The Best Packing and Moving Companies
We recommend International Van Lines as the best packing and moving company because its partner network allows it to offer competitive prices for full-pack and specialty packing services.
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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:
- Best Service Offerings: International Van Lines
- Best Overall Moving Labor: American Van Lines
- Best for Vehicle Relocation: Allied Van Lines
- Best for Claims: North American Van Lines
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.
How Much Do Packing Services Cost?
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.
What Packing Services Are Available?
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.
What Is Moving Insurance?
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
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#1 out of 27 companies | #2 out of 27 companies | #3 out of 27 companies | #4 out of 27 companies | #5 out of 27 companies | |
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 |
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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 |
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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.
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.
How Do I Pack and Prepare for a Move?
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.
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.