The Best Cheap Moving Companies of 2022

If you’ve never hired movers in the past, you might be shocked by the amount that you’re quoted by each moving company you speak with. This can be especially true if you didn’t know that you’d be moving and you’re on the hunt for affordable last-minute movers. Thankfully, there are multiple moving services operating across the country that offer rates that local moving services may not be able to match.

Our team understands that moving can be a massive hassle — and an expensive one at that. We’ve created a list of the best movers offering affordable rates for local and long-distance moving. Read on to learn more about:

• Recommended professional movers for homeowners on a budget
• Features that you’ll want to look for when you select a cross-country moving team
• Additional factors that you may not have considered when budgeting for your long-distance or local move

The 7 Best Cheap Moving Companies 

Our top recommended cheap 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

Compare The Best Cheap Moving Companies

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

Why We Recommend International Van Lines

International Van Lines (IVL) has consistently ranked highly on our list of affordable moving service providers thanks to their commitment to great customer service and customization. IVL allows you to completely customize your moving plan, scheduling as few services or as many as you want. Not sure which types of optional assistance you should choose? IVL’s award-winning customer service team is standing by to help you save money when you head to your new home.

IVL can be a particularly great choice if you’re moving internationally and you’re looking to limit your expenses. Though IVL does offer air freight on international moves, it also offers port-to-port sea freight, which is the most affordable option when moving abroad. If you have special circumstances, IVL can book any combination of door- or port- to port. They can even pick up your shipment from your home and move it directly to your new property abroad.  

Pros & Cons of International Van Lines

Services Offered

International Van Lines operates as a full-service moving company. This means that their long-distance movers offer an expanded range of services to fit each customer’s moving needs.

You can currently book the following services through IVL:

• 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

Keep in mind that every add-on that you request from your moving service providers will increase the final cost that you’ll pay. In order to find the most affordable moving possible, you may want to stick to scheduling services that you absolutely cannot complete yourself.

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?

Like most companies in the moving industry, IVL’s pricing is highly personalized to your move. Some important factors that the company will take into account when calculating your moving costs are the size of your home, the distance you’re traveling, your move date, the types of household goods you need to move, and more.

In order to help you get a better idea of how much you can usually expect to pay when you move with IVL, we’ve compiled a list of previous customer pricing. Use the chart below to learn more about the average cost homeowners paid when they move with IVL.

State Availability: All 50 states

Get a quote from IVL here.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

Why We Recommend American Van Lines

When you’re looking for a cheap moving company, the last thing that you’ll want to deal with is a company that seems to choose its pricing at random. American Van Lines (AVL) helps you avoid the hassle of hidden fees with its flat-rate pricing. Unlike most moving companies, AVL uses a flat-rate per-mile charge. Not only does this help your representative deliver a more accurate moving quote to you — it also helps you better estimate what you’ll pay so there are no surprises when you book your move.

Worried about booking your move and then finding cheaper relocation services elsewhere? AVL has you covered here too — if you find a more affordable moving rate on your move with another reputable team of local movers, AVL will match it. When combined with collecting multiple quotes from competing interstate moving teams, these policies can help you find the most advantageous moving rates in your area. 

Pros & Cons of American Van Lines

Services Offered

American Van Lines operates as a full-service moving company. You can currently book the following services through their team:

• 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?

In the chart below, you’ll find general pricing information from previous AVL customers. Use this data to estimate what you’ll pay to move based on the size of your home and the distance you’re moving. 

State Availability: 48 States

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Unlike the other companies on our list, Moving APT does not operate as a moving carrier. This means that the company won’t provide the actual moving services that you receive when you hit the road. Instead, Moving APT is a moving broker, a company that maintains a list of reasonably priced moving companies to help you find the perfect match for your family. 

After connecting with Moving APT, the broker will find a moving company for you that works with your budget and the dates you have available for moving. This is a win-win situation for both you and the company you move with; movers get to spend more time on the road when they would otherwise be vacant, and you enjoy discounted rates negotiated by Moving APT. Moving APT also maintains a list of its most popular carriers so you can learn more about how the broker employs a strict set of criteria when choosing which cross-country movers they work with. 

