Our pick for the best cheap moving company is International Van Lines. Its reasonable average rates, long list of services, and customer reviews can give buyers the most bang for their buck. Hiring movers is not always cheap, especially if you’re relocating across the country. But if you do some legwork ahead of time, like packing your own belongings and getting rid of any items you’re not taking with you, you can help lower your estimate even more.
However, if you’re looking for the absolute cheapest alternative and don’t need professional moving assistance, U-Haul offers plenty of affordable services for do-it-yourself (DIY) moves. Read on to learn more about the best moving companies on a budget and see which ones suit your needs.
Top Cheap Moving Companies
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly moving company, our team chose a few providers that stand out above the rest. Here’s a list of the best cheap moving companies in the industry:
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
- PODS: Most Flexible Moving & Storage Solutions
- U-Haul: Best for DIY Moves
Comparing Top Cheap Movers
To help you find the cheapest moving company for your needs, we calculated average moving costs based on roughly 500 quotes for two-bedroom moves with a distance of 50–200 miles. See how our top cheap moving companies compare in the table below based on average cost and deposit amounts, Better Business Bureau ratings, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) licensing status.
| Provider | Logo | Our Score (Out of 5) | BBB Rating* | Average Price | Deposit | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
International Van LinesGet Quote | | A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | |
JK Moving ServicesRead Our Review |  | A+ | $2,273 | $250 | Carrier | |
North American Van LinesGet Quote |  | A+ | $3,601 | None | Carrier/Broker | |
PODSRead Our Review |  | A+ | $2,721 | None | Carrier/Broker | |
U-Haul |  | A+ | $1,778 | Varies | Carrier |
*The BBB is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of March 2025.
All the moving companies on our list offer common services such as packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading, either directly or through a referral service. However, when it comes to specialty services, each company has its own set of options. Browse the table below to see how our top providers stack up based on speciality services.
| Specialty Services Offered | International Van Lines | JK Moving Services | North American Van Lines | PODS | U-Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antique and other specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Appliance and electronics disconnection | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly and reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Junk removal | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Key Moving Terms Explained
- If you’re planning your first move, you might not know some key terms used in the industry. Check out our moving glossary page to learn more so you can more easily figure out what you need and compare estimates.
Our Reviews of the Best Cheap Moving Companies
Not every cheap moving company is reliable, and not every reliable company is cheap. When narrowing down the best cheap moving companies, we looked for a balance of affordable moving quotes, available discounts, and overall value.
While pricey quotes can make the moving process expensive, so can footing the bill for any lost or damaged items. For homeowners looking for an extra layer of security during their move, we recommend purchasing moving insurance. If anything is lost, damaged, or stolen during your move, you can submit a claim for compensation.
Cost is the most important part of a cheap move, but we also ranked providers based on service offerings, customer service, item protection, and more. Read on to see how our top providers stack up against each other.
Note: We calculated the following price estimates for each moving provider by averaging sample quotes for 2-bedroom moves with a distance of 50–200 miles.
International Van Lines
Company Overview
- Services moves within the U.S. and to over 180 different countries
- Offers 30 days free storage with moving services
- Has virtual tour options for moving estimates
Keep in Mind
- Requires a 25% deposit on most moves
- Charges additional fees if your home has multiple flights of external stairs or your move requires an elevator
Our Review
International Van Lines (IVL) is one of the most versatile moving companies in the industry, operating as both a carrier and a broker for moves across the U.S. and to more than 180 countries. IVL is also one of the most versatile providers on our list, offering unique services like custom crating, motorcycle handling, GPS shipment tracking, and shuttle services. On top of that, IVL offers some customer-friendly perks, like free storage for 30 days with the purchase of any moving service and a 100% money-back guarantee if you cancel your move ahead of time.
In addition to its long list of services, IVL offers competitive pricing. However, IVL is the only provider on our list that requires a deposit of up to 25% of your estimate on most moves. In some cases, this could equal more than $1,000, which is much higher than JK Moving’s $250 deposit, for example. Additionally, IVL charges extra fees if you have stairs or elevators outside your home or apartment. The first flight of external stairs is free, but after that, IVL charges $75 for each additional flight. The company also charges a one-time $75 elevator fee if you live in an apartment building with elevator access. These charges can add to your overall cost.
