Best Cheap Moving Companies (June 2023)

Setting a budget is a primary step in the planning process before your move. If you want to stay within a set price range, hiring a reputable, inexpensive moving company should be at the top of your priority list. To assist your search, our team researched the best moving companies in the country. From there, we’ve broken down the top budget-friendly moving options for your next relocation.

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

We compared the top cheap moving companies in the table below. You can use the links included to get free quotes from each provider.

*BBB ratings are current as of May 2023.

International Van Lines

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.

Pros & Cons

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

Availability: 50 states

Cost

We found IVL’s quote process to be efficient. The quote we received included all basic labor, transportation, and furniture protection. Long-distance moves with IVL come with 30 days of free storage, although our selected move route didn’t qualify for this. As a bonus, this mover offers a 15% discount for senior citizens and free cancellation with 48 hours’ notice for local moves.

• 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

Learn More: International Van Lines Review

American Van Lines

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.

Pros & Cons

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

Availability: 48 states (not available in Alaska and Hawaii)

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.  

• Sample Quote: $2,000 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: Up to 50% up-front
• Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card, money order, cashier’s check, traveler’s check

Learn More: American Van Lines Review

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) 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.

Pros & Cons

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 and reassembly
• Packing
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Availability: 50 states

Cost

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. 

When you book with this broker, 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. 

• Sample Quote: $1,500–$3,500 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: Varies; up to 33% required up-front
• Payment Accepted: Credit card and check

Learn More: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

U-Pack

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 GPS tracking to add further security to your relocation.

Pros & Cons

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.

Note that although U-Pack is available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, it has a 150-mile minimum requirement to provide its services. It may not be an option for local moves.

Cost

U-Pack’s pay-for-what-you-use service model keeps costs low. When you rent a trailer from this provider, you’ll only pay for the space you use. 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

Learn More: U-Pack Review

JK Moving Services

• Our Take: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
• State Availability: 50 states

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.

Pros & Cons

*Subject to credit approval

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
• Piano moving
• Unpacking

Availability: 50 states (local service only available in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.)

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

Learn More: JK Moving Services Review

Moving APT

Moving APT is unique to the other providers in this guide because it functions solely as a moving broker. Rather than provide its own moving services, Moving APT will instead coordinate your relocation through a large national network of vetted pro movers.

The company 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.

Pros & Cons

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

Availability: 50 states

Cost

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

Learn More: Moving APT Review

Safeway Moving Inc.

Safeway Moving Inc. specializes in interstate and cross-country 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.

Pros & Cons

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
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Availability: 50 states

Cost

Safeway Moving Inc.’s 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

Learn More: Safeway Moving Inc. Review

Allied Van Lines

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.

Pros & Cons

Services

Allied 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
• Small moves via its Allied Express program
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping for cars, boats, trucks, and RVs

Availability: 50 states

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. 

• Sample Quote: $1,000 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: None required
• Payment Accepted: Cash, check, money order, or certified check

Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review

North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines (NAVL) 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.

Pros & Cons

Services

NAVL 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
• Unpacking
• Valuation coverage
• Vehicle shipping

Availability: 50 states

Cost

We like that North American Van Lines 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.

• Sample Quote:  $1,000 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: None required
• Payment Accepted: Cash, check, money order, or certified check

Learn More: North American Van Lines Review

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. 

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.

Consider these tips to help you reduce your moving costs. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.