When most homeowners sit down to calculate their moving costs, they typically don’t include the expense of moving their appliances along with their home. However, if you own a special appliance that you’ve spent time and money upgrading, you might be hesitant to leave it behind. Appliance and furniture movers specialize in helping you crate and transport large and awkward items like ovens, refrigerators, and more.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
If this is your first time making a major household move, you should leave appliance moving to the experts, as moving these heavy items yourself can cause damage and injuries. Appliance and furniture moving companies train their employees to safely disconnect, load, and transport these items on your behalf. If you have an appliance worth saving, read on to learn a little more about:
- Some of the best professional movers offering appliance transportation services
- What you might expect to pay for your moving services with each company
- Some key things to look for when choosing an appliance moving company
The 7 Best Appliance Moving Companies
Our top recommended appliance moving companies for 2023:
Compare The Best Appliance Moving Companies
The table below outlines data for the best moving companies on the market. We constantly update these ratings and price estimates to reflect industry changes. Continue reading in-depth reviews of several top providers.
Company | Best For | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-distance Cost |
 | Best Full-Service | B | $650–$1350 | $2,100–$5,400 | |
 | Most Transparent Pricing | B- | $550–$1,100 | $2,550–$5,700 | |
 | Best Cost Estimation Tools | B | $700 - $1,250 | $1,800 - $4980 | |
 | Best Flat-Rate | Not Rated | Not available for local moves | $2,200–$5,500 | |
 | Most Moving | B | Call for a quote | $2,750–$5,200 | |
 | Most Customizable | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750–$6,000 | |
 | Best Vehicle | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Pricing | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Technology | A+ | Call for quote | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Container Service | A+ | Not available for local moves | $1,350–$2,400 | |
 | Best Valuation Coverage Options | A+ | $1,200-$2,750 | $3,100-$8,400 |
*Quote and cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
American Van Lines has almost three decades of experience at the list of top movers in the U.S. Unlike the prior companies, American Van Lines does not perform international moves, but they are experts at interstate and cross-country moves. Apart from large appliances, American Van Lines can transport items like pianos and antiques — they have specially trained staff with certifications for moving these sensitive items, so you can rest assured that your things will arrive without damage.
One of the best aspects of American Van Lines is that they have no hidden fees. What you see on your quote and moving agreement is exactly what you will pay. American Van Lines has flat-rate estimates, and with this flat-rate system, you can expect fast and competent moving professionals. Find a better price with a competing company? AVL will match your lowest quote from a competing, reputable provider.
IVL, like most full-service movers, provides a range of add-on services and special processes you can use to customize your move. IVL customers currently have access to the following optional processes.
- Packing and unpacking services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Crating
- Specialized packing services for fragile items
- Storage solutions for both short-term and long-term periods
- Packing supplies
- Auto transportation services
- Military moving services
- Commercial moving services
All moves with IVL include loading, unloading, and transportation in your quote’s base price. Additional services beyond this come at an increased cost.
Learn more about what you might pay for moving services from IVL by checking out the table of previous customer pricing below.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-bedroom home | $1,400 to $4,400 | $1,900 to $4,900 | $2,100 to $5,100 | $2,400 to $5,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,200 to $6,200 | $5,100 to $8,100 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $6,200 to $9,200 |
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
American Van Lines has almost three decades of experience at the list of top movers in the U.S. Unlike the prior companies, American Van Lines does not perform international moves, but they are experts at interstate and cross-country moves. Apart from large appliances, American Van Lines can transport items like pianos and antiques — they have specially trained staff with certifications for moving these sensitive items, so you can rest assured that your things will arrive without damage.
One of the best aspects of American Van Lines is that they have no hidden fees. What you see on your quote and moving agreement is exactly what you will pay. American Van Lines has flat-rate estimates, and with this flat-rate system, you can expect fast and competent moving professionals. Find a better price with a competing company? AVL will match your lowest quote from a competing, reputable provider.
AVL operates as a full-service moving company, which means that you’ll see many of the specialty add-on services you’d find with companies like Allied and IVL under their roof. You can currently schedule the following services for your move with American Van Lines.
- Packing and unpacking services
- Storage unit arrangement
- Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Crating for large items (like pianos)
- Moving supplies
- Office moving services and corporate relocation
- Military moves
Loading, unloading, and transportation are included in the price of your move.
