Best Flat-Fee Movers (2024)
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It’s difficult to understand every detail that goes into a moving quote. Certain terms and conditions may affect final billing, and additional fees are a valid concern. Several moving services offer flat-rate pricing to address this issue. Flat-rate pricing ensures you know what you’re paying from the onset of booking a move, charging a fixed cost for services instead of hourly rates.
To help you find movers that are up-front about costs, we did the research and compiled a list of the best moving companies. We then reviewed each company’s process for estimates to find the best providers for flat-fee moves.
7 Best Flat-Fee Movers
The best movers won’t catch you off guard with the final bill. These are our top picks for flat-rate moving companies:
- International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
- American Van Lines: Best Overall Moving Labor
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
- JK Moving Services: Best Specialized Packing
- Moving APT: Best Customer Service
- North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
Compare the Best Flat-Fee Movers
| Company | Logo | Overall Rating | BBB Rating* | FMSCA Licensing | Deposit Required | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | Carrier/Broker | Up to 25% | Get Quote | ||
| A+ | Carrier | Up to 50% | Get Quote | ||
 | B | Broker | Up to 33% | Get Quote | ||
 | A+ | Carrier | $250 | Read Our Review | ||
 | B+ | Broker | Varies | Get Quote |
*BBB ratings accurate as of December 2024.
The Best Flat-Fee Movers
Founded in Coral Springs, Florida, International Van Lines (IVL) owns and operates a fleet of vehicles and hosts professional movers nationwide. IVL has broker authority, contracting out domestic and international services when its moving agents are unavailable. Customers can request IVL to coordinate a full-service move, taking care of each phase of your relocation. Starting with packing and loading your inventory, IVL makes your move easier by taking some of the more difficult tasks out of your hands.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Employs full-service movers who take care of the manual labor to ensure a stress-free moving experience
- Lets customers include specific details about their move when requesting estimates to prevent surprise fees
- Offers full refunds for deposits for canceled services within 48 hours of your move date
Cons
- Charges hourly rates for local movers in most circumstances
- Requires customers to schedule well in advance during busier seasons to ensure that a move happens on time
Services
IVL offers full packing services, helping customers relax during one of the more stressful relocation steps. Workers will pack your items using protective materials before loading the moving truck. They can disassemble basic furniture and reassemble it at the new location. Vehicle shipping options are also available. Learn more about International Van Lines services.
Cost
The primary factors for figuring out the total cost are the weight and size of a shipment. You will pay a premium for full packing and unpacking services and will save money if you self-pack. Adding services or extra steps to the moving plan after receiving your estimate will increase the cost.
For flat-rate pricing, you must request a visual or virtual survey of the home’s inventory. Over-the-phone estimates are subject to change and will not include a flat rate.
We used IVL’s long-distance moving calculator to get a ballpark estimate for moving from New York City to Philadelphia. The estimate was for a two-bedroom home, coming to $2,519–$4,306. This estimate stays the same for several locations.
American Van Lines (AVL) is a carrier that prides itself on experience, employing trained professionals throughout the continental United States. Most of AVL’s staff has managed long-distance and interstate moves for years, averaging a decade in the profession. AVL trains its movers to provide white-glove services, including crating for fragile goods and offering special treatment for bulky items, such as pianos.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers flat-rate moving prices with no hidden fees
- Operates as a carrier instead of contracting with third-party providers
- Screens employees for drug use and conducts background checks before hiring
Cons
- May combine multiple shipments on the same vehicle unless you pay extra for exclusive use
- Requires an initial deposit that may cost up to half the total price of your move
Services
AVL is a full-service mover accommodating customers who want to self-pack or set up partial-packing arrangements. AVL offers specialty moving services for fragile and antique items, including fine art pieces. A variety of packing supplies are available for purchase. You can pay for storage in climate-controlled facilities with 24-hour surveillance. Learn more about American Van Lines services.
Cost
The weight and volume of your move will determine the price, along with the total mileage. Any full-service options you want to include will result in additional costs. If you conduct a virtual survey of the items you intend to ship, the company can provide a flat rate based on the size of your inventory.
