Best Gun Safe Movers of 2023

A gun safe is an obstructive and heavy item that can be difficult to move on your own. The average small gun safe weighs around 600 pounds, and some commercial-grade gun safes can even weigh more than 5,000 pounds. If you aren’t trained in proper lifting techniques, attempting to move a gun safe that’s too heavy for your frame can result in everything from mild hernias to serious, lifelong back injuries. 

Professional movers know how to move exceptionally heavy items like gun safes without damage to the safe or injuries. If you’re moving with a gun safe, you may want to consider hiring a gun safe mover so you don’t have any accidents on moving day. Explore a few of the best companies for moving a gun safe and learn more about pricing using our comprehensive guide below. 

The 8 Best Gun Safe Movers

Our top recommended gun safe movers for 2023:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Best Overall Moving Broker: Safeway Moving Systems
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare The Best Gun Safe Movers

Company	Our Take	Our Rating	BBB Rating	Local Cost
International Van Lines	Best Full-Service Mover	9.8	B	$600 – $1,200
American Van Lines	Most Transparent Pricing	9.7	N/A	$500 – $1,000
Safeway Moving Systems	Best Overall Moving Broker	9.6	N/A	No local services offered
Moving APT	Most Moving Partners	9.6	B
JK Moving Services	Most Customizable Moving Experience	9.5	A+	Call for a quote
Allied Van Lines	Most Vehicle Shipping Options	9.4	A+	$750 – $1,350
U-Pack	Most Widely-Available Container Service	9.3	A+	N/A
North American Van Lines	Best Pricing Options	9.2	A+	$750 – $1,350

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

Why We Recommend International Van Lines

International Van Lines (IVL) can help you with your long-distance move, local move, or even an overseas relocation. IVL is one of the best-known moving companies in the world, as they facilitate an average of 20,000 moves each year. IVL has received Forbes’ Best Moving Company Award in 2022 and 2021, and IVL is proud of its reputation for great customer service. When you move with IVL, you can also schedule a wide range of full-service a la carte options, such as heavy item moving, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and short-term storage.

International Van Lines can use their professional know-how to transport your heavy gun safe safely and correctly wherever it needs to go. If you’re ready to move to your new destination but your new home isn’t quite ready yet, IVL has free storage options available for most long-distance moves. Overall, IVL can be a strong choice if you’re looking for convenience and experience first on the day of your move. 

Services Offered

IVL operates as a full-service moving company. This means that you can expect more services from IVL’s team than you would from a standard moving company. International Van Lines can currently schedule the following services for its customers: 

• Packing 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

How Much Does IVL Cost?

Most moving companies take two major factors into consideration when pricing your move:

• The distance you’re traveling (longer moves are more expensive)
• The size of the home that you’re moving (larger homes cost more to move)

To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from IVL, we’ve summarized past customer pricing data using the chart 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

State Availability: All 50 states

Get a quote from IVL here.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

Why We Recommend American Van Lines

American Van Lines (AVL) has over thirty years of experience relocating families and corporations across the country. One of the things that set American Van Lines apart from other full-service movers is their flat-rate pricing system. You will not be surprised by hidden fees or costs that “pop up” during the moving process — you will always know exactly what you’re paying. The only way your moving quote will change is if you add new services to your moving plan.

American Van Lines has moving teams that can move your gun safe to its new location efficiently. American Van Lines movers are certified in packing nearly everything for ordinary moves as well as specialty moves. Because of American Van Lines’ flat-rate moving costs, they are motivated to provide quick and excellent service meaning that you can expect a high level of efficiency and speed when you move with AVL. 

Services Offered

American Van Lines can currently schedule the following services for its customers: 

• 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

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost?

To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from AVL, we’ve collected and summarized past customer pricing data using the chart below.

	<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

State Availability: 48 States

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

Safeway Moving Systems

Why We Recommend Safeway

If you’re in the market for a relocation with somewhat diverse service requirements, then Safeway may be one of your best choices. This provider partners with numerous moving companies in each state, meaning that its service offerings are as diverse as those of its partners in any given area. This can include gun safe moves, outdoor furniture, playscape disassembly, piano moving, car shipping, and more.

Safeway is also a partner of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Not only will you be treated to a flat fee for your move, but you’re also assured that a portion of this bill will be donated to St. Jude to fund its mission.

Services Offered

Safeway’s qualified moving partners offer a range of services across all locations. If you’re in the market for more specialty add-ons, then a thorough visual estimate will be needed to assess your exact needs. Safeway can provide you with this and facilitate the following relocation services:

• Long-distance relocations
• Packing
• Unpacking
• Packing materials (as a retailer)
• Short and long-term storage
• Piano moving
• Gun safe moving
• Car shipping
• Commercial relocations
• Liability insurance
• Full valuation coverage
• And more

How Much Does Safeway Cost?