Use the table of previous customer pricing data below to learn more about what you might pay for your move with AVL.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-bedroom home | $1,700 to $4,700 | $2,300 to $5,300 | $2,600 to $5,600 | $4,200 to $7,200 |
| Four-bedroom home | $4,800 to $7,800 | $5,600 to $8,600 | $7,400 to $10,400 | $10,800 to $13,800 |
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Moving APT is the top moving broker on our list because thanks to their massive partner network and ability to find you rock-bottom moving rates. Their model is to partner with local moving companies all over the country so that wherever you are and wherever you need to go, they can facilitate the move for you by connecting you with the right companies for your needs and budget. If you need to move appliances along with the remainder of your household goods, Moving APT knows how to find the companies in your area who are qualified to uninstall and reinstall your appliances upon arrival, even if you’re moving at the last minute.
Because of its partnerships with over 2,500 companies across the nation, Moving APT can pick and choose which ones are right for each of its clients. They also offer price matching, so if you think a quote is too expensive, or if you find the same deal yourself for cheaper, Moving APT will match it.
Because Moving APT operates as a broker instead of providing moving services itself, the specific services that will be included with the price of your move and what you’ll have access to may vary depending on the team you’re partnered with. However, Moving APT’s team works around the clock to be sure that you have access to each of the services you need.
Some of Moving APT’s most commonly scheduled add-on services include the following:
- Commercial and residential moving
- Piano moving
- Auto shipping
- Packing services
- Packing supplies (included for some moves)
- Appliance connection services
- Limited furniture disassembly and reassembly
Thanks to Moving APT’s customized focus on pricing and commitment to living up to its price-matching guarantee, it’s best to get a quote directly from Moving APT when you’re ready to select a moving company. In our review, we found that a homeowner with a four-bedroom home moving about 1,000 miles can expect to pay around $7,800 for services.
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
Although JK Moving Services is one of the more expensive companies on this list, you get what you pay for in terms of personal service and attention with this mover. JK’s customer service is accessible 24 hours a day through its convenient mobile app. You can reach out at any time with questions or concerns about your move, and you can use the app to track your items once they’re in transit. JK is pricier because of the quality of service they provide as well as the level of customization they offer. If you only need them to pack and move appliances, a piano, or a few antique items, they can do that. If you only need them to pack up furniture, they can also do that. JK offers auto transport as well as storage solutions at your destination.
JK Moving Services supports wildlife sanctuary and community garden projects. They also background-check and drug-test every member of staff. Each year, staff members undergo training to keep on top of new developments in the moving industry. These are just a few of the reasons why JK Moving Services has become a well-known name throughout the moving industry.
JK Moving Services prides itself on going above and beyond the services you’d find at most other full-service moving companies. Some of the company’s most popular services include the following:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Long-term and short-term storage unit arrangement
- Freighting
- Crating
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly services
- Specialty services for items like antiques and pianos
- Specialized services for commercial moves for law firms, hospitals and other specialized workplaces
- Government moving services
- Archive services
- Auto relocation services
JK Moving includes the price of loading, unloading, and transportation in your quote. If you have special needs that extend beyond the services you see listed here, don’t hesitate to reach out to their team. Your personal moving coordinator may be able to help you schedule additional services or direct you to another partner company that can better assist you.
Like Moving APT, JK Moving Services uses a highly personalized pricing system that can make it challenging to estimate what you’ll pay for service before you claim your free quote. In our review, we found that the average homeowner can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,500 when moving a two-bedroom home a total distance of 500 miles.
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
Allied Van Lines is another full-service mover that has plans tailored to your needs. If you only require appliance moving services, they can help with that. If you require everything from packing, loading, disassembly, reassembly, unloading, and unpacking, Allied can do that for you as well. No matter what your needs, whether you’re moving long-distance or even cross-country, Allied Van Lines has more than 85 years of experience in the moving industry — you can count on them to do all the heavy lifting for your move.
Allied offers specialized appliance moving and installation, whether that be washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, or other cumbersome and clunky appliances. This can provide you with a truly stress-free move, as you can rest with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t need to find another company to re-install your appliances. Allied Van Lines also provides generous auto shipment options, with the ability to move everything from standard sedans to motorboats.
Allied Van Lines’ customers currently have access to the following optional processes, which can be added onto any move.
- Packing services and unpacking services
- Fragile-only packing
- Storage for in-transit items
- Arrangement of long-term storage units
- Shipment tracking
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Auto and boat transport
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-value coverage
All moves with Allied Van Lines include loading, transportation, and unloading in the price you’re quoted.
