Flat-fee movers (sometimes called flat rate movers) are moving companies that provide you with a set price for your move before your move date arrives. Flat-rate moving options give you more control over your moving costs, which is an important consideration if you’re working on a tight budget. Flat-fee moving services are different than hourly rate movers and are ideal for long-distance moves. While you might only need to pay for a bit of time with hourly movers if you’re only moving locally, moving from Los Angeles to New York City can require hundreds of hours of work. When your mover offers flat-rate pricing, your move price is locked in before movers arrive at your property.
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
The best moving companies offer flat-rate pricing for long-distance moving processes to help you rest with the peace of mind that comes with knowing the total cost of your move ahead of time. But with so many professional movers operating throughout the country, how can you be sure that you’re working with the best team for your needs?
We’ve created a comprehensive guide to a few of the best flat rate moving companies in the country to narrow down your search for a moving company.
The 7 Flat Fee Movers
Our top recommended flat fee movers for 2023:
Read on to learn a little more about:
- The best long-distance movers offering flat-rate pricing
- What to look for in local movers and moving teams
- Some of the factors that play into your flat-rate moving quotes
Compare The Best Flat Fee Movers
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 |
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
International Van Lines (IVL) is a flat-rate moving company that offers everything from local moving services to major international moving projects. Not only does IVL offer services throughout the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) they also move to more than 150 international destinations all around the world. You can book either a personal home estimate at your property, or you can use IVL’s MoveOne software, which was developed to help give you an accurate estimate remotely. Simply enable the video chat option to connect with a representative, guide them through your home, and enjoy your free moving quote.
IVL is also well known for its stellar customer service team. Major publications like Forbes and Newsweek have recognized IVL’s well-trained customer representatives for their knowledge and commitment to providing practice services to make your move go smoothly. Knowing that you have a renowned customer service team standing by to help you through any major bumps on the road (literally and figuratively) can provide you with a truly stress-free moving process.
International Van Lines is a full-service moving company. This means that they provide additional services above and beyond what you’d typically expect from a standard moving company. You can currently book the following services from IVL’s team for an additional fee.
- Packing services and unpacking services
- Loading and unloading 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
Like all of the best movers on our list, IVL will provide you with flat-fee pricing before you book your moving date. But what factors go into calculating the price that you pay for service? Most moving companies take two major factors into consideration when pricing your move:
- Distance
- Total size of your current property
We’ve collected data from past IVL customers to help you estimate what you’ll pay for service based on the specifications of your property and summarized it in the table 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
If you’re searching for flat-rate pricing on your upcoming interstate move, it’s probably because you want an upfront price and you want to save as much as possible by comparing quotes before you leave. If this is the situation that you find yourself in, be sure to get a quote from American Van Lines (AVL).
Unlike most moving companies, AVL prices move on a flat-rate basis, which means that the company can handle last-minute moving services with no additional cost to you. This could help you save if you just learned that you need to move and are looking to avoid the late notice premiums charged by most other movers.
AVL also provides binding estimates on all of its moving quotes. A binding estimate is a quote that doesn’t change between the time you get your estimate and pick up. So long as you don’t add any extra services or items to your move, the price you see on your AVL quote is all-inclusive. However, if you do happen to find a more advantageous rate with a competing moving company, AVL also offers price matching to help you get the best service at the best price.
You can currently book the following services from American Van Lines’ team for an additional fee.
- 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
We’ve collected data from past AVL customers to help you estimate what you’ll pay for services. Check out the table below to learn more and get started with your free quote.
| <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
While Moving APT is not a moving company itself (like the other companies on our list), it still made our list as one of the best flat rate moving brokers. A moving broker is a company that schedules moving services on behalf of its customers, usually at more advantageous rates.
When you first get in touch with Moving APT, a representative will take stock of your unique moving needs. They will then review their rolodex of more than 2,500 moving service providers that the company partners with to find the best match for your needs. This system allows you to enjoy a more personalized move without spending hours online comparing companies.
If you’ve worked with a broker in the past and received poor service from your partner company, know that Moving APT employs several quality control processes to be sure that they only work with the most committed national moving companies. You can view information on their partners on the company’s website — you’ll find many well-known names on their list, including United Van Lines and Two Men and a Truck. If you do happen to find a more affordable rate than what you’re quoted by Moving APT, they also offer price matching.
Some of the most popular services booked through Moving APT include:
- Commercial and residential moving
- Piano moving
- Auto shipping
- Packing services
- Packing supplies (included for some moves)
- Appliance connection services
- Limited furniture disassembly and reassembly
Remember that because Moving APT does not provide the services you schedule through the company, the specific resources, and services you’ll have access to may vary. If you need a particular moving service but you don’t see it listed above, don’t be afraid to tell your Moving APT representative.
