- Serving 50 states and 180 countries
- Excellent customer service
- One month of free storage
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:
Our top recommended moving companies for 2022:
Company | Website | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-Distance Cost |
International Van Lines | Site | Best Full-Service Mover | 9.8 | B | $600 – $1,200 | $1,900 – $4,900 |
American Van Lines | Site | Most Transparent Pricing | 9.7 | N/A | $500 – $1,000 | $2,300 – $5,300 |
Moving APT | Site | Most Moving Partners | 9.6 | B | $2,500 – $4,800 | |
JK Moving Services | Site | Most Customizable Moving Experience | 9.5 | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,500 – $5,500 |
Allied Van Lines | Site | Most Vehicle Shipping Options | 9.4 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 | $1,800 – $4,500 |
U-Pack | Site | Most Widely-Available Container Service | 9.3 | A+ | N/A | $1,200 – $2,200 |
North American Van Lines | Site | Best Pricing Options | 9.2 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 | $1,800 – $4,500 |
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.
our rating9.8
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:
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.
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:
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,400 – $4,400 | $1,900 – $4,900 | $2,100 – $5,100 | $2,400 – $5,400 |
4 BR | $3,200 – $6,200 | $5,100 – $8,100 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $6,200 – $9,200 |
State Availability: All 50 States
Learn More: International Van Lines Review
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.
our rating9.6
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.
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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.
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.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,700 – $4,700 | $2,300 – $5,300 | $2,600 – $5,600 | $4,200 – $7,200 |
4 BR | $4,800 – $7,800 | $5,600 – $8,600 | $7,400 – $10,400 | $10,800 – $13,800 |
State Availability: 48 States
Learn More: American Van Lines
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.
our rating9.5
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
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.
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 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.
our rating9.4
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:
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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.
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
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.
our rating9.7
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.
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Cons:
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.
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.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
State Availability: All 50 states
Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review
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.
our rating9.3
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:
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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.
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.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $600 – $1,600 | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,600 – $2,600 | $2,100 – $3,100 |
4 BR | $800 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,800 | $2,800 – $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
State Availability: All 50 States
Learn More: U-Pack Review
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.
our rating9.2
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
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:
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.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
State Availability: All 50 States
Learn More: North American Van Lines Review
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.
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.
All moving companies must carry multiple insurance policies, aside from vehicle and cargo coverage. These include:
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.
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.
Long-Distance | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
Local | $1,200 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,750 |
250 mi | $2,750 | $3,800 | $5,100 | $6,000 |
500 mi | $3,100 | $4,100 | $6,000 | $6,700 |
1000 mi | $3,500 | $4,500 | $6,400 | $8,400 |
2000 mi | $4,300 | $4,900 | $6,800 | $9,000 |
2500 mi | $4,800 | $5,100 | $7,100 | $10,000 |
3000 mi | $5,100 | $6,000 | $8,750 | $11,250 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tipping is never expected but is always appreciated. Your movers perform a very personal, hands-on service for you; if they’ve done an excellent job, then a tip is the ultimate compliment. Typically, $5 per hour per mover is standard practice for local moves. For overnight moves, $40 to $50 per mover per day is fair. You should budget for this beyond the total cost of your move if you plan on tipping.
Movers will typically be able to cover 400 miles during a full day of driving. You can expect most moves of more than 150 miles to be multi-day affairs due to USDOT driving regulations for commercial trucks.
Basic moving packages usually include loading and unloading, furniture protection (moving pads), and released liability coverage for all goods transported. Some movers will offer a few free boxes with this to protect glass pieces or last-minute packing, but this is not typical. Discuss all add-ons you could need during moving quotes.
At House Method, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. We’ve done the homework for you and have researched several dozen moving companies so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your move.
To make the most of our research, we developed a formula to objectively determine the best moving companies on a 10-point scale based on the following criteria:
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