Pros & Cons of Moving APT

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
• Limited furniture disassembly and reassembly

Keep in mind that specific services available will vary by team. Your movers may offer all of the services listed above, some of these services, or none at all. They may also have extras beyond Moving APT’s most popularly booked services. Be sure to ask your movers about any assistance you’ll need on moving day before you book your moving date. 

How Much Does Moving APT Cost?

Like American Van Lines, Moving APT offers price-matching services to help you save as much as possible on your move. Unfortunately, since so many customers take advantage of this benefit, it can be difficult to predict pricing with Moving APT before you get a quote. A recent 1,000-mile move for a four-bedroom home was quoted a price of $7,800 from Moving APT. This puts the company’s pricing in line with competitors’ average pricing. 

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

JK Moving Services can be a great option for your family if you have niche moving needs or you want to customize your moving process as much as possible. JK’s team members provide one of the widest selections of moving add-ons that we’ve seen, some of which are not available with other companies. For example, if you’re moving a large number of client or customer files alongside your home, JK Moving Services can provide archival services to ensure that no data is lost or compromised. Customizing your move can save you money in the long run by limiting the possibility of damage and loss as much as possible.

JK Moving also offers financing options online — and if you qualify, you could pay 0% APR on your price. This policy breaks down your moving bill into easier-to-manage monthly payments. If you cannot afford your moving company upfront, requesting financing information from JK Moving Services could be a major help.  

Pros & Cons of JK Moving Services

Services Offered

The following services are some of the most popular options booked through JK Moving Services:

• 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

Don’t see what you need on the list? In many cases, a representative will be able to offer or source the services on your behalf. 

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost?

JK Moving Services offers such a wide range of optional add-on services that it’s difficult to estimate pricing before you get a quote. As a general statement on pricing, you can usually expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,500 when you move a two-bedroom home a total distance of 500 miles. However, you should not assume that your move will be within this range until you consult with a JK representative and get your quote.   

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

Moving a vehicle isn’t a cheap process — especially if you need to move something other than a standard car. Allied Van Lines makes it easier to rest with the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you aren’t breaking the bank for your vehicle shipping services. From boats to luxury vehicles and from open to enclosed transport, Allied Van Lines provides a solution for every type of vehicle shipping service.

If you’re moving your family’s primary vehicle, you might be concerned about making it to work or school on schedule when you make it to your new home. Allied is one of the only moving companies we’ve seen that is so confident in their vehicle shipping options that they offer to cover the cost of a rental car until your vehicle arrives. This can be an ideal solution if you’re looking for cheap movers to complete a move with a tight deadline but you also need to move your primary vehicle. 

Pros & Cons of Allied Van Lines

Services Offered

Like IVL, Allied Van Lines’ team of full-service movers offer optional services beyond loading and transportation. You can currently book the following services through Allied:

• 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

The company also offers a range of online resources that you can use to effectively plan your move like a pro. Be sure to browse Allied’s company website when you get your moving quote from their team. 

How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?

Also like International Van Lines, Allied Van Lines’ pricing process is highly personalized. To get a better idea of what you might pay for your moving process with Allied’s professional moving company, check out the chart of previous pricing data below.  

State Availability: All 50 states

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service

Why We Recommend U-Pack

Moving container services like U-Pack can provide you with a unique alternative to save money on your transportation while also avoiding picking up a rental truck. After receiving your instant estimate online, you can book your container service entirely online. On moving day, U-Pack will deliver a weatherproof moving container (which they call a “Relocube”) to your current property. You’ll then load the container on your own time — when you’re finished, U-Pack will pick up the container and take it to your new home, where you’ll unpack. You can also book multiple containers if you’re moving a larger home.

If you prefer to move using a moving truck, U-Pack can still help you with your move. The company also offers trailer drop-off and pick-up services alongside moving containers. These trailers are billed on a “pay-what-you-use” model, so you won’t need to worry about paying for trailer space that you didn’t actually need. 

Pros & Cons of U-Pack

Services Offered

U-Pack is not a full-service moving company, so it limits its services to long-distance container moving and storage services. Keep in mind that U-Pack only offers service on moves that total at least 150 miles in distance. If you’re moving locally, competing moving container services like PODS can help you get to your new space without overspending. 

