Best Moving Companies (September 2023 Guide)

• Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states
• USDOT #: 2293832

International Van Lines (IVL) is our top pick for a full-service moving company and earned a 4.8 out of 5 on our overall rating scale. This is largely thanks to its competitive rates and wide variety of services. The company offers full-service, partial-service, and self-service options for local and long-distance moves anywhere in the country. Full-service options include packing and unpacking, specialty services for pianos and antiques, and storage. Read our International Van Lines review to learn more about this broker and carrier.

In addition to its professional packing services, IVL offers short- and long-term storage solutions. Storage-in-transit is a great option if you need temporary storage in your destination city while waiting for access to your new home. IVL can provide auto or motorcycle transport for domestic and international shipments, and commercial moving services are also available.

Moving services:

• Commercial and residential moving
• Crating
• Domestic moving
• Fragile-only packing
• Full-service packing
• International moving

Storage: 

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes, dependent on location
• Discounts? 30 days of free storage with any long-distance move

International Van Lines provides a fairly quick quote process for all moves. You can get a quick quote via its cost calculator or submit your contact information and move information via a quote form on IVL’s website for an in-depth estimate. We got the following sample quote from an IVL representative over the phone.

• Sample quote: $2,015–$3,445 (2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Chicago)
• Deposit: 25% up-front
• Payment accepted:
  • Cash
  • Cashier’s check
  • Credit card (deposit only)
  • Money order

International Van Lines helps with local and long-distance moves in all 50 states. The company also provides services for international moves.

IVL’s customer rating on Better Business Bureau is 3.47 out of 5, which is fairly high for movers on that platform. Negative reviews mention difficulty with communication after booking and poor communication on services to be rendered, a common complaint among brokers. However, its positive reviews mention the quality work completed by the movers themselves. Here’s what recent customers had to say:

“Our precious possessions, like glass top dining table and daybed, were handled carefully throughout the move, and we can’t thank the crew enough! The moving unit took great care to safeguard all the items and pack the truck efficiently so that everything could be accommodated.” —Jasmin via Google Reviews in March 2023

“I was impressed with John’s commitment to sustainability. They used friendly packing materials and made sure to dispose of any waste responsibly. It was great to see a moving company that cares about the environment.” —Bertha via Google Reviews in March 2023

• Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Availability: 48 states*
• USDOT #: 614506

*American Van Lines is not available in Alaska or Hawaii

American Van Lines provides experienced, consistent, and reliable moving labor with full-service options. Its labor quality is largely responsible for its 4.5 out of 5 rating on our scale. The company exclusively hires full-time movers, as opposed to the more common method of contract-based work. American Van Lines’ workers average 10 years of moving experience. This makes them some of the best movers available for a wide range of services, including packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading. Read our American Van Lines review to learn more about this provider.

Operating as a full-service mover, American Van Lines has various service offerings to simplify the moving process. Standard packing services include professional packing and unpacking, but you can also request fragile-only packing and custom crating from AVL’s experienced movers. Piano moving is another add-on option. Packing supplies are available for customers who want to self-pack.

Moving services:

• Antique moving
• Crating
• Full-service and specialty packing
• Local and long-distance moving
• Moving supplies
• Piano moving

Storage: 

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes, dependent on location
• Discounts? First month free with a full-service move

American Van Lines provides binding estimates. This means you receive a fixed rate that won’t change during your move. Other companies may adjust their prices based on unexpected events or changes during a move, but American Van Lines guarantees your quote price. We pulled the following sample quote from AVL’s website. For a three-bedroom move between the same cities, AVL estimated the price would increase by roughly $2,000.

• Sample quote: $4,669 (2-bedroom move from Houston to Chicago)
• Deposit: 10%–50%
• Payment accepted:
  • Cash
  • Cashier’s check
  • Credit card
  • Money order
  • Traveler’s check

American Van Lines can help with moves of any size and distance in 48 states. It is not available in Alaska and Hawaii.

