The Best Moving Companies
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Moving any distance can be a real headache. You have to pack and unpack your life, and you may even have to close on a new home while coordinating your move’s logistics. Luckily, professional movers can handle every aspect of your relocation—and we mean more than just packing, unpacking, and item delivery. You can also count on them for furniture disassembly and reassembly, vehicle shipping, and even storage options.
We evaluated 14 national moving companies and scored them against our comprehensive rating system to determine the top five. Our team interviewed industry experts, surveyed 1,000 recent moving customers, and analyzed more than 500 customer reviews. Five national full-service moving companies stood out as the cream of the crop.
Key Takeaways
- Communication is a key factor in ensuring a streamlined moving experience. We recommend discussing details, such as your precise moving inventory, with your provider to avoid surprises when the movers arrive.
- Moving costs can vary depending on multiple factors, but based on the sample quotes we gathered, they usually range from $2,547 to $7,688 for a two-bedroom move.
- You should reach out to companies for estimates approximately six weeks before your moving date. Our 2024 survey of 1,000 moving customers revealed that 49% of customers executed their entire moving process in less than six weeks, from contacting the company to relocating to their new home.
The Best Moving Companies for 2024
- Allied Van Lines: Our Top Pick
- North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
- International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Reliable Pricing
Compare Our Top 5 Moving Companies
Below is a table comparing our list of the top moving companies: North American Van Lines (NAVL), Allied Van Lines, JK Moving Services, International Van Lines (IVL), and Safeway Moving Inc. The table compares these movers and others based on their average price, insurance options, benefits, downsides, and more.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Deposit Required | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | A+ | None | Get Quote | ||
 | A+ | None | Get Quote | ||
 | A+ | $250 | Read Our Review | ||
 | A+ | Up to 25% | Get Quote | ||
 | B- | Up to 40% | Get Quote |
Note: We calculated the cost by taking the averages from sample quotes we gathered from multiple two-bedroom moves that exceed 500 miles.
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of November 2024.
Our Top Moving Company Picks
After conducting in-depth research on 14 national movers and analyzing the feedback of real customers and industry experts, we determined that the following five moving companies provide the best service.
Many of our top recommendations are van line companies, meaning they may outsource your move to a company in their network, so it’s important to ask if a partner might handle your move before you make a final decision. We saw many customer reviews for our top picks and other popular movers where customers felt scammed because a van line outsourced their move. Usually, this happens because the van line didn’t inform the customer about the partner company, but be aware that this is a normal business model for national van line companies.
The cost information for each provider below is an average from five sample quotes we gathered. All our sample quotes are for two-bedroom moves over 500 miles. If you’re specifically moving long-distance, we recommend you read our guide on the best long-distance moving companies.
Best for Vehicle Relocation: Allied Van Lines
What We Liked
- Offers in-house vehicle shipping service, while most other movers outsource
- Offers rapid relocation for small-load moves via Allied Express
- Partners with Salvation Army to offer downsizing assistance, while other providers require you to handle all downsizing
What We Didn’t Like
- Service quality and availability might vary based on your local Allied branch
- Customer reviews mention challenges with reaching representatives when working to resolve claims
- Has no weekend customer support, while other van lines typically do
Our Scores
We scored Allied the highest with 4.9 out of 5 stars. The company earned fewer points in the “Reputation” category, but it excelled in “Service Offerings,” “Item Protection,” and “Scheduling.”
Our Review
Allied (USDOT #: 076235) is our top choice for the best full-service moving companies. It’s impressive that Allied handles vehicle relocation in-house. Most other movers outsource that service to third parties. With Allied, you work directly with its team when shipping your car, boat, RV, or motorcycle. There is no go-between, so communication is way smoother.
The company also offers a wide range of services, including loading and specialty crating for antiques, to make your long-distance move easier, and it’s upfront about pickup/delivery timelines. Unlike some movers that only offer nonbinding quotes—which are liable to change suddenly and unexpectedly during the moving process—Allied sticks to binding estimates only. Its average cost is around $5,370 based on the sample quotes we gathered for a two-bedroom home, but our 2024 survey respondents paid way less, at $2,945 on average for all move sizes. That’s an excellent deal compared to NAVL and JK Moving, which average over $4,000 for their moves.
We like that Allied has a special container service called Allied Express for smaller moves, similar to NAVL. You can pack and load a container yourself or get professional packing help. But the best part of hiring Allied is the guaranteed delivery date and the fact that Allied will pay you $75 every day it’s late, unlike some movers that avoid that topic altogether.
