaller relocations to all points in the United States. Its moves come with full-value protection unless you choose to waive this coverage. Additional services offered include vehicle shipping, long-term storage, GPS tracking for some moves, and basic and fragile-item packing.
What Impacts Moving Costs
Many factors impact moving costs, including whether you book a local move to a nearby city or a long-distance move to another state. Hiring a full-service moving company near you will typically entail higher costs than a container company with portable storage units that you load and unload unassisted. A fully DIY move is a cheaper but more stressful option, and many providers have partial-packing services that establish a middle ground in terms of costs.
Move Length | Move Size | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Local (less than 50 miles) | Two-bedroom | $750–$1,250 |
Intermediate (100 miles) | Two-bedroom | $2,000–$2,750 |
Long-distance (500 miles) | Two-bedroom | $3,000–$3,750 |
Below are some of the other key factors that determine the final price you pay for your moving services:
- Distance of your move
- Weight and volume of your inventory
- Fuel costs
- Seasonality (May to September sees higher rates)
- Accessibility of your residence (shuttle fees for inaccessible driveways)
- Elevator and multiple flights of stairs surcharges
- Number of portable containers used (self-service moves)
- Hourly rates (local moves)
- Bulky item surcharges
- Packing services
- Specialty services
- Additional valuation coverage or third-party insurance
Beyond these cost factors, each state has its own regulatory bodies and tariff requirements to regulate moving companies. Some states, such as California, require moving companies to provide “not to exceed” pricing for all local and long-distance relocations. Other states mandate that all services must have clear and transparent pricing regulated by the local moving governing body.
Many state governing bodies offer resources, such as moving tips and “what to expect” guides for moving clients. Texas is a prime example; this moving guide is readily accessible on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) site. You can also read a thorough “rights and responsibilities” brochure on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) site. Resources such as these could help you avoid overpaying.
When Is the Cheapest Time To Hire Movers?
The best time to move is on a weekday outside peak moving season to get the lowest possible rate. Moving companies deal with heightened demand on weekends from May through September. This often leads to higher overall costs and difficulty booking your primary choice. If you know you’ll have to move on a summer weekday, then you can still save by booking early. Many movers offer early booking discounts.
How To Save Money on a Long-Distance Move
We’ve listed the best ways to save money on your upcoming long-distance move. Most long-distance movers bill based on your total shipping weight and added services, so we recommend downsizing and handling at least some of your own packing to reduce moving costs. Local movers typically bill hourly, and you can also apply these tips to save money on your local move.
Consider Renting a Moving Truck or Moving Container
You can dramatically reduce your pricing by staging a DIY move. To do so, rent a moving truck or moving container. If you rent a moving truck, you can hire moving labor to load and unload your belongings while you handle the transportation of your goods on your own. Book at least one month in advance, regardless of your chosen moving method.
Downsize
If you plan your move far enough in advance, you’ll have enough time to downsize before your move date. Start by compiling a full inventory of your home. Break this list down room by room, and note which items you’ll take with you and which you’ll get rid of. Make appropriate plans to dispose of unwanted items. This may mean making regular trips to a town dump or organizing a yard sale. Downsizing will be less costly than having your movers transport unwanted goods.
Get Multiple Quotes
Moving companies offer varied service ranges at different prices. If you sign a contract with the first moving company you consider, you’re unlikely to book at the lowest possible price. We recommend getting quotes with a few different pricing options and structures ahead of your move date. You can compare quotes and ensure you book with the mover offering the lowest cost.
Handle Your Own Packing
Full-service packing is one of the most expensive single add-on services you can purchase. Moving companies often charge hourly rates for your movers’ labor, plus markups for packing supplies. Packing your own home can cut your move price down considerably.
Our Conclusion
A cheap move may at first seem out of reach, but several reputable movers offer affordable options. We took a deep dive into International Van Lines’ offerings and found its pricing to be lower than most large full-service moving companies. With IVL’s flexible packing options and nationwide coverage, the company is a solid choice for those on a budget.
Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines offer rates as low as $1,000 for baseline moving services. These moving companies provide basic and comprehensive moving packages; their less expensive options offer some of the most affordable rates we’ve seen. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure competitively low rates. We recommend getting quotes from at least three different providers before making your final decision.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
FAQ About Cheap Moving Companies
The cheapest way to move long-distance is by using a self-service, portable moving container company.
Given that you’re already paying your hired movers for their services, you are not expected to tip your movers. However, if you’re impressed with their services, you can tip them roughly $4–$5 for each hour of work. Read our guide to tipping movers for more information.
One of our top-ranked movers, International Van Lines, lists an hourly rate of $200 as a general price to expect for local movers with a crew of four workers. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group is another one of our top picks, and it states on its website to expect a local move to cost $550 to $2,000.
We averaged our cheapest rates and got a price of around $1,100. This average rate includes loading and unloading with no added services. Packing, crating, and other add-ons cost extra.
Having a lot of stuff can significantly add to your moving cost due to the added weight and space requirements. You should downsize as much as possible before your move by donating or otherwise getting rid of unneeded items. Having a yard or garage sale is another way to reduce your inventory size.
You can get cheap moving boxes on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Many moving clients list their used supplies for free after they move. Home Depot and U-Haul sell comprehensive ranges of moving boxes and supplies, but they come at a cost.
You should hire movers outside peak season to reduce moving costs. For most areas of the country, peak moving season is throughout the warmer months and early fall, generally from May to September. Some moving companies offer discounted rates for moves booked well in advance.
Many moving companies require you to pay a deposit when booking your move. On your move date, some companies require you to pay a portion of the remaining balance upon pickup and the remainder upon delivery of your shipment. Other movers require the full balance when arriving for pickup. It’s important to ask about these details before scheduling your move date.
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 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.