How Much Does U-Pack Cost?

Most U-Pack customers will be able to claim an instant quote online through U-Pack’s pricing tool. You can view information about what previous customers paid to use U-Pack’s containers using the chart below. 

State Availability: All 50 States

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

Why We Recommend North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines’ most unique feature is its pricing options. The company offers specific types of pricing, and you can use the pricing type that best fits your moving needs. For example, North American Van Lines offers “not to exceed” pricing, which can be a lifesaver for families moving on a very strict budget. Additional pricing options are also available.

In addition, North American Van Lines also offers excellent insurance options that you can add to your move. Buying insurance might seem like another cost that you don’t really need, but it can help you save money in the long run because breakage during moves is common. This is especially true if you have a long-distance move ahead of you. 

Pros & Cons of North American Van Lines

Services Offered

You can currently schedule the following add-on services through North American Van Lines:

• 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?

Learn more about pricing information using the cost data below collected from previous North American Van Lines customers to estimate what you’ll pay for your move. 

State Availability: All 50 States

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

What To Look For In Cheap Moving Companies?

No one wants to pay more than they must for moving services. Unfortunately, moving scams are relatively common throughout the United States — and low pricing is often used to draw in new victims. Be sure that you’re working with a legitimate moving company by searching for the following key characteristics.

• Valid licensing: Moving companies that provide services that cross state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can tell that a company is properly regulated by asking for the company’s USDOT number. A USDOT number is a unique identifier that is assigned to each moving company and allows the FMCSA to track things like mover driving records. Ask for the company’s USDOT number and verify it using the FMCSA’s database here.
• Company branding: Legitimate moving companies want as many people in the area to know about their company as possible. If you encounter a moving company that does not use branded trucks or who offers a website with very little useful information (like an address or phone number), move on in your search.
• Prices that are about in line with other companies in your area: Of course, the point of searching for a cheap moving company is to pay less on your move. However, if you receive a rate that seems too good to be true, you may have found yourself speaking with an illegitimate mover. Collect moving quotes from at least a few companies in your area — if you get a quote that’s thousands of dollars lower than competitors, proceed with caution.

If you’re the victim of moving fraud, contact the FMCSA as soon as possible.

What Costs Are Involved With Cheap Moving Companies?

Working with a cheap moving company may come with expenses you haven’t taken into account. Some expenses you’ll need to consider include the following.

• Self-transport: While your moving company will deliver your household goods, you need to find a way to your new home alongside your family. Be sure to account for gas and toll charges if you’re driving and tickets and luggage costs if you’re flying.
• Cleaning supplies: No matter if you rent or own your home, you’re responsible for making sure the space is clean and in great condition before you move out. Cheap moving companies don’t usually offer cleaning services, which means you’ll need to have cleaning supplies on-hand to clean up your space.
• Moving supplies: You can typically buy moving supplies through cheap moving companies. However, this will add money to your final bill. Searching for cheap or free moving supplies around you is a great way to limit the cost of your move. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, even cheap moving companies can charge more than you might have expected. Downsizing as much as possible before your move helps you save, as the fewer things you have to move, the less you’ll pay for services. You should also be sure to get multiple free quotes before you book your moving date. Just a few hours of speaking with representatives can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your upcoming move.

House Method Rating Methodology

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:

• Moving Services (3.0): Does the company offer international, interstate, or local moving services? Or all three?
• Additional Services (3.0): Does the company offer additional services such as packing/unpacking or loading/unloading?
• Insurance Coverage (1.0): What kind of moving insurance coverage does the company offer, such as released value protection or full-value protection?
• Trailers and Containers (1.0): How many trailer or container sizes does the company offer to customers?
• Benefits (1.0): What additional perks does the company offer? Some examples: storage, packing, free boxes, moving truck rentals, financing, etc.
• Scheduling (.5): How are customers able to schedule their move, online, through the phone, or both? What is the ease of the scheduling process?
• Reputation (.5): What kind of ratings does the company have on popular review sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot?