Best Cheap Moving Companies (March 2024)
It can be difficult to determine which moving companies provide competitive pricing and which will waste your time with a lengthy quote process that yields an expensive price tag. This is where we can help. We recommend U-Pack as our top pick for the cheapest moving companies because our research showed that it provides the most affordable moving quotes compared to other providers. International Van Lines was a close second because of its competitive rates for full-service moves, and Allied Van Lines came in third for its affordable in-house vehicle shipping services.
We conducted over 4,800 hours of research to help you find the best moving company on a budget. Our research methodology included interviewing multiple industry experts, analyzing data from a survey of 1,000 moving customers, and thoroughly evaluating different moving companiesโ service offerings and protection plans. This helped us create a list of 10 moving companies that offer high-quality services for more affordable moves.
10 Best Cheap Moving Companies of 2024
We analyzed each moverโs services and requested quotes from each. We found the following to be the best cheap moving companies:
Compare the Best Cheap Moving Companies
U-Pack and International Van Lines provide some of the most affordable prices when examining each company’s service model. See how our top movers compare in terms of pricing and more in the table below.
Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Sample Quote | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
B | $2,519โ$4,306 | VISIT SITE | ||
A | $4,544 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $4,000โ$5,000 | VISIT SITE | ||
B | $3,823โ$4,824 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $3,256โ$4,679 | VISIT SITE | ||
B | $3,566โ$6,266 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $5,600โ$6,622 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $5,442 โ $6,312 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $4,700โ$5,540 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $3,500โ$4,500 | VISIT SITE |
*Sample quotes are for a move between Phoenix, Arizona, and San Francisco, California, unless otherwise noted.
**BBB ratings are accurate as of January 2024.
What Determines a Moveโs Cost?
Many factors determine a moveโs cost, 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 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.
Below is a breakdown of how cost factors vary depending on whether your move is a single-day move or multiday move, along with how costs can vary based on the length of your move.
Moving costs can vary depending on if you are moving locally or long-distance. In the table below, we provide a breakdown of cost based on move length.
Move Length | Move Size | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Local (less than 50 miles) | Two-bedroom | $750โ$1,250 |
Intermediate (100 miles) | Two-bedroom | $2,000โ$2,750 |
Long-distance (500 miles) | Two-bedroom | $3,00โ$3,750 |
Multiple factors can affect the cost of your single-day move. You can see more details on these factors below. However, you’ll receive an estimate that covers all the services provided, an hourly rate based on the companyโs demand, and an approximate estimate of the total time it will take to complete your move.
- Hourly rates: Companies usually charge hourly rates for local moves they can complete in one day, as it’s the standard cost structure for single-day moves.
- Additional services: Additional services such as packing or loading will add to your final total based on the hours worked.
- Material costs and fees: You might also have to pay for material costs for packing supplies or crating or flat fees for specific services such as piano or pool table moving.
Costs can be more complex for longer interstate moves. Companies will charge you flat rates or estimated costs based on the following factors:
- Additional services: Extra services such as packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and more will increase the cost. These may have flat fees attached or be included in your line-haul fee.
- Advance booking: Booking your move at least six weeks to a month in advance will help ensure that you donโt incur higher rates. Some movers will 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 typically charge more than smaller independent movers but may provide better service, reliability, and claims handling.
- Distance of the move and the weight of the shipment: These factors are used to calculate โline-haul fees,โ which are responsible for most of the cost. Movers must have a defined weigh-in process for their trucks and stable per-mile rates to determine these fees.
- Insurance: Replacement value protection plans and other moving insurance options protect your items but contribute to the overall price. Higher-value plans cost more. Going without protection saves money but carries a financial risk if items are damaged.
- Moving date: The cost of the move is affected by the moving date. Moving between May and September often comes with higher rates, which companies increase in response to increased demand.
Costs can be more complex for longer interstate moves. Companies will charge you flat rates or estimated costs based on the following factors:
- Additional services: Extra services such as packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and more will increase the cost. These may have flat fees attached or be included in your line-haul fee.
- Advance booking: Booking your move at least six weeks to a month in advance will help ensure that you donโt incur higher rates. Some movers will 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 typically charge more than smaller independent movers but may provide better service, reliability, and claims handling.
