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Best Packing and Moving Companies (2024)

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Written by Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz Updated 12/12/2024

Packing for a big move can be more complicated than it first appears. You need to consider small, fragile items, account for large items such as TVs and couches, and decide if any of your items require custom crating.

We recommend International Van Lines as the best packing and moving company because its extensive partner network allows it to offer competitive prices for full-pack and specialty packing services. Our second pick, American Van Lines, only employs background-checked and vetted movers to offer high-end handling for specialty packing items such as antiques and artwork. Allied Van Lines is an excellent option for those who need to relocate a vehicle in addition to having a full packing service.
We conducted more than 4,800 hours of extensive research into the best full-service and self-service moving companies. We interviewed industry experts, surveyed 1,000 moving customers, and analyzed moving companies’ service offerings and protection plans. Our methodology then helped us identify five of the best packing and moving companies offering a wide range of packing services, quality protection plans, and competitive quotes.


Best Packing and Moving Companies of 2024

Our methodology scores packing and moving companies out of 100 points. We review each company’s packing services, contents protection plans, online reputation with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and more. Here’s our list of the best packing and moving companies of 2024:


What Should I Know About Packing and Moving Companies?

Knowing the most vital information concerning packing and moving companies is important. You should have an idea of what a packing and moving company will cost you, what standard moving insurance you’re guaranteed, and what service selection is available.

The cost of moving with packing services varies significantly depending on several factors. First, the rates for packing services are usually higher in major cities or metropolitan areas such as New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. Smaller towns or rural areas tend to have lower rates. Additionally, the size of your move is another significant factor that influences the cost. For instance, moving a five-bedroom house will cost more to pack than a small one-bedroom apartment. The rates are typically based on the number of rooms, furniture, boxes, and other factors.
There are two types of packing services—basic and full packing. Basic packing provides labor for simple items and supplies, such as anything that requires only boxes, tape, and wrapping paper. On the other hand, full packing includes labor for disassembling, wrapping, and packing all items.
Full packing can save you considerable time despite the additional cost. You should also know that additional services such as crating valuables, packing fragile items, or specialty items may add to the total cost. Finally, it will usually cost extra if you need packing help on moving day.
There are various packing services available. One of the most comprehensive options is full-service packing, which involves professional packers handling everything from packing to unpacking. They bring all the necessary materials and ensure that they pack your items securely. Companies can provide partial packing services if you prefer to pack some items yourself but require assistance with certain delicate or challenging items.
There are also more specialized packing services available. For example, fragile-only packing focuses solely on packing delicate and fragile items such as artwork, antiques, and glassware. Professionals use specialized packing materials to ensure the safety of these items during transit. This differs from a crating service designed for particularly valuable, large, or irregularly shaped items. You can opt for custom crating services to ensure maximum protection during transportation.
Moving insurance is a type of insurance that protects your belongings while they’re being moved from one location to another. It provides financial reimbursement if any items are lost, damaged, or destroyed.
Moving companies must offer basic coverage known as released value protection. This coverage provides minimal protection at no extra charge, compensating items based on weight rather than value. However, for comprehensive protection, you can opt for full-value protection. This protection plan ensures the moving company is responsible for repairing, replacing, or reimbursing the full value of any damaged or lost items.

Compare the Top Packing and Moving Companies

International Van Lines and American Van Lines offer some of the most comprehensive packing service selections, and they also top our list because of their quality insurance coverage with full-value protection plans. See how our top movers stack against each other based on these important factors and more.

Our Pick
International Van Lines
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American Van Lines
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JK Moving Services
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Allied Van Lines
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North American Van Lines
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Overall Rating

4.5 / 5 4.3 / 5 4.7 / 5 5 / 5 4.8 / 5

BBB Rating

A+ A+ A+ A+ A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier/Broker Carrier Carrier Carrier Carrier/Broker

Average Price*

$5,250 $5,625 $7,171 $5,370 $5,969

Deposit Required

Up to 25% Up to 50% $250 None None

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
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping
  • Budget-planning service
  • No deposit
  • Only provides binding estimates

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
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process
  • Items may take 10–14 days to arrive
  • Limited storage services according to zip code
  • Three-day requirement for cancellations

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 JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.

Rating Categories

International Van Lines American Van Lines JK Moving Services Allied Van Lines North American Van Lines

Customer Service

5 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
5 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Note: The estimate info in this article is for a three-bedroom move from Dallas, Texas, to San Diego, California unless stated otherwise.

Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of February 2024.

