Best Moving Companies

Quick and easy. Get matched with a Moving partner.

    Quick and easy. Get matched with a Moving partner.

      Author pictureAuthor pictureAuthor picture
      Author picture
      Written by
      Author picture
      Edited by
      Author picture
      Reviewed by
      47
      Companies considered
      7
      Companies selected
      15k+
      Reviews analyzed
      7
      Features compared

      When you hire professional movers to transport your belongings, you want to be sure you can trust them — and that you get your money's worth. Our research team compared 47 companies and chose our top 7 picks based on services offered, customer reviews, available discounts and move type (self-service vs. full-service; long-distance vs. short-distance).

      For more details on how we selected our top picks, read our full methodology. Our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

      Our editor's top picks

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,338,283 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Compare our top 7 moving company picks

      Colonial Van LinesColonial Van LinesUnited Regions Van LinesUnited Regions Van LinesAllied Van LinesAllied Van LinesNorth American Van LinesNorth American Van LinesMayflowerMayflowerInternational Van LinesInternational Van LinesJK Moving ServicesJK Moving Services
      Rating4.44.53.93.43.03.93.8
      # of reviews2,42856875045119976337
      Our pick for Interstate moves Cross-country moves Auto transport Customer service GPS tracking International moves Full service
      Types of moves Local, interstate, corporate, military Local, interstate, corporate Local, interstate, international, moving containers, corporate, military Local, interstate, international, corporate, military Local, interstate, international, corporate, military Interstate, international, corporate Local, interstate, international
      Discounts Seasonal Seasonal Senior Military and Senior discounts available Military, student, senior, first responders (through agent) Not disclosed Military, Seasonal and Senior Discounts
      Read reviews Read reviews Read reviews Read reviews Read reviews Read reviews Read reviews
      All information accurate as of time of publication.

      More details about our top 7 moving company picks

      Our pick for interstate moves
      Highlight
      Climate-controlled storage options
      Available states
      Full services in 44 states
      USDOT number
      1434373
      Special Offer

      SAVE up to $500!

      SAVE up to $500 on your long-distance move with Colonial Van Lines.

      Colonial Van Lines offers full-service and fragile item packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, installation services, debris removal, short-term and long-term storage and auto transport services. It provides long-distance, interstate, corporate and military relocations, and its full-service moves are available in 44 states.

      Each Colonial Van Lines move comes with a dedicated moving agent, so you can count on having a professional to guide you through the process. When we gathered data for this guide, Colonial was also one of the few movers we looked at that offered us specific cost estimates based on various moving scenarios; to move a three-bedroom home 500 miles, for instance, you can expect to spend around $6,000 for full packing services.

      Reviewers on our site who were happy with their experience often mention Colonial’s quality of service. A reviewer from Georgia said: “The experience with Colonial was great. They came and moved us from Mississippi to Atlanta. We have no complaints at all with the service or the quality of their work or the courtesy. The communication was good. They told us they would pick it up on a Tuesday and they would have it to us on Thursday or Friday … and at 8:30 Wednesday morning, they were sitting in my apartment in Atlanta, Georgia, to unload.”

      Our pick for cross-country moves
      Highlight
      Military and senior moving packages
      Available states
      The contiguous U.S.
      USDOT number
      890424
      Special Offer

      50% off!*

      50% off on Full Packing Service!

      With United Regions Van Lines, you work with a dedicated moving coordinator to schedule packing and relocation services, plus you get access to a handy moving tracker app.

      The company only offers longer-distance (not local) moving services. There’s no specific requirement for booking ahead, but you will save by making arrangements early, especially during peak moving season.

      United Regions Van Lines offers special moving packages, including full-service packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, specialty boxing, and storage, if needed.

      It’s “probably one of the best value for money movers we have ever used,” according to a reviewer in New York. “One of the things that stood out for me was how they made sure they didn’t leave any marks on the walls and floor when they moved the large furniture and appliances.”

      A reviewer in Colorado said hiring United Regions Van Lines was the “best moving decision ever” for two reasons: the cost and the care.

      Our pick for auto transport services

      Allied Van Lines

      Highlight
      Online shipment tracking
      Available states
      All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
      USDOT number
      76235

      Allied Van Lines performs local, long-distance, interstate, international, corporate and military moves, as well as moving container shipping and auto transport. Its range of moving services includes packing for fragile items, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and short-term and long-term storage.

