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5 Highly Reputable Moving Companies of 2023
By Peter Burns MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Local (Florida only), long-distance, international, military, commercial
House cleaning, debris removal, packing, storage, air and sea shipping
10 trucks, 10 tractors, 4 trailers
Local, long-distance, commercial
Packing, storage, piano moving
N/A
Local, long-distance, international, military, commercial
Packing, antique and piano moving, storage services
15 trucks, 39 tractors, 51 trailers
Local, long-distance, commercial
Storage
N/A
Let’s face it: moving is never fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading down the road or across the country. Packing up everything you own and loading it into a truck can be a stressful and exhausting process. It can also be costly, especially when you factor in all the other things associated with a move, like homeowners insurance or renters insurance.
As I’ve gotten older (and hopefully wiser), I’ve learned that some things in life are not only necessary but also worth their cost. Hiring a moving company is one of them. The right movers can not only take most of the stress, headache and backache out of the moving process but also ensure that your worldly possessions reach their destination safely.
Here’s a look at our top picks for moving companies across the nation and what each of these companies offers when it comes time to pack up and go.
Our Top Picks for Moving Companies
- Best for Full-Service Moves: United Van Lines
- Best for Local Moves: Bellhop
- Best for Long-Distance Moves: American Van Lines
- Best for Flexible Moves: PODS
- Best for International Moves: International Van Lines
Best for Full-Service Moves: United Van Lines
Best for Full-Service Moves: United Van Lines
Why we chose it: United Van Lines is a top-notch full-service mover and offers the packing, breakdown, transporting, unloading, set-up and placement of your belongings (including furniture) — no matter where you’re moving. It also provides junk and debris removal, and can store your items or car if needed.
- Largest moving company in the U.S.
- Local, nationwide, international, military, and corporate moves
- Benefit-rich package offered for full-service moves
- Instant online quotes
- Can be costlier than other companies
- Customer service experience can vary between locations
United Van Lines is one of the oldest and most popular full-service moving companies in the United States, with more than 90 years of experience in the moving industry. It has 500 locations nationwide and serves over 150 different countries. It offers many types of moves, whether you’re a student jumping across town, a military family heading to your next duty station, or a company looking to relocate overseas.
Its full-service package includes a personal move coordinator, full-value coverage for your belongings, the loading and unloading of your stuff (including appliances), and standard furniture placement at your new location. If needed, it also offers packing, unpacking and storage services for your household goods and even your vehicle. Plus, United Van Lines is happy to deal with move-in/move-out cleaning, set up and/or break down your home theater, and haul off your moving debris (coming back to your home a few weeks later to collect any packaging material you need to discard).
Online quotes are quick and easy to obtain, though its pricing is typically higher than many of its competitors. Once your household goods have shipped, you can track the truck online to get updates at any time. While 500+ nationwide locations can mean some customer service discrepancy between providers, United Van Lines does offer an on-time service guarantee: if your shipment is late, you’ll get a refund of 25%.
Best for Local Moves: Bellhop
Why we chose it: Bellhop is a top-consumer-rated company with a range of services tailored to in-town moving customers. It works with a local network of movers in each city to make the process as seamless as possible. It also offers hourly rates, accepts digital wallet payments, and can even accommodate short-notice moves.
- Easy online quotes
- Hourly rates available
- Last-minute moving and labor-only services
- Book online in minutes with no upfront deposit
- Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted
- Not available nationwide
- No full-service options
Founded in 2011, Bellhop doesn’t have the decades-long history of some other moving companies. What it does have, however, is a strong network of in-town, local movers and has received thousands of excellent customer feedback comments online. In fact, it boasts 4.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot with more than 3,300 reviews.
Bellhop is currently available in 25 states, though it offers local, long-distance and in-home services in each city it services. The company targets local, in-town moving customers with its easy online quote process and hourly moving rates. There’s no deposit required to book services, and when it comes time to pay, digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay) are accepted.