American Van Lines provides several sample quotes on its website. For example, moving from a two-bedroom apartment in New York City to Washington, D.C., should cost around $3,873.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) structures its business to make moving arrangements convenient for its customers. IMRG works as a broker, putting you in touch with multiple carriers who handle your shipment and any additional packing services. By connecting with several providers through IMRG, you can find a flat-rate service that is right for your needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Allows you to secure the best price by introducing you to several different carriers in your area
- Displays carrier reviews on its website for many major cities
- Provides military discounts
Cons
- Charges a 4% cancellation fee for customers who no longer need a scheduled move
- Outsources moving services
Services
Because IMRG is a moving broker, the availability of services will change among individual carriers. You can find providers through IMRG for most types of moves, including military relocation. IMRG can also connect you with carriers that offer vehicle shipping. Learn more about IMRG services.
Cost
To calculate the cost for your move, the carriers you contact will inquire about the size of your home and the move distance. Additional services are also a consideration in establishing a final price. Your move date may affect rates during busier times of the year.
When scheduling a move with one of IMRG’s partners, ask if a company representative can conduct a survey of your home and provide flat-rate pricing through a binding estimate.
IMRG projects that moving items from a two-bedroom home in New York City to Philadelphia would cost $3,900–$7000.
Operating out of Virginia, JK Moving Services assists with interstate and cross-country moves anywhere in the United States. In addition, local moving services are available within the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. borders. With flexible service and payment options, JK Moving allows customers to craft their own moving experience. You can choose to pack your belongings on your own, or, for less hassle, you can pay for full-service assistance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers full-service support for residential and commercial moving
- Provides not-to-exceed estimates to help maintain a flat fee for moving services
- Partners with Enhancify to provide payment flexibility
Cons
- Quotes long-distance moves at a higher rate than many competitors
- Requires customers to call for a ballpark or binding estimate
Services
JK Moving caters its relocation services to several different needs, including residential, corporate, and government moves. You can sign up for full packing assistance, or you can choose to include or exclude individual services. Secure storage options are available. JK Moving provides GPS tracking for your shipment. Learn more about JK Moving’s services.
Cost
To determine the cost of a move, JK Moving consults with customers to establish the exact inventory of a prospective shipment. You can choose to conduct either a self-survey or a live virtual survey. You may also schedule a time for a JK Moving representative to visit your home for a consultation. An accurate assessment of your home’s inventory is necessary for a binding estimate with flat-rate pricing. Weight, item quantity, and move distance are the leading criteria for determining the cost of a long-distance move.
JK Moving doesn’t offer instant online quotes, preferring to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the home’s size and inventory.
Moving APT brings together moving companies and individuals looking for relocation assistance, working as a broker in all 50 states. You can expect a fast response when you request an estimate, with some carriers available even for last-minute scheduling. Moving APT offers 24/7 customer support via phone and email to answer your questions and walk you through the moving process.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers a variety of specialty packing and shipping services
- Provides fast estimates for moving costs through an online tool
- Works with carriers that provide several types of discounted rates, including senior and military discounts
Cons
- Connects customers with multiple carriers at once, often resulting in numerous emails and phone calls
- Doesn’t refund deposits for cancellations made within seven days of pickup
Services
Moving APT networks with moving companies that are either local to you or can drive through the area on your move date. Each available carrier will contact you with information about the company, many with full-service options. Specialty services such as heavy machinery transport are often available. Learn more about Moving APT services.
Cost
For flat-fee moving, you’ll want to choose a provider through Moving APT that offers a binding estimate. Most moving companies require a detailed inventory of the items being shipped before sending a quote with a flat rate.
Moving APT’s website estimates that a move requiring 250 miles of travel will cost $1,700–$3,500 for an average two-bedroom home. Variables such as transportation costs for interstate moving and optional packing services will affect the final price.