It’s worth noting that while IVL services the entire U.S. and over 180 different countries, IVL doesn’t directly handle the moves to every location. The company acts as a broker for any service areas it doesn’t cover directly, which means it relies on third-party agents. For more on IVL’s broker policies, visit the International Van Lines website.
Customer Experiences
International Van Lines has respectable review scores across third-party sources, with 4.2 out of 5 stars Google Reviews, 3 out of 5 stars on the BBB, and 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Many customers praised IVL for its affordable rates, helpful customer support, and quick service. However, most complaints were about the brokerage side of IVL, including negative experiences with sub-contractors, unexpected expenses, unresponsive agents, and broken or lost items.
Here’s examples of a positive and negative IVL review:
“Great experience. The gentlemen who moved us were very professional and careful with my furniture. The IVL team work[ed] fast and efficient[ly]—I would recommend using this company. The price was very reasonable and worth not having to struggle moving during [the] holiday season.” —Leon L. via the BBB, May 2024
“The quote process was great, and then everything from there was terrible. I reached out to provide my delivery date [and] no one answered my calls or emails. When I finally did get someone, they said I had the wrong move coordinator … Then they wouldn’t prorate storage for me despite the prorate being needed because of their delay. Once I finally got my move day—they have a policy of 2-21 days for delivery—they took the full 21 [days], and I ended up paying an extra month in rent. When my stuff arrived, they added two more flights of stairs to the agreement … Once unpacked, they had destroyed every piece of furniture [with] over $3,000 in damage. ” —Carter H. via Trustpilot, January 2025
JK Moving Services
Company Overview
- Charges a $250 deposit, which is more affordable than some competitors
- Offers climate-controlled storage with 24/7/365 video surveillance and motion sensors
- Offers financing options on its website, which you can apply for without hurting your credit score
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer local moves outside of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
- No moving quotes available online
Our Review
JK Moving Services is one of the only companies we’ve reviewed that advertise financing services on its website through its partner, Enhancify, offering customers deals as low as 0% annual percentage rate (APR) financing. This makes JK Moving one of the best providers for moving on a budget, giving customers the option to pay for a move over time without hurting their credit score. JK Moving even uses GPS-enabled trucks to keep you up to date on the location of your belongings. Plus, the company’s $250 deposit is competitively-priced, so you can get started on your move without breaking the bank.
Much like other full-service movers, your price with JK Moving will vary on factors like the services you purchase, the distance of your move, and the size of your home. However, JK only does local moves in the greater Washington D.C. area. This means that customers living outside that area can only hire the company for long-distance moves if you live outside that area. But since JK Moving isn’t a broker, the company uses its own trucks and drivers to perform moves, so you won’t have to deal with subcontractors, which can sometimes result in service issues.
Customer Experiences
JK Moving Services doesn’t have many reviews across third-party platforms, making it difficult to get an accurate representation of customer experiences. The company only has three reviews on Trustpilot and 51 reviews on the BBB, which is less than competitors such as International Van Lines. Still, customers have praised JK Moving for its skilled employees and reasonable prices. On the other hand, most complaints talked about late arrivals, poor communication, and broken or stolen items.
Read two examples of reviews left by JK Moving customers below:
“JK Moving is excellent! For our cross-country move, their team of full-service moving contractors, James Odom & Associates, left our entire apartment spotless, which helped us keep our security deposit. I couldn’t believe how fast they got everything done while handling everything with care, and they were very professional and kind. From now on, we won’t use anyone else for our moves!” —Nathan H. via Trustpilot, February 2025
“Horrible service. They only seem to be able to communicate when they need something. They totally underestimated the amount of the move, and then were nine days late in delivering. They didn’t send a large enough truck and had to rent a U-haul to complete the pickup over two days instead of the agreed one. There was more damage in this move than in eight prior moves combined. The packers obviously didn’t know how to pack artwork because there was no packing material to keep pictures safe, and we had multiple breakages. Many other things were broken or damaged as well. I would never use them again.” —Bryan B. via Google Reviews, July 2024
North American Van Lines
Company Overview
- Performs local, long-distance, home, office, corporate, and international moves
- Has helpful resources on its website, including a mover checklist, packing calculator, and virtual move survey
- Offers bottom-line pricing, guaranteed not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing
Keep in Mind
- Requires an in-home estimate to get an accurate quote
- May have limited storage options based on your location
Our Review
North American Van Lines stands out for its pricing options, specifically its bottom-line and not-to-exceed pricing estimates. Bottom-line pricing is simply a flat-rate quote for your move that won’t increase or decrease based on any factors. Not-to-exceed pricing is an estimate that serves as the maximum amount you would have to pay. You may end up paying less, but you won’t have to pay more. In each case, North American Van Lines will have to conduct a thorough in-home inspection to give you an accurate estimate. These pricing options can help you budget correctly for your move, and helps with transparency so you can avoid hidden fees and lowball estimates.