American Van Lines’ flat-rate pricing and work quality feature in its positive reviews. Negative reviews mention that this mover has brokered moves out. Since this mover markets itself primarily as a carrier, this is worth noting. Here are some recent reviews for AVL:

“Very good experience, guys were fantastic. Everything was in perfect order.” —Darko via Google Reviews in March 2023

“They did an amazing job moving us. Movers were very polite, helpful and professional. It was an easy move with American Van Lines.” —Nicole via Google Reviews in March 2023

• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states
• USDOT #: 3034100

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is an interstate broker that serves as an intermediary agent connecting customers with movers in its network. It earned a rating of 4.3 out of 5 thanks to its versatility and wide reach. This mover’s business model can save you major hassle by allowing IMRG to negotiate with providers to find the price and service offerings that match your needs.

With its movers driving routes across the country, IMRG often has the flexibility to schedule moving dates on shorter notice than many competitors. It has an expedited quote process that, in our experience, leads to same- or next-day binding estimates. For a more in-depth look, read our Interstate Moving & Relocation Group review.

IMRG brokers moving services to companies capable of handling long-distance, local, and international relocation. Its partners include various full-service movers and budget-friendly container shipping companies, giving you the opportunity to plan the move that’s best for your needs. You can also request vehicle shipping services, and many companies offer storage solutions. 

Moving services:

• Assembly and disassembly
• Commercial and residential moving
• Long-distance moving
• Packing
• Vehicle shipping

Storage: 

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes, dependent on location
• Discounts? No

For the sample quote below, we selected self-packing, only requesting assistance with loading and unloading the shipment. A full-pack service will add to the total cost. We contacted an IMRG sales representative to discuss our move details and received the following sample quote. 

• Sample quote: $6,214 (2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Chicago)
• Deposit: Varies by partner
• Payment accepted:
  • Check
  • Credit card

IMRG is available nationwide and can help arrange long-distance, local, and international moves. 

IMRG’s partnerships with other carriers can lead to varied service quality. Its 3.59 out of 5 rating on BBB places it among the best movers available, as this rating is unusually high for movers on that platform. Here are some recent reviews of IMRG:

“They were super-efficient and worked extra hard. Everything was securely packed and delivered without any issues. Would definitely recommend them!” —Carson via Google Reviews in March 2023

“These guys did a good job. Everything went as planned. No surprises or hidden fees at the end of the move. Prices were competitive. Everything was damage free. Thanks!” —Lorrany via Google Reviews in March 2023

• Our rating: 4.4 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states
• USDOT #: 237129

Safeway Moving Inc. is a Florida-based broker and carrier that provides long-distance moving service to all 50 states. Its commitment to flat-rate pricing and transparency earned Safeway an 4.4 out of 5 rating on our scale. As a carrier and broker, Safeway uses its own crews and third-party agents vetted by the company to perform moving services. Safeway works primarily as a long-distance mover but also advertises international relocation assistance.

We took note of the forward-facing values on Safeway’s website, highlighting the company’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and communication. Safeway advocates for senior citizens, training move coordinators to provide extra help as necessary for senior moves. For more information, read our Safeway Moving Inc. review.

Safeway is a full-service moving company and includes packing assistance in its estimates. In addition to packing and unpacking your belongings, its movers will take apart furniture when necessary for navigating tight doorways and reassemble it at your destination. Fragile-only packing and crating for expensive items is available. Safeway also offers short- and long-term storage.

Moving services:

• Insurance options for all goods
• Long-distance moving
• Packing and unpacking
• Padding and shrink-wrapping for all furniture

Storage:

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes, dependent on location
• Discounts? First month free with any long-distance move

We spoke on the phone to a Safeway sales representative who gave us an estimate for the sample quote below. This quote was for roughly 6,100 pounds of items and included full-service packing. Services such as fragile-only packing will add to your total cost. Safeway provides flat-rate binding estimates for all moves it handles, which means you won’t overpay or be stuck with hidden charges.