Your rate with Safeway Moving Systems will depend on your move distance, shipping weight and inventory, and add-on service requirements. Gun safe moving costs will vary with the size of the safe itself. You can expect added fees if special equipment is required to remove your safe from a garage or basement.

	250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$2,000 – $5,000	$2,100 – $5,100	$2,200 – $5,200	$2,700 – $5,700
4 BR	$3,200 – $6,200	$4,700 – $6,700	$5,500 – $7,500	$7,800 – $10,800

State Availability: 50  States

Learn More: Read our full review of Safeway Moving Systems to learn more.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT, unlike the other companies on this list, is a moving services broker rather than a moving company itself. If you need someone to move your gun safe competently and for a great price, you can count on Moving APT to connect you with the movers in your area who have the right credentials. 

Because Moving APT is a broker, it uses its rolodex of moving industry connections to leverage services at your origin and destination. In other words, they do the work of finding the companies that best fit your needs and they get a percentage of the moving cost paid by the moving company. This model is convenient if you would like to entrust the process of vetting and examining long-distance movers and gun safe moving services to professionals. Moving APT’s goal is to get you the best price on the moving services you need; however, they do offer price matching if you happen to find an offer that is lower than the plan they’ve quoted for you.

Services Offered

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
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly

Because Moving APT operates as a moving broker, they can find and schedule a number of additional services depending on your carrier and location. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Moving APT to connect with a representative if you have special moving needs. 

How Much Does Moving APT Cost?

Moving APT prefers to speak directly with customers before issuing its estimates. A recent 1,000-mile move for a four-bedroom home was quoted at a price of $7,800 from Moving APT, which is about in line with other moving companies based on national price data. However, you won’t know exactly what you’ll pay until you click the link below and get your personalized quote. 

State Availability: All 50 States

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

Why We Recommend JK Moving Services

Each and every staff member at JK Moving Services received a background check and regular drug tests, allowing you to rest with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your things are in good hands. They also receive annual training to keep on the cutting edge of new developments and techniques in the moving industry. Although JK Moving Services may cost a bit more than its competitors, they are known as the full-service moving company with the most customizable moving plans available. On the off chance that one of their JK staff doesn’t have the special skills needed to execute a part of your move, JK will find someone who can from a mover near you.

JK Moving Services has coordinated over 500,000 moves over the course of the past forty years. They are savvy, experienced, and prepared to move you to your new location with GPS tracking. They even have an option for you to finance your move so that your budget doesn’t stop you from creating the perfect move for you. 

Services Offered

JK Moving Services can currently schedule the following services for its customers: 

• 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 likes antiques and pianos
• Specialized services for commercial moves for law firms, hospitals and other specialized workplaces
• Government moving services
• Archive services
• Auto relocation services

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost?

Like Moving APT, JK Moving Services prefers to consult directly with its customers before issuing a moving estimate. Get in touch with JK Moving Services using the link below to connect with a personal moving coordinator. JK Moving Services assigns a personal moving coordinator to all its potential customers – so you don’t need to make multiple calls to get the right service. 

State Availability: All lower-48 states.

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

Why We Recommend Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines is another full-service moving company with a wealth of features we find impressive, such as its free quote offered virtually or in person. Another great service Allied offers is their vehicle guarantee – if your vehicle shipment is late, they will provide you with a rental car free of charge until your vehicle arrives. Because Allied is a full-service mover, you can select a plan that is as detailed or as simple as you need. You can schedule a true full-service move or maybe you only need bulky items like your heavy safe moved; you decide, and Allied professionals will work with you to provide the moving plan that works for you.

Loading and unloading are included in each and every move with Allied Van Lines. Allied has an option for moves where they will take your unneeded items to the Salvation Army for you, allowing you to donate while you lighten your moving shipment. Allied Van Lines can also disconnect, move, and reconnect any appliances you’re taking with you. 

Services Offered

Allied Van Lines can currently schedule the following services for its customers: 

• 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

How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?

To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from Allied’s team, we’ve collected and summarized past customer pricing data using the chart below.

	<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

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service

Why We Recommend U-Pack

Unlike most of the contenders on our list, U-Pack isn’t a traditional moving service. As the name suggests, U-Pack is a moving container company that provides you with the freedom to pack and load your items on your own terms while also enjoying professional transportation. This is one of the most affordable ways to move, no matter if your relocation is a few hundred miles away or across the country. All you do is check out U-Pack’s website, choose the container that’s best for your needs, and a U-Pack driver will drop it or them off at your home.