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a broker and carrier assisting with full-service moves throughout the United States and internationally. NAVL offers flexibility with its estimates, allowing customers to choose between guaranteed and not-to-exceed pricing rates. Of the companies we’ve reviewed, NAVL has the most straightforward claims-filing process with online forms and dedicated customer service.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Hosts a library of online resources to help you prepare for an upcoming move
- Makes filing a claim for damaged inventory quick and easy
- Offers bottom-line pricing for the best flat rate
Cons
- Doesn’t offer storage services for some locations
- Uses third-party movers for some services, based on your location and scheduling during peak seasons
Services
You can choose to pack on your own with NAVL, or you can step aside while full-service movers do the work. A hybrid option is also available where you choose to pack certain items you’re more comfortable handling yourself. NAVL sells custom packing materials, including mattress and wardrobe boxes. Your relocation specialist can also set you up with a storage unit. Learn more about North American Van Lines services.
Cost
Packing costs, the weight of your shipment, and NAVL’s fee for miles traveled will determine the overall cost of your move. NAVL is a flat-rate mover that offers options for not-to-exceed estimates and guaranteed pricing based on the size of your move. You can also ask for customized pricing, allowing you to guarantee certain costs in the estimate while paying separate fees for other services.
NAVL states on its website that the average cost for a move from New York City to Philadelphia is $1,995.15. Many factors can drive up this cost, including specialty moving assistance.
Allied Van Lines helps with long-distance and local moves, first opening for business in 1928. A full-service moving company, Allied’s agents provide direct assistance with moves while also using local contractors as necessary. In addition to residential and commercial moving, Allied offers in-house auto moving services. You can choose between using an open or enclosed carrier to drop off your vehicles at your new home. The Allied website features detailed information about vehicle shipping and valuation coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gives customers flexibility with multiple vehicle shipping options
- Includes loading and unloading assistance with Allied Express, a storage service for smaller moves
- Offers white-glove services, such as fragile packing, electronics reconnection, and cleaning
Cons
- Doesn’t provide customer service after hours
- Has a less convenient claims process than many competitors
Services
After you confirm a pickup date, Allied will help you build your moving plan. You can go the do-it-yourself route for packing or pay for a full-service move. Allied’s team will bring the appropriate packing materials for the job, including protective wraps and boxes for fragile items. You can store your items in transit for 90 days before switching to permanent storage. Learn more about Allied Van Lines services.
Cost
Allied follows the industry-standard formula for determining the base cost of a move, using factors such as the overall distance of the move and the total item weight. Request a binding estimate to schedule services at a flat rate; the final cost for a non-binding estimate can vary. Extra charges may apply for fragile item shipments and moves that require lengthy loading and unloading times.
Allied provided an estimate of $3,614–$4,094 for a move from New York City to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This range is for an average two-bedroom home.
Our Conclusion
Transparent pricing seems rare in the moving industry, especially when companies weigh so many different factors into a quote. International Van Lines (IVL) is notable for the clear language on its website detailing the process for calculating estimates. IVL’s virtual survey tool provides the company with an accurate inventory of your home to help prevent surcharges for extra weight and volume once the move is underway.
Another great flat-rate mover is American Van Lines (AVL). AVL lets customers take videos of each room in their home and the items planned for shipment to send in for a binding estimate. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) gives customers a wide range of options, making it possible to evaluate several movers for the best flat rate.
We recommend contacting at least three providers to compare free quotes before booking your move.
FAQs About the Best Flat-Fee Movers
What is the cheapest way to move my belongings?
Declining full service in favor of self-packing is the best way to save money when booking a move. You can also find cheaper moving companies through a broker, but you should check the company’s licensing information and accident history through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
How much will I pay for a local mover?
The price for local moving services will vary depending on the provider. Keep in mind that labor for local moves tends to be at an hourly rate rather than a flat fee.
What is the easiest way to move?
The easiest way to move is to book a full-service moving package. You will pay more, but professional movers will handle the responsibilities of packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading.
What is the best way to move?
The best way to move depends on your needs and budget. You can save money by packing household goods and only using movers to load and haul the items. For an additional charge, you can have professionals coordinate the entire moving process.
Other Moving Resources
- Best Moving Companies
- Best Interstate Moving Companies
- Best Long Distance Moving Companies
- Best Moving Container Companies
- Best Moving Companies for Small Moves
- Best Moving Companies for Military Moves
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.