• Sample quote: $5,802 (2-bedroom move from Chicago to Houston)
• Deposit: Up to 40%
• Payment accepted:
  • Cash
  • Certified check
  • Credit card
  • Money order

Safeway has cross-country availability with primary offices in Indiana, Florida, and New Jersey. For moves that Safeway cannot conduct with its own crews, the company will outsource those services to a partner company.

Safeway Moving Inc. recently underwent a rebrand and acquired a fleet of 20 trucks. It now provides moving services as a carrier, along with its nationwide broker presence. Clients complimented the quality of work that Safeway can provide, as featured in these recent reviews:

“My movers were prompt, efficient and trustworthy. They made the whole moving procedure quite simple. Regardless of the size or weight of my parcels, they handled them all expertly. I was quite happy.” —Alberto via Google Reviews in March 2023

“They took great care in packing and moving all of our appliances, including our dishwasher and oven. I was extremely satisfied with their services.” —Bruce via Google Reviews in March 2023

• Our rating: 4.2 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states
• USDOT #: 2247863

We like Moving APT for its concierge-style approach to moving. It earned a rating of 4.2 out of 5. Moving APT does not directly provide relocation services. Instead, the company is a broker that works to connect you with local movers that match your needs. Moving APT has one of the largest networks of independent movers in the industry.

Through its partner network, Moving APT can provide packing and loading services and a variety of common add-on options such as storage and vehicle shipping. For more information, read our full Moving APT review.

An advantage of working with a well-established moving broker is that the company can inspect its existing network to find a partner offering the services you need. In addition to working with full-service movers offering standard packing assistance, Moving APT can connect you to vehicle shipping companies to save you a stressful step of your move. Many partners offer storage services, and some specialize in military and government moves.

Moving services:

• Crating 
• Full-service packing
• Heavy item moving for pianos and similar goods
• Local and long-distance moving
• Vehicle shipping

Storage:

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes, dependent on location
• Discounts? No

Moving APT provides a cost calculator tool on its website for instant ballpark pricing. Per reviews, and from our own quote experience, comprehensive pricing is easy to get from this mover. It offers price matching and easy-to-access customer service when booking. We used its online moving cost calculator to get the following price range.

• Sample quote: $2,968–$5,688 (2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Chicago)
• Deposit: Varies by partner
• Payment accepted:
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Money order

Moving APT can accommodate local, long-distance, and international relocations in all 50 states.

Negative Moving APT reviews mention price-swapping and poor communication between this provider and its partner carriers. However, positive reviews outnumber the bad and mention its affordability and efficiency. Here are some recent reviews of this broker:

“They made a rough day easy. From My first experience dealing with Nicole to the actual move with Jonathan and Lou couldn’t have been better. Great crew,they all really care. I couldn’t be happier with this group.” —Luana via Google Reviews in March 2023

“Very professional and reliable. Reasonable rates. Great communication via email. Good move!We received great service from this Company and moving crew!” —Justin via Google Reviews in January 2023

• Our rating: 4.6 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states
• USDOT #: 1065394

We rated JK Moving at 4.6 out of 5. It provides excellent packing and crating services, as well as antique moving assistance. Its crews are trained in an on-site facility that simulates moving within an actual home to provide quality moving services.

JK Moving Services is a full-service mover that tailors your moving package to your budget and needs. Another standout feature is that customers can finance their moves with JK Moving. This is an uncommon offering in the moving industry. Some customers can get rates as low as 0% same-as-cash. Read our JK Moving Services review to learn more.

JK Moving’s full-service packages are customizable, enabling you to match a preferred set of services to your move plan. You can pack your home inventory yourself or leave the work to JK Moving’s vetted and trained employees. Fragile-only packing is an option, and you can request add-on services such as vehicle shipping and storage. In addition to residential moves, JK Moving handles government, corporate, and office moves.