Company Star Rating BBB Rating Estimate Info Visit Site
4.5
A+ $2,500–$4,300 GET ESTIMATE
4.3
A+ $3,200–$3,500 GET ESTIMATE
4.5
B- $6,300–$7,500 GET ESTIMATE
4.0
B $2,800–$4,000 GET ESTIMATE
4.3
B $2,968–$5,668 GET ESTIMATE
4.7
A+ $7,550 GET ESTIMATE
4.8
A+ $4,700–$5,350 GET ESTIMATE
5.0
A+ $4,730–$5,380 GET ESTIMATE
4.8
A+ $5,169–$7,003 GET ESTIMATE
4.1
A+ Contact for Pricing GET ESTIMATE

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5
  • Availability: 50 states
  • USDOT #: 2293832

International Van Lines (IVL) handles almost every part of your move for you. Since 2003, IVL has provided full-service and partial-service moving packages with options such as furniture disassembly, packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking, and furniture reassembly.

IVL allows you to have control over your packing experience. For example, you can have the company professionally pack your items and/or custom-crate them, or you can save money by choosing to self-pack while IVL’s movers handle all the loading and transportation.

How We Scored International Van Lines

IVL received a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. It was awarded our highest rating because of its extensive list of basic and add-on services and wide service area. IVL also received high marks for its excellent Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and for providing moving services. However, it lost some points for not offering a rental truck option and financing.

  • Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): IVL offers one of the most comprehensive moving service selections available, including full-pack, partial-pack, and specialty services such as crating for artwork and antiques.
  • Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): IVL scored high in this category as it offers more than three different insurance coverage options. You can choose to pay top dollar for full-value protection or opt for less expensive partial-value release plans.
  • Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): We found IVL’s scheduling and quoting process simple and easy, and it has multiple communication methods, including email and phone.
  • Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): The company lost some points in this category because it doesn’t provide financing or any do-it-yourself (DIY) moving methods. However, it still offers comprehensive storage services and sells packing materials to its customers.
  • Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): IVL maintains an overall positive reputation across online review sites. It has only featured one crash report in the past two years, with most of its trucks passing federal inspection and staying in service.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers specialty services for difficult items such as artwork, antiques, recreational equipment, and pianos Offers contents protection plans with an adjustable coverage cap Allows customers to mix and match packing services Cons Requires a 25% deposit when booking a move Sometimes acts as a moving broker based on your move’s location Customer reviews mention difficulty in communication

Packing and Moving Services

IVL offers customizable moving packages that include packing services. It offers full-pack, partial-pack, and custom crating options. IVL takes care of everything from packing to unpacking if you choose a full-pack service. You pack most items if you choose a partial-pack service, but IVL handles fragile items and transportation. Custom crating is ideal for challenging items that have unusual shapes.

You may also add any of the following services when you choose IVL: 

  • Bulky item relocation
  • Large vehicle shipping
  • Motorcycle shipping
  • Piano moving
  • Temporary or permanent storage

Cost

IVL’s quote process involves a phone-based or in-person estimate. We suggest opting for an in-person consultation for an accurate estimate. However, to get an estimate, we used the company’s online moving cost calculator to generate a generalized sample quote. A binding estimate requires an in-person consultation. Our sample quote only includes transportation and loading services.

  • Sample quote: $4,200–$6,150 (three-bedroom move from Dallas, Texas, to San Diego, California)
  • Deposit: 25%
  • Payment accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card (deposit only), money order

Reputation and Reviews

IVL has an A rating on the BBB but is currently not accredited. Positive reviews for the company mention prompt service, professional crews, and helpful relocation representatives. However, some customers reported inconsistent quality depending on the partner company booked, with issues ranging from broken items to poor communication practices. 

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3
  • Availability: 48 states*
  • USDOT #: 614506

*American Van Lines is not available in Alaska or Hawaii

American Van Lines focuses on providing highly experienced and skillful movers that pack all items appropriately and securely. American Van Lines only hires full-time, background-checked employees rather than the standard of contractual labor. The company invests further in its workers, who have an average of 10 years of moving experience each, by training them in specialty services at a Pompano Beach, Florida, facility.

American Van Lines provides custom crating and custom boxes for packing services. This includes mattress boxes, mirror cases, wardrobe boxes, and other specialized packing supplies. Its movers can also disassemble, crate, and move any antiques or pianos you own.

How We Scored American Van Lines

American Van Lines scored 4.5 out of 5 stars based on our rating system. The company stands out with its wide range of moving and packing services. However, we deducted some points in the scheduling and customer service categories.

  • Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): American Van Lines offers a variety of service packages and options for you to choose from, including specialty services that highly trained moving professionals carry out. You can opt for a partial-pack or a full-pack move.
  • Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): The company scored high in this category because it provides multiple insurance coverage levels tailored to your move’s budget and needs.
  • Scheduling (4 out of 8 points): American Van Lines scored lower in this category because it only offers scheduling via phone. Many other movers offer the convenience of online scheduling and virtual consultations. The company’s customer service hours are also limited to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
  • Additional Benefits (8 out of 13 points): American Van Lines offers fewer additional benefits than IVL. The company doesn’t provide financing or DIY moving options, an online cost calculator, or much cost information on its website.
  • Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): American Van Lines has many positive reviews on its BBB profile. However, some of its trucks appear to fail federal inspections regularly. Its FMCSA profile shows a report of an injury and five tows.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers custom crating and packing solutions Features highly skilled workers with an average of 10 years of experience Offers a price-matching policy Cons Requires an up-front deposit that may range between 10% and 50% of the total cost Limited pricing information online Doesn’t offer any shipment tracking

Packing and Moving Services

American Van Lines provides highly skilled labor for almost all parts of your move. Service includes disassembly, packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking, and furniture reassembly. American Van Lines is a great choice if you have challenging items to break down and pack, such as a Peloton or other gym equipment, a piano, or priceless antique furniture.

You can also turn to the company for the following services:

  • Corporate relocations
  • Military relocations 
  • Online shipment tracking
  • Temporary and permanent storage
  • White-glove relocation of artwork and antiques

Cost

American Van Lines provides accurate pricing that doesn’t greatly change or feature hidden fees. The company only offers binding estimates through in-home or virtual surveys, as moving costs vary based on factors including inventory weight and packing services needed. However, it provides some pricing information online on its moving cost page. American Van Lines estimates that moving a three-bedroom home (or 10,000 pounds) that includes some packing services is $7,739.

  • Sample quote: $7,739 (three-bedroom move from Dallas, Texas, to San Diego, California)
  • Deposit: Up to 50% up-front
  • Payment accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card, money order, and traveler’s check

Reputation and Reviews

The company has an A+ rating with the BBB, which indicates its reliability and trustworthiness. Its customer reviews also reflect satisfactory service, rating 4.04 out of 5 stars. Many of American Van Lines’ former customers have praised its reasonable pricing, but a few negative reviews mention unexpected price increases and difficulty communicating with moving crews.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7
  • Availability: 50 states
  • USDOT #: 1065394

JK Moving Services assigns you a personal moving coordinator to create a moving package around your specific needs and budget. This includes packing, crating, specialty services, packing supplies, and more.

The company also offers the rare perk of financing your packing and moving services. Through a partnership with Enhancify, JK Moving customers can receive rates as low as 0% same-as-cash on their moves.*

*Subject to credit approval

How We Scored JK Moving Services

JK Moving scored 4.7 out of 5 stars. The company stands out for its financing options, as well as its long-distance and international moving services. It received a slightly lower overall rating because it doesn’t offer any DIY moving options or a moving cost calculator.

  • Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): JK Moving offers a wide range of comprehensive service options that allow you to customize your moving package. It provides all standard full-pack and partial-pack options and crating and specialty services for antiques and artwork.
  • Insurance Coverage (5 out of 8 points):  The company provides only two insurance coverage options despite offering more detailed financing options. It offers one partial-value protection plan and one full-value protection plan.
  • Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): JK Moving offers phone and online options for scheduling a more in-depth virtual or in-person estimate process.
  • Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): JK Moving offers many additional benefits, including financing programs, storage services, GPS tracking, and more. However, it doesn’t provide any online tools to help you learn about its pricing.
  • Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): The company has high customer review scores online, and its FMCSA profile features one injury and two tows. Overall, JK Moving seems to maintain excellent customer service and support.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides customer service 24/7 Offers financing through Enhancify Customizes packing services based on your needs Cons Has mixed customer reviews that mention difficult communication Does not provide online pricing Local moving services are only available in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia

Packing and Moving Services

A JK Moving personal moving coordinator collects information about your moving needs and budget during the quote process. This way, you receive a moving package that meets all your packing needs.

The company’s professional movers and packers wrap and pack everything for you if you choose JK Moving’s full-service packing option. This includes inventory-tagging every item. You may also opt for fragile-only packing, picking the items you want JK Moving to handle. The company also handles furniture disassembly when requested.

