The Best Moving Companies of 2022

It’s no secret that moving is one of the most stressful life events you’ll endure. Everything from the essential planning of your move to selecting a professional mover to setting a budget can be a bit of a question mark if you’re inexperienced in this area. We’ve done our best to assemble all the necessary information about moving to one place. Here, you’ll learn:

• Who the best moving companies are for both local and long-distance moves
• What to look for in movers
• Factors to consider when budgeting for your move

The 7 Best Moving Companies

Our top recommended moving companies for 2022:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• 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

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

International Van Lines (IVL) is a relatively recent entrant into the domestic market and is now one of the most recognized and trusted names in the US. They work as both a carrier and broker to handle a wide array of moving needs across all 50 states. With this provider, customer service is a cornerstone of their business model, with clients giving IVL high marks and reporting on relatively stress-free moving experiences with this provider.

Why We Recommend International Van Lines

IVL offers customers nearly unparalleled international and domestic reach to their customers. With availability in more than 180 other countries and all 50 states, theirs is one of the largest moving networks in the world. Their dual status as both a carrier and a broker allows them to partner with numerous top moving companies in any location, ensuring the best possible service for your move.

Pros & Cons of International Van Lines

Pros

• Services moves in all 50 states and 180 other countries
• Reviews report excellent customer service
• One month of free storage included in all moves

Cons:

• Relatively low availability as a carrier in the US
• Brokers out many of its American moves
• Quality can vary across partners and local agents

 Services Offered

International can provide clients with the services listed below. IVL’s partnerships with local partners mean that this list can vary from location to location. One constant across all locations is providing a free month of storage for moves of any size. This is only offered at the point of origin but is still of great assistance if you have a long gap between move-out and move-in dates. 

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing services
• Unpacking
• Storage services (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating for fragile items
• Debris removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight
• And more

 How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?

IVL’s costs can vary greatly depending upon your exact location. However, they do advertise fairly transparent pricing. While not guaranteed flat rates, the costs they quote you are reliable. They even provide a quick quote tool for preliminary pricing estimates on their website. 

Here, we’ve put together a table of some average costs that you can expect when moving with International:

State Availability: All 50 States

Learn More: International Van Lines Review

Get a free quote.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

American Van Lines (AVL) has been a power player in the moving industry for some time now. Since their founding in the mid-1990s, they’ve provided local and long-distance relocation services at easy-to-understand flat rates. Along with this, they advertise the most-experienced moving crews in the business. For their transparency and quality of work, this carrier is one of the best options for all types of moves. 

Why We Recommend American

American Van Lines’ reputation for quality work stems from their experienced moving crews. All workers are vetted and carefully selected, with an emphasis placed on customer service ability, as well as overall time on the job. This, along with open lines of communication throughout your entire moving process, will make for a relatively smooth move.

Pros & Cons of AVL

Pros:

• Flat rate pricing for all moves
• Price matching available
• Frequent moving shuttles between major cities 

Cons:

• Large deposits (up to 50%) often required at booking
• Reviews mention spotty customer service at times

Services Offered

American works exclusively as a carrier, meaning that they directly provide all services, including those listed here. If your move includes a number of antiques or valuables, then the qualified professionals American Van Lines can provide might be your best option.

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Residential and commercial moving
• Full-service or partial packing
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Antique moving
• And more

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost?

American Van Lines exclusively provides their clients with flat rates for all moves they take on. Whether you’re moving across town or several states over, you’ll always be given an up-front, binding estimate. The following rates are averages for moves of varying distances and show what you can expect to pay with AVL.

State Availability: 48 States

Learn More: American Van Lines

Get a free estimate.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Moving APT was founded in 1999 as a relatively small operation. Since then, they’ve expanded from a two-truck company to one of the country’s most prolific moving brokers. They’ve serviced more than half a million moving clients via 500 local agents across the US. Their ability to broker out services, coupled with price-matching policies and numerous discount options, make them a reliable option for moves of all sizes. When dealing with moving brokers, it’s always recommended that you thoroughly research the moving companies they partner with within your area before booking or getting quotes. 

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT researches and partners with many of the best moving companies across the country to bring you further ease of booking early on in the moving process. No matter what you’re looking for in the way of professional moving assistance, the odds are that one of Moving APT’s partners in your general area will be able to help.

Pros & Cons of Moving APT

Pros

• Their website includes full profiles of many of their most-used partners
• Price matching and discounts offered
• The number of affiliates equals great diversity of service

Cons

• Service quality varies depending on the local partner used for your move
• Some negative reviews and FMCSA complaints report price changing by local agents

Services Offered

Via their now 500-plus partner network, Moving APT can provide the services below, along with far more. Note that service availability will often hinge on which local partner takes on your move.

• Local and interstate moving
• Residential and corporate relocation
• Commercial and residential moving
• Piano moving
• Auto shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies (included for some moves
• Appliance connection services
• Some furniture disassembly and reassembly
• And more

How Much Does Moving APT Cost?