Because North American Van Lines requires an in-home inspection to give you an estimate, the quote process can last longer than that of competitors. However, it does offer a virtual survey option, giving homeowners flexibility with how they get a moving quote. Additionally, North American Van Lines acts as both a carrier and a broker, so if you live in an area the company doesn’t service directly, or if all its trucks are busy with other moves, you could end up with a third-party agent for your move. Consider this possibility before you book, especially since you can’t vet third-party movers ahead of time.
Customer Experiences
North American Van Lines has fewer online reviews than some competitors with mixed feedback. The company has 2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on 11 reviews and 1.3 out of 5 stars on the BBB based on 29 reviews. The company has various locations listed on Google, each with scores ranging from 3.3–4.6 out of 5 stars. Satisfied customers praised North American Van Lines for its not-to-exceed pricing and thorough home assessment process. However, much like International Van Lines, North American Van Lines is both a carrier and a broker, so many complaints centered around its partner agents and subcontractors. Customers often mentioned missing or late pickup and drop-off windows, rude employees, and broken items.
Read a positive and negative reviews about North American Van Lines below:
“Easy scheduling, home assessment, and moving experience. [The] movers were very careful and accommodating. Everything went off without a hitch, and the price was fixed with no surprises. My only issue was that the contract didn’t give me an option to select [a] cashier’s check (they add a fee for credit card), but they accepted the check at the cash price, so no issue in the end. I did my research ahead of time, and it paid off.” —Nancy C. via Google Reviews, July 2024
“I was moving five hours away [and] North American told me movers would come between 1–3 p.m. on the day my lease was up. They came at 9:30 p.m., and I had to make that five hour drive at night and in a storm. The movers also decided to up my price by $1,000 once everything was on the truck and I still do not have a date as to when I am getting my stuff. Customer service has been entirely unhelpful and does not care at all about how inconvenient this is.” —PJ P. via Trustpilot, April 2024
PODS
Company Overview
- Offers affordable, DIY portable moving units
- Provides quick online booking with no virtual walkthrough needed
- Has an easy, transparent quote process
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer direct packing and loading services
- Services 46 U.S. states and Washington D.C., which could limit options for movers in certain areas
Our Review
The PODS company has been pioneering the portable storage container industry for more than 20 years, offering flexible and affordable DIY moving options for customers who don’t want to rent a truck or hire movers. PODS delivers moving containers to your home and allows you to store the containers on-site for as long as you need. The containers have a low monthly fee, so you can pack for your move and store items for months ahead of time, making your actual moving day much less stressful. Then, PODS will pick up the container and ship it to your new home.
While PODS excels in affordability and convenience, it’s not a full-service moving company, and it doesn’t offer a lot of the same perks as traditional movers. For example, you can’t directly hire PODS for packing, loading, and unloading services. This means you’ll have to handle these steps by yourself. However, PODS can give you a referral for service moving providers in your area. Also, PODS isn’t available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, so if you’re moving to or from any of those states, consider choosing another DIY-friendly option such as U-Haul.
Customer Experiences
In general, PODS has decent customer reviews, earning 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and 3.3 out of 5 stars on the BBB. PODS has individual locations with various ratings on Google Reviews, with some earning 4 out of 5 stars and above and others in the 3–3.5-star range. Many customers mentioned hassle-free pickup and helpful customer service. On the other hand, most complaints involve issues with billing and drivers damaging customers’ homes or yards upon container pickup.