Use the table of previous customer pricing data below to estimate what you might pay for your moving services when you move with Allied Van Lines.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
U-Pack is a moving container company; it is not a full-service mover like most of the appliance movers on this list. This means that this is your most affordable option for moving appliances so long as you can disconnect and reconnect them on your own. With U-Pack, as the name suggests, you are responsible for packing up your belongings for their trip to your new home. Since U-Pack only drives during the moving process, you will have to load your appliances into the moving containers yourself. You will need a moving dolly or sliders if you have to load something like a dishwasher or fridge into a container, but the cost of these supplies is far lower than the price of hiring a team of professionals.
U-Pack drops off the containers at your home once you schedule it, and you can choose between one or more ReloCubes (smaller weatherproof moving containers) or an entire moving trailer. Once the driver drops the container off at your home, you have three days to pack and load it. After three days, the U-Pack driver will hook up to the container and transport your belongings to their destination.
U-Pack limits its services to the following options:
- Long-distance moving container services (minimum distance of 150 miles required)
- Storage solutions
The price that you see when you book your move through U-Pack does not include loading or unloading, but it does include transportation to your new home.
One of the reasons why we chose U-Pack as our recommended moving container company is because it provides free quotes to customers. Simply enter a bit of information about your current property and your destination, see pricing, and book your move entirely online through U-Pack’s streamlined scheduling system.
Though getting a quote from U-Pack typically takes less than a few minutes, you can view general pricing data using the chart below.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-bedroom home | $600 to $1,600 | $1,200 to $2,200 | $1,600 to $2,600 | $2,100 to $3,100 |
| Four-bedroom home | $800 to $1,800 | $1,800 to $2,800 | $2,800 to $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
State Availability: All 50 States
Get a quote from U-Pack here.
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
North American Van Lines is a full-service mover offering relocation services to all 50 states and 175 international locations. They have predictable pricing so that you don’t get blindsided by hidden fees, and you can even book specialty pricing that caps what your mover can charge you when your moving date arrives. If you cannot move into your new home right away, North American can also provide short-term, climate-controlled storage at most of its destinations.
GPS tracking is available for each and every shipment, and you will have the opportunity to schedule any type of service you need, including delivery of packing materials, careful and conscientious packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and expert appliance removal and reinstallation upon arrival at your destination. North American Van Lines prides itself on safety training and staff certifications, which can be a lifesaver if you’re worried about the condition of an appliance you’re moving. North American Van Lines has even developed its own driving simulator to train drivers in safety and procedure, a testament to how seriously they take your shipment.
North American Van Lines is our final recommended company for appliance moving companies, and like competitors, it offers a full range of moving services. You can currently book the following add-ons when you move with North American Van Lines:
- Full-service packing
- Fragile-only packing
- Boxes and moving supplies
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Custom crates
- Crane vans for large items
- Storage
- Auto transport
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-valuation coverage
The price you’re quoted from North American Van Lines includes loading, transportation, and unloading processes.
View pricing information from previous North American Van Lines customers using the chart below to estimate what you might pay for service.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
What To Look for In Appliance Movers
The first thing you should do when you decide to move a major appliance is to compare appliance movers online. You can look at their website’s reviews, but know that those will usually be biased in the company’s favor. If you look up pros and cons of each moving company you’re interested in through third-party sites, that can be the most objective way to get a clear and honest picture of other customers’ experiences. Of course, for any negative review, there will likely be a dozen positive ones, so use your judgment to decide for yourself. Resources like the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot can help guide your search towards experienced service providers.
You also want to look at the number of years of experience each company has with both moving in your community as well as specialized training. Refrigerators, window air conditioning units, washers, dryers — all of these large appliances can be quite tricky to move, and an unprepared mover can easily cause serious damage to your items. Speak with your mover and ask about any special training its employees receive to help them better disconnect, move, and reconnect your home appliances.
Any moving company should have the simple tools required to move appliances, but it’s always good to ask how they plan to execute the move. If they can tell you their plan step by step, including what pieces of equipment they plan to use, then you can be confident they know what they’re doing. Be wary of any moving company that can’t provide you with a detailed plan on how they’re going to accomplish your appliance move.