Bellhop does not provide full-service moving services such as packing and unpacking your belongings. It does, however, offer hourly labor services if you need help hauling off junk, rearranging furniture or moving things into a storage unit. And for customers who need to get into their new home quickly, Bellhop offers last-minute moving services, too.
Best for Long-Distance Moves: American Van Lines
Why we chose it: With weekly shuttles between major cities and a thorough packing process, American Van Lines is our pick for people who want a quick long-distance move with a company that goes above and beyond to protect your belongings.
- Quick long-distance delivery
- Certified packing experts individually wrap and inventory items
- Consistently recognized for customer services
- Specialty services available for high-value, antique, and fragile items
- No added fees for last-minute moves
- Estimates only offered by phone
- International moves are brokered
American Van Lines offers a range of moving services, including local moves, corporate relocation, military, commercial and, of course, long-distance moves. It has a robust network of shuttles between major cities, which run seven days a week to ensure quick delivery times anywhere in the country, no matter your moving date.
To best protect your stuff, it has a thorough inventory process, satellite tracking services, and certified packing experts who will individually wrap each item you need to move. Plus, it offers moving and packing services for antiques, oversize and overweight items (such as pianos), and will even move high-value belongings (like fine art). With many long-distance movers, these items are considered too much of a liability and will need to be moved by a specialty company.
Rather than relying on part-time contractors in each city, American Van Lines hires its professional movers as full-time employees; this helps ensure the best possible customer experience and continuity of service, even with a cross-country move. While it doesn’t operate in other countries, it is able to help broker an international move and coordinate the transport of your goods (including packing according to each port’s customs requirements) to anywhere in the world.
In order to get a moving estimate, you’ll need to contact American Van Lines by phone; online quotes are not offered. However, this helps ensure that your moving quote is as accurate and clear-cut as possible.
Best for Flexible Moves: PODS
Why we chose it: PODS earns our top pick for those looking for a flexible moving experience, as it allows customers to pack, load their POD, and then schedule a pickup/delivery according to their own timeline. If a moving customer wants more time or needs to store their belongings unexpectedly, PODS allows for flexible changes and updates to their service.
- Affordable moves on your schedule
- Top-ranked customer service
- Local moves, long-distance moves, and storage options offered
- No deposit required
- Online quotes not offered for all moves
- DIY moves only
- Not available in all states
- Not ideal for larger homes
PODS is a do-it-yourself moving solution for customers who don’t mind putting in a little sweat equity to save on the total cost of their move. With PODS, a moving truck will drop off a ground-level storage container at your location of choice, which can be filled at the customer’s convenience. This makes it ideal for small-home residential moves, as a three-person family with a two-bedroom home has a much better chance of fitting their belongings in a POD than someone with a five-bedroom estate does.
If you need help packing, loading or unloading, PODS can connect you with local services. However, PODS doesn’t actually offer full-service moves.
PODS are typically rented at monthly flat-rate pricing, so customers can take their time packing and planning their move. Then, the moving container is picked up and moved either to its new location or put in a storage facility until it’s needed. PODS can also be used as a temporary storage solution for people who aren’t moving but may need to relocate their belongings temporarily, such as during a renovation.
Online quotes are available for some customers, but others will need to call to get accurate pricing. PODS services are available in 44 states as well as the District of Columbia, select areas of Canada and both Australia and the U.K. The company currently has a Great ranking on Trustpilot with more than 3,300 customer reviews and has earned the title of #1 in customer satisfaction and service among moving companies by Newsweek.
Best for International Moves: International Van Lines
Why we chose it: Because it acts as both a broker and a carrier, International Van Lines is our top pick for international moves if you want to keep one point of contact for the entire move and also get the most accurate quote possible from the start of the process.