Here’s an example of two reviews for PODS, including one positive and one negative:
“We used PODS for our cross-country move. It was a great experience. [Our] PODS were delivered on schedule and we were kept in the loop all along the way. We emptied the PODS ahead of schedule and asked that they be removed early and they did, no questions asked. [The] drivers were professional and courteous. We received a pleasant call from [a representative], keeping us informed of the pickup schedule, and he arrived right on time. We highly recommend PODS for a move of any size.” —Davis G. via Trustpilot, February 2025
“They are an unethical company. They don’t disclose their fees and charge excessive amounts of money. They don’t pick up as scheduled and then try to charge additional fees!” —Nancy N. via the BBB, February 2025
U-Haul
Company Overview
- Offers affordable DIY options, including rental vans, trucks, U-Box containers, and self-storage units
- Connects customers with local movers through the “Moving Help” online marketplace
- Has a mobile app that lets customers get quotes, track orders, pick up and return rentals, and more
Keep in Mind
- Not a full-service moving company
- Moving Help workers may not have licensing and insurance
Our Review
U-Haul has become a staple when it comes to convenient, affordable DIY moves—and for good reason. The company offers plenty of different options to suit various moving needs, like packing supplies, rental box trucks, pickup trucks, trailers, portable moving containers, storage units, and more. No matter the size of your move, whether it’s across town or across the country, U-Haul has an option for you. Best of all, it’s one of the most budget-friendly providers in the industry. You can rent a U-Box for only $70 per month or a 10-foot truck for only $20 a day, plus $1.29 a mile, according to the company’s website. Plus, its online booking process, nationwide locations, and mobile app accessibility make it easy and intuitive to book your move.
However, while U-Haul’s DIY-friendly business model may benefit for budget movers, it doesn’t offer much in terms of services. Professional full-service moving companies offer loading and unloading services, as well as packing, unpacking, etc., but in order to get moving help from U-Haul, you have to hire local help with the Moving Help online marketplace. While this may seem convenient, navigating both the third-party movers and a U-Haul rental involves a lot of moving pieces—and it comes at a cost. Plus, workers on the Moving Help marketplace may not have as much experience as professional movers. If you plan on hiring help, we recommend choosing a proper full-service moving company, such as JK Moving Services, International Van Lines, or North American Van Lines.
Customer Experiences
U-Haul has lower average customer review ratings than other providers on this list, partially due to the sheer number of locations and DIY services the company offers. U-Haul has a 1.1 out of 5 rating on the BBB and a 1.2 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. However, each location is different, with plenty earning 4 out of 5 stars and above on Google Reviews. Many positive reviews focused on friendly employees, quick service, and easy rental processes. The majority of complaints centered around vehicle malfunctions, billing mistakes, and sub-par employees.
We’ve included examples of a positive and negative review for U-Haul below:
“I just drove a 20-foot truck 1,000 miles with zero issues. The truck had 3,000 miles, was super clean, had that amazing U-haul ramp, [and a] panel that told me my fuel efficiency and had many miles I had left on the tank. It drove fantastic! The service point [where] I picked [the rental] up told me mechanics service them at least monthly.” —Holly via Trustpilot, August 2024
“I rented a truck months ago, and the day before my rental, they canceled and switched me around to two other locations. I show up to pick up the truck, and I still have no truck. I have set up the mover, and I’m supposed to be out of my storage units and apartments tomorrow.” —Ryan J. via the BBB, January 2025
How Much Does a Move Cost?
Hiring a moving company can get very expensive, but your average moving cost depends on how far you’re traveling. After analyzing more than 1,000 moving quotes from across the country, we determined the average cost of a local move is $1,718, and the average cost of a long-distance move is $3,072. For a more in-depth look at moving costs, read on to see a breakdown of our findings in the table in the section below.
Cost by Home Size and Distance
Moving prices vary based on a lot of factors, most significantly your home size and the distance of your move. Generally, a one-bedroom apartment move across town costs less than moving a four-bedroom house across the country, but each move is unique. Use the table below to get a better idea of how much your move will cost based on your specific situation.
| Home Size | Cost of a Local Move | Cost of a 50–200 Mile Move | Cost of a 201–500 Mile Move | Cost of a 501–800 Mile Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | $1,508 | $1,585 | $2,239 | $1,999 |
| 2-bedroom | $1,280 | $1,632 | $1,946 | $2,087 |
| 3-bedroom | $1,618 | $2,242 | $2,766 | $3,249 |
| 4-bedroom | $3,316 | $4,319 | $6,566 | $7,016 |
Other Factors That Impact Moving Costs
Your move size and distance aren’t the only parameters that affect your overall cost. To better understand your total moving costs, consider the factors below:
- Single-day vs. multi-day moves: Single-day moves tend to cost less than multi-day moves because they require shorter travel time, less fuel, and fewer labor hours. If your move goes on for multiple days, it’s either because you’re traveling an extremely far distance or you have many belongings that take several trips back and forth to complete the move. Either way, those costs can add up quickly.