You then have three days to pack and load up the moving container. U-Pack’s ReloCubes are about the size of a small parking space, while rentable moving trailers measure between 10 to 26 feet. You have another three days to unpack and unload once your driver reaches your new home. Keep in mind that attempting to move your gun safe without professional gun safe movers is risky. However, U-Pack has a directory called Moving Staffers that you can peruse and hire professionals with the right training and tools to load your gun safe.

Services Offered

U-Pack can currently schedule the following services for its customers: 

• Long-distance moving services
• Storage services

Your move must cover at least 150 miles in distance to use U-Pack’s services. 

How Much Does U-Pack Cost?

To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from U-Pack, we’ve collected and summarized past customer 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 America Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

Why We Recommend North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines has been a full-service mover for over 80 years. They are dedicated to providing tailored moving plans for each customer’s needs, and they also prioritize driver training and safety. In fact, North American has even created its own driver simulator so drivers can practice safe driving under simulated hazardous road conditions.

North American Van Lines ensures that whatever service you need for your move is provided to you, from packing to appliance installation and from heavy object moving to fragile-only packing. They pride themselves on being a reliable and safe moving company to take your belongings anywhere in the United States or to 175 countries worldwide without breaking the bank. North American Van Lines offers “not to exceed” pricing that helps you closely control what you pay on moving day.

Services Offered

North American Van Lines can currently schedule the following services for its customers: 

• 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
• Auto transport
• Basic liability coverage
• Full-valuation coverage

How Much Does North American Van Lines Cost?

To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from North American Van Lines, we’ve collected and summarized past customer pricing data from the company using the chart below.

	<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

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

What To Look for In Gun Safe Movers

How can you know which company is right for your move and for moving your gun safe? There are several factors you should check out when comparing and contrasting different moving companies, some of which you can read about below. 

• Reputation: Although online reviews must be carefully combed through and taken with a grain of salt, reputation is an important factor when choosing a gun safe mover. What do the reviews from customers say? Were the movers competent, punctual, and efficient? Do they have a reputation for damaging walls or floors? What about their costs? Do customers write about unexpected fees or charges regularly?
• Standard practices and protocol: Any experienced gun safe mover will have a checklist on best practices for moving large, heavy objects. Do they have a specific plan for getting the safe out of your old home and into the new one? Do they have a cost breakdown for each charge on your moving quote? Do the staff have the proper certifications and equipment for doing this kind of work? This protocol also includes wrapping up and binding the safe for the transportation process.
• Cost: You have to make sure your gun safe moving company of choice fits within your moving budget. However, it’s best to be aware that if a price seems inordinately low and too good to be true, it probably is. Look for middle-of-the-road pricing for gun safe movers. Compare the range of costs from company to company to see what’s normal for the industry and for the distance you’re moving, and go with the mover whose cost seems to fit within the range that also offers what you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to get multiple quotes before selecting a mover. 

What Costs Are Involved with Moving a Gun Safe?

Once you’ve found a gun safe moving company that fits your needs, you need to see if they fit your budget. The costs involved in moving a gun safe can range from just under $200 all the way up to $1,500 or more, and there are several reasons for these higher fees. 

Origin and destination: This means several things when looking into the cost of moving a gun safe. The distance movers have to transport your gun safe is a factor because of their fuel and labor costs. There is always a starting fee, and each mile of the trip is added to your bill. It also matters where you want the gun safe in your home. If the movers must traverse extensive space with the safe (across a large yard or a long path) or if there are stairs involved, that’s where a number of extra costs originate.

Weight and dimensions: Of course, the smaller and lighter your gun safe is, the less it will cost for movers to transport it to its new location. For each pound your gun safe weighs, movers have to calculate the best angles to lift the safe and the safest way to load it onto the moving vehicle. They also have to plan how to execute the move into your new home — hallways, possible stairs, maybe an elevator, and be mindful of the floors. All of these considerations increase the price you pay for your moving services. 

Qualifications: When you hire someone to provide gun safe moving services, you are also paying for their knowledge and certifications. You’re not only hiring help — you’re hiring people who have the right credentials for the job. A good mover will have up-to-date USDOT registration and gun safe moving experience, proper tools, and training.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, moving a gun safe is not an easy feat. Unfortunately, it’s also not usually a cheap service to schedule either. In order to get the lowest possible pricing on your move, we recommend securing a moving quote from at least three of our recommended moving providers above. Researching all of your options before deciding how and when to move your gun safe can ensure that your valuable safe stays in pristine condition during your moving process.

House Method Rating Methodology

At House Method, 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.

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