American Van Lines is our top pick for standard and extensive moving services, including packing and loading, transporting vehicles, and short-term storage options. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, choosing the right moving company can make the process easier and help protect your belongings.
To find the best moving companies, we researched dozens of leading providers, analyzed more than 2,000 moving quotes, and surveyed 1,000 homeowners nationwide about their most recent move. Read on to compare our top-rated movers and choose the provider that’s right for your next move.
Key Takeaways
- American Van Lines is our top recommendation for a professional mover, which was also the most popular moving company in our latest nationwide moving survey.
- The typical cost to move is around $3,020 for both local and long-distance moves. A long-distance move costs about $3,124, while a local move across the U.S. averages $1,489.
- According to our moving survey, 85% of respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their move, highlighting the value of choosing a reputable moving company and planning ahead.
Top Moving Companies
When planning your next move, working with a trusted moving company can significantly impact your transition to a new home. Here’s our list of the top moving providers:
- American Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
Compare Our Top-Rated Moving Companies
Before we go over why each professional mover made our list, compare our top-rated companies side-by-side based on our scores, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, average costs, and licensing.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Average Price | Deposit Required | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A- | $3,218 | 10%–50% | Carrier | ||
A+ | $3,520 | None | Carrier/Broker | ||
A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | ||
A+ | $2,273 | $250 | Carrier | ||
A+ | $3,601 | None | Carrier/Broker |
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Companies
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is our top recommendation for long-distance moves, earning the highest customer trust rating in our recent survey of 1,000 moving customers nationwide. With more than 30 years of experience, the company provides comprehensive moving services, including professional packing and unpacking, custom crating, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and storage solutions. Its in-house moving crews receive specialized training to handle everything from antiques and fine art to large household appliances.
The company uses transparent flat-rate pricing that includes loading, transportation, unloading, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and specialty item handling without surprise fees for services such as stairs. As a direct carrier rather than a broker, American Van Lines manages your move with its own crews from start to finish instead of outsourcing it to third-party movers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works strictly as a moving carrier and doesn’t outsource services as a result
- Offers price-matching if you find a lower rate elsewhere
- Extends a guaranteed delivery option for an extra cost
Cons
- Doesn’t offer online moving quotes
- May require a large upfront deposit of up to 50%
Cost and Services
American Van Lines’ pricing varies based on your move distance, home size, and selected services. Based on the quotes we collected, customers with a two-bedroom home paid an average of $3,264, while the overall average across all quotes was $3,218. This pricing is generally in line with the national average moving cost of $3,020.
Below is a quick list of the services American Van Lines offers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Loading
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Office moves
- Unloading
- Unpacking
Allied Van Lines
Founded in 1928, Allied Van Lines is the most experienced moving company in our network of preferred national movers. The company specializes in long-distance relocations and offers a range of services, including fragile-only packing for delicate belongings and Allied Express moving containers for customers seeking a more affordable alternative to full-service moving.
Allied stands out by guaranteeing delivery dates for its moving containers, a feature that’s uncommon among portable storage options. In our recent moving survey, Allied was the only provider whose customers consistently reported paying the quoted price without unexpected fees. The company also offers in-home estimates for more accurate pricing. However, because Allied operates as both a carrier and a broker, affiliated moving companies may handle some long-distance moves.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Features real-time shipment tracking through an advanced online system
- Includes flexible container options with Allied Express for moving flexibility
- Specializes in high-value vehicle transport, including classic and luxury automobiles
Cons
- Limited customer support hours compared to some competitors
- Potential for third-party handling in certain service regions
Cost and Services
Allied Van Lines has an overall average price of $3,520 across the local and long-distance quotes we collected. Customers with a two-bedroom home typically pay around $2,907, though costs vary based on move distance and the services you choose. Here’s a list of the services Allied offers for moves:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading
- Office moves
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Unloading
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
International Van Lines
International Van Lines is one of the few movers we reviewed offering door-to-door international relocation services in more than 140 countries. The company also provides international vehicle shipping, making it a strong choice for customers relocating overseas who want their car delivered to their new destination.