- Full-service vs. partial service moves: The services you choose for your move will have a very big effect on your overall price. For example, hiring movers to pack and unpack your belongings in addition to loading and unloading will take much longer and cost more than if you pack ahead of time and just need help with unloading. If budget is important to you, consider cutting out services you can do yourself, like packing and unpacking, junk removal, and furniture assembly.
- Tipping: Tipping your movers isn’t a legal requirement, but it is often an expectation. If your movers go above and beyond to make sure that your move is a success, consider giving them a tip. A good rule of thumb is to budget $10 per hour, per mover, or tip 10%–20% of your final bill for the whole crew.
How To Save Money on Your Move
When searching for an affordable way to move across town or across the country, choosing a moving company with cheap rates is only part of the process. If you’re serious about saving on moving expenses, here’s a list of tips to help keep costs down:
- Ask about discounts and deals: Moving companies often have discounts that they don’t advertise, so if you want a cheaper rate, ask about potential savings. Many providers offer reduced rates for American Automobile Association (AAA) members, veterans, and students. You never know unless you try, so talk to an agent over the phone to learn more about your provider’s discounts before booking.
- Book early: The earlier you book, the more likely it is that you lock in lower rates. As a general rule, start planning and researching your move at least a few months ahead of time, even for local moves, so you can book at least one full month in advance. If you wait too long, your company may get booked on your intended date, or a company may charge higher rates for last-minute requests. If you’re flexible on dates, you can potentially save even more. Booking during the offseason, which runs from October to March, can help you save since demand and prices are typically lower.
- Compare quotes: When shopping around for a moving company, we don’t recommend settling on the first quote you get. Reach out to at least three companies for estimates before you decide on which one you’ll hire. Once you compare prices, you can better figure out the best deal. Some companies may consider price-matching, so you could potentially leverage one quote to get a better deal with a different company.
- Downsize: If there’s anything in your house you don’t plan on keeping once you move into your new living space, it’s best to get rid of it before you move. All your items, especially furniture, take up valuable space in a moving truck and also require time and energy to move. By selling or donating your unwanted items beforehand, you can clear up more space and cut your moving time down for a more affordable bill.
- Do your own packing and unpacking: By cutting out unnecessary services, you can significantly reduce your moving costs. Buying boxes and packing tape is a small expense compared to hiring movers to pack and unpack all your belongings. Instead, pack your belongings ahead of time so that when the movers show up, all they have to do is load your boxes and furniture onto the truck. By doing some of the work yourself, you can save hundreds of dollars.
Moving Regulations To Know
Homeowners might not know all the rules and regulations that moving companies have to follow, but learning these facts can protect you from scams and surprise fees. Here’s a quick look behind the curtain so you can know what to search for when shopping for a cheap moving company:
- Licensing: Interstate moving companies need a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to operate. You can verify this on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website using the company snapshot tool to search and check that your mover is licensed. Local moving companies don’t need a USDOT number if they don’t do interstate moves, but you can still vet local companies by looking at customer reviews before booking.
- Weight tickets: Many long-distance moving companies determine your final bill based on the weight of your shipment. This means the moving company has to weigh the truck before and after loading your belongings and provide a certified weight ticket for transparency. If anything seems off with your bill, ask for a copy of the weight ticket, which moving companies are legally obligated to give you.
- “Your rights and responsibilities” booklet: For interstate moves, moving companies are required by law to provide you with a booklet called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. This outlines your rights as a customer, including details about estimates, liability, and dispute resolution. Reviewing this booklet before signing a contract can save you from surprises.