      Allied Van Lines is available across the U.S., including in Washington, D.C. The company offers discounts for seniors, and it offers moving quotes online. Its website also has several informational resources, like cost calculators, FAQ, explanations of how moving quotes work and timelines for packing and moving.

      Happy Allied customers on our site tend to mention careful and prepared staff. One reviewer from Pennsylvania said: “These guys were great! They showed up within the window we were given, took special care of the product they were delivering and quickly put together our couch — all while remaining respectful of our home. For example, they brought their own long black runner to put down in the entry so as not to track in snow and they even took their shoes off. … You’d be surprised how many delivery companies do not do any of these things, and we couldn’t have been happier.”

      Our pick for customer service
      Highlight
      Dedicated moving agents
      Available states
      All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
      USDOT number
      70851

      North American Van Lines provides local, long-distance, interstate, international, corporate and military moves nationwide. It also offers full-service and fragile packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, short- and long-term storage and auto transport. The company has more than 500 agent locations across the U.S.

      North American Van Lines assigns a dedicated moving agent to each move, and its customer service is available 24/7. Its website is full of helpful resources, including moving and packing tips, calculators, timelines, checklists and FAQ.

      Happy customers seem to appreciate North American Van Lines’ careful service and quality staff. One reviewer from New York on our site said: “Beginning with [the] appointment to do remote survey, to the interaction with my move consultant Anthony, on to the moving day and delivery, the experience was smooth and very pleasant.”

      They continued: “The moving crew, Jose and his son, were fantastic, extremely attentive to our needs and took special care loading our belongings, and the delivery crew in Georgia was just as competent, professional and courteous. We are so pleased with the service provided by North American Moving Services/Hall Lane and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing moving service.”

      Our pick for GPS tracking

      Mayflower

      Highlight
      Home cleaning services
      Available states
      All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
      USDOT number
      125563

      Mayflower performs local, long-distance and international moves. Its add-on services include full-service and fragile item packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and storage options. It also offers auto transport, installation services and debris removal. Mayflower is a national company, but its network of carriers can assist with short-distance moves as well.

      You can search for Mayflower’s moving partners in your area on the company's website. You can also track your truck shipment — all you need is your order number and last name. The company assigns a dedicated moving agent to each move, and its cleaning and debris removal services can be a huge help if you have limited time and need help tidying up your old or new place.

      As of publishing, we don’t yet have many Mayflower reviews on our site, but some satisfied customers in recent years have mentioned trusty and organized moving staff and friendly service.

      Our pick for international moves
      Highlight
      Quick (under 15 minutes) quotes
      Available states
      The continental U.S.
      USDOT number
      2293832

      International Van Lines performs local, long-distance and international moves. According to the company, it completes more than 20,000 moves a year. Its MoveOne software allows for a virtual survey of your belongings, which means you can get an estimate without someone actually coming to your home.

      The IVL website has a whole host of moving scenarios on its website (e.g., a local move with three movers and full packing services), along with the associated cost estimates. Whether you’re moving near or far and opting for full-service or basic moving services, you’re likely to find a rough estimate for a move like yours on the site.

      Recent reviews from happy IVL customers on our site frequently mention the company’s prompt and effective processes, even when the moves are complicated. One reviewer from Nebraska said: “International Van Lines worked excellently for our complex, multipart move out of storage into a home where some furniture was being swapped out to go to another location and reasonably priced and did a great job. Highly recommend it.”

      Our pick for full-service moves
      Highlight
      Sustainable practices
      Available states
      All 50 States and Washington, D.C.
      USDOT number
      1065394

      JK Moving Services offers full-service and fragile item packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and short-term and long-term storage, as well as auto transport. It provides services for local, interstate, cross-country and international moves. If you relocate with JK Moving, you get a dedicated moving agent to assist you.

      You can get free storage for seven days if you hire JK Moving for a “small” move, and the company claims it can get you anywhere in the country within nine days if you have a small living space. It also surveys the contents of a home using a video call to provide a cost estimate, and it partners with Enhancify to offer financing plans, including zero-interest options.

      Recent reviews on our site from happy JK Moving customers mention the company’s helpful reps, with many reviewers saying they’d recommend JK Moving to others.

      Moving buyers guide

      The importance of hiring a responsible, professional mover with good customer reviews cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, there are plenty of shady companies out there that specialize in scamming people, bilking them for extra dollars at the end of a move or doing a poor job. And no one needs any extra challenges when they’re already facing the stress and logistics that come with moving.