Finally, the last thing that you should look for in appliance movers is federal registration. If you’re moving across state lines, your moving company is required to be registered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify that a company is registered with the FMCSA by asking for its USDOT identifying number and verifying it here. Do not work with any company that isn’t federally registered, as these rogue movers may be running a moving scam.
What Costs Are Involved with Appliance Movers?
Moving companies need to pay their laborers, so the drivers and movers that get paid for moving your home will be the primary cost associated with appliance moving. The other costs are usually added per appliance — some companies begin by charging around $75 per appliance they’re hired to move, while others are more expensive. Most moving companies, like Atlas Van Lines, also charge varying rates depending on the weight of the appliance you need to move, so the price you pay will vary depending on your shipment contents.
Other fees that may be added on during a move are if you have stairs the movers need to traverse, elevators, packing materials, or if the movers have a long way to go between the front door and their truck (if they have to walk across your entire yard, for example). You can mitigate some of these costs if you simply uninstall, clean out, and wrap up your appliances yourself. Then the movers simply have to load and unload them.
Reinstallation can be around $75-$100 upon arrival at the destination, so keep that in mind when moving your appliances. If they’re old and on their last leg, you may want to contribute that cost toward purchasing new ones instead once you move into your new home. It can be helpful to research the current value of your major appliances as well as the cost to replace them before deciding which options are worth bringing to your new home, if any.
Final Thoughts
Moving an appliance can be an expensive process, as these objects often weigh hundreds of pounds and require special moving equipment to transport safely. However, if you have a highly specialized tool or an appliance that you’ve upgraded yourself, it can be worth the extra cost to bring it to your new home. You can save money on your appliance move by getting a quote from each one of our recommended service providers before you book your move date. This allows you to be sure that you’re not overpaying for your move by helping you understand exactly what your options are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to move an appliance myself?
If you elect to use a company like U-Pack without hiring extra help, then you will have to disconnect your appliance and load it onto the moving container yourself. You will need casters to place underneath the corners, a moving dolly or sliders, and likely some kind of moving straps to help you maneuver and lift the appliance onto the dolly. Make sure you have the manual handy so that you know how to safely disconnect the appliance before moving it. If you aren’t sure how to safely move an appliance, we strongly recommend you leave this task to the professionals.
How can I move an appliance without damaging my floors?
You can place cardboard sliders underneath the appliance’s legs or where it meets the floor carefully and slowly so that the corners and bottom of it don’t scratch your floors. You can then wiggle the heavy appliance onto the cardboard fully so that it’s no longer touching the floor. You can scoot the cardboard and appliance across the floor to move it or use this trick to instead get the appliance up on a dolly.
What do I need to do to make sure my appliances are ready for my move?
Many movers will not move appliances that are broken or out of date. If any of your appliances are currently not functioning, make sure to have them repaired before your move. You can also disconnect them from power and remove any awkward pieces prior to the move if you know how to and want to save time and money on your move. You also need to clean your appliance thoroughly, and it helps to wrap up the power cords so they don’t scratch the machine during the move.
What is considered a long-distance move?
Most moving companies consider anything over 400 miles to be long distance. Some moving companies consider any move that crosses state lines to be a long-distance move.
If I pay to replace an appliance as a tenant can I take it when I move?
The answer to this question will vary depending on the rules laid out in the terms of your lease. Most residential leases state that any permanent upgrades a tenant makes to a rental space become part of the unit, meaning that you cannot take the appliance with you. Tenants who replace an appliance, do not keep or reconnect the old appliance, and take the appliance with them when they leave should expect to have the cost of a replacement appliance deducted from their security deposit.
How to move an appliance dolly upstairs?
To move an appliance dolly up a flight of stairs, begin by ensuring that the item on the dolly is tight and secure. Making sure that you are behind the dolly, bring the wheels of the dolly against the base of the first step. Stand backward on the first step, grip the handle, lean the dolly towards you, and step onto the next step. Restabilize the dolly before moving on to the next step.
What can I move with an appliance dolly?
You can use an appliance dolly to move large appliances like refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, dishwashers, and clothing dryers. They are also ideal for moving stacks of heavy boxes quickly without straining your back.
How to measure an appliance moving?
Measure an appliance before you move it to be sure that it will clear all doorways you must move it through in order to place it. Measure the total length and width of the appliance, taking into account handles, railings, or any other non-removable parts that increase the total width of the appliance. Then, measure your doorways to find the best route to place the appliance.
Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
- Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
- Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
- Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
- Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
- Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.
