Moving day is an exciting, stressful, and emotional day for most people. In fact, studies have shown moving can be as stressful as getting a divorce. So, it’s best not to compound such a charged time with the complications of heavy lifting and awkward maneuvering.
For this reason, smart consumers hire one of the best rated moving companies to do the heavy lifting for them (literally).
From local movers to the long-distance moving companies, here's everything you need to know before choosing a moving service, including cost (and which are the cheap moving companies you can rely on), customer service, possible add-ons such as storage, and more.
Here's our list of the best moving companies and services in the industry, tested and ranked.
Our Top 10 Best Moving Companies in 2023:
- Colonial Van Lines - Best moving company overall
- American Van Lines - Best for sustainability
- Eagle Moving Group - Best for full-service long-distance relocation
- Allied Van Lines - Best for easy scheduling
- Native Van Lines - Best for competitive rates
- Safe Ship Moving Services - Best for cross-country moving services
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group - Best for full-service
AmeriSafe Moving - Best for affordable prices
- North American Moving Services - Straightforward long-distance movers
- U-Pack - Best for affordable DIY moving
| Compare the Best Moving Companies | 1  | 2  | 3  | 4  | 5  | 6  | 7  | 8  | 9  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Services covered | Long distance moving, cross-country moving, corporate relocation, packing/unpacking, storage. | Local, long-distance, corporate | Local, long-distance, international | Local moving, long-distance moving, corporate relocation, packing & unpacking, storage, car shipping | Long distance moving, cross-country moving, full-service moving, business relocation, loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking. | Long-distance & military moving, relocation, packing, storage | Local and long-distance moving, packing & unpacking, storage | Local, long-distance, international | Cross-country, long-distance, military |
Participating states | 48 | 50+ | 50+ international | 50+, international | 50 | 48 | 50 | 48+international | 50+ |
Online quote tool | Y | ||||||||
Insurance included | Yes + additional third-party coverage available | Limited liability | Varies by provider | Y |
An In-Depth Look the Best Rated Moving Companies
- 1
Colonial Van Lines
exceptional9.8![ColonialVanLines]( "ColonialVanLines")
- Main services coveredLong distance moving, cross-country moving, corporate relocation, packing/unpacking, storage.
- Participating states48
- Online quote toolYes
Colonial Van Lines offers long-distance moving services to every state except Alaska and Hawaii. You can use its innovative app-based estimating system to take an inventory of your furniture, ensuring that your estimate will accurately reflect your final move price.
Colonial also has a built-in insurance policy for all items and additional supplementary coverage available from a third party. If you are planning your next long-distance move, and want an accurate estimate from an experienced moving company, look no further than Colonial Van Lines.
Pros- Packing/unpacking and storage available
- Offers corporate relocation
- Innovative app-based estimate system
Cons- No service in Alaska or Hawaii
- Default insurance is limited
- 2
American Van Lines
excellent9.3![American Van Lines]( "American Van Lines")
- Main services coveredLocal, long-distance, corporate
- Participating states50+
- Online quote toolNo
American Van Lines is another one of the major moving companies you might not have heard of. It services all 50 states, plus international moves across the world. American Van Lines provides more specialty moving services as well, including piano and antique moving services and business or corporate office moves.
You can rent storage units directly from American Van Lines. These are private storage facilities and are available for long and short term use. Additionally, American Van Lines holds environmental sustainability as one of its highest regards. It is constantly taking actions to minimize its carbon footprint and preserve important natural resources. So, if you’re looking for a long-distance or local mover that you can get behind, American Van Lines is a good option.
Pros- Long and short-term storage
- Local, international, and specialty moving
- Environmental and sustainable
Cons- Site is a bit outdated
- No online quotes available
- 3
Eagle Moving
excellent9.0- Main services coveredLocal moving (including packing and unpacking services), long-distance moving, storage services, office moving
- Participating statesFlorida and nationwide
- Online quote toolNo
Pros- Personalized service
- Storage service available
- Both local and long-distance
Cons- No instant quote tool
- Service can vary depending on assigned carrier
- 4
Allied Van Lines
very good8.7![Allied Van Lines]( "Allied Van Lines")
- Main services coveredLocal, long-distance, international
- Participating states50+ international
- Online quote toolYes
If you’ve traveled America’s highways, it’s likely you’ve seen Allied Van Lines’ orange trucks. This well-established moving company has been in operation for nearly 90 years and boasts all of the features you’d want in a moving service: easy scheduling, meticulous movers, helpful moving resources, and prompt, dependable service.
Allied offers local, long-distance, and international moving services with tiered packages that can be as hands-off as you prefer. Full-service packages include packing, unpacking, assembly/disassembly, and other helpful services that bookend the move itself. Allied lets you schedule easily online and offers 24-hour customer support in case you have questions or concerns.
Pros- 24-hour customer support
- Licensed, bonded, and insured movers
- Easy, stress-free scheduling
Cons- Basic insurance included
- Not ideal for local and short-distance moves
- 5
Native Van Lines
very good8.8![Native Van Lines]( "Native Van Lines")
- Main services coveredLocal moving, long-distance moving, corporate relocation, packing & unpacking, storage, car shipping
- Participating states50+, international
- Online quote toolNo
Consider Native Van Lines for all your moving, storage, and vehicle needs. Whether you are moving your home or corporate office or just need short- or long-term storage, Native Van Lines has your back with 24/7 customer support and over 10 years of industry experience.
Native operates on a brokerage model, contracting individual movers in your local area to fulfill your specific moving needs. This method has several advantages. Firstly, brokers encourage competition between movers in their network for your business, which drives rates down for you. It also means that if you have specialized needs, such as transporting fragile furniture or heavy equipment, someone in Native’s network can probably help you out. If you need a flexible, affordable moving solution, consider Native Van Lines.
Pros- 24/7 customer service available
- Offers international moves
- Get the lowest rates from multiple competing providers
Cons- All services may not be available in all areas
- No online quote tool
- 6
Safe Ship Moving Services
very good8.5![Safe Ship Moving Services]( "Safe Ship Moving Services")
- Main services coveredLong distance moving, cross-country moving, full-service moving, business relocation, loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking.
- Participating states50
- Online quote toolYes
Safe Ship Moving Services offers cross-country and long-distance moving services to all 50 states and even some territories outside the US. Use the online quote tool to receive a general quote before working with a specialist who can help you create a more customized quote containing everything you need to make your move seamless.
Every firm that Safe Ship Moving Services works with is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Should you be planning a long-distance move and desire a personalized experience that takes all the headaches out of moving, Safe Ship Moving Services should be your first stop.
Pros- Corporate and military moving
- Business relocation
- Competitive pricing starting at $1,500
Cons- Must talk to a specialist to get a personalized quote
- Limited business hours
- 7
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
good8.4![Interstate Moving & Relocation Group]( "Interstate Moving & Relocation Group")
Affordable and simple long-distance movesRead Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Review- Main services coveredLong-distance & military moving, relocation, packing, storage
- Participating states48
- Online quote toolNo
We chose Interstate Moving & Relocation Group because it provides expert long-distance moving services at affordable prices. This moving broker coordinates moves across the continental US using a network of vetted and licensed moving companies. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group can provide full-service moving solutions that include packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, storage, and vehicle transportation.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group offers a moving price calculator on its website, and you can call the company to get a free quote. Prices can be very competitive for cross-country moves between major cities. All moves include basic insurance and you can add full-coverage insurance to protect your belongings. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group has good customer reviews and a B rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Pros- Specializes in long-distance and cross-country moves
- Online price calculator and free quotes by phone
- Customer support five days a week
Cons- No online quote tool
- Doesn’t work with local moves
- 8
AmeriSafe Moving
very good8.7![amerisafe]( "amerisafe")
- Main services coveredLocal and long-distance moving, packing & unpacking, storage
- Participating states50
- Online quote toolNo
AmeriSafe Moving Services is a moving broker that can coordinate complex moves among multiple local and long-distance moving companies. AmeriSafe takes care of everything behind the scenes and provides a single point of contact for your move. The company can help with local, long-distance, and corporate moves, plus offer add-on services like packing, storage, and insurance.