- Local, interstate and international moves
- Basic and full-service moves available, including oversized and overweight items
- Long- and short-term storage offered
- Excellent customer service ratings
- Virtual walkthrough is required for a quote
- 25% deposit required to book
- Last-minute moves not generally available
International Van Lines (IVL) is both a carrier and a broker. This means that it will both move your belongings and coordinate a move on your behalf, whether you’re planning a local move, crossing state lines or in need of international relocation services (which are offered in 150 countries). If you’re moving overseas, you’ll have the same customer support representative from start to finish, rather than being at the mercy of a new company in your destination country.
IVL services range from basic to full-service, and it even offers packing, crating, cleaning, and debris removal services as needed. If you have to move large items — ranging from pianos and hot tubs to cars and boats — or need to store your belongings for a while, it can coordinate that as well.
Quotes are provided over the phone (provide your number, and IVL will call you in eight seconds or less) or following a virtual tour, which you’ll conduct on your phone. A video walk-through helps IVL create an accurate quote as well as generate an inventory checklist; you can get your binding quote in as little as minutes to an hour. Because its quotes take so many individual factors into consideration, IVL’s service is often more accurate — but also a bit pricier — than other competitors. However, you’ll also have peace of mind that the price you were given isn’t likely to change once moving day arrives.
When you’re ready to book, a 25% deposit is required. Offseason moves typically need a four-week lead time, while six weeks or more is requested for peak season moves. Cancellations can be made up to 48 hours before the scheduled move, with a full refund.
Other companies we considered
There are many different moving companies to choose from when planning your next relocation. Not all of those companies made this list, even though we did consider a few others.
Mayflower Transit
Mayflower Transit is available nationwide and offers local, long-distance and international moving services. Mayflower offers all the full-service moving options, like packing and unpacking, storage, car shipping, furniture placement and more.
Safeway Moving Systems
Safeway Moving Systems is a veteran-owned and operated moving company that mainly services long-distance moves — it doesn’t typically handle local moves that are only a short distance. Safeway is a full-service mover offering packing and unpacking. It also offers free climate-controlled storage for your belongings for up to 30 days.
Moving APT
Moving APT is a broker that partners with over 2,500 local and long-distance moving companies. You can use its platform to find a moving company in your area. Moving APT facilitates communications between you and potential moving companies before you make your final decision.
JK Moving
JK Moving is a moving company that spans the nation and over 150 other countries. It offers local, long-distance and international moving, as well as short- and long-term storage solutions. Storage locations are climate-controlled with 24/7 security systems.
U-Pack
U-Pack is a self-service moving company that may be an option for DIY moves. The company provides you with a moving container, you pack your belongings and load them into the container, U-Pack drives it to your destination and you unpack your belongings at your new house. Prices are estimated by how much trailer space you need, and you can get a quote quickly with their instant online quote tool. U-Pack is available in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Moving companies guide
When finding a moving company for your relocation, it helps to understand the business. This moving company guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing a moving company.
How to choose the best company for my move?
To determine the best moving company for you, you should begin by asking friends and family members for recommendations. While getting positive recommendations is helpful, you’ll want to do your homework and look online for companies with good reviews and rates within your budget. You can also call or speak online with representatives of the moving companies to get a better understanding of the services offered.
How do moving companies work?
Generally, you hire movers to move your items into a vehicle and then drive and deliver those goods to your new address. Some movers offer full-service packing, including disassembly and assembly of your items. Companies also offer other add-on services and costs, including storage, oversized item shipping and auto transport.
If you want to save costs and do most of the work yourself, you can hire a moving company only to transport your items from one location to another. In this case, you will be responsible for packing, loading, unloading and unpacking your belongings.
How much do moving companies cost?
The cost of hiring a moving company can vary significantly. Two of the most significant factors that may affect the cost of your move are the distance of the move and the weight of your inventory. A local move covers a distance of less than 50 miles. The number of hours and laborers needed to complete the job determine the cost of a small move. Long-distance and interstate moving companies calculate prices based on the total weight of your items, the distance of the move and any special requests.
