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 Moving Solutions - Best for people who need storage
- American Van Lines - Best for sustainability
- United Regions Van Lines - Best for full door-to-door service
- Country Mile Moving - Best for fixed moving costs
- Allied Van Lines - Best for easy scheduling
- North American Moving Services - Straightforward long-distance movers
- Native Van Lines - Best for competitive rates
- U-Pack - Best for affordable DIY moving
- International Van Lines - Best for international moves
| Compare the Best Moving Companies | 1  | 2  | 3  | 4  | 5  | 6  | 7  | 8  | 9  | 10  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Services covered | Long distance moving, cross-country moving, corporate relocation, packing/unpacking, storage. | Full-service long-distance moves, corporate moves, full-truck moving | Local, long-distance, corporate | Long-distance moving, corporate relocation, military moving, seniors moving, professional packing, storage | Long-distance moving, commercial relocation, storage, packing/unpacking, vehicle transport | Local, long-distance, international | Local, long-distance, international | Local moving, long-distance moving, corporate relocation, packing & unpacking, storage, car shipping | Cross-country, long-distance, military | Long-distance, international, auto transport |
Participating states | 48 | Cross-country | 50+ | 49 states, plus Canada | Varies by partner | 50+ international | 48+international | 50+, international | 50+ | 50+ |
Online quote tool | Y | Y | ||||||||
Insurance included | Yes + additional third-party coverage available | Limited liability | Yes–Basic liability insurance up to $10,000 included, with the option to buy more | Varies by partner | Varies by provider | Y | Limited liability |
An In-Depth Look the Best Rated Moving Companies
- 1
Colonial Van Lines
exceptional9.7![ColonialVanLines]( "ColonialVanLines")
Transparent pricing with app-based estimates.Read Colonial Van Lines Review- 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 Moving Solutions
very good8.8![]()
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
- 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
United Regions Van Lines
very good8.9![United Regions Van Lines]( "United Regions Van Lines")
Expert in long-distance movesRead United Regions Van Lines Review- Main services coveredLong-distance moving, corporate relocation, military moving, seniors moving, professional packing, storage
- Participating states49 states, plus Canada
- Online quote toolNo
United Regions Van Lines focuses its services on long-distance moves, navigating state line crossings and jurisdiction rule changes with years of experience. It offers tailored services to residential and commercial clients, even providing storage in secure premises all over the US.
A full service from this company can involve furniture assembly, professional packing, electrical appliance setup, secure packaging for confidential materials, delivery to multiple destinations and the potential of a one-day express service. You can move as far as Canada, knowing that your belongings will travel under the care of company-certified staff.
Pros- Nationwide coverage, plus Canada
- Company-certified staff with at least two years’ experience
- Door-to-door full service offered
Cons- Not Better Business Bureau certified
- Quotes not available instantly
- 5
Country Mile Moving
very good8.8![Country Mile Moving]( "Country Mile Moving")
Long-distance mover with fixed quotes up frontRead Country Mile Moving Review- Main services coveredLong-distance moving, commercial relocation, storage, packing/unpacking, vehicle transport
- Participating statesVaries by partner
- Online quote toolYes
Country Mile Moving is a brokerage specializing in commercial and residential moves crossing state lines. As a brokerage, it can fulfill a near unlimited range of custom requests, such as vehicle transport, storage, moves of heavy or especially delicate furniture or equipment, and more.
To begin, book a 15-minute virtual tour of your home, wherein Country Mile will estimate the size, dimensions, and weight of all the furniture and belongings involved in the move. Country Mile will then give you a locked-in quote, ensuring that your price will never exceed the price quoted to you during this initial consultation. If you are looking to make a long-range move and want the peace of mind of a locked-in quote, look no further than Country Mile.
Pros- Moving costs will never exceed your quote
- Specialized services for custom requests available
- Short and long-term storage options
Cons- Does not provide its own insurance
- Customer service hours unclear
- 6
Allied Van Lines
very good8.6![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, 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
- 8
Native Van Lines
very good8.7![Native Van Lines]( "Native Van Lines")
Connects you with local or long-distance moversRead Native Van Lines Review- 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
- 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
- 10
International Van Lines
very good8.7![International Van Lines]( "International Van Lines")
Pro national and international moving servicesRead International Van Lines Review- Main services coveredLong-distance, international, auto transport
- Participating states50+
- Online quote toolY
International Van Lines is a major moving company that offers moving services across the United States and even internationally. Thinking of every detail, International Van Lines makes it fast and easy to pack up, move house, and settle into your new home no matter where that is in the world. Customers can purchase packing supplies, calculate moving costs, and even cross all the T’s with the handy moving checklist on the website.
You'll get a comfortable 100% return policy for up to 48 hours of the scheduled pickup date, that's an impressive offer. And what's more, International Van Lines has an incredible virtual quote tool. You can take a video of your belongings, and International Van Lines will give you a quote based on that video. You don't even need to speak to a representative. That's convenience at its best.
Pros- Virtual price quote
- Full refund with 48 hours cancellation
- Moving services across the country and world
Cons- Not suitable for local moves
- Full insurance is extra
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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