Customer Reviews
- Vehicle shipping
- Affordable pricing
- Mobile app
- Claims process
Like NAVL and IVL, Allied has more than 500 agent locations nationwide, and the quality varies based on online reviews for each one. Don’t just go off the company’s overall reputation; check local reviews before booking to avoid any sketchy crews in your area.
Allied’s main BBB page has a 1.14 out of 5-star rating, but other branches score better. It’s worth noting that it does have an A+ accreditation from the BBB, like NAVL and IVL. People like Allied’s virtual quoting process through its mobile app, which is something IVL and Safeway don’t offer. Its more highly rated branches get props from customers for their quality moving crews that handle tricky jobs such as ascending staircases without issue. The company also gets lots of kudos for its helpful customer service.
The biggest gripes we found in customer reviews related to Allied’s limited customer service hours and slowness in resolving claims for damaged items. Some customers said the insurance coverage was lacking, and others got zero compensation even after raising the issue with their local office over missing or broken items. However, its higher-rated locations suggest that Allied can deliver a smooth move if you get paired with the right crew.
Best for Claims: North American Van Lines
What We Liked
- Provides binding estimates so your price won’t increase on moving day
- Includes a mobile app for tracking and communication, providing peace of mind
- Offers a customized budget-planning service, which other providers don’t offer
What We Didn’t Like
- Limits certain services, such as storage, based on your location
- Requires three days’ notice for cancellations, while other companies give more time
- Doesn’t offer ongoing discounts like IVL or American Van Lines
Our Scores
NAVL earned our second-highest rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. It performed especially well in the “Item Protection” and “Service Offerings” categories. It scored lower on “Reputation.”
Our Review
North American Van Lines (USDOT #: 070851) is one of our top picks for a full-service mover because it offers the most robust service catalog for competitive prices. We like that it only hires crew members who are background-checked and insured, which gives you the comfort of knowing you’ll be working with legitimate movers. It’s standard practice for companies to vet their employees, but we give kudos to NAVL for being transparent about this part of its hiring process on its website.
NAVL’s prices are run-of-the-mill for a full-service company. We got quotes averaging around $5,969 to move a two-bedroom home 500+ miles away, and NAVL customers who responded to our 2024 survey paid an average of $4,178. That’s more than $2,000 cheaper than JK Moving, which offers similar services.
We like that NAVL wraps your upholstered furniture for free. Most movers charge extra for that as part of a fragile packing service, which can get pricey. Another perk is its moving container service option called Blue Express. This service offers more affordable rates for a more DIY-focused move. It shows the company is flexible and can customize your move, unlike full-service companies such as JK Moving or IVL, which are more one-size-fits-all.
Customer Reviews
- Extensive services
- Flexible pricing
- Claims experience
- Inconsistent service
One downside of NAVL is that its service quality seems to depend on where you’re located. NAVL’s main office has an A+ rating from the BBB, but customer reviews give it a low score of 1.25 out of 5 stars. This same location has generally mixed reviews online, with 2.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews.
This happens frequently with moving companies—people mostly leave reviews when things go wrong. When a move goes smoothly, few people take the time to rate the movers as their focus is on unpacking and settling in. So, the ratings tend to skew negative.
Positive reviews mention transparent pricing and great service compared to other providers like JK Moving, which has a lengthy quote process, or Safeway, which isn’t transparent about its pricing upfront. Negative reviews complain about communication issues and damaged items. We also found Reddit threads expressing mixed feedback. We saw customers complaining about communication problems, but most said the overall service was solid.
We like that NAVL has a dedicated channel for managing claims on its website. Most companies lump that in with other departments, which often results in a more turbulent claims process. Communication snags happen with big van lines since they use different crews in each area, so NAVL fits into a standard complaint pattern for van lines.
Our experience getting quotes from NAVL was pretty easy. The company follows a standard process of gathering some initial moving information, and then a rep discusses more specific needs and wants over the phone. Other reviews indicated its customer support was excellent, which lines up with our experience when contacting the company. To be safe, we recommend you check reviews for your local NAVL branch before booking.
Best Specialized Packing: JK Moving Services
What We Liked
- Offers financing, which is rare in the moving industry, with options as low as 0%
- Emphasizes its background-checked movers
- Uses an AI-assisted mobile app that functions smoothly and is user-friendly
What We Didn’t Like
- Features some of the highest average pricing according to cost data we gathered
- Doesn’t refund your $250 deposit, while other movers tend to offer some refund
- Doesn’t offer local moving services outside of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
Our Scores
We awarded JK Moving 4.7 out of 5 stars. It performed best in the “Reputation” and “Item Protection” categories, but it earned fewer points on “Value” due to its high average pricing. Here’s how JK Moving scored in all categories:
Our Review
JK Moving Services (USDOT #1065394) offers moving services nationwide and is flexible with payment options compared to other movers. We like that it partners with Enhancify to offer financing. You can even score a 0% interest rate, depending on your credit score. No other mover on our list provides this benefit.