Moving services:

• Crating
• Financing options as low as 0% (if qualified)
• GPS tracking
• Local and long-distance services
• Packing
• Vehicle shipping

Storage: 

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes
• Discounts? No

JK Moving customizes its moving packages based on individual customers’ needs, so the company does not feature sample pricing online. We were able to get a ballpark estimate from JK Moving’s sales team for the sample quote below. This quote includes furniture disassembly, wrapping and padding, loading, unloading, and full value protection.

JK Moving’s virtual estimates are bolstered by an AI-assisted mobile app that provides more accurate inventory logging to help you get reliable pricing.

• Sample quote: $7,521 (2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Chicago)
• Deposit: $250
• Payment accepted:
  • Cash
  • Credit card

JK Moving provides assistance with moves in all 50 states. JK Moving can also supply assistance for international moving.

JK Moving’s specialized packing and crating options are backed by industry-leading mover training. It currently has more than 1,000 reviews on Google and features a 4.5 out of 5 overall rating. Its offerings as a carrier and broker are among the best in the business, as attested by the following reviews:

“The guys did a great job. We had some last minute changes and had them drop stuff at multiple locations. No sweat. They did it on time, professionally and for a reasonable rate. 5 star service all the way.” —May via Google Reviews in March 2023

“Professional, efficient, and thorough moving experience. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a local or cross-country move. Unexpected excellence from a moving company, zero issues.” —Eddie via Google Reviews in March 2023

• Our rating: 4.7 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states
• USDOT #: 076235

We rated Allied Van Lines at 4.7 out of 5. Its quality full-service moving options and high customer review scores across multiple platforms place it among the best in the industry. Many movers outsource vehicle shipping services, but Allied Van Lines is a full-service mover that offers the rare perk of vehicle relocation services using its own trucks. It also offers GPS tracking on shipments. For more information, read our Allied Van Lines review.

Allied Van Lines provides full packing and unpacking assistance, including disassembly and reassembly of your furniture when necessary to complete the move, as well as short- and long-term storage rental. Allied introduced a container storage service called Allied Express. Allied also offers to coordinate pet relocation and cleaning services, and packing materials are available for purchase in convenient moving kits.

Moving services:

• Commercial moves
• Crating
• Fragile-only packing
• Local and long-distance moving
• Packing and unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Storage: 

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes
• Discounts? No

We found that Allied’s quote process was fairly easy to navigate, and we contacted the company to request the estimate below. You can also get a quick InstaQuote for pricing; while this tool yields estimates that are somewhat accurate, they shouldn’t be taken as binding estimates. Submit your information or call Allied for a more definitive price.

• Sample quote: $5,364–$6,131 (2-bedroom move from Chicago to Houston)
• Deposit: None
• Payment accepted:
  • Cash
  • Certified check
  • Check
  • Money order

Allied Van Lines helps with local and cross-country moves in all 50 states. It also helps with international moves in 130 countries.

Allied has more than 500 locations across the United States, which have collectively garnered thousands of reviews. Overall, impressions are positive, with its in-house vehicle shipping options and quick quote process featuring in recent reviews:

“Our move was handled professionally and on time!” —Barry via Google Reviews in January 2023

“[Mover] and the team he selected did an excellent job in losing and unloading our belongings.” —Frank via Google Reviews in September 2022

• Our rating: 4.6 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states
• USDOT #: 070851

North American Van Lines (NAVL) received a 4.6 out of 5 rating due to its full-service offerings, straightforward pricing, and numerous locations. This is a true full-service mover that offers comprehensive contents protection plans and an easy-to-use claims process. This makes NAVL a great choice for those looking to transport expensive belongings.

North American Van Lines provides custom full-value release plans, so customers receive coverage and compensation that matches the actual value of their items rather than a predetermined amount. NAVL offers easy-to-reach communication if something goes wrong through a direct customer support line for filing claims. Learn more about this mover by reading our North American Van Lines review.

North American Van Lines provides full-service relocation assistance, taking care of your packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking needs. For its self-packing option, NAVL sells an array of packing supplies to save you a trip to the store. Unlike many movers, NAVL assists with appliance installation and assembly and can even install bulky items, such as hot tubs.