Moving APT offers price-matching services to help you get the best price on your move. Because moving prices are largely based on company availability and the date of your move, it can be difficult to estimate what you’ll pay for your move based on data from past Moving APT customers. As a general idea of the pricing you can expect, a recent 1,000-mile move for a four-bedroom home was quoted at a price of $7,800 from Moving APT. Be sure to click on the link below to claim your free, no-obligation quote from Moving APT.
State Availability: All 50 States
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
JK Moving Services can be a strong choice for your upcoming move if you’re moving a home office or business alongside your residential space.
JK is best known for its completely customizable moving packages, which allow you to access an impressive range of add-on services not seen with many other competitors. For example, JK Moving Services has staff on-hand trained to pack exceptionally fragile items like hospital equipment and antiques. They also provide archival services, which can help prevent customer data from being compromised during the move.
While JK Moving Services is a bit more expensive than its competitors, it offers financing options that can make your move less of a financial burden. Financing from JK’s online partners is available from 0% APR and breaks your flat rate down into more manageable monthly payments. This policy helps you get the services you need from professional movers at a price that won’t involve draining your savings account.
You can currently book the following services from JK Moving Services’ team for an additional fee.
- Packing and unpacking services
- Loading and unloading services
- Long-term and short-term storage unit arrangement
- Transportation and delivery
- 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 takes a highly personal approach to its pricing. In order to learn more about what you can expect to pay for service, you’ll need to get in touch with your personal moving coordinator assigned to you by JK’s team. As a general rule on pricing, a homeowner moving a two-bedroom property a total distance of 500 miles can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,500 for service. While this is on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, you can’t be sure what you’ll pay until you click the link below and get your free quote.
State Availability: All lower-48 states.
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
Allied Van Lines might be the cross-country moving team for you if you’re looking to move a vehicle alongside your residential shipment. From standard sedans to luxury sports cars and from RVs to boats, Allied Van Lines prides itself on being able to safely and quickly transport almost any type of vehicle. They offer both closed and open transport as well, allowing you to balance price and protection for your vehicle on your move.
Worried about your vehicle arriving late and interrupting your life? Allied has you covered here as well — if your vehicle shipment is late, the company will cover the cost of a rental car on your behalf. This allows you to rest knowing that you won’t need to take time off from work or school due to a blunder or miscalculation on the part of your moving company.
You can currently book the following services from Allied Van Lines’ team for an additional fee.
- 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
We’ve collected data from past Allied Van Lines customers to help you estimate what you’ll pay for services. Check out the table below to learn more and get started with your free quote.
| <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 |
State Availability: All 50 states
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
If you’re searching for the most affordable way to move possible, you might want to book your upcoming relocation with U-Pack. U-Pack is a moving container service that helps you save by allowing you to do all of your own loading and packing.
We like how U-Pack simplifies DIY moving. Here’s how it works.
- Book your container: Most customers who visit U-Pack’s website will be able to claim an instant quote on their move, select the number of containers that they need, and finalize their moving date in a single visit. The price you see on U-Pack’s service page is the price you pay — there are no hidden fees or additional charges added later.
- Load on moving day: U-Pack will deliver your moving container directly to your property. You can choose to move with one or more “ReloCubes” (portable storage containers the size of a parking space) or an entire moving trailer. Once drop-off is complete, you’ll load all of your household goods into your container of choice.
- Head to your new home: Once you’re finished loading, U-Pack’s team will return to pick up your container and transport it to your new home. You’ll then unload the container before U-Pack shuttles it away a few days later.
Though moving with U-Pack does require a bit more heavy lifting on your part, the affordable container service also provides upfront pricing at a lower price point than competitors.
You can currently book the following services through the U-Pack team.
- Long-distance container moving services
- Limited offsite storage
You must be moving at least 200 miles to book a move with U-Pack.
We’ve collected data from past U-Pack customers to help you estimate what you’ll pay for services. Check out the table below to learn more and get started with your free quote.
| <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 |
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
When searching for flat-fee movers, you want to be sure that your quoted price never rises above a set dollar cost. North American Van Lines protects you from excessive extra fees by offering “not to exceed” pricing.
As the name suggests, “not to exceed” pricing guarantees that your movers cannot charge you more than a predetermined amount on moving day. This can be helpful if you’re worried about hidden fees and you’re moving on a strict budget.
North American Van Lines also offers excellent insurance options that you can add to your move. While every moving company is required to provide you with basic insurance coverage, this required coverage is limited to $0.60 reimbursement per pound of your things that are damaged. If you’d like enough protection to completely replace your items in the event of damage, you can purchase full-value coverage through North American’s team. This enhanced insurance can offer another layer of peace-of-mind when you move.
You can currently book the following services through the North American Van Lines team.
- Full-service packing
- Fragile-only packing
- Boxes and moving supplies
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Custom crates
- Loading and unloading
- Crane vans for large items
- Storage services
- Auto transport
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-valuation coverage
We’ve collected data from past North American Van Lines’ customers to help you estimate what you’ll pay for services. Check out the table below to learn more and get started with your free quote.
| <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 Flat-Fee Movers
Not all flat-fee movers are equally reputable. Remember that the moving company you choose to work with will have control over all of your household goods during the moving process. This makes it especially important to know what to look for when choosing a moving company. Be sure to pay attention to the following characteristics when you search for the right moving team.
- Binding estimates: A binding estimate is an estimate that doesn’t change from the date you receive it until moving day. There are very few factors that can change a binding estimate — you usually need to add more items to your move or book additional services for the price to change. Look for a moving company that offers binding estimates on its flat-fee rates to be sure that the price you see will be the price you pay.
- Federal licensing: Every moving company that offers moves across state lines needs to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA is a government organization that monitors moving companies’ collision and vehicle safety records. Before you book a date with a moving company, be sure to ask for their USDOT number, which you can verify through the FMCSA here.
- Great customer reviews: One of the best ways that you can learn more about moving companies is by checking out their online reviews. Be sure to review third-party review sites like Yelp, Better Business, and Trustpilot. Read multiple reviews and take note of any complaints or compliments that seem to be consistent across multiple testimonials.
What Costs Are Involved With Flat-Fee Movers?
Understanding how moving companies price their jobs can help you make the most out of your move and lower your final quote. When you get an estimate from a flat rate moving company, the movers likely took the following factors into account when deciding how much to charge for your move.
- Your origin and destination: The distance you need to travel when moving plays a major role in the final price you’ll pay for service. As a general rule, you can expect your move to increase in price as the number of miles traveled increases. Your route may also affect your final price, as some routes are more common and easier than others.
- The weight of your shipment: Moving companies know that there are strict laws that control the total weight of each moving truck they put on the road. This means that if you’re moving a large amount of furniture, gardening tools, or other heavy items, your movers might need to pay for an extra moving truck and more labor, which increases the price you’ll pay. One of the easiest ways to save money on your move is to get rid of as many things as you can before getting a quote.
- Extra services: Most moving companies offer a wide selection of extra services that you can schedule to make the moving process easier. While you might be able to hire a moving company to do things like pack and take your furniture apart, remember that each extra service increases the final price you’ll pay.
So, Are Flat Fee Movers Worth It?
There are various pricing methods employed by movers, however, Flat-fee movers make it exceptionally easy to save money on your move by comparing quotes. Don’t only get a quote from a single moving company — collect at least three moving quotes in order to find the best deal in your area. Some companies even offer price-matching policies that you can take advantage of if you find a better deal with a competitor. We recommend that you get an estimate from each of our listed service providers to begin the process with some of the best moving companies.
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
FAQs about Flat Fee Movers
What is a flat fee mover?
A flat fee mover is a mover that provides a lump sum that you’ll pay to move upfront. If you don’t want to hire a flat fee mover, you can find an hourly mover. Hourly movers bill you after the job is done based on the number of hours worked.
How can I move across town cheaply?
If you have a small space to move and you’re only going a few miles, the cheapest way to move across town will usually be to use personal vehicles. If you cannot fit everything in your own automobile, enlist a few friends to help. If you still need more space, consider a local moving container service like PODS.
Is it cheaper to move your stuff or buy new stuff?
The answer to this question will vary depending on how heavy the item you’re considering moving with is. For small, lightweight, and expensive items (like clothing, small appliances, and jewelry) you’re usually better off bringing them along to your new home. However, larger and older items (like used furniture and major appliances) are usually more cost-effective to replace. When deciding what to keep and what to leave behind, remember that the heavier and bulkier the item is, the more it costs to move.
What is the most inexpensive way to move?
The most inexpensive way to move is usually to rent a moving truck and provide your own transportation and labor. If you don’t have a driver’s license or you’re uncomfortable operating a large commercial vehicle, you might want to consider a container moving company like U-Pack.
What should I not move long-distance?
There are a few items that movers will not transport because they pose a safety hazard. For example, movers will not transport nail polish remover, scuba tanks, or fireworks because they can seriously drivers in the event of a collision. You should also avoid leaving valuable items like birth certificates, credit cards, and heirlooms with your moving team and move them yourself to avoid damage.
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.