As both a broker and a moving carrier, the company can coordinate moves through its nationwide network of moving partners, expanding its service coverage and expertise across different locations. International Van Lines also offers specialized services, including climate-controlled transportation, custom crating, and handling for antiques and other fragile items.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has strong regional knowledge with a nationwide reach
- Combines carrier and broker capabilities for flexible service options
- Provides round-the-clock, 24/7 customer assistance
Cons
- Lacks digital quote generation capabilities
- Requires an upfront payment of up to 25% at pickup
Cost and Services
International Van Lines costs an average of $3,112 based on the local and long-distance quotes we collected nationwide. Customers with a two-bedroom home paid an average of $2,418, which is competitive for a full-service mover.
Here are the services IVL offers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading
- Office moves
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Unloading
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services specializes in personalized long-distance moves, assigning each customer a dedicated move coordinator to create a customized plan covering logistics, costs, and scheduling. Although the company doesn’t perform local moves in every market, it provides interstate service nationwide.
JK Moving is a strong choice for customers with specialty items, offering professional handling for pianos, antiques, and other high-value belongings. The company also partners with Montway Auto Transport for vehicle shipping and provides real-time shipment tracking through its mobile app, giving customers greater visibility throughout the moving process.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Assigns dedicated moving coordinators for personalized relocation planning
- Utilizes specialized packing materials for environmental protection
- Provides flexible financing options through a partnership with Enhancify
Cons
- Limits storage solutions to specific geographic regions
- May have reduced availability during industry peak seasons, based on customer reviews
Cost and Services
Based on the quotes we collected, JK Moving charges an average of $2,245 for a two-bedroom move. However, pricing varies widely depending on the distance, services, and valuation coverage you choose. During our secret shopping experience, the company quoted $7,520 to move a two-bedroom home from Atlanta to Chicago, including furniture disassembly, wrapping, loading, unloading, and full-value protection.
JK Moving offers the following services:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Loading
- Office moves
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Unloading
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines is our recommendation for large moves thanks to its wide range of moving services, nationwide network, and flexible storage options. The company offers local, long-distance, and international moves, along with packing, loading, unloading, fragile-only packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and vehicle shipping.
The company’s nationwide network of short- and long-term storage facilities helps customers coordinate complex move timelines, while its contents protection program exceeds the federally required minimum by reimbursing up to $6 per pound for shipments valued at $6,000 or more.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brings industry knowledge of regional regulations and seasonal considerations
- Provides guaranteed pricing with not-to-exceed quotes for budget certainty
- Features digital tracking capabilities through a dedicated mobile application
Cons
- Has limited regional-specific promotional offerings
- Service quality may vary depending on local franchise locations
Cost and Services
North American Van Lines has an overall average national price of $3,601 based on the local and long-distance quotes we collected. Customers moving a two-bedroom home paid an average of $2,848. Here are North American Van Lines’ service options:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading
- Office moves
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Unloading
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
How Much Does a Move Cost?
The average cost to move is around $3,020, which we estimated based on quotes for both local and long-distance moves. The average cost of a long-distance move across the country is $3,124, while the average cost of a local move is $1,489. Your moving price will change according to your home’s size, the total distance of the move, the services you need, and the time of the year.
In our most recent moving survey, 89% of respondents said their final bill matched their original quote. However, 11% of respondents paid more than expected, with most overages ranging from a few hundred dollars to $1,000. Understanding the factors that affect moving costs can help you budget more accurately and reduce the possibility of unexpected charges.
Moving Costs by Home Size and Distance
Get a better idea of what your move might cost by home size, including the number of bedrooms and estimated weights of the associated belongings, in the table below.
| 1 Bedroom (2,000–4,000 lbs) | 2 Bedrooms (4,000–7,000 lbs) | 3 Bedrooms (7,000–10,000 lbs) | 4 Bedrooms (10,000+ lbs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local (50 miles or less) | $1,492 | $1,202 | $1,479 | $2,799 |
| 50–200 miles | $1,585 | $1,632 | $2,242 | $4,319 |
| 201–500 miles | $2,239 | $1,946 | $2,766 | $6,566 |
| 501–800 miles | $1,999 | $2,087 | $3,249 | $7,016 |
| 801–1,100 miles | $2,424 | $2,450 | $3,704 | $6,348 |
| 1,101–1,400 miles | $2,485 | $2,668 | $3,913 | $6,207 |
| 1,401–1,700 miles | $2,434 | $2,981 | $4,253 | $8,513 |
| 1,701+ miles | $2,916 | $3,351 | $5,064 | $9,228 |
| Total average | $2,437 | $3,450 | $6,382 |
What Else Goes Into Moving Costs?
When estimating the cost of your move, it’s important to look beyond just distance and home size. A few different factors can influence how much you’ll ultimately spend, no matter where you’re relocating. Understanding these elements can help you budget and avoid last-minute surprises.
Summer is the busiest season for professional moving companies, which often means higher prices and limited availability. Moving during the late fall or winter may help you save money, while holiday weekends and hurricane season can also increase costs or cause delays.
Additional services, like packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, specialty item handling, vehicle shipping, or storage, can increase your total cost. In our moving survey, most respondents used a two- or three-person moving crew, while only 9% of people required five or more movers. Larger crews typically increase labor costs, especially for big homes or specialty items.
Properties with multiple stories, narrow hallways, long carrying distances, or limited elevator access typically require more moving time and labor. Some cities also require parking permits for moving trucks, and if movers have to carry your belongings a long distance from the truck to your home, you may owe additional long-carry or access fees.
Longer moves generally cost more because of increased fuel, travel time, tolls, and labor. Moves to or from rural or hard-to-reach locations may include additional transportation charges.
The more items you move, the more truck space, labor, and time your move will require. Because many movers base pricing on shipment weight or volume, decluttering before moving can help reduce costs.
Homeowner Insights
Packing was the most common moving add-on in our survey, purchased by 34% of respondents. Packing supplies (30%), unpacking (21%), storage (19%), and custom crating (16%) were also popular upgrades.
How We Collected Moving Cost Data
To estimate moving costs across the U.S., we collected more than 2,000 quotes from 16 nationwide moving companies. We requested quotes for homes ranging from studios to four-bedroom houses and included local, interstate, and cross-country moves.
To capture regional pricing differences, we gathered quotes from urban, suburban, and rural areas across the country. We averaged costs within each state before calculating national averages for local and long-distance moves.
What Services Do Professional Movers Offer?
Our top recommendations offer full-service professional packing and loading services. Get an idea of what specialty services each provider on our list offers in the table below.
| Specialty Services Offered | American Van Lines | Allied Van Lines | International Van Lines | JK Moving | North American Van Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly/reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Crating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Appliance and electronics handling | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Antique/specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Junk removal | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
How To Save Money on Your Move
Use these tips to lower your moving costs without sacrificing service quality.
- Book your move early: Reserve your mover at least six to eight weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during the busy summer season. Early booking can help you secure better rates and availability.
- Declutter before you move: We recommend decluttering before moving day to reduce your shipment’s weight or volume. Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need to help lower your overall moving costs.
- Consider a do-it-yourself (DIY) or hybrid move: If you’re comfortable packing and loading your belongings, moving containers or truck rentals can cost significantly less than hiring a full-service mover. Choose the service level that best fits your budget and moving needs.
- Bundle storage if needed: If your move-in and move-out dates don’t align, ask whether your mover can include temporary storage in your moving package. Bundling services may cost less than arranging storage separately.
- Ask about discounts: Many movers offer discounts for military members, students, seniors, and AAA members. Before booking, ask whether any promotions or special pricing are available.
- Compare multiple quotes: Get estimates from at least three reputable movers. Comparing quotes can help you find the best value and give you leverage to negotiate pricing.
Homeowner Insight
Fewer than half of our survey respondents (43%) said their mover offered a binding estimate, while 57% either weren’t offered one or weren’t sure. A binding estimate guarantees a fixed price based on the estimated weight of your belongings, helping reduce the risk of unexpected charges.
What Moving Regulations Should You Know?
Before you load the first box on moving day, it’s worth brushing up on a few key regulations that can impact your plans, especially for long-distance or interstate moves. Understanding local, state, and federal regulations can protect your rights, prevent surprise fees, and help you choose a trustworthy mover. Here’s what to keep in mind as you plan for your move:
- Bill of lading: This is your official contract with the moving company. It outlines your services, pricing, and delivery terms. Review it carefully before signing, and never sign a blank or incomplete bill of lading.
- Binding vs. non-binding estimates: A binding estimate locks in your price unless you change your shipment or requested services. A non-binding estimate may increase if your shipment weighs more than estimated or you add services before moving day.
- FMCSA registration: Interstate movers must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Before booking, verify the company’s licensing, safety record, and complaint history through the FMCSA to ensure you’re hiring a legitimate mover.
- Valuation coverage: Federal law requires movers to offer basic valuation coverage, but it isn’t the same as moving insurance. Basic valuation typically reimburses up to $0.60 per pound per item, so consider purchasing additional valuation coverage or third-party moving insurance if you’re transporting high-value belongings.
Our Survey Results: How Do Homeowners Feel About Moving?
We surveyed 1,000 customers nationwide about their recent moving experiences to better understand moving costs, common challenges, and what to expect when hiring a professional mover. The survey focused on local and long-distance moves and did not include DIY truck rental companies.
Most Moves Stay Close to Home
Most respondents (72%) completed a local move, while 26% moved long-distance and just 2% relocated internationally. Although cross-country moves often receive the most attention, our survey shows that local moves remain the most common type of relocation.
Moving Costs Often Exceed Expectations
Our survey found that 55% of respondents underestimated their moving costs, spending an average of $545 more than expected. Local moves typically cost $50–$150 per hour, while long-distance moves generally ranged from $1,000–$5,000, with most survey respondents paying between $2,000 and $3,000.
Moving Is Stressful and Time-Consuming
Nearly all respondents (91%) described their move as stressful. The biggest challenges were packing and unpacking (39%), moving costs (38%), and unexpected delays (27%). More than half (58%) said their move took longer than expected, and 21% went into debt to cover moving expenses.
Most Homeowners Were Happy With Their Movers
Most respondents reported a positive moving experience. In our most recent moving survey, 85% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their move, and 88% said they would hire the same moving company again. Among respondents who wouldn’t use the same mover, the most common complaints were damaged belongings (62%), poor customer service or communication (53%), and unexpected charges (39%).
Quick Tip
- If you need help planning your move, we recommend using a moving checklist to keep everything organized and stay on deadline. Check out our ultimate moving checklist for guidance before, during, and after moving day.
FAQs About the Best Moving Companies
Is it cheaper to hire a moving company?
It depends on the size and distance of your move. A DIY move may cost less for a small, local relocation, but larger or long-distance moves can be more affordable with professionals once you factor in truck rental, fuel, packing supplies, and time. Hiring movers can also reduce the risk of injuries and damage to your belongings.
How do I know if a moving company is reputable?
Check customer reviews on sites like the BBB, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google, and look for a company with consistently positive feedback. Interstate movers should have a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which you can verify through the FMCSA. You should also request a written estimate before booking.
How much should you pay for movers?
The average local move costs $1,489, while the average long-distance move costs $3,124, based on the quotes we collected. Your total cost will vary based on factors such as distance, home size, and any add-on services you choose. Request a detailed estimate upfront and ask whether it’s binding or non-binding.
What should I look for when choosing a moving company?
Look for a mover with a strong reputation, transparent pricing, and responsive customer service. The company should also be properly licensed and insured and provide a clear, detailed contract before your move. Positive customer reviews and accurate written estimates are also good indicators of a reputable mover.
How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies
To fairly and thoroughly evaluate moving companies, we developed a 100-point rating system grounded in real customer feedback, regulatory data, and hands-on testing. We gathered quotes, verified licensing and safety records, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and even conducted secret shopping to get a full picture of the customer experience. Each company was scored across six essential categories and then given a final rating out of 5 stars.
Our Rating Methodology
Here’s how we broke down our review:
- Customer service (18%): We read more than 7,500 reviews on Google Reviews, the BBB, and Trustpilot, surveyed more than 3,000 recent customers, and tested each company’s website and support team ourselves. Companies earned higher marks for having clear communication, responsiveness, and a helpful, user-friendly online experience.
- Reputation (14%): We verified that each mover has proper licensing through the USDOT and checked FMCSA safety records, specifically truck maintenance data. We also gave extra credit to companies that publicly commit to background-checking their crews, showing they prioritize customer safety.
- Value (18%): Using real quotes for 3-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles, we compared average prices across providers. We also considered whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they have a clear and simple billing process.
- Service offerings (19%): We evaluated the range of services available, from packing and unpacking to piano moving and junk removal. Movers that offer more options, including do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions like portable storage, scored higher for flexibility and convenience.
- Item protection (20%): We reviewed each company’s insurance offerings and how well they prevent damage during the move. Higher scores went to movers that offer full-value protection and use best practices like shrink wrap, padding, and floor guards.
- Scheduling (11%): We assessed how easy it is to request a quote, speak to a representative, and manage a move from start to finish. Companies with multiple contact options, digital tools like apps or customer portals, and streamlined booking processes stood out from the rest.