Moving services:

• Assembly and disassembly
• Appliance installation
• Crating
• Packing and unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Storage:

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes, dependent on location
• Discounts? No

North American Van Lines quoted us $5,343–$6,105 for a two-bedroom move from Chicago to Houston with a medium-sized load. Like Allied, the company offers binding estimates through virtual and in-home surveys. This provides greater financial peace of mind when paired with North American Van Lines’ coverage plans and claims process.

• Sample quote: $5,343–$6,105 (2-bedroom move from Chicago to Houston)
• Deposit: No
• Payment accepted:
  • Cash
  • Certified check
  • Money order

North American Van Lines is available for local and long-distance moves in every state. It also helps with international moves in 130 countries.

NAVL has strong customer reviews, but its service quality varies by location. It operates more than 500 locations throughout all 50 states, so your movers’ ability to handle specialty services depends on the branch near you. Here is a sample of recent NAVL reviews:

“The crew that came got right to it. They worked well together and were efficient. Friendly and hard workers. I had a small amount to move – not a whole house – and they were in and out in no time.” —Pat via Google Reviews in November 2022

<“Very punctual and professional. Delivered goods when stated. Packing was excellent. [I] would recommend [mover] and his crew to anyone considering a move.” —Herb via Google Reviews in September 2022

• Our rating: 3.8 out of 5
• Availability: 50 states
• USDOT #: 2632086

U-Pack’s lack of added service offerings bring its rating down to 3.8 out of 5. However, its DIY-centric service model makes it ideal for small or less-complicated moves. The company provides driveway-to-driveway delivery of portable moving and storage containers at reasonable prices without hidden fees or the need for in-home estimates.

U-Pack’s ReloCubes are 6 feet long by 8 feet wide—large enough to store the contents of a normal-sized living room. While you will likely need multiple ReloCubes for your items, U-Pack will not charge you for any containers that you don’t end up using. For larger moves, U-Pack’s cargo trailers may be a more cost-effective solution. Trailers can hold the furniture and belongings of a typical three- or four-bedroom home. To learn more about moving with U-Pack, read our U-Pack review.

U-Pack’s small-footprint portable storage containers make the company a great option for conducting moves in areas with busy streets and limited parking. The company markets various move types, including senior moves, and can coordinate loading and unloading crews when necessary. U-Pack’s ReloCube containers are available for short- and long-term storage in many areas.

Moving services:

• DIY moving with ReloCubes and trailers
• Local and long-distance moving

Storage:

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes
• Discounts? No

Using U-Pack’s online instant quote tool, we received an estimate of $2,748 to book a 13-foot trailer for a two-bedroom move from Houston to Chicago. The cost to rent two ReloCubes for the same move would be $3,566. U-Pack doesn’t require deposits and provides fairly quick pricing estimates. This makes it a top option for DIY movers who have to book in a hurry.

• Sample quote: $2,748–$3,566 (2-bedroom move from Houston to Chicago)
• Deposit: None
• Payment accepted:
  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • PayPal

U-Pack is available in all 50 states for drop-off and pick-up of its mobile moving containers.

U-Pack has an A+ BBB rating with a 4.08 out of 5 customer rating. Positive reviews mention quality drivers and containers. Negative reviews mention billing disputes and delivery date discrepancies. Here are some recent testimonials:

“This was the easiest, stress free move I have ever done. They arrived on time, picked up on time and delivered on time. They contacted me with updates and worked around my schedule. If I ever have to move again I will definitely use them.” —Jeffrey via BBB on March 17, 2023

“Customer Service was polite and knowledgeable. Price was great. The “pay per foot” after the minimum took a bunch of stress off trying to figure out how much space we’d need. The Drivers were very kind as well. Bravo!” —Tim D via BBB on March 13, 2023

• Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
• Availability: 46 states*
• USDOT #: 125563

*Mayflower is not available in Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, or West Virginia.