JK Moving’s prices can be a bit steeper than NAVL or Allied, averaging around $7,171 from the quotes we collected. However, after running our 2024 survey, we found that respondents who hired JK Moving paid an average of $5,868, so you might get a better deal than we did.
If top-notch protection is a must, JK Moving is an excellent option. Most movers only give you basic released value coverage, which is moving insurance that only compensates a measly 60 cents per pound if your items get damaged. JK Moving goes above and beyond with its standard insurance plan, offering $6-per-pound coverage, with at least $15,000 covered. That means your belongings are properly protected without you having to shell out extra for a full replacement value plan. JK Moving also offers full value protection, which is moving insurance that provides reimbursement for your items’ actual value if you want 100% coverage. However, that option is pricey.
We also like that JK Moving is diligent about vetting and training its crews. According to its website, every crew member must pass background checks and drug tests. Plus, they get specialized training at the company’s facility, practicing packing and moving in a staged two-story house to nail down handling all kinds of items, from moving pianos to antiques. That level of hands-on expertise is hard to beat compared to movers who don’t invest as heavily in training or companies that operate only as brokers, such as Interstate Moving & Relocation Group and Moving APT.
Customer Reviews
- Specialized services
- Mobile app
- Customer support
- Price hikes
JK Moving has an A+ rating from the BBB and a solid 3.99 out of 5 star customer review score. For the moving business, that’s pretty good, as it even beats out our top-rated provider, NAVL. A few problems have been reported about inconsistent quality, especially when protecting people’s belongings. For example, some Reddit users sing JK Moving’s praises, but others had issues with broken or damaged items during their moves.
Some negative reviews also call out issues such as sudden price increases after delivery or crews running late to jobs. But from what our team gathered, those seem like isolated incidents rather than a company-wide pattern of bad service. Overall, JK Moving’s BBB rating is stellar, its movers are trained pros, and most customer reviews give them a solid thumbs up.
Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
What We Liked
- Includes 30-day free storage, compared to other van lines like Allied that don’t
- Offers custom insurance plans that you can adjust to your desired coverage
- Provides one of the most extensive service selections across all 50 states
What We Didn’t Like
- Employs movers and trucks for local moves in only six states
- Requires a higher-than-average deposit of up to 25%
- The website has numerous popup ads and misleading links
Our Scores
We gave IVL 4.5 out of 5 stars. It performed well on “Reputation” and “Item Protection,” but it lacked in “Scheduling” and “Value.” Here is how it performed overall:
Our Review
International Van Lines (USDOT #2293832) offers a super-comprehensive menu of moving services at competitive rates that include packing, loading, delivery, and unpacking. We have them rated our top short-distance moving company. When we contacted IVL for quotes, the company sent them to us in under five minutes, compared to a company like NAVL, which took closer to 30 minutes. IVL’s reps were upfront about potential extra fees, and we liked how it focused on providing a speedy quote process, unlike other movers, such as JK Moving and NAVL, that make you jump through more hoops.
We really like IVL’s commitment to pricing transparency. Its website lists general price ranges, which can be helpful for setting a budget. Of course, you’ll still want to get a custom quote, but the transparency is a solid benefit most others lack. According to its quote tool, most IVL moves tend to run between $5,250 and $7,688, but our 2024 survey of 85 customers showed the average price was $10,933. IVL’s estimated cost is still a couple hundred cheaper than NAVL and Allied on average, but we recommend you not bank solely on IVL’s calculator giving you the final estimate in terms of what a move will cost you.
Customer Reviews
- Customer service
- Excellent packing
- Prompt service
- Poor communication
Like many other movers on this list, IVL has an A+ rating from the BBB and a 2.98 out of 5-star customer review score. However, IVL isn’t accredited by the BBB. That means it hasn’t gone through the BBB’s process for checking a company’s advertising and sales practices. The other movers on this list have BBB accreditation, but that doesn’t automatically make them better. Some companies simply choose to skip the accreditation since the BBB charges extra fees for it. That might be the case with IVL.
