Sifting through the best moving companies to find one that fits your needs and budget is an essential step in planning a move. However, comparing the pricing and services of dozens of professional movers can take hours of your time.
We have diligently reviewed the best Montana moving companies for you and our top pick is International Van Lines (IVL). We evaluated the top moving providers nationwide and rated them on reputation, availability, coverage options, and more. This article explores our top picks for long-distance and local moves to, from, or within Big Sky Country.
Top 8 Moving Companies in Montana
Through in-depth research, we determined that the best moving companies in Montana are the following:
- International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
- American Van Lines: Best Overall Moving Labor
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Reliable Pricing
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
- Moving APT: Best Customer Service
- JK Moving Services: Best Specialized Packing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
- North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In Montana
International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) is a full-service moving company that specializes in long-distance moving. IVL can handle corporate, residential, military, and government relocations, plus international moves to and from Montana. IVL offers a long list of optional services in addition to loading, transportation, unloading, and furniture assembly. IVL offers a full-value contents coverage plan and affordable moving insurance for both self-pack and full-service customers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers ocean and air freight for international moves
- Provides status updates via email or online tracking portal
- Is transparent about fees and costs
Cons
- Outsources some moves to third-party companies
- Requires a 25% deposit to reserve a moving date
Services
Although IVL offers full packing services, customers can choose to self-pack. You can even purchase your moving supplies directly from IVL. Auto transport and storage in transit are also available. Basic furniture assembly is included in the cost of every move.
Keep in mind that IVL is both a mover and a broker, so it may outsource some moves to third-party companies when necessary. IVL charges an extra fee for bulky items and logistical hurdles, but it lists all these fees on its website.
Cost
When you book a move with IVL, your charges will be broken into three payments: a 25% deposit and two equal payments due at pickup and delivery. The company does offer a generous cancellation policy that only requires 48 hours’ notice for a deposit refund.
IVL has an online moving calculator to give customers an instant ballpark estimate. For a binding estimate, you must contact the company directly. Senior and military discounts may also be available upon request.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (AVL) is a family-owned moving company that takes pride in its experienced, well-trained moving staff. All movers who work for AVL have passed a background check and undergone training in the latest techniques. They are also full-time employees. Certified antique movers, piano moving specialists, and custom crating services are available from AVL, too.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Employees an experienced staff of background-checked movers
- Has specialists and crating for high-value items
- Offers a flat-rate, bottom-line pricing system
Cons
- Is unavailable in Alaska and Hawaii
- Limits customer service to weekdays
Services
Customers can choose full or partial packing services to control their moving costs better. AVL also offers auto shipping assistance and private storage units. In addition to regular moves, AVL can coordinate corporate relocations and military moves.
AVL can handle both local and long-distance moves throughout the contiguous United States. Weekly shuttles to major cities help your belongings arrive at their destination on time.
However, the company does not offer international moving or services in Alaska and Hawaii.
Cost
Booking a move with AVL requires a 10%–50% deposit, which must be paid via credit card. The remaining balance may be paid by credit card, cash, post office money order, or cashier’s check and is due upon delivery.
AVL offers both binding and non-binding moving estimates. Binding estimates require an in-home or virtual consultation and provide bottom-line pricing.
Safeway Moving Inc.
Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving broker that specializes in long-distance moving service. Its small fleet of trucks in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and its partner carriers in the rest of the country offer quality care for a variety of needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers flat-rate pricing
- Includes 30 days of free storage with every moving quote
- Requires its moving partners to hold $1 million insurance policies
Cons
- Offers no local moving option in Montana
- Charges high deposit fees for booking
Services
All Safeway moves come with 30 days of free storage and light packing. Safeway also offers crating, vehicle shipping, and more, depending on the location and partner companies near you.
Cost
Safeway features a thorough quote process. We were treated to a full logging of our home inventory when we called for a quote. The representative went through our home room by room and spent nearly an hour going over our move details before rendering a pricing figure. Safeway requires a deposit of up to 40% to book.
Moving APT
Moving APT is another moving broker with an extensive network of partner companies. Its moving consultants can match you with the best moving company for your needs and budget. Whether you’re under a tight deadline or need financing, Moving APT can find a mover to help. The company even offers 24/7 customer service.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides 24/7 customer support via phone
- Offers discounts and price-matching
- Has strict criteria for vetting partner companies
Cons
- Requires seven days’ notice of cancellation to refund deposits
- Has variable customer experiences due to broker status
Services
Although Moving APT does not provide its own moving services, its partner companies can provide services such as appliance connection, auto transport, furniture assembly, packing, unpacking, and storage services. The company can arrange corporate, government, and military relocations in addition to residential moves.
The upside to Moving APT’s broker status is that it can provide more options and greater flexibility than other companies. The downside is that finding cost specifics on the company’s website can be difficult. However, customers can call the company for personalized assistance.
Cost
Moving APT charges a deposit that is only refundable if you cancel at least seven days before your moving day. The company offers several ways to save, though. All its partners provide discounts for military, senior, and differently abled customers. Discounts are also available for early reservations and short-distance moves.
Customers must fill out a moving inventory to receive a binding estimate. Be sure to ask your moving consultant about financing or price-matching if interested. You can also enter your moving details online to receive an instant ballpark estimate.
JK Moving Services
Among full-service movers, JK Moving Services is our top pick for customization. Customers can choose from DIY, fragile-only, and full-service packing. The company offers three different options for obtaining a binding estimate. Further, those who upgrade to full-protection moving insurance can choose their deductible and coverage limit. Customers even have several options for payment, including the financing plan available to qualified customers through Enhancify.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a financing program powered by Enhancify
- Offers extra perks for small long-distance moves
- Employs dedicated personal moving coordinators
Cons
- Does not have local movers in Montana
- Does not provide instant online quotes
Services
JK Moving offers a long list of services, including auto transport, piano moving, packing unpacking, and short- and long-term storage in a secure storage facility. Its movers can even move antiques, fine art, pianos, wine, and other fragile items. Plus, each customer is assigned a personal moving coordinator to help them throughout the moving process. Live 24/7 customer support is also available. Small long-distance moves qualify for a week of free storage.
Unfortunately, customers planning a short-distance move within Montana will need to find another local moving company. JK Moving only provides local moving services within Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. However, JK Moving is great for long-distance residential, military, corporate, and commercial moving.
Cost
To book a move through JK Moving, customers must pay a deposit. The remaining balance is due before your belongings are shipped. Qualified customers may obtain financing with rates as low as 0% through Enhancify.
JK Moving gives customers three options to qualify for a binding estimate: a virtual self-survey, virtual consultation, or in-home consultation.
North American Van Lines
No moving experience will be entirely stress-free, but North American Van Lines (NAVL) does its best to provide customers with peace of mind. All of its highly trained drivers must complete an annual certification, so you know your belongings are in good hands. If something goes wrong, NAVL makes it easy to file a claim for lost or damaged items with an easy online form available on its website. Its website also provides resources and tips for filing domestic and international claims, plus a dedicated customer service line for claims-related issues.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides convenient online claims forms
- Offers real-time satellite tracking via WorldTrac
- Gives bottom-line and not-to-exceed binding estimates
Cons
- Has variable customer experiences due to outsourcing some moves
- Only accepts credit cards at agent’s discretion
Services
NAVL offers a white-glove moving service that handles everything from packing, unpacking, and cleaning to furniture arranging and picture hanging. Its professional movers can even set up your entertainment system and assemble your home gym. Alternatively, for a self-pack move, customers can purchase packing materials from NAVL or select fragile-only packing.
Van cranes enable NAVL to move heavy equipment without a loading dock. The company also offers short-term and long-term storage and auto transportation services. Keep in mind that because NAVL is both a mover and broker, it may outsource some moves and services.
Cost
NAVL does not charge a deposit, and its binding estimates use either bottom-line or not-to-exceed pricing to give customers either a fixed or maximum total. Binding estimates require customers to complete a virtual home walk-through or a phone interview. Charges must be paid before unloading. NAVL does not accept personal checks, and not all agents accept credit cards.
For local moving, NAVL charges a flat hourly rate. Meanwhile, the cost of a long-distance move depends on labor costs, the distance to your destination, and the size and weight of your belongings.
Compare the Top Montana Movers
We recommend you get quotes from at least three different Montana movers before making a final decision. Once you have the quotes, you can compare each company’s pricing, terms, perks, and services. Remember that while local movers typically quote a flat hourly rate, national and interstate moving companies may base their rates on different factors or charge different fees.
| Provider | Availability | Local Moves | Interstate Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | 50 states | ✔ | ✔ |
| American Van Lines | 48 states | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | 50 states | ✘ | ✔ |
| Moving APT | 50 states | ✔ | ✔ |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | 50 states | ✘ | ✔ |
| Allied Van Lines | 50 states | ✔ | ✔ |
| North American Van Lines | 50 states | ✔ | ✔ |
Other Considerations When Moving to Montana
Whether you’re planning a cross-country relocation or a short-distance move between cities such as Billings and Bozeman, Montana, you may need to research more than moving services. For instance, your lender or landlord may require you to obtain homeowners or renters insurance.
Wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, winter storms, and floods all happen in Montana. Homeowners or renters insurance will help cover repairs or replacements if your home and its contents sustain damage from a covered event. A home warranty, meanwhile, covers issues with your new home’s wiring, plumbing, appliances, and other components. This may be an especially good investment if your home is older and likely to need upgrades.
Pest control, lawn care, pet insurance, and solar panels are other options to consider. Here are a few helpful articles relevant to Montana renters and homeowners:
- Best Home Warranty Companies in Montana
- Best-in-Class Pest Control Companies
- Best Lawn Care Services
- Best Solar Companies
- Best Pet Insurance Companies
Our Conclusion
As a full-service mover who handles local, interstate, and international moves, International Van Lines is our top pick for Montana moves. Its list of services includes all the moving services you need, including packing and even auto transport.
We also recommend American Van Lines for its highly trained and experienced moving staff. IMRG and Moving APT are brokers that work with vetted, reputable moving carriers to provide an efficient and smooth moving experience.
Since moving needs vary among customers, we suggest getting quotes from at least three movers on this list to determine which is best for you.
FAQ About Moving Companies in Montana
What is the cheapest way to move across state lines?
The cheapest way to move across state lines is to rent a moving truck or a portable storage container. These self-service options are cheaper because you, the customer, handle all of the packing, loading, and unloading. One key difference with a portable moving container is that the company transports your belongings to their final destination. Some companies also rent freight trailers for moving.
If you decide to go with a full-service mover, you can save money by booking months in advance, moving during the week rather than the weekend, shopping for the cheapest prices, and asking about discounts. If you are moving for work, see if your employer will subsidize or reimburse your moving costs.
How do I find a reputable local mover in Montana?
To find a reputable local mover in Montana, start by asking friends and family for referrals. You can also ask others who have moved recently, such as neighbors or coworkers. Once you have a few recommendations, take your search online. Check sites such as Trustpilot.com and BBB.org for customer reviews and independent ratings. You can also check the U.S. registered mover database to see whether a particular company is licensed by the Department of Transportation.
What are the benefits of using a moving company?
There are several benefits to using a moving company, such as the following:
- Help with loading, unloading, and transportation
- More time and energy to focus on other tasks
- Lower risk of injury
- Insurance for your belongings
- Years of moving experience
- Special equipment for bulky or fragile items
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.
