Moving day is an exciting, stressful, and emotional day for most people. So, it’s best not to compound such a charged time with the complications of heavy lifting, careful planning, 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 big-name long-distance moving companies, here's everything you ought to know about the different moving services out there, including prices to expect (and which are the cheap moving companies you can rely on), important questions to ask, and some reviews of the best moving companies in the industry.
Here's our list of the best moving services that we tested and ranked:
1. Best overall: North American Moving Services
2. Best for local moves: American Moving Solutions
3. Best for long-distance moves: American Van Lines
4. Best for shipping marketplace: uShip
5. Best container company: U-Pack
6. Best for auto transport: Montway Auto Transport
| Compare the Best Moving Companies | 1  | 2  | 3  | 4  | 5  | 6  | 7  | 8  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Services covered | Full-service long-distance moves, corporate moves, full-truck moving | Local, long-distance, international | Local, long-distance, corporate | Local, long-distance, international | Packing, local, long-distance, antiques, pianos | Local and interstate moving | Full service, self-service, auto transport | Vehicle transportation, shipping for businesses+ |
Participating states | Cross-country | 50+ international | 50+ | 48+international | Y | 50 | Varies based on providers | All states |
Online quote tool | Y | Varies based on provider | ||||||
Insurance included | Limited liability | Varies based on provider | Varies based on provider | Varies based on provider | Yes, included, additional coverage options |
An In-Depth Look the Best Rated Moving Companies
- 1
American Moving Solutions
excellent9.5![]()
Professional full-service long-distance movesRead American Moving Solutions Review- Main services coveredFull-service long-distance moves, corporate moves, full-truck moving
- Participating statesCross-country
- Online quote toolNo
American Moving Solutions is the answer if you’re looking to relocate your home, family, or business without any hassle. A full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves, American Moving Solutions has a trained and reliable crew ready to take care of everything from packing and loading to unpacking and setting up in your new abode.
American Moving Solutions has licensed and trained movers with more than 20 years of experience. In addition to full value insurance, American Moving Solutions also includes free storage services when you move with them. Easy payments and a satisfaction guarantee seal the deal with this moving company.
Pros- Licensed and specializes in long-distance moves
- Free storage units
- Full service moving
Cons- No online information available
- Not a lot of reviews from users
- 2
Allied Van Lines
excellent9.0![Allied Van Lines]( "Allied Van Lines")
Peace of mind from a long-running moving comp...Read Allied Van Lines Review- 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
- 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
- 4
North American Moving Services
very good8.9![North American Moving Services]( "North American Moving Services")
White glove service with high-tech equipmentRead North American Moving Services Review- 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 coveredPacking, local, long-distance, antiques, pianos
- Participating statesY
- Online quote toolY
Angie's List is a moving services network that allows you to find the best local movers or long-distance moving services to suit your moving needs. The beauty of this type of agency is that it personally reviews each of the moving companies in its network. So, you don't need to do the legwork of checking into companies, vetting services, etc. Angie's List has done all of that for you.
The other benefit to finding moving services through Angie's List is that you get a wider range of moving companies vying for your business. This translates to competition between moving companies, i.e., lower prices for everyone! So, you get a good price, put in less effort, and have a better variety of moving services to choose from. That's what we call a package deal!
Pros- Wide range of moving services and companies
- Competition-based pricing
- Angie’s List guarantee
Cons- Not working directly with the moving companies
- Guarantee has terms and conditions
- 6
Simple Path Moving
very good8.8![Imperial Moving Group]( "Imperial Moving Group")
Move locally or interstate with ImperialRead Simple Path Moving Review- Main services coveredLocal and interstate moving
- Participating states50
- Online quote toolNo
Simple Path Moving is a brokerage that connects you with local movers anywhere within the United States. Its mover partners can handle both local and interstate moves, though an interstate move will be considerably more expensive. You can get a quote with Imperial immediately over the phone or submit a request online through the contact form at any time.
Simple Path runs thorough background checks on all of its partners, and most partners offer insurance in the event of damage or loss of possessions during your move. If you want to save on the hassle of shopping for local movers or need to locate someone who can perform a special request, consider booking your next move with Simple Path.
Pros- Operates in every state
- Responsive customer service
- Compare multiple quote options
Cons- No online quote tool
- Available services and pricing vary greatly by location
- Main services coveredFull service, self-service, auto transport
- Participating statesVaries based on providers
- Online quote toolVaries based on provider
Home Advisor is another moving services network that helps people who need movers find the right moving companies for their needs. You tell Home Advisor a little bit about what you’re looking for (for example, the size of your home, where you’re moving from, where you’re moving to, etc.). Then, Home Advisor will match you with professional moving services in your area. You’ll receive quotes from local movers that work with the type of move you’re looking for. Home Advisor also provides lots of information about moving costs, home improvements, and other useful tidbits.
The nice thing about Home Advisor is that all moving companies in the network are prescreened, so you know you’re getting reliable service no matter which one you’re recommended. Home Advisor also gives you up to 4 quotes that are non-commital, so you get the information you need to figure out a realistic ballpark figure of how much your move is going to cost without any commitment on your part.
Pros- Wide national network of the best moving companies
- Up to 4 quotes quickly and without commitment
- Convenient mobile app
Cons- Not a direct moving service
- May receive multiple offers continuously
- Main services coveredVehicle transportation, shipping for businesses+
- Participating statesAll states
- Online quote toolYes
uShip is a transport marketplace that makes finding and closing on great deals for shipping a cinch. With a network of tens of thousands of service providers, all backed by thousands of user-generated feedback valuations, customers can easily select a professional moving service to get the job done well. And with competitive pricing and multiple bids per shipment, uShip customers can get the best price for their move.
uShip offers insurance, helpful moving guides, and convenient online payments for a variety of moves, including pet transport, auto transport, heavy furniture, and specialty item moves. The company even has a tailored turnkey solution for Etsy shop owners. And if you’re into doing things on the go, the uShip mobile app (good for Android and iOS devices) will be a natural choice for you.
Pros- Online booking and payments
- Competitive marketplace pricing
- Helpful customer service, insurance, and policies
Cons- Extremely overwhelming until you get to know the system
- Not your typical moving company
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 one of the professional local or long distance moving companies 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 a Long-Distance Mover
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 Best Long-Distance Moving Company?
The best moving companies are the ones that fulfill your requirements, offer affordable pricing, and will work within your moving area. Those are the only things you really need to look for. It's also a good idea to check out the customer support experience. While this isn't always a necessity, it's nice to know that there's someone you can reach out to in case you have questions or in the event that something goes wrong before, during, or after the move. It is typically an excellent idea to read online reviews and hear what others have to say about a service, as well. This gives you an indication of the general quality of service you can expect from a moving company.
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.
