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Last Updated: Apr 2024

The Best Item Shipping Companies of 2024
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We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

Why Do I Need a Moving Company?

Most people have the same response when it comes time to move? 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 house, 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 someone else 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, professional 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 movers 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

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. Professional long-distance moving companies know how to move large, bulky, and heavy items without hurting themselves.

How Can I Find a 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 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 company 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 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 Moving Company?

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 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 moving companies. Weigh what you’re getting in the equation.

Also, bear in mind that cheap 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 Top 3 Picks

  • 1
    uShip

    uShip

    • 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
  • 2
    U-Pack

    U-Pack

    • Main services coveredContainer and trailer shipping, storage, shipment tracking
    • Participating states50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico
    • Online quote toolYes

    U-Pack - Best for affordable DIY moving

    If you’re on a budget and prefer to do everything yourself, U-Pack can deliver a moving container to your home, giving you up to three days to load it yourself. You also only pay for the space you use inside the storage unit.

    You can check on your belongings with the online shipment tracking system and ask for in-transit storage if you need more time to prepare your new place. Plus, you can hire consultants to help you with the logistics and scheduling involved in the move.

    Why we chose U-Pack: The pricing structure makes U-Pack more affordable than most carrier companies. Its self-service model comes with crew referrals, so you can meet the three-day deadline even if your friends and family can’t help.

    Client perspectives: Jessica (24) from Los Angeles didn’t have a lot of furniture, so she only needed one container, which made the whole process “much cheaper.” She got three days to pack, but “U-Pack only delivered the container a little before noon.” She added, “You also don’t know exactly when the crew picks it up, so finish packing by the end of day two.”

    Pros
    • More affordable than full-service moving companies
    • You only pay for the space you use
    • Offers college moving services
    Cons
    • You must pack your own stuff
    • You get only three days to load everything into the container