      » PROTECT YOURSELF: How to avoid moving scams

      Key insights

      • All legit movers in the U.S. must be registered with the FMCSA or their state, and all interstate movers must have a USDOT number.
      • For a smaller local move, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for professional moving services. For larger moves, you might be looking at several thousand dollars.
      • If you decide to hire movers and have the budget for it, you can also pay for them to pack and unpack your belongings.
      • Make sure to get several different moving quotes if possible, and opt for a company with good customer reviews and transparent terms.

      How to choose a moving company

      Whether you’re moving out of your parents' house, to another state or to a new country, here’s a quick step-by-step guide to hiring the right movers for you. You can either hire a moving company directly or work with a moving broker.

      1. Get multiple estimates and walk-throughs: Have the company come to your home to do a walk-through. If a moving company doesn’t offer this service free, take it as a giant red flag. After the walk-through, a representative will provide a cost estimate based on your things. Keep in mind that estimated quotes can change — how much stuff you have and the total move time will determine your final cost.
      2. Read customer reviews and ask for references: As you research movers, be sure to ask friends and family if they’ve worked with a company they’d recommend. And be sure to read online moving reviews, even after you get a good review from someone you know.

        What past customers think of a moving company is one of the best indicators of what your overall experience will be. While one or two negative reviews shouldn’t sink a company, a bunch of bad reviews that mention the same negatives (overcharging, slow moves, broken items) should give you pause.

      3. Watch out for red flags: If you find a moving company with nothing but 5-star reviews, it might seem like a perfect match, but it could be a serious warning sign. As a general rule, no matter how great a company is, there are always a few customers who aren’t completely satisfied. Not everyone will have the same experience, so if no reviewers are unhappy, they’re likely fake reviews.

        Another thing to look out for: relatively new moving companies with no address, no phone number or several different business names. It can be fairly easy for a company that doesn’t actually exist to set up a website, give you a quote via email or text and ask for a down payment you’ll never see again. If a mover asks for a significant down payment, it’s probably not legit.

      Moving company regulations

      All interstate moving companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To find out if a company is legitimate or not, search the FMCSA registry. If the company only operates within a state, check with the state’s moving regulatory agency.

      Also, any interstate moving company must have a current U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT number). You can use this number to look up a company’s safety rating, crash history and certification status.

      » MORE: What is a USDOT number?

      Types of moving companies

      You have a few different transport options when you move: You can hire a full-service moving company or just rent a truck or moving container, depending on your budget and preferences. Start by evaluating your resources in terms of money, time and physical ability.

      Moving yourself is bound to be the least expensive option, but it can take a lot of time and energy. If you need to move in a hurry, have the funds and don’t want to risk physical strain, hiring a moving company is likely your best bet.

      Professional movers

      Hiring professional movers might be ideal if you’re moving a long distance, have a lot of possessions or live in a home that’s tricky to get to, like a walk-up apartment or a house with a lot of stairs.

      The biggest perk to hiring movers: It can save you lots of time and effort — lifting heavy boxes yourself can tire you out pretty quickly. And if you have any bulky or delicate items, movers will know how to transport them safely.

      One downside to hiring movers is the number of bad actors out there who may try to scam you. And, of course, it comes with higher overall costs than moving yourself.

      Moving truck rental companies

      If you’re looking to save a few dollars and don’t have too big a move ahead of you, renting a moving truck might make sense. Just keep in mind that while renting a truck can save you money, it may end up costing you in other ways. Moving can be hectic, and when you add the travel to rent and return a truck, your already long day might come with one more potential headache.

      If you go the do-it-yourself route, you’ll probably have to hire a moving crew or enlist friends and family to help. And if the truck doesn’t come with dollies or straps for loading your things and securing them in the truck, you may have to rent them for an extra cost.

      Moving container rental companies

      With this option, a moving container company delivers the unit to you, and you can pack it according to your own schedule (container rentals usually start at seven days and go up to a month or more).

      Once you pack a box, you can place it in the container and get it out of your way. When you’re finished, the rental company will pick up the unit and deliver it to your new home — then you can unpack at your own pace.

      This convenience does come at a cost; it’s unlikely to be as affordable as renting a truck. Also, note that some locations — like busy city streets or homes without driveways — make placing a container impossible.

      » MORE: 5 types of moving companies

      How much does moving cost?

      If you’re hiring movers, you can expect to pay between $80 and $100 per hour for two laborers to complete a local move, while a long-distance move (about 1,000 miles or more) might cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on what you’re moving and where.