Moving APT offers price matching, so many clients can get a comparatively low rate if they’re willing to do the legwork to get competing quotes. This option is available for both local and cross-country moves. A recent four-bedroom, 1,000-plus mile move was quoted at $7,800, which places this provider in-line with industry averages. Your costs will vary based on the providers in your area, move size, and service requirements.

State Availability: All 50 States

Learn More: Moving APT Review

Get a free quote from Moving APT.

JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

JK Moving Services is an excellent moving broker and carrier based in Virginia. After four decades in the business, they’ve carried out half a million moves of all sizes. They provide an excellent array of services backed by leading insurance and valuation options. Their flexible service options make them an ideal choice for complicated or out-of-the-ordinary moves and more standard fare.

Why We Recommend JK

JK’s customer service is what truly makes them stand out among its competitors. From the start of your move, you’re in contact with a move coordinator who facilitates all services and handles any complaints or issues. JK also provides GPS tracking for all moves. These combined factors make for a far less unnerving experience, especially for longer moves. You’ll never be totally out of touch with your shipment.

Pros & Cons of JK Moving Services

Pros:

• Customer service is available 24/7
• Financing via Enhancify enables you to move on most budgets
• Excellent value protection and coverage options

Cons:

• Reviews vary depending on region
• Their limited range for local moves 

Services Offered

JK Moving Services acts as a broker across much of their territory, with many moves outside of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC being contracted out to third-party operators. This lends them a degree of flexibility and versatility. Here is a list of add-ons and basic services they offer, which can vary from location to location.  

• Local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC
• Long-distance and international moving
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage options
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• And more

How Much Does JK Cost?

The standard of $2,500 – $5,500 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move is typical for JK. You’ll have to schedule a quote through their website to get an accurate estimate. Luckily for clients in remote locations, they have an AI-assisted online quote tool, which helps render accurate pricing data without an in-person home survey.

State Availability: All lower-48 states.

Learn More: JK Moving Services Review

Get a free estimate.

Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

Allied Van Lines comes equipped with 88 years of experience in the moving industry. You’ve probably seen one of their distinctive orange and black trucks on the road at some point. This is due mainly to the fact that this mover maintains availability across all 50 states and more than 150 other countries worldwide. Allied operates as a carrier and directly provides a number of services, including packing, crating a number of vehicle shipping options, and far more. They maintain a 96% customer satisfaction rating across all moves carried out; you’re in good hands when you book with Allied.

Why We Recommend Allied

Allied Van Lines is one of the most experienced moving companies you could book a move with today. They provide transparent pricing and superior customer service; when combined, these aspects make them one of the most sought-after movers in the industry today. As proof of this, they maintain an A+ BBB rating and are the recipients of Newsweek’s Best Customer Service Award for 2021.

Pros & Cons of Allied

Pros:

• Transparent pricing
• Doesn’t outsource vehicle shipping
• GPS tracking offered for all moves

Cons:

• Reviews report negative experiences during the claims process
• Elevated costs for longer moves are often reported in reviews

Services Offered

Allied provides one of the most comprehensive service profiles in the industry. Of course, certain services and their availability could vary from location to location. You should discuss service needs during any moving estimate you receive. The following is a reliable list of add-ons you can expect at most locations.

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Auto shipping
• Boat and specialty vehicle shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• Packing supplies
• And more

How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?

Allied Van Lines’ cost of $2,400 – $5,400 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move is slightly above the industry average but not prohibitively so. The following pricing figures are average costs from actual recent Allied moves. However, to get an optimal pricing estimate, an in-person quote is always the best way to go.

State Availability: All 50 states

Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review

Get a free quote.

U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service

U-Pack is our top pick for moving container and moving trailer rental services. With 240 locations across all 50 states, this provider is within reach of millions of potential customers and thousands of destinations. Three-day loading and unloading windows for each vessel provided allow for unprecedented flexibility during the moving process. At the same time, their pricing structure makes it so all can have a bit of control over how much their move costs. 

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack’s wide availability and multiple container size options make them an ideal choice for DIY moves of all sizes. U-Pack is the most cost-effective option if you’re planning a larger move but would rather do all of the heavy lifting yourself. When you consider the lower liability relative to renting a moving truck, this is one of your best options if you don’t want to hire a full-service moving company. When you book a move with this provider, you’ll also be provided access to a wide selection of storage facilities, with flexible delivery options part of your move package.

Pros & Cons of U-Pack

Pros:

• 240 locations across all 50 states
• “Pay for what you use” pricing model keeps costs low
• Three-day windows for loading and unloading

Cons:

• Finding parking spaces for units and trailers can pose substantial difficulties for certain clients
• U-Pack doesn’t provide local moves (under 150 miles)

Services Offered

U-Pack offers two sizing options. Their storage container is well-suited for most studio apartments or single rooms, while the trailer option is ideal for most three-bedroom homes. 

• Choose from an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer
• Short-term and long-term storage at U-Pack centers
• Moving help can be hired if needed

How Much Does U-Pack Cost?