According to customer reviews, IVL usually provides prompt service. However, there have been a few instances where the quality was hit-or-miss, depending on which partner company IVL booked for the actual move. A few recent Reddit threads our team read showed customers claiming the partnered movers changed the initial quotes IVL gave. This isn’t a surprise because communication can get cloudy when your move involves multiple companies.
We advise you to overcommunicate about your moving needs and inventory to get a binding estimate upfront. Leave no room for the movers to jack up the price later on. According to IVL’s overall review profile, those pricing issues seem rare compared to the problems we’ve seen from other big movers like Mayflower and Moving APT. Although IVL has a handful of unsatisfied customers, most reviews suggest a generally positive overall experience working with them.
Most Reliable Pricing: Safeway Moving Inc.
What We Liked
- Requires all movers to hold a $1 million insurance policy
- Provides light packing services with its initial quotes for all move sizes
- Provides flat-rate pricing, so it charges a fixed fee rather than a ballpark quote
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t disclose whether it background checks all its movers
- Doesn’t make clear when it’s capable of local moving services
- Customer reviews mention communication issues during transit
Our Scores
We awarded Safeway 4.3 out of 5 stars. It stood out in the “Reputation” and “Item Protection” categories, but it lacked in “Customer Service” and “Value.” Here is how it performed across the board:
Our Review
Safeway (USDOT #3756000) is an ideal option if you’re working with a set moving budget. It only provides binding estimates, so you don’t have to stress about unexpected price increases later in the process. With some other home movers, like IVL, you have to request a binding quote upfront to avoid such increases. We especially liked how Safeway responded to any questions or concerns we had when getting sample quotes; solid communication gets bonus points in our rating system.
A big benefit of Safeway is that it’s the only mover on this list specializing in relocations to condos or HOA communities. The company partners exclusively with carriers with the proper licenses and insurance certifications required for those types of moves. Most condo associations and HOAs require movers to carry at least $1 million in liability insurance to protect the other residents and properties. While many companies such as IVL and NAVL only have around $600,000–$750,000 liability coverage, every single one of Safeway’s moving partners meets those HOA requirements. So, if you’re moving to a condo or HOA, Safeway has the experience and preparation to make that transition smooth.
Customer Reviews
- Comprehensive insurance
- Skilled movers
- Timely deliveries
- Pricing changes
Safeway has a B- rating from the BBB, which isn’t a bad rating even though it’s the lowest in this review. We find the company to still be a top choice given that its customer review score sits at 4.4 out of 5 stars, one of the highest on our list.
A few negative BBB reviews have mentioned Safeway’s partners using bait-and-switch pricing tactics. Recent Reddit threads also feature customers claiming they got hit with unexpected price hikes during their moves. Pricing changes are pretty common when movers outsource certain parts of the job, such as long-term storage or loading, to other companies. That’s why going over the contract with a fine-tooth comb is crucial before signing on the dotted line.
Despite those pricing problems, most of the reviews for Safeway on the BBB, Google Reviews, and elsewhere are overwhelmingly positive. Customers hype up the company’s skilled, professional movers who make the whole process smooth with on-time deliveries. Safeway also has its faults, like any company, but customer reviews indicate it generally provides stress-free moving experiences overall.
Pricing for the Best Moving Companies
The cost of your move depends on several variables. Factors include the distance you’re moving, the weight of your items, and any specialty services your move will require. In some cases, moving companies offering flat-fee moves may be the best choice.
Weight is one of the biggest factors movers use to calculate costs. Many movers charge based on your shipment’s weight or cubic feet for packing services on binding estimates. For example, IVL charges $1 per cubic foot for packing, with seven cubic feet equaling one pound. Another company like Safeway might charge $1.50, but the average is around $1.25. Due to this variation, it’s important to consider whether you’ll need movers for a small space or a large space when budgeting for your move.
The best movers are upfront about their prices and give you a binding estimate, so you don’t get hit with surprise fees. Remember that when comparing quotes, you’re paying for a professional to be careful with your belongings and make the whole moving process smoother. That peace of mind is worth it.
Check out our table below for more details on cost.* Just keep in mind that if you need partial packing, the cost will likely fall somewhere between the full pack and self-pack ranges.
| Cost Figures | One-bedroom | Two-bedroom | Three-bedroom | Four-bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | $2,850-$4,230 | $4,060-$7,150 | $7,350-$8,590 | $11,000-$14,800 |
| Average Cost | $3,711 | $5,629 | $7,916 | $13,160 |
We gathered and analyzed 84 cost estimates from 14 moving companies using key factors such as inventory weight and move distance. We used this data to calculate an average cost per move. All estimates were binding, meaning the provider can’t increