If you want to stay within a set price range for your upcoming move, hiring a reputable, inexpensive moving company should be at the top of your priority list. To assist your search, our team researched standard moving costs and analyzed the best moving companies in the country. We found that a 100-mile, two-bedroom move will cost between $2,000 and $2,750. This estimate does not include any packing or add-on services. All moves are unique, so we recommend requesting quotes before establishing a budget. Read our guide below for a breakdown of the best cheap moving options for your next relocation. 

Best Full-Service Mover
4.8/5
Best OverallFull-Service MoverWorldwide Availability
Most Experienced Mover
4.5/5
Experienced CrewsBinding EstimatesPrice-Matching Policy
Most Efficient
4.3/5
Flat-Rate PricingOffers Price-MatchingPrescreens Movers

10 Best Cheap Moving Companies of 2023

Based on our in-depth research, here are the best cheap moving companies:


Compare the Best Cheap Moving Companies

We compared the top cheap moving companies in the table below. You can use the links included to get free quotes from each provider.

Best For Star Rating BBB Rating Link
International Van Lines International Van Lines Best Full-Service Mover
B VISIT SITE
American Van Lines American Van Lines Most Experienced Mover
A VISIT SITE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Most Efficient
B VISIT SITE
Safeway Moving Inc. Safeway Moving Inc. Most Customer-Oriented
A+ VISIT SITE
Moving APT Moving APT Best Customer Service
B VISIT SITE
JK Moving Services JK Moving Services Most Customizable
A+ VISIT SITE
North American Van Lines North American Van Lines Best for Claims
A+ VISIT SITE
Allied Van Lines Allied Van Lines Best for Vehicle Relocation
A+ VISIT SITE
United Van Lines United Van Lines Best Base Moving Coverage
A+ VISIT SITE
Mayflower Mayflower Best for Large Moves
A+ VISIT SITE
International Van Lines
Logo International Van Lines
Best For Best Full-Service Mover
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
American Van Lines
Logo American Van Lines
Best For Most Experienced Mover
Star Rating
BBB Rating A
VISIT SITE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Logo Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Best For Most Efficient
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Safeway Moving Inc.
Logo Safeway Moving Inc.
Best For Most Customer-Oriented
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Moving APT
Logo Moving APT
Best For Best Customer Service
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
JK Moving Services
Logo JK Moving Services
Best For Most Customizable
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
North American Van Lines
Logo North American Van Lines
Best For Best for Claims
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Allied Van Lines
Logo Allied Van Lines
Best For Best for Vehicle Relocation
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
United Van Lines
Logo United Van Lines
Best For Best Base Moving Coverage
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Mayflower
Logo Mayflower
Best For Best for Large Moves
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Providers
Best For
Star Rating
BBB Rating
Best Full-Service Mover
B
Most Experienced Mover
A
Most Efficient
B
Most Customer-Oriented
A+
Best Customer Service
B
Most Customizable
A+
Best for Claims
A+
Best for Vehicle Relocation
A+
Best Base Moving Coverage
A+
Best for Large Moves
A+

*BBB ratings are current as of July 2023.


International Van Lines

Best Full-Service Mover
Sample Quote $825–$1,650
888-293-1891 VISIT SITE

International Van Lines

Best Full-Service Mover
4.8
International Van Lines Review

American Van Lines

Most Experienced Mover
Sample Quote $2,000
877-960-3186 VISIT SITE

American Van Lines

Most Experienced Mover
4.5
American Van Lines Review

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Most Efficient
Sample Quote $1,500–$3,500
866-209-1298 VISIT SITE

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Most Efficient
4.3
IMRG Review

U-Pack

Most Affordable
Sample Quote $1,100
VISIT SITE

U-Pack

Most Affordable
3.8
U-Pack Review

JK Moving Services

Most Customizable
Sample Quote $1,600
571-487-8929 VISIT SITE

JK Moving Services

Most Customizable
4.6
JK Moving Services Review

Moving APT

Best Customer Service
Sample Quote $1,530–$3,030
855-910-1001 VISIT SITE

Moving APT

Best Customer Service
4.2
Moving APT Review

Safeway Moving Inc.

Most Customer-Oriented
Sample Quote Contact for quote
844-886-1118 VISIT SITE

Safeway Moving Inc.

Most Customer-Oriented
4.4
Safeway Moving Review

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
Sample Quote $1,000
877-483-9424 VISIT SITE

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
4.7
Allied Van Lines Review

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
Sample Quote $1,000
877-624-0912 VISIT SITE

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.6
North American Van Lines Review

Mayflower

Best for Large Moves
Sample Quote $1,000
VISIT SITE

Mayflower

Best for Large Moves
4.6
Allied Van Lines Review

What Impacts Moving Costs

Many factors impact moving costs, including whether you book a local move to a nearby city or a long-distance move to another state. Hiring a full-service moving company near you will typically entail higher costs than a container company with portable storage units that you load and unload unassisted. A fully DIY move is a cheaper but more stressful option, and many providers have partial-packing services that establish a middle ground in terms of costs. 

Move LengthMove SizeAverage Cost
Local (less than 50 miles)Two-bedroom$750–$1,250
Intermediate (100 miles)Two-bedroom$2,000–$2,750
Long-distance (500 miles)Two-bedroom$3,000–$3,750

Below are some of the other key factors that determine the final price you pay for your moving services: 

  • Distance of your move
  • Weight and volume of your inventory 
  • Fuel costs
  • Seasonality (May to September sees higher rates)
  • Accessibility of your residence (shuttle fees for inaccessible driveways)
  • Elevator and multiple flights of stairs surcharges
  • Number of portable containers used (self-service moves)
  • Hourly rates (local moves)
  • Bulky item surcharges
  • Packing services
  • Specialty services
  • Additional valuation coverage or third-party insurance

Beyond these cost factors, each state has its own regulatory bodies and tariff requirements to regulate moving companies. Some states, such as California, require moving companies to provide “not to exceed” pricing for all local and long-distance relocations. Other states mandate that all services must have clear and transparent pricing regulated by the local moving governing body. 

Many state governing bodies offer resources, such as moving tips and “what to expect” guides for moving clients. Texas is a prime example; this moving guide is readily accessible on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) site. You can also read a thorough “rights and responsibilities” brochure on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) site. Resources such as these could help you avoid overpaying.


When Is the Cheapest Time To Hire Movers?

We recommend booking your move on a weekday outside peak moving season to get the lowest possible rate. Moving companies deal with heightened demand on weekends from May through September. This often leads to higher overall costs and difficulty booking your primary choice. If you know you’ll have to move on a summer weekday, then you can still save by booking early. Many movers offer early booking discounts.


How To Save Money on a Long-Distance Move

We’ve listed the best ways to save money on your upcoming long-distance move. Most long-distance movers bill based on your total shipping weight and added services, so we recommend downsizing and handling at least some of your own packing to reduce moving costs. Local movers typically bill hourly, and you can also apply these tips to save money on your local move. 

Consider Renting a Moving Truck or Moving Container

You can dramatically reduce your pricing by staging a DIY move. To do so, rent a moving truck or moving container. If you rent a moving truck, you can hire moving labor to load and unload your belongings while you handle the transportation of your goods on your own. Book at least one month in advance, regardless of your chosen moving method.

Downsize

If you plan your move far enough in advance, you’ll have enough time to downsize before your move date. Start by compiling a full inventory of your home. Break this list down room by room, and note which items you’ll take with you and which you’ll get rid of. Make appropriate plans to dispose of unwanted items. This may mean making regular trips to a town dump or organizing a yard sale. Downsizing will be less costly than having your movers transport unwanted goods.

Get Multiple Quotes

Moving companies offer varied service ranges at different prices. If you sign a contract with the first moving company you consider, you’re unlikely to book at the lowest possible price. We recommend getting quotes with a few different pricing options and structures ahead of your move date. You can compare quotes and ensure you book with the mover offering the lowest cost.

Handle Your Own Packing

Full-service packing is one of the most expensive single add-on services you can purchase. Moving companies often charge hourly rates for your movers’ labor, plus markups for packing supplies. Packing your own home can cut your move price down considerably.


Our Conclusion

A cheap move may at first seem out of reach, but several reputable movers offer affordable options. We took a deep dive into International Van Lines’ offerings and found its pricing to be lower than most large full-service moving companies. With IVL’s flexible packing options and nationwide coverage, the company is a solid choice for those on a budget. 

Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines offer rates as low as $1,000 for baseline moving services. These moving companies provide basic and comprehensive moving packages; their less expensive options offer some of the most affordable rates we’ve seen. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure competitively low rates. We recommend getting quotes from at least three different providers before making your final decision.


FAQ About Cheap Moving Companies


Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling options, additional benefits and custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.