U-Pack’s “pay for what you need” pricing structure allows for some autonomy for customers when planning their move. Price is determined by the volume of storage space used, which means that some downsizing can seriously affect your bottom line with this provider. Here are some ballpark price ranges from past U-Pack moves.

State Availability: All 50 States

Learn More: U-Pack Review

Get a free quote

North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

North American Van Lines (NAVL) has more than 80 years of experience and has built up a reputation as a leading service provider in that time. With one of the largest moving fleets and networks in the US, this mover provides service to clients of varying needs and service requirements in all locations. This mover can help you whether you’re moving locally or across the country.

Why We Recommend NAVL

North American Van Lines’ combination of service offerings and competitive pricing make them a viable option for most moves. With NAVL, you’ll have the option of selecting a “not-to-exceed” pricing option, which can help you stay within a set budget. With more than 2,700 trucks across 500-plus local agents and directly affiliated locations, NAVL is well within reach of customers within all 50 states. 24/7 tracking on all shipments – a feature becoming far more common – is also known to be reliable with NAVL. 

Pros & Cons of North American Van Lines

Pros

• GPS tracking available for all moves
• A dedicated move coordinator is provided for all relocations
• “Not to exceed” pricing option helps clients afford moves on most budgets

Cons

• Many reviews report difficult claims processes for damage
• Specialty services can be based on local agent ability

Services Offered

North American Van Lines places emphasis on the proper training for all of its employees. This translates to an excellent customer service reputation and services performed at the highest level. They include the following:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

How Much Does NAVL Cost?

North American’s pricing averages are a bit higher than industry averages. You may have to select a more basic moving package for more competitive pricing when you book with them. 

State Availability: All 50 States 

Learn More: North American Van Lines Review

Get a free NAVL quote.

What to Look for in Movers

When hiring the best mover to get you to your new home, there are a few key areas of concern to address with your customer service representative. Remember to request proof of all relevant registrations and insurance policies prior to booking.

Proper Registration

All moving companies will have certain registration requirements to comply with. Most states will have their own governing body to regulate moving companies. Those that don’t often require a USDOT number as a bare minimum.

• State Registration: You can look up basic registration requirements for each state through this link. If your state doesn’t require any registration for movers other than basic business licensing, you should lean on customer reviews to determine reputability. 
• Federal Registration: The FMCSA regulates all interstate and long-distance moving. Movers must be registered with this governing body and carry active USDOT and MC numbers. These are displayed prominently on company vehicles, estimates, and moving contracts. Using these, you can look up a mover’s complaint history and registration status through this link.

Fully Insured

All moving companies must carry multiple insurance policies, aside from vehicle and cargo coverage. These include: 

• Workers’ Compensation: This insurance policy protects your interests in case of a work-related injury during your move. Without such coverage, you could be held financially responsible for damages.
• Released Liability Coverage: This coverage provides the industry-minimum amount of reimbursement if your items are lost or damaged. The $0.60 per pound per item provided will not cover the value of most goods, but it is included in the base price of your move.
• Valuation Options: This is not technically insurance, although it functions similarly. Your mover will not be licensed as an insurance broker but can offer this coverage at an additional cost. You should inquire during your estimate about having the full value of your goods covered for the duration of your move. 

Well-Reviewed

Customer reviews are an invaluable tool for evaluating your movers. Any moving company can make a solid impression during a quote, but third-party reviews will be far more telling about a given mover’s actual performance and conduct. Look up reviews from Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and social media to ensure your mover’s quality.

What Costs are Involved with Moving?

Budgeting for a move can seem complicated. Here, we’ve broken down the main billing methods used by movers, as well as sources of increased costs that you should account for during your move. 

Here are some average costs for long-distance and local full-service moves. 

Hourly Rates

Local moves and labor-only services are billed at hourly rates. Both will come with associated minimum charges of anywhere from two to four hours at the base rate. You should consider this when you hire movers for smaller jobs.

Line Haul Fees

These rates are determined by shipment weight and move distance and calculate costs for long-distance relocations. Most moving companies will have defined processes for weighing trucks before and after loading. You should inquire about this during your estimate if planning a move across state lines or over a longer distance.

Reasons for Increased Fees

The following can drive up your rates and should be accounted for in the planning of any move. You may not be able to avoid some sources of increased costs, but being aware of these will help you to budget more accurately. 

• Season: All moving companies experience heightened demand from May through September. Booking during this time could potentially lead to higher rates or overall charges.
• Advanced booking: Booking your move at least a month ahead of time is the best way to avoid add-on convenience fees or elevated rates.  
• Services required: Add-ons, such as packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and storage, can inflate your final price by a substantial amount. You should discuss all add-ons needed with your moving company representative.

Final Thoughts

The moving companies above are all well-suited to handle a wide range of local and long-distance moves. Choosing the right mover for your particular needs will be a matter of starting the process well ahead of your moving date and getting as many free quotes as you can. Doing this gives you the best look at different movers’ price points, services each company offers, and reputations and will minimize your chances of having a stressful move.

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.

Best Moving Companies By State