Other factors that may affect your moving costs include packing supplies, moving insurance, rental trucks, equipment expenses and add-on services like disassembly and reassembly of furniture and post-move cleanup.
Comparison of moving quotes
Before choosing a moving company, you’ll want to get multiple estimates that you can compare. Some companies may offer quotes online, but having an in-person consultation will give you the most accurate price.
Once you have several quotes, you’ll have an idea of the average cost to move and can use it to find your best option. Keep in mind that discounts and promotions may be available. Check the company’s website or contact a customer service representative for current information about better rates.
Who regulates moving companies?
The regulator of a moving company depends on the distance of a move. Local moving companies must abide by state laws and need to register with either the state commercial motor vehicle branch or the state department of transportation. Because state laws differ, you can direct your inquiries to the US Department of Transportation.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates long-distance moving companies that cross state boundaries. The FMCSA provides a registered movers database as well as other free resources and tools that help protect consumers against fraudulent companies.
How to file a complaint against a moving company?
If the moving company you hire doesn’t fulfill their end of the agreement, you may want to file a complaint. Some common complaints against a moving company include:
- Late pickup or delivery of your belongings
- Items arrive damaged
- Lost belongings
- Inaccurate estimates or hidden fees
- Overcharge for services
If you are unhappy with the service you’ve received and want to file a complaint, you should first review the contract to ensure there has been a breach of the agreement.
Make sure to collect evidence of the wrongdoing. This evidence could be in the form of pictures of missing or damaged items, communication records that you’ve had with the company, addresses, documents, estimates or anything else that will help your case.
Before filing an official complaint with the FMCSA or a state agency, you should contact the moving company and try to resolve the issue. If the problem persists, you can contact the FMCSA online or by phone, or, in the case of a local move, contact the state agency in charge of regulating moving companies in your area.
Best Moving Companies FAQ
What do you need to file a complaint against a moving company?
You must prove wrongdoing to file a complaint against a moving company. For this, you will need your contract and records of any communications with the company that can prove your point. You should also gather evidence supporting your arguments, like pictures, documents, quotes and addresses.
Does a moving company offer insurance?
Moving companies need to provide released value protection, which will cover $0.60 per pound per item. Moving companies will include released value protection in your overall costs. You can also purchase full-value protection through your moving company, which offers more insurance coverage but costs extra. If you are unsatisfied with the coverage options available through your moving company, you can purchase third-party insurance.
What items can't a moving company transport?
There are some items that moving companies cannot legally transport, including:
- Guns and ammunition
- Hazardous materials
- Perishable food items
- Certain plants
- Pets
If you need to relocate unmovable items, you will be responsible for transporting them yourself.
How much should you tip movers?
If you've entrusted your goods to a moving company and feel that your movers did a good job getting those items from your old home to your destination, you may want to offer them a gratuity. Tips are not required, but they can be a nice gesture and show appreciation for work well done.
There is no fixed rule about how much you should tip your movers. A general rule of thumb is to tip each mover $5 to $10 per hour that they worked. If you're embarking on a long-distance move, you might want to consider tipping each mover between $50 and $100 at the end of the job.
How We Chose the Best Moving Companies
In order to choose the best moving companies, we considered a wide range of factors. We looked at what sort of moves each company could support, what each company specializes in, how they help people relocate internationally, and everything in between.
We also considered how easy it was to get an accurate quote and the service offerings provided (such as packing, breakdown and setup, cleaning, debris removal and even the transport of heavy or fragile items).
Lastly, we looked at what guarantees were offered by the company in terms of insurance and timely deliveries, as well as each company’s customer service feedback and ratings.
Summary of the Best Moving Companies
- Best for Full-Service Moves: United Van Lines
- Best for Local Moves: Bellhop
- Best for Long-Distance Moves: American Van Lines
- Best for Flexible Moves: PODS
- Best for International Moves: International Van Lines