Why we chose AmeriSafe Moving Services: AmeriSafe Moving Services offers all of the add-ons that you need for a successful move by contracting with other moving companies. The company also provides a stress-free experience by offering helpful customer service throughout the moving process.
Pros- Coordinates local and long-distance moves
- Offers add-ons like packing, storage, and insurance
- Excellent customer service
Cons- Does not conduct any moves using its own trucks or employees
- No online quote tool available
- 9
North American
excellent9.0![North American Moving Services]( "North American Moving Services")
- Main services coveredLocal, long-distance, international
- Participating states48+international
- Online quote toolYes
North American Moving Services boasts more than 500 agent locations across the country and a reputation for its exceptional customer service and satellite tracking services. Established in 1933, it combines a solid infrastructure and modern technology with prompt, professional moving services for all relocation needs.
One of the most celebrated features of North American is its WorldTrac® satellite tracking equipment, which lets you follow and keep track of your valuables as they move across the state or country. It’s drivers are trained with interactive simulators to ensure safe transport, and its movers are licensed, bonded, and experienced with handling everything from bulky furniture to fragile valuables. All of this, combined with a wide variety of moving, packing, and white glove services, makes North American a solid choice for those with valuables that need extra attention.
Pros- Track your valuables with WorldTrac satellite equipment
- Trained drivers and experienced movers
- White glove services
Cons- Only 48 participating states
- Might be costlier than the competition
- Main services coveredCross-country, long-distance, military
- Participating states50+
- Online quote toolY
U-Pack is the user-friendly way to move house. You can get an online quote for free, have the packing materials delivered straight to your door, and get your belongings delivered to your new abode quickly and efficiently. U-Pack is also super flexible. You can pay for additional units on the spot, pick your moving day, and schedule things according to your own budget (like scheduling a move during off-peak times to get a better rate).
U-Pack also offers additional services like packing and loading help and storage trailers that are weather-proof. We also like that you can pay for faster transit time with U-Pack. Just select the U-Pack Guaranteed plan to expedite moving services. Finally, U-Pack has flexible and fair pricing plans. You won’t get charged for space you don’t use or for a minimum weight requirement that you don’t need.
Pros- Packing supplies delivered to your door
- Flexible, easy moving cost calculator
- Expedite delivery times
Cons- Packing and loading costs extra
- No local mover options
Although every company is different, most will typically have rates of approximately $30 to $60 per mover per hour. This means that the estimate you receive may vary if the job takes more or less time than anticipated. Most companies will also ask you for a deposit payable in advance of your move.
The amount you tip your movers will probably depend on the amount of work involved in your job. Many within the moving industry, however, state that it is customary to tip around $5 per hour for each mover. Remember, there is no requirement to tip your movers if you’re unhappy with the service.
You’ll typically pay less to relocate between September and April, as this is the least busy period for the moving industry. Rates tend to be the lowest in January, as this is when demand from customers is at its lowest. You may also find that costs are lowest in the middle of the month.
There are certain items that most professional companies won’t move for safety reasons. Obvious examples include weapons, ammunition, fireworks, and dangerous chemicals. However, other more surprising items won’t be hauled, such as scuba equipment, cleaning supplies, nail polish, and hair spray. In many cases, a company will not carry an item if it could be flammable within their moving trucks.
International Van Lines offers competitive rates and services every state on the continental US. U-Haul is always a popular choice for long-distance moves as well as American Van Lines.
Most experts recommend hiring a moving company 4-8 weeks in advance. It's good to give as much notice as possible, especially during high-moving seasons such as the spring or the end of the summer.
First make sure the company services the areas you live and are moving to. It's also smart to consider the rates, insurance offered, and the company's reputation. Lastly, make sure the company can accommodate any specific needs you may have, from specialty objects like pianos and large furniture to moving and packing supplies.
How To Choose the Best Long-Distance Moving Company
When deciding on a long-distance mover, it's a good idea to consider the following factors:
Additional services
As well as its ability to complete the move itself, check the other services the company offers. This way, you can ensure all aspects of your move are covered. Common additional services include storage, packing, and assembling or reassembling furniture.
