Best Moving Companies in Montana (2023)

Sifting through the best moving companies to find one that fits your needs and budget is an essential step in planning a move. However, comparing the pricing and services of dozens of professional movers can take hours of your time.

The This Old House Reviews Team has diligently reviewed the best Montana moving companies for you. We evaluated the top providers nationwide and rated them on reputation, availability, coverage options, and more. This article explores our top picks for long-distance and local moves to, from, or within Big Sky Country.

Through in-depth research, we determined that the best moving companies in Montana are the following:

• International Van Lines: Best Overall Full-Service Mover
• American Van Lines: Most Experienced Moving Labor
• Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
• Moving APT: Best Customer Service
• Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Customer-Oriented
• JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
• Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Shipping
• North American Van Lines: Best for Claims

International Van Lines

• Our Take: Best Overall Full-service Mover
• Availability: 50 states

International Van Lines (IVL) is a full-service moving company that specializes in long-distance moving. IVL can handle corporate, residential, military, and government relocations, plus international moves to and from Montana. IVL offers a long list of optional services in addition to loading, transportation, unloading, and furniture assembly. IVL offers a full-value contents coverage plan and affordable moving insurance for both self-pack and full-service customers.

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers ocean and air freight for international moves
✔ Provides status updates via email or online tracking portal
✔ Is transparent about fees and costs

✘ Outsources some moves to third-party companies
✘ Requires a 25% deposit to reserve a moving date

Services

Although IVL offers full packing services, customers can choose to self-pack. You can even purchase your moving supplies directly from IVL. Auto transport and storage in transit are also available. Basic furniture assembly is included in the cost of every move.

Keep in mind that IVL is both a mover and a broker, so it may outsource some moves to third-party companies when necessary. IVL charges an extra fee for bulky items and logistical hurdles, but it lists all these fees on its website.

Cost

When you book a move with IVL, your charges will be broken into three payments: a 25% deposit and two equal payments due at pickup and delivery. The company does offer a generous cancellation policy that only requires 48 hours’ notice for a deposit refund.

IVL has an online moving calculator to give customers an instant ballpark estimate. For a binding estimate, you must contact the company directly. Senior and military discounts may also be available upon request. Get your personalized IVL quote.

Learn More: International Van Lines Review

American Van Lines

• Our Take: Most Experienced Moving Labor
• Availability: 48 states (not in Alaska and Hawaii)

American Van Lines (AVL) is a family-owned moving company that takes pride in its experienced, well-trained moving staff. All movers who work for AVL have passed a background check and undergone training in the latest techniques. They are also full-time employees. Certified antique movers, piano moving specialists, and custom crating services are available from AVL, too.

Pros and Cons

✔ Employes an experienced staff of background-checked movers
✔ Has specialists and crating for high-value items
✔ Offers a flat-rate, bottom-line pricing system

✘ Is unavailable in Alaska and Hawaii
✘ Limits customer service to weekdays

Services

Customers can choose full or partial packing services to control their moving costs better. AVL also offers auto shipping assistance and private storage units. In addition to regular moves, AVL can coordinate corporate relocations and military moves.

AVL can handle both local and long-distance moves throughout the contiguous United States. Weekly shuttles to major cities help your belongings arrive at their destination on time. 

However, the company does not offer international moving or services in Alaska and Hawaii.

Cost

Booking a move with AVL requires a 10%–50% deposit, which must be paid via credit card. The remaining balance may be paid by credit card, cash, post office money order, or cashier’s check and is due upon delivery.

AVL offers both binding and non-binding moving estimates. Binding estimates require an in-home or virtual consultation and provide bottom-line pricing. Get your personalized AVL quote.

Learn More: American Van Lines Review

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

• Our Take: Most Efficient
• Availability: 50 states

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a moving broker, not a carrier. Instead of handling your move, the company partners with a network of pre-screened local and long-distance moving companies. With an eye toward efficiency and exceeding customer expectations, IMRG manages its workload to ensure all moves are completed on time with accessible customer service.

Pros and Cons

✔ Partners with an extensive network of pre-screened companies
✔ Is dedicated to providing excellent customer service
✔ Has affordable rates due to pricing negotiations

✘ Does not have an online portal for tracking shipments
✘ Has a limited 72-hour grace period for refunds

Services

Through its partners, IMRG offers industry-standard services, such as auto transportation, packing and unpacking, and furniture disassembly and reassembly. Its website provides a customer service phone number and contact form, but its hours are limited to weekdays. IMRG’s website also lacks a shipment tracking portal.

Although IMRG specializes in long-distance moves, its partners include local movers in several major cities and companies that can handle short-distance moves. The company can also coordinate corporate, military, and international moves.

Cost

IMRG offers non-binding estimates that account for your moving date, distance, and shipment size. You can get an accurate quote by filling out an online inventory.

IMRG requires a deposit to book your move and has a strict cancellation policy. Moves booked less than five days in advance are ineligible for a refund. To receive a refund on other moves, you must cancel in writing within 72 hours of booking. The company may deduct a fee to cover merchant fees.

If you cancel after the grace period, your deposit will not be refunded. However, IMRG will apply your deposit to another move within 24 months. To request a free quote, fill out an online form or call 866-209-1298.

Moving APT

• Our Take: Best Customer Service
• Availability: 50 states

Moving APT is another moving broker with an extensive network of partner companies. Its moving consultants can match you with the best moving company for your needs and budget. Whether you’re under a tight deadline or need financing, Moving APT can find a mover to help. The company even offers 24/7 customer service.

Pros and Cons

✔ Provides 24/7 customer support via phone
✔ Offers discounts and price-matching
✔ Has strict criteria for vetting partner companies

✘ Requires seven days’ notice of cancellation to refund deposits
✘ Has variable customer experiences due to broker status

Services

Although Moving APT does not provide its own moving services, its partner companies can provide services such as appliance connection, auto transport, furniture assembly, packing, unpacking, and storage services. The company can arrange corporate, government, and military relocations in addition to residential moves.

The upside to Moving APT’s broker status is that it can provide more options and greater flexibility than other companies. The downside is that finding cost specifics on the company’s website can be difficult. However, customers can call 855-910-1001 for personalized assistance.

Cost

Moving APT charges a deposit that is only refundable if you cancel at least seven days before your moving day. The company offers several ways to save, though. All its partners provide discounts for military, senior, and differently abled customers. Discounts are also available for early reservations and short-distance moves.

Customers must fill out a moving inventory to receive a binding estimate. Be sure to ask your moving consultant about financing or price-matching if interested. You can also enter your moving details online to receive an instant ballpark estimate. Get your personalized Moving APT quote.

Learn More: Moving APT Review

Safeway Moving Inc.

• Our Take: Most Customer-Oriented
• Availability: 50 states

Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving broker that specializes in long-distance moving service. Its small fleet of trucks in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and its partner carriers in the rest of the country offer quality care for a variety of needs.

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers flat-rate pricing
✔ Includes 30 days of free storage with every moving quote
✔ Requires its moving partners to hold $1 million insurance policies

✘ Offers no local moving option in Montana
✘ Charges high deposit fees for booking

Services

All Safeway moves come with 30 days of free storage and light packing. Safeway also offers crating, vehicle shipping, and more, depending on the location and partner companies near you.

Cost

Safeway features a thorough quote process. We were treated to a full logging of our home inventory when we called for a quote. The representative went through our home room by room and spent nearly an hour going over our move details before rendering a pricing figure. Safeway requires a deposit of up to 40% to book.

Learn More: Safeway Moving Inc. Review

JK Moving Services

• Our Take: Most Customizable Full-service Mover
• Availability: 50 states

Among full-service movers, JK Moving Services is our top pick for customization. Customers can choose from DIY, fragile-only, and full-service packing. The company offers three different options for obtaining a binding estimate. Further, those who upgrade to full-protection moving insurance can choose their deductible and coverage limit. Customers even have several options for payment, including the financing plan available to qualified customers through Enhancify.

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a financing program powered by Enhancify
✔ Offers extra perks for small long-distance moves
✔ Employs dedicated personal moving coordinators

✘ Does not have local movers in Montana
✘ Does not provide instant online quotes

Services

JK Moving offers a long list of services, including auto transport, piano moving, packing unpacking, and short- and long-term storage in a secure storage facility. Its movers can even move antiques, fine art, pianos, wine, and other fragile items. Plus, each customer is assigned a personal moving coordinator to help them throughout the moving process. Live 24/7 customer support is also available. Small long-distance moves qualify for a week of free storage.

Unfortunately, customers planning a short-distance move within Montana will need to find another local moving company. JK Moving only provides local moving services within Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. However, JK Moving is great for long-distance residential, military, corporate, and commercial moving.

Cost

To book a move through JK Moving, customers must pay a deposit. The remaining balance is due before your belongings are shipped. Qualified customers may obtain financing with rates as low as 0% through Enhancify. 

JK Moving gives customers three options to qualify for a binding estimate: a virtual self-survey, virtual consultation, or in-home consultation. Get your personalized JK Moving quote.

Learn More: JK Moving Review

Allied Van Lines

• Our Take: Best for Vehicle Relocation
• Availability: 50 states

Allied Van Lines has been a standout provider of moving services since 1928. Its 500-plus locations in all 50 states provide direct service for both local and long-distance moves as well as international assistance for relocations to 130 other countries. It offers in-house vehicle shipping and expedited service for smaller moves.

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers expedited small-move service via Allied Express
✔ Provides in-house vehicle shipping services
✔ Has more than 500 locations across the country

✘ Has reviews that mention a slow claims process for damages
✘ Charges somewhat higher rates than its competitors

Services

Allied Van Lines provides a standard range of services for all domestic local and long-distance moving clients. Services include packing, crating, storage, and more. It offers vehicle shipping for cars, trucks, boats, RVs, and more. It also has an Allied Express service for small moves.

Cost

Allied features a speedy quote process. When we called for pricing, our move coordinator walked us through a full inventory checklist. Once we disclosed all items to be moved, our representative gave us a non-binding estimate. Allied doesn’t require deposits for booking.

Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review

North American Van Lines

• Our Take: Best for Claims
• Availability: 50 states

No moving experience will be entirely stress-free, but North American Van Lines (NAVL) does its best to provide customers with peace of mind. All of its highly trained drivers must complete an annual certification, so you know your belongings are in good hands. If something goes wrong, NAVL makes it easy to file a claim for lost or damaged items with an easy online form available on its website. Its website also provides resources and tips for filing domestic and international claims, plus a dedicated customer service line for claims-related issues.

Pros and Cons

✔ Provides convenient online claims forms
✔ Offers real-time satellite tracking via WorldTrac
✔ Gives bottom-line and not-to-exceed binding estimates

✘  Has variable customer experiences due to outsourcing some moves
✘  Only accepts credit cards at agent’s discretion

Services

NAVL offers a white-glove moving service that handles everything from packing, unpacking, and cleaning to furniture arranging and picture hanging. Its professional movers can even set up your entertainment system and assemble your home gym. Alternatively, for a self-pack move, customers can purchase packing materials from NAVL or select fragile-only packing.

Van cranes enable NAVL to move heavy equipment without a loading dock. The company also offers short-term and long-term storage and auto transportation services. Keep in mind that because NAVL is both a mover and broker, it may outsource some moves and services.

Cost

NAVL does not charge a deposit, and its binding estimates use either bottom-line or not-to-exceed pricing to give customers either a fixed or maximum total. Binding estimates require customers to complete a virtual home walk-through or a phone interview. Charges must be paid before unloading. NAVL does not accept personal checks, and not all agents accept credit cards.

For local moving, NAVL charges a flat hourly rate. Meanwhile, the cost of a long-distance move depends on labor costs, the distance to your destination, and the size and weight of your belongings. Get your personalized NAVL quote.

Learn More: North American Van Lines Review

We recommend you get quotes from at least three different Montana movers before making a final decision. Once you have the quotes, you can compare each company’s pricing, terms, perks, and services. Remember that while local movers typically quote a flat hourly rate, interstate moving companies may base their rates on different factors or charge different fees.

Whether you’re planning a cross-country relocation or a short-distance move between cities such as Billings and Bozeman, Montana, you may need to research more than moving services. For instance, your lender or landlord may require you to obtain homeowners or renters insurance.

Wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, winter storms, and floods all happen in Montana. Homeowners or renters insurance will help cover repairs or replacements if your home and its contents sustain damage from a covered event. A home warranty, meanwhile, covers issues with your new home’s wiring, plumbing, appliances, and other components. This may be an especially good investment if your home is older and likely to need upgrades.

Pest control, lawn care, pet insurance, and solar panels are other options to consider. Here are a few helpful articles relevant to Montana renters and homeowners:

• Best Homeowners Insurance Companies
• Best Renters Insurance Companies
• Best Home Warranty Companies in Montana
• Best Pest Control Companies
• Best Lawn Care Services
• Best Solar Companies
• Best Pet Insurance Companies

As a full-service mover that handles local, interstate, and international moves, International Van Lines is our top pick for Montana moves. Its list of services includes all the moving services you need, including packing and even auto transport.

We also recommend American Van Lines for its highly trained and experienced moving staff. IMRG and Moving APT are brokers that work with vetted, reputable moving carriers to provide an efficient and smooth moving experience.

Since moving needs vary among customers, we suggest getting quotes from at least three movers on this list to determine which is best for you.

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.