Mayflower Moving earned 4.8 out of 5 on our rating scale. This provider received high marks for its full range of local and interstate moving services and its tiered insurance and protection options for all household goods. Read our Mayflower Moving review for more information.

Mayflower Moving is our top choice for large moves. It provides comprehensive moving services for clients with large homes, including basic and fragile-only packing. In addition to its numerous large move packages, it provides SnapMoves plans for smaller homes. 

Moving services:

• Antique moving
• Crating
• Packing
• SnapMoves for small moves
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Storage:

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes, dependent on location
• Discounts? No

Have an inventory list ready when you call Mayflower Moving for a quote. A moving coordinator will collect information about your move, including your origin and destination addresses and a full inventory. They will assign a binding estimate for your move with no deposit required for booking.

• Sample quote: Contact for pricing
• Deposit: None required
• Payment accepted:
  • Cash
  • Cashier’s check
  • Money check
  • Traveler’s check

Mayflower Moving is available in 46 states. It is not available in Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, or West Virginia. 

Mayflower Moving has a largely positive reputation among customers. Positive reviews mention its professionalism. Negative reviews point to slow claims processes for damages, which is typical of larger nationwide movers. 

“The owner was cooperative and he is quick, professional and responsive to all my inquiries. Thank you! I will definitely be recommending them to friends and family.” —Gabriel S via BBB on May 11, 2023

“100% recommend using their services. Price is reasonable. Team members are very professional and efficient.”  —Raymond M via BBB on May 12, 2023

• Our rating: 4 out of 5
• Availability: 46 states*
• USDOT #: 077949

*United Van Lines is not available in Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont, or West Virginia.

United Van Lines is one of the oldest full-service moving companies in the industry, and it received a 4 out of 5 on our rating scale. United provides typical full-service solutions such as packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking but specializes in handling electronics. The company will disassemble and reassemble your home theater and PC network, a service not offered by any other provider on our list. In addition, United Van Lines has its own fleet of carriers for vehicle shipping and provides short- and long-term storage.

United offers Snapmoves, a program geared specifically toward those moving an apartment, dorm room, or storage unit. Snapmoves gives customers a full-service experience—complete with a personal moving coordinator, full value protection of your belongings, and loading and unloading—at a lower rate. Read our United Van Lines review to learn more.

United Van Lines’ full-service movers are available for long-distance, local, and international relocations. In addition to its packing and unpacking assistance, United Van Lines can assist with debris removal after completing your move. The company provides residential and commercial storage options.

Moving services:

• Auto shipping
• Debris removal
• Packing and unpacking
• Tech installation and disassembly

Storage:

• Available? Yes
• Climate-controlled? Yes, dependent on location
• Discounts? No

United Van Lines will provide you with a binding estimate after completing a thorough assessment of your home and its contents. For this reason, the company does not give out online quotes. However, we were able to get a quick ballpark estimate of approximately $3,500 for a two-bedroom apartment move from Chicago to Houston. That estimate does not include packing and unpacking; selecting those services would add about $1,200 to the estimate above.

• Sample quote: $3,500–$4,700 (2-bedroom move from Chicago to Houston)
• Deposit: None
• Payment accepted:
  • Cash
  • Cashier’s check
  • Money order
  • Traveler’s check

United Van Lines can accommodate moves anywhere in the United States. The company operates 500 offices across every state in the country, with the exception of Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia. However, moves to or from that state can still be handled through a United location in a neighboring state or a third-party agent in the company’s network.

United Van Lines has an A+ rating with the BBB. Its customer reviews and quality of service are highly dependent on location. This provider operates in 46 different states, so you should look at reviews for your local United branch before booking or scheduling a quote.

“Crew hustled and got the work done fast and professionally. [Mover] and his crew did a great job.” —Miles via Google Reviews in March 2023

“Excellent service with experienced employees. No damage and [the] job completed as indicated.” —Anthony via Google Reviews in February 2023