Customer service reputation
If you have friends or family who have moved a long distance, try asking for recommendations based on their own moving experience. Once you’ve created a shortlist of potential companies, visit websites such as Trustpilot and read as many reviews as possible.
Certification
When you’re researching moving options, make sure all companies you consider are properly licensed and certified. Most companies include certification details on their website.
Alternatively, you can check a company's status on the Federal Motor Carriers Administration website. To do so, you’ll need to find the mover’s USDOT number, which acts as an identifier for commercial vehicles.
Insurance
Under federal law, all long-distance moving companies that provide interstate services must offer two types of insurance: full-value and released-value protection.
With full-value protection, the mover must repair or replace items lost or damaged in the move or offer a cash settlement. The cost of full-value coverage will vary by provider, and insurers can restrict their liability to high-value items.
In contrast, released-value protection is free of charge. Note, however, that protection is limited to 60 cents per pound in weight, which could leave you out quite a lot on expensive goods.
Some providers also allow you to purchase insurance through a third party. These policies can compensate you for losses not covered by the mover’s insurance.
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost?
Although this is a common question, providing an answer isn’t easy. The cost of a move depends on the provider you choose and your specific requirements, including the weight of your items and the distance you’re traveling.
As a rule of thumb, you’ll typically pay approximately $30 to $60 per mover per hour for local movers. With long-distance movers, the cost of your move could be as low as $1,000 or in excess of $5,000.
As with any financial decision, it’s wise to compare a range of quotes tailored to your specific situation from different providers. Remember, you’ll also pay extra for additional services such as packing and third-party insurance.
What impacts the cost of a long-distance move?
One of the key factors affecting the cost of your move will be the travel time between your two locations. It goes without saying that the company needs to pay its drivers during this time and cover fuel costs for their moving trucks.
Likewise, companies will consider factors such as the weight of your items, the date of your move, and the number of rooms in your home when drawing up your moving quote.
Tips for Moving
By following the tips below, you can help greatly improve your chances of a successful move:
Work with professionals
If you’re working with a certified company, your movers should have the necessary skills and expertise to ensure the moving process runs smoothly. Hiring professional movers will also significantly reduce the risk of expensive breakages to your goods.
Make an inventory
Before your move, it’s a sensible idea to compile a list of valuable items you’ll be transporting and their condition. Having this information in one place will help you to quickly check that all your valuables have arrived safely at your destination. In addition, you can also inspect your goods for any damage in transit.
Do a final check of your old home
Once you’re finished packing, try walking through every room in the house and checking for any items you have left behind. Pay particular attention to electrical sockets, as it can be easy to forget phone or laptop chargers amid the chaos of the move.
Keep essentials on hand
When you’re moving, you’ll need to keep certain key items with you on the big day. This could include keys for your new home, water bottles, snacks for the kids, or cash to tip the driver. Having this readily available in your wallet or purse can save time and reduce last-minute panic.
How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move
When you’re planning to relocate, your first step should be to compile a moving checklist. This should document all the tasks you need to complete and the date by which these need to be finished.
Moving can also be an excellent opportunity to get rid of any unwanted clutter you have accumulated. Several weeks before your move, walk through your property and identify any items that you haven’t used in more than a year. In many cases, it may be more sensible to donate these to charity rather than take them with you.
Why Do I Need a Moving Company?
Most people have the same response when it comes time to moving out of state: why do I need to hire a mover when I can do the work myself?
There are many reasons why people choose to hire professional moving services. For example:
Peace of mind
When you're moving out of state, there are a million and one things that only you can take care of. Moving isn't one of them. It's a lot easier to let long-distance moving services take care of the hauling, moving, and transporting. And it'll free you up to take care of the more important, technical details that only you can do.
Reliability
What’s more, the best long-distance moving companies will have some sort of insurance on your stuff. So, if something breaks during the move, it’s covered. If you break something while moving it yourself, you’re out of luck.
Time savings
What’s even more valuable than money? Your time. Hiring local interstate-moving companies can help you save a load of time. Sometimes, that’s worth the investment.