It offers these additional services:

  • Government moves
  • International moves 
  • Office moves and IT removal
  • Shipment tracking 
  • Temporary and permanent storage

Cost

JK Moving customizes each one of its moves. This is why the company doesn’t provide any pricing information online. It also means it uses binding estimates to avoid drastic changes or hidden fees in your quote. Major factors that influence the total cost of your move include move distance, shipment weight, difficult-to-move items, and number of crew members needed.

We contacted a JK Moving sales representative to get a quote for our research. The process was longer than other interstate movers but yielded a more accurate and detailed quote. We received the following information:

  • Sample quote: $7,521 (two-bedroom move from Atlanta, Georgia, to Chicago, Illinois)
  • Deposit: $250 up-front
  • Payment accepted: Cash and credit card

Reputation and Reviews

JK Moving has a top-notch reputation, maintaining an A+ rating with the BBB, and it receives praise across multiple review platforms. Thanks to its highly trained movers and financing options, the customer review score on its BBB profile stands at 4.45 out of 5 stars. However, there have been some quality variance issues that have held them back.

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
5
  • Availability: 50 states
  • USDOT #: 076235

Allied Van Lines acts as a carrier for many of its services, and this includes vehicle relocation services. Allied directly communicates with the employee transporting your vehicle and provides GPS shipment tracking, so you can have an easier time knowing exactly where your belongings are located.

The company also provides plenty of packing services, such as full-pack services and crating. Notably, Allied features a fragile-only packing service. This service lets you save money as you pack your non-fragile items, and Allied packs any difficult or fragile items you own to ensure their safety in transit.

How We Scored Allied Van Lines

Allied received 4.8 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. It secured a top position among our recommended moving companies due to its excellent packing services for local, long-distance, and international moves. However, it lost some points because it doesn’t provide DIY moving options and financing.

  • Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): Allied offers all moving services that most customers care about, including vehicle shipping and piano moving.
  • Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): The company offers multiple levels of protection for your belongings. Therefore, you can adjust coverage to match your budget and desired level of security.
  • Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): You can contact Allied via phone, online chat, or email. The company’s website is one of the more user-friendly ones we’ve encountered.
  • Additional Benefits (8 out of 13 points): Allied doesn’t provide any financing or moving truck rentals. Also, its website doesn’t provide a moving calculator.
  • Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): We found Allied to have an overall positive reputation online, and it responds to more than 90% of the complaints it receives on its BBB profile. While the company’s FMCSA profile features fewer failed inspections than average, it has more injuries, crashes, and tows than other companies, with 39 incidents.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers in-house vehicle relocation services Partners with the Salvation Army to help donate unwanted items Offers fragile-only packing services alongside custom crating and full packing options Cons Customer reviews mention difficulty reaching the contents protection claims department Might be more expensive than some competitors Doesn’t offer any shipment tracking

Packing and Moving Services

Allied Van Lines offers a variety of full-service moving options. Like IVL, Allied provides full packing, custom crating, and partial packing services. It also offers a fragile-only packing service. With this service, Allied will handle any difficult items or rooms, such as your kitchen, while you pack the rest independently. This is a great middle ground between full-service and partial-service packing. The company even sells packing supplies and offers a DIY, portable storage container service called Allied Express.

Allied also offers the following:

  • Corporate relocation services
  • Temporary and permanent storage
  • Third-party cleaning services

Cost

Allied Van Lines provides binding estimates, which are prices that don’t drastically change during your move despite unexpected events or setbacks. You must conduct an in-home or virtual survey with Allied to obtain a binding estimate. Allied provided us with a ballpark quote.

  • Sample quote: $7,649–$8,453 (three-bedroom move from Dallas, Texas, to San Diego, California)
  • Deposit: Up to 50% up-front
  • Payment accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card, money order, and traveler’s check

Reputation and Reviews

Allied has more than 500 locations, so the service quality of these locations can vary significantly. We suggest you closely examine local reviews instead of relying solely on the nationwide consensus. The company’s headquarters BBB page shows a rating of 1.09 out of 5 stars, but other Allied locations fare better. Regardless, Allied has an A+ rating from the BBB and has been accredited since 2012.

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.8
  • Availability: 50 states
  • USDOT #: 070851

North American Van Lines (NAVL) provides many standard packing options for a full-service mover, such as packing and furniture disassembly. Services include full-service packing, fragile-only packing, and assistance with self packing via a personal move coordinator and NAVL’s online packing tips blog.

NAVL provides further support for your packed items through its detailed and accessible claims process. The company provides access to claims forms for domestic and international movies across its website. NAVL assigns a claim adjuster to your case and notes that you shouldn’t proceed with any repairs or dispose of damaged items, as all damaged items are subject to inspection. It also uses two separate customer support lines for domestic and international moves to streamline the claims process further.

How We Scored North American Van Lines

NAVL received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The moving company offers various comprehensive moving options, including packing and storage assistance, for various distances. However, the company lost some points due to its limited booking procedures, which require you to contact a moving representative over the phone.

  • Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): NAVL provides all possible packing and moving services, including full-pack and partial-pack for local, long-distance, and international moves. 
  • Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): NAVL offers superior protection plans and insurance compared to competitors. The company provides a basic carrier liability protection program called No-Cost Released Value Protection. This program is part of NAVL’s full-valuation protection program and offers a minimum shipment value of $6,000 and a value of $6 per pound. The coverage amount is calculated by multiplying your shipment’s total weight by $6. This is significantly more than the standard 60 cents per pound required by federal law.
  • Scheduling (4 out of 8 points): NAVL only offers over-the-phone communication methods.
  • Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): NAVL offers many additional benefits, such as storage services and GPS tracking, but doesn’t provide any DIY moving services or financing.
  • Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): NAVL has a concerning FMCSA profile, with a failed inspection rate of 27.1%, which exceeds the national average of 22.26%. It also reports 28 total crashes in the past two years. The customer review score on its BBB profile is also much lower than other companies on this list, but we noticed that company representatives are responding to many of the reviews.

Pros and Cons

Pros Detailed and transparent claims process Offers assistance with installing appliances Wide assortment of online tools and resources, including packing tips Cons Available agents may be limited based on your location Storage options can be limited based on location Its website is confusing and lackluster

Packing and Moving Services

NAVL offers many popular full-service packing and moving options. On top of packing and crating options, NAVL helps install appliances. It offers debris removal, such as getting rid of empty boxes. This helps the unpacking process go faster.

NAVL also provides custom contents protection plans through its detailed Valued Inventory Forms. These forms help you determine the appropriate level of coverage for your belongings, and you then create a coverage plan with an NAVL representative based on this information.

You can also count on NAVL for the following:

  • Packing supplies
  • Temporary and permanent storage options
  • Vehicle shipping services

Cost

Similar to Allied, NAVL uses binding estimates to provide accurate pricing that doesn’t get greatly altered. It also requires conducting an in-home or virtual survey to obtain one. We got a ballpark estimate for a move with packing services from an NAVL representative by working with them over the phone and email.

  • Sample quote: $7,620–$8,420 (three-bedroom move from Dallas, Texas, to San Diego, California)
  • Deposit: None
  • Payment accepted: Cash, certified check, money order, check

Reputation and Reviews

NAVL’s headquarters has an A+ rating and accreditation on its BBB page but also shows a low customer review rating of 1.13 out of 5 stars. We recommend you check the customer feedback for your local NAVL branch before booking.


What Determines a Packing and Moving Service’s Cost?

Two main cost factors will affect your packing and moving company’s cost. The first factor is the company, and the second is the type of move. 

Take some time as you research to figure out which type of move you and your family might want. You should consider what you value in a moving service and what you’re willing to do to determine which type of move you should undertake.

  • Full-service moving companies: We recommend a full-service moving company if you want someone to handle as much of your move as possible. Full-service moving companies pack and unpack belongings and might employ movers with experience transporting fragile items such as antiques.
  • Self-service moving companies: We suggest you look into self-service moving companies such as 1-800-PACK-RAT or U-Pack if you want to save money and feel comfortable taking a DIY approach.

Single-Day Moves

A single-day move’s cost structure is usually hourly, which is similar to local moves. The company will add the cost of extra services, such as packing, to your final total based on the number of hours it takes. You can also incur the cost of materials such as packing supplies or crating. The company may even charge flat fees for services such as piano or pool table moving. You’ll receive an estimate that includes all services, an hourly rate based on demand, and an approximation of the total time required to complete your move.

Multiday Moves

The cost can be a bit more complicated when it comes to longer moves. Generally, you’ll be charged a flat rate or a ballpark estimate based on the following factors:

  • Add-on services: Additional moving services such as packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and more can increase the cost of your move. These services may have flat fees attached or be part of your line-haul fee. This will depend on the mover you use.
  • Advance booking: Booking your move at least six weeks to a month in advance can help ensure you don’t incur higher rates. Some movers will bill higher rates if you book within a week of your move date
  • Company size: There can be significant pricing differences between national van lines, local movers, and truck rental options. Generally, well-known brands charge more than smaller independent movers but may also provide better service, reliability, and claims handling.
  • Insurance: Replacement value protection plans and other moving insurance options protect your items but contribute to the overall price. Higher-value plans usually cost more. Going without protection saves money but carries financial risks if items are damaged.
  • Move date: Moving between May and September often comes with higher rates due to heightened demand, so we recommend you try to schedule outside this time frame, if possible.
  • Move distance and shipping weight: These two factors help determine the line-haul fees that usually account for most of the cost. Movers should have defined weigh-in processes for their trucks and stable per-mile rates to determine these fees.

We requested sample quotes for an interstate, two-bedroom move as part of our moving provider research, and the average cost landed around $4,802, including basic packing and unpacking services.


A packing and moving company can help you make the moving process smoother. However, you still need to prepare ahead of time for a successful moving experience. You should take the following steps to successfully pack and prepare for a move:
Downsize: The less you have, the lower your moving costs. Create a home inventory list that keeps track of the items you plan to sell, donate, or throw away.
Create an inventory list: Make a list of all the items in each room. You should also estimate how many boxes you’ll need for each room’s items.
Research moving companies: Start assembling a list of reputable companies serving your area. The FMCSA is a great government resource for finding a company’s insurance information and checking for any active red flags, such as revoked licensing.
Get quotes and book your move: Get quotes from all the moving companies you’re considering six weeks to one month ahead of your move date. Aim to book your move at least a month in advance. Get copies of your moving contract when you confirm your move date. Also, read the FMCSA’s Rights and Responsibilities documentation; your mover should provide you with a copy.
File a change of address: File change-of-address forms with your local post office. Then, update your contact information with your bank, place of employment, and any other relevant institution.
Read customer reviews: Read available customer reviews on third-party sites such as the BBB and Google Reviews to learn more about a mover’s quality and customer service. Keep in mind that customers may be more likely to leave a review for a negative experience than a positive one.

What Time Line Should You Follow To Prepare for Your Move?

Adhering to a time line for your move can make a big difference. Following a time line that starts eight weeks out from your moving day is ideal. We’ve broken down a moving checklist and an average time line to help you book on time and stay on track with a partial packing service. 

  • Eight weeks: Take a full inventory of your home. Write lists of what you plan to take and what you plan to get rid of. Use these lists when you request quotes from movers. Begin researching movers near you.
  • Six weeks: Field quotes from movers near you and begin packing your belongings. Start with out-of-season items and work toward more essential items at a measured packing pace (a few boxes per day). 
  • Four weeks: Aim to book your move around a month before your move date. Continue packing your items, and arrange shut-off and turn-on dates for all utility services at your current and new addresses.
  • Two weeks: Continue packing. You’ll be packing some semi-essential items at this point. File 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. Leave just enough clothing and kitchenware until the day before the move to ensure you can cook and access essential goods during your road trip to a new state.

Our Conclusion

International Van Lines is our top pick for a packing and moving service because it can match almost anyone’s needs with its comprehensive service selection. Additionally, we found the company’s pricing to be fair and competitive.

You should consider our next top pick, American Van Lines, if you have items that require skilled labor for packing, such as antiques or unique art pieces. The company’s specialized packing teams are a standout in the industry. Lastly, we recommend JK Moving Services if you have a budget for your packing and moving needs. JK Moving pairs its top-of-the-line packing services with financing options to make the experience cost-effective.

You should obtain at least three quotes from professional packing and moving companies before booking the first company you find. This will help you evaluate and compare the providers and ensure you get the best price for the job.


FAQ About Packing and Moving Companies

How much does it cost to have someone pack for you?

You can expect it to cost between $20 and $50 per hour per packer if you hire someone to pack for you and you’re moving locally.

What will movers not pack?

Common items that movers won’t pack include the following:

  • Cleaning chemicals
  • Firearms
  • Fireworks
  • Gasoline
  • Lighter fluid
  • Matches
  • Nail polish remover
  • Paint
  • Paint thinners
  • Propane tanks

What is a full packing service?

A full packing service is when the movers pack everything for you. A partial packing service is when the movers pack items you don’t want to pack yourself. Self-packing refers to when you pack everything yourself, but a professional moving company handles other parts of your move.

Infographic showing time and effort put into this article's research

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.