- The “110% rule” for interstate moves: The FMCSA has a rule that states moving companies can only charge up to 110% of a non-binding estimate. This means the final cost of your move should not exceed more than 10% of your original nonbinding quote. Some scam moving companies will effectively hold shipments hostage until you pay an amount that’s two or three times more than your initial quote. If your moving company doesn’t give you possession of your shipment after you pay 110% of a non-binding estimate—or 100% of a binding one—it’s a violation of federal law.
Quick Tip
- Before signing any contract, Sue Lawless, executive director and chief safety officer for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, emphasizes the importance of understanding the 110% rule. “Under the 110% rule, a mover cannot require payment above 110% of the original nonbinding estimate before they deliver a customer’s belongings. A nonbinding estimate is not a guarantee of final costs, but it should be reasonably accurate,” she says.
Figuring Out Your Moving Timeline
Moving is often a stressful process—and moving on a time crunch is even worse. If you want to have a smooth, organized moving process, it helps to have a plan and moving timeline.
“Moving is one of the most psychologically stressful events that any of us experience in our lives,” said Karen McGrath, Ph.D., an assistant professor of finance at Bucknell University. “Not only is it typically with a major life change—such as a new job, marriage, or divorce—but the upheaval and additional work associated with finding a new home, packing, and living in a state of relative chaos for a period of time can be extremely challenging emotionally.”
To best figure out your moving timeline, we recommend getting quotes months before your actual move date, especially for long-distance moves. For local moves, start getting quotes at least one month in advance.
If you’re several months out from your move and looking to get started, use the timeline below as a guideline for your planning process:
- 6–8 weeks: This is a good time to start getting free quotes and looking into the booking process. Reach out to multiple companies so you can compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. If you wait too long to get quotes, your rates will get more expensive as you get closer to your moving date, and you may feel pressured to take the first offer you get.
- 4–5 weeks: At this point, you can lock in your date and book with a reputable moving company. Some companies may require a deposit, which you must pay in order to solidify your moving date. Your movers may have to do an in-home evaluation to get an accurate estimate on your move. About a month out, you can start making a list of everything you plan to pack and consider selling or donating anything you don’t want to take with you.
- 2 weeks: Now that your move is getting closer, you can start packing and organizing anything you don’t use on a daily basis. For example, you can pack up artwork, books, home decor, and unused clothing. Make sure to label your boxes clearly so you can easily find the contents when it’s time to unpack. At this point, if you plan on doing the move yourself, you can also start purchasing and stockpiling moving supplies like more boxes and bubble wrap, ratchet straps, furniture blankets, and moving dollies.
- 1 week: When you’re one week out, you can pack away anything you don’t plan on using from now until moving day. Make sure you set aside anything you’ll need during or immediately after the move, including a change of clothes, cleaning supplies, phone chargers, and toiletries. This is a good time to handle any lingering logistical details, like notifying your utility providers and forwarding your mail. It’s also best to confirm moving day details with your rental van or moving company and any friends or family who plan on helping you.
- Moving day: By this point, you should have finished packing. Keep boxes and bags organized and make a plan for loading the truck if you’re not using professional movers. If you’ve hired movers, make it clear which items are going in the moving truck and what’s traveling in your personal vehicle. Coordinate with the movers and let them know the best place to park. If you’re doing the move yourself, load the truck with heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Keep any essential items, such as your laptop, phone charger, wallet, important documents, and snacks, with you so they don’t get lost in the truck during the move.
Insights From Real Moving Customers
To learn more about customer experiences, we surveyed 1,000 moving customers nationwide in January 2025. According to the customers we surveyed, 67% said their movers charged an hourly rate for services. Out of those customers, the most common rate was $50–$150 per hour. However, many moving companies have a minimum length they charge for moves, usually around three hours. This means that even if movers finish a job in two hours, they’ll still charge you for a full three hours. Ask your provider about how the company charges for moves and if it has a minimum payment amount.
Our survey also showed that families with children under 18 years old and customers with larger households were more likely to use premium services, such as packing and unpacking, when hiring professional movers. Alternatively, one homeowner tried to save as much money as possible by not using any moving company and relying on personal vehicles and his family for help. The homeowner is a single man with minimal belongings who had to take a week off from work to complete the move.
While choosing a DIY move may offer a practical and cost-effective alternative for certain movers, it may seem harder for larger families. If you have a family, especially with young children, hiring professional movers can help take the load off your shoulders and offer you a stress-free move. However, customers may opt for professional movers regardless of their situation for an easier process.