- Distance of the move and the weight of the shipment: These factors are used to calculate โline-haul fees,โ which are responsible for most of the cost. Movers must have a defined weigh-in process for their trucks and stable per-mile rates to determine these fees.
- Insurance: Replacement value protection plans and other moving insurance options protect your items but contribute to the overall price. Higher-value plans cost more. Going without protection saves money but carries a financial risk if items are damaged.
- Moving date: The cost of the move is affected by the moving date. Moving between May and September often comes with higher rates, which companies increase in response to increased demand.
Each state has its own regulatory bodies and tariff requirements to regulate moving companies. Some states, such as California, require moving companies to provide โnot-to-exceedโ 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.
Reviews of the Top Cheap Moving Companies
What Should I Know About Cheap Movers?
Understanding essential details about affordable movers will help you determine which best matches your moveโs needs and budget. You should know what goes into calculating a moveโs cost, the insurance available, and the different moving services companies offer.
How Can You Save Money When Moving?
You can save money on your move by downsizing and handling some of your own packing. Most long-distance movers bill based on your total shipping weight and added services. Local movers typically bill hourly, so you can also apply these tips to save money on your local move.
Here are all the best ways to save money on your upcoming move:
- Consider renting a moving truck or moving container: You can dramatically reduce your pricing with a DIY move, which can involve renting a moving truck or moving container. If you rent a moving truck, you can hire movers 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, youโll 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 youโll take with you and which youโll 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. Signing a contract with the first moving company you find wonโt get you 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 moversโ labor, plus markups for packing supplies. Packing your own home can cut your moving costs considerably.
What Time Line Should You Follow To Prepare for Your Move?
Adhering to a time line that starts eight weeks before your move date can help you better prepare for your move. Weโve broken down a moving checklist and an average time line to help you book on time and stay on track with packing for your move.
- Eight weeks: Take a full inventory of your home, and create lists of things you plan to take with you and want to get rid of. You can use these lists when you request quotes from movers. You should also start researching reliable movers near your area.
- Six weeks: Gather quotes from different movers near you and start packing your belongings. Begin with items you won’t need in the coming weeks, then gradually move on to more essential items. Pack at a steady pace of a few boxes per day.
- Four weeks: Try to book your move around a month before the moving date. Keep packing your items, and coordinate shutoff and turn-on dates for all utility services at your current and new addresses.
- Two weeks: Keep packing your items and focus on semi-essential things at this stage. Submit a change of address form at your local post office or online.
- Moving week: Finish your move preparations by packing your kitchen items and some of your essential clothing. Keep out just enough clothing and kitchenware until the day before the move to ensure you have access to essential goods during your road trip to your new state.
Our Conclusion
A cheap move may at first seem out of reach, but several reputable movers offer affordable options. Our deep dive into U-Pack showed us that itโs an overall more affordable and cheap moving option, as long as youโre willing to undergo a slightly different type of move. International Van Linesโ flexible packing options and nationwide coverage make it a solid choice if youโre on a budget and need several services. You also can’t go wrong with Allied Van Lines, which offers rates as low as $1,000 for baseline moving services.
Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure competitively low rates. We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers before making your final decision.
Find Moving Companies in Your State
FAQ About Cheap Moving Companies
What is the cheapest way to move long-distance?
The cheapest way to move long distance is by using a self-service, portable moving container company.
Do you tip movers?
Youโre already paying your hired movers for their services, so youโre not expected to tip them. However, if youโre impressed with their services, you can tip them roughly $4โ$5 for each hour of work. Read our guide to tipping movers for more information.
What is a reasonable price for a local move?
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, another one of our top picks, states on its website that a local move will cost $550โ$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.
What should I do if I have a lot of stuff to move?
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.
Where can I get cheap moving boxes?
You can get cheap moving boxes on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Many former moving customers list their used supplies for free after they move. The Home Depot and U-Haul sell a comprehensive range of moving boxes and supplies, but they come at a cost.
When should I hire movers?
You should hire movers outside peak season to reduce moving costs. 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.
Do you pay movers before or after?
Many moving companies require you to pay a deposit when booking your move. Some companies require you to pay a portion of the remaining balance upon pickup and the remainder upon delivery of your items. Other movers require the full balance when arriving for pickup. Itโs 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.