      Moving cost factors

      The price of your move generally hinges on a few major factors: whether you move yourself, how much your belongings weigh (heavy or large items, like pianos and hot tubs, usually mean extra fees), the distance between your old and new home and how much time the move takes.

      » CALCULATE: How much does it cost to move?

      There are several smaller fees and charges to factor in — and they can add up. You’ll also have to add in costs like gas and tolls. Ultimately, the bigger the move, the greater the final bill.

      For instance, if you don’t have the time, energy or ability to pack all your things yourself, you can hire a mover to pack for you. Packing yourself is significantly cheaper, but you still have to pay for packing materials, like tape and cushioning materials. It’s a good idea to try to find free moving boxes around town. If you hire professional packers, you’ll pay a premium for the service.

      Also, consider whether you’ll need temporary storage after you leave your current home. If it’ll be weeks or months before you can actually move into your new place, you’ll likely need to rent a storage unit or pay the moving company more to store your things.

      Moving insurance is another line item to consider when you’re working out a moving budget. Movers are required to provide liability insurance, which means if anything is lost or broken in transit, the company will pay for it — but usually just up to 60 cents per pound per item. If you have costly or precious items, you might consider taking out full-value protection insurance to cover the entire cost of your items.

      » MORE: 8 cheap ways to move across the country

      Moving company discounts

      Make sure to inquire about any deals or promotions you might qualify for — many movers offer discounts on their services.

      For instance, Colonial Van Lines and JK Moving Services advertise seasonal discounts; North American Van Lines has discounts for those affiliated with the military; Allied Van Lines offers senior discounts; and Mayflower has deals for students. Some companies also advertise storage container discounts for small moves.

      Is it worth it to hire movers?

      One of the biggest challenges of hiring movers is the cost, which can vary widely. You might find yourself wondering whether the help is really worth it.

      Ultimately, if you can afford to hire professional movers, this option can save you a ton of time and energy. If money is tight, though, moving yourself can be significantly cheaper — and it means you have control and access to your belongings at all times.

      » COMPARE: Moving yourself vs. hiring movers

      How to prepare for a move

      Try to start your research and planning about two months before your move so you can set up an appropriate budget and stay organized along the way.

      Two months out

      • Set your budget.
      • Research companies.
      • Get moving quotes.
      • Rent your truck (if needed) and make a packing plan.
      • Give notice (if renting) or contact your real estate agent (if selling).
      • Declutter and downsize as needed.

      Six weeks out

      • Donate gently used items or sell/throw away unwanted/unused belongings.
      • Gather moving boxes and packing supplies.
      • Decide what to do with your car.
      • Change your address and request time off work.
      • Start packing and reserve a moving container if needed.

      One month to two weeks out

      • Label packed boxes and move them out of your way.
      • Schedule shut-off for your current utilities and turn-on for the new ones.
      • Make travel arrangements (hotels, etc.) if you’re driving.
      • Figure out how your movers want to be paid.
      • Make a plan for any plants, firearms or other belongings movers won’t take.
      • Figure out parking, prescriptions and subscriptions for your new location.

      Moving week

      In the final days before your move, make sure your space is ready for movers if you’ve hired help. Also, make sure you know how to track the driver’s progress — many companies have a tracking feature online, but if not, make sure you have their contact info.

      If you’re DIYing it, pack your moving truck properly to avoid shuffling during transit (and to make unpacking easier). Also, ensure easy access to a bag of essentials (e.g., toiletries, a few changes of clothes, medications).

      » MORE DETAILS: Moving checklist

      How do moving customers rate the experience?

      We analyzed the past three years of consumer reviews of moving companies on our site and discovered that the overall satisfaction rating was 4.2 stars. Companies that we pick for inclusion in this guide all have ratings of 3.6 stars or higher as of publishing.

      Other key takeaways from our review analysis of moving companies on ConsumerAffairs:

      • Punctuality makes the biggest positive difference to those who’ve hired movers. Reviewers who mention speed of service rate their companies higher than average.
      • On the flip side, mentions of refunds and payouts are associated with a less favorable average rating (3.3 stars).
      • Overall, customers who mention the price give their movers a positive average rating of 4.2 stars.
      • Reviewers had the highest percentage of complaints about sales and marketing tactics: 88% of reviews that mention marketing are negative, and 12% are positive.

      FAQ

      What do most movers charge per hour?

      In general, for a local move, you can expect to spend about $80 to $100 an hour for a team of two movers. The total cost depends on how many laborers you have, how much time it takes and whether your current location or new home has stairs or a difficult parking situation.

      What should I do if I’m the victim of moving fraud?

      It’s not uncommon for someone to fall victim to moving fraud. A fake moving company might run away with a person’s money or hold possessions hostage, demanding an exorbitant amount of money for their return.

      If this happens to you, file a complaint against the moving company with the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database. Also, contact your local state regulator and the police. Just in case, it’s a good idea to note your movers' clothing, physical characteristics and license plate numbers.

      Do you need to tip movers?

      While it’s not required, tipping movers is customary. In general, consider tipping $5 to $10 per mover per hour or up to 20% of the total cost of your move.

      Can I deduct my moving expenses from my taxes?

      Due to tax reform under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), tax deductions for moving expenses have been suspended until 2025.

      Unfortunately, in most scenarios you can’t deduct the cost of your move from your federal taxes. This holds true even if you’re moving for work or a new job. One exception is if your move is military-related, in which case you may be able to deduct the move cost.

      Can you hire movers to move one item?

      Yes, you can hire movers to move just one item. This might make sense if you have something fragile you’re putting in storage or you’re moving a large item from a friend’s home to yours. Just remember to follow the same steps you would for a larger move: Get a few quotes, and make sure the company is legitimate and has good reviews.

      Do I need moving insurance?

      All legitimate movers offer insurance. Typically, moving companies pay 60 cents per pound per item for lost or damaged items. Lots of your possessions are probably worth more than this, though, so you might want to consider buying additional insurance from the company. This is especially true if you have high-value items and own anything particularly delicate or sentimental.

      The cost of additional insurance may be well worth it if something valuable suffers damage in transit, and most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage to items during a move.

      What is the best time of year to hire movers?

      To get the best price, try to schedule your move between September and November. Summer is typically the most expensive time to move, so avoid a big relocation during this season if possible.

      What’s the best day to hire movers?

      In general, weekdays are the most affordable days to move. Weekends are more competitive, so the middle of the week is ideal if possible.

      What are the best movers for seniors?

      Many moving companies — including JK Moving Services, Allied Van Lines, Mayflower and North American Van Lines, all of which are top picks on this guide — provide senior discounts, so make sure to ask about savings when you gather quotes.

      As long as you work with a legitimate, transparent company with good reviews from customers, though, it should be a solid option for your relocation.

      How do moving quotes work?

      Movers typically provide quotes based on virtual or in-person surveys (in-person is usually more accurate) of all your belongings. You’ll get one of three types of estimates: binding, nonbinding and guaranteed-not-to-exceed. Only binding estimates guarantee your price.

      It’s smart to get quotes from at least three different movers. Make sure moving insurance is factored in, and ask about any potential add-on fees.

      Pro tip: Before you get estimates, it’s a good idea to declutter and donate or sell things you don’t need or want anymore.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team collects in-depth, verified reviews in order to offer you honest, real-world company feedback. To select our top picks from the 47 brokers and carriers listed on this guide, we first eliminated companies with an overall satisfaction rating below 3.5 stars on our site. We then analyzed reviews submitted over the last year (November 2021 through November 2022).

      Availability of services and recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data were also considered when making the final selections. Moving scams run rampant throughout the country, so we’ve ensured all companies recommended here are legit and have a proven track record of on-time, completed deliveries and no shoddy tactics.

      From there, we compared several key features to ensure that all seven met our standards. That analysis informed the highlighted headline for each brand. Included in these features were the following:

      • Availability: We made sure our top picks operate in the majority of the U.S. states and are available to most of our readers.
      • Additional services: We prioritized movers who offer full-service moving options, like fragile item packing, furniture assembly and debris removal.
      • Quote process: We went through the quote process with each considered company and ensured our top picks have a quick, easy-to-understand and transparent quote process.
      • Cost: Moving prices can vary significantly depending on the distance, the weight of your belongings and chosen services, but our top picks fall within the normal range of costs for the moving industry.
      • Licensing: Moving companies must follow state and federal regulations. We checked each company’s licensing and made certain there were no alerts.

      Guide sources
      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
      1. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “ Search by Company .” Accessed Sept. 9, 2021.
      2. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “ Licensing and Insurance Public .” Accessed Sept. 9, 2021.
      3. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “ Movers vs. Brokers .” Accessed June 3, 2021.

      Compare moving company reviews

      Want your company to be on this guide?

      Yes, continue
      Comparing

      ×