Expert Insights About the Best Cheap Moving Companies
What are the key factors to consider when choosing between budget and premium movers?
“However, a shorter distance move could mean the potential money savings from a lower-cost or even DIY moving company may be more attractive. I think the secondary factor to this as well is the size of the household.”
Is it worth it to hire movers even if you are on a budget?
“While most folks could pack up clothes or kitchenware, far fewer of us know how to safely move something like a refrigerator or a washer or a dryer. If you are taking these items with you on a move, it may be helpful to contact a professional.”
“Age, physical ability, and the number of your friends that can be bribed with pizza are also likely to be factors in your decision. The bottom line is that whatever you need to make you comfortable is what’s best for you, even if it costs a little more.”
What are the key warning signs of fraudulent movers?
FAQs About Cheap Moving Companies
Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself?
It’s almost always cheaper to move yourself than to hire movers because you’re eliminating the cost of labor and tips. Renting a moving truck and getting your friends to help you move is a viable, budget-friendly option, but if you want the expertise of professional movers, it helps to hire a professional moving company.
What day is the cheapest to hire movers?
While there’s not one specific day that’s the most affordable for hiring movers, it’s generally cheaper to book from Monday through Thursday during the fall and winter. Moving companies are most busy during weekends in the summertime, so if you book on weekdays during the off-season, you’re more likely to get a better rate due to less demand.
What is the most affordable long-distance moving company?
According to our research, International Van Lines is the most affordable long-distance moving company, offering an average price of $1,324 for a two-bedroom move with a distance of 50–200 miles. Most other providers charge roughly $100–$1,000 more, so International Van Lines is a more budget-friendly option.
What are the best moving companies for long-distance moves?
Some of the best moving companies for long-distance moves include JK Moving Services, Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and International Van Lines. These providers offer long-distance moving and other services and are legitimate carriers with USDOT numbers and positive customer reviews. We rated each company 4.5 out of 5 stars and above using our moving company rating methodology.
How We Evaluated the Best Cheap Movers
To find the best cheap moving companies in the industry, we looked through hundreds of customer reviews, requested more than 1,000 moving quotes, and rated each provider according to our moving review methodology. For more on how we ranked each provider, read about our rating system below.
Our Rating System
We ranked our top moving providers using a 100-point scale that includes the most important factors customers consider when booking a move. When then converted scores into 5-star ratings for each company. We assign companies a point value in each of the following categories during our review:
- Customer service: Online reviews offer an inside look at how a company treats customers. We read hundreds of customer reviews for each of our top providers on third-party review sites such as the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews, paying special attention to the company’s response rate for complaints. Companies with higher star ratings that responded to more than 90% of complaints received the most points.
- Reputation: There are scam moving companies out there, so we pay close attention to red flags such as customer service issues, communication failures, and legal problems when judging a company’s reputation. We reviewed each moving company’s profile with the FMCSA to see how many inspections it has failed in the past two years for its drivers and moving trucks. Companies with a failure rate lower than the national average of 22.26% received the most points.
- Value: A company’s value covers its costs and budget-friendly features, such as binding estimates and affordable DIY options like portable moving containers. To judge each provider’s costs, we collected five or more quotes from each provider for different two-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles in distance. The best movers offered average quotes of less than $2,000–$4,000, while providers with pricier quotes between $4,000–$10,000 received fewer points.
- Service offerings: More service options means more assistance for your move, but not every moving company offers the same services. We awarded the most points to companies that offer loading, unloading, vehicle shipping, fragile-only packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, appliance and electronics handling, office moves, and piano moving.
- Item protection: Keeping your items safe is one of the most basic parts of a moving company’s job, which can involve going above and beyond the legal minimum released-value and full-value insurance requirements. We gave the most points to companies that offer additional coverage through customizable full-value insurance plans or third-party insurance. We also included points for companies that use GPS-tracking technology and specialty storage options to help customers keep tabs on their belongings.
- Scheduling: Being able to book your move and contact your movers without any hiccups is more than just a matter of convenience—it’s often a necessity. We gave points to providers that offer multiple communication channels, including online, telephone, and 24/7 chat, as well as options for in-person and virtual estimates during the quote process. Companies with mobile apps earned additional points.