More efficient
Everyone's good at something, but few people are good at EVERYTHING. You might be really good at what you do. But you know what the best moving companies are good at? That's right, moving. They'll know how to pack up, haul, and unload your stuff in the fastest, most efficient manner possible. So you can get on with your life and start living in your new home sooner.
It’s safer
Long-distance moving can be hazardous to your health for many reasons. But one of the biggest ones is the strain you'll put on your body. The best long-distance moving companies know how to professionally move large, bulky, and heavy items without hurting themselves.
How Can I Find a Long-Distance Moving Company Near Me?
Bottom line, it's a good idea to hire a professional local or long distance moving company out there, but make sure that you are working with someone that services your area.
This is easily done by looking at their website to see the coverage area. Local movers will have a smaller coverage area than the major long-distance moving companies. But the coverage area doesn't have to be large. It just has to include you.
Check on the moving companies' websites for a section like moving companies near me. You'll put in your address or zip code, and see what areas they cover. You can also search Google for "movers near me." Choose from the list to ensure you're getting a mover that works within your area.
How to Choose Long Distance Movers
The best moving companies will offer value-added services, good reputation, and insurance for your belongings.
Here are a few important features you should look for during your quest for good and cheap moving companies:
Reputation
Check out reviews online, ask around, and see if the moving company is legitimate and has a Better Business Bureau accreditation. A fair amount of good reviews will tell you that this company is worth investing in, will treat you well, and will get the job done right.
Type of move
Are you moving locally or far away? Depending on the type of move, different moving companies will be more suitable for the task. If you're just moving around the corner or a few blocks away, local movers will be more price-efficient. On the other hand, if you're looking for a long trek, long-distance moving companies will offer you the most professionalism, along with the ability to move you farther.
Amount of stuff
You also want to consider how much stuff you actually have to move. If you only have a small amount, 1 or 2 smaller appliances, etc., then you can opt for one of the cheap movers on your list. On the other hand, if you've got quite a bit of belongings to move, along with multiple major appliances, a more reputable moving service with insurance, is a safer bet.
What is the Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country?
Cheap moving companies are not unheard of. You just have to know where exactly to look. Start by getting a few online quotes. These are usually free, so don't pay for a quote.
Once you've compiled a list of cheap long-distance movers, compare the different rates you received to find the most cost-efficient one.
But don’t just look at the price tag. After all, the best moving companies will offer added value on top of a standard price. That means they may be offering you more bang for your buck in the form of additional services, better coverage, or more flexible terms. So, don’t just pounce on the cheap cross-country moving companies. Weigh what you’re getting in the equation.
Also, bear in mind that cheap long-distance movers may not provide you with insurance. Often, the more professional movers will charge more because they come with the insurance and quality guarantee.
If you're only moving a few items, insurance might not be that important to you, in which case, you should go with a cheap mover. But if you are moving valuable or expensive things, it's worth the investment to have an insurance policy in place.
Our Methodology: Reviewing Moving Companies
Reviewing moving companies is no easy task, considering that there are so many things to keep in mind. Your stuff, time, and money are precious no matter if you've bought a house across the street or are relocating across the country.
Our reviews are based on objective facts and research using moving company sites and trusted 3rd party sites. It's not always possible to get the best picture about the service through the entire lifecycle. However, reviewers will try the signup process, make customer service queries to check response times and perform any other possible function within the review period.
For the rest of the information, we rely on what the brand says about its own product offering, customer reviews, and complaints, ratings from independent agencies like the BBB, and trusted journalistic publications.
Top10.com's moving experts research, review, and rank moving companies based on a few parameters:
- Main services covered
- Main states covered
- Participating states
- Local or long-distance moving
- Online quote tool
- Insurance included
More Moving Companies We Reviewed
Our moving experts have done their fair share of research, going beyond just the Top10 brands reviewed above.
If you're still interested in finding out about more services, check out these review pages for the perfect move:
The Bottom Line
While moving can be stressful, it can also be an extremely positive experience if you find the right company to help you relocate. The most trusted companies often have years of experience in helping customers move their most treasured possessions.
And although it may be tempting to simply choose the cheapest quote when you're researching moving options, this may not necessarily be the right option for you. It’s also important to find a provider that offers all the service options you need and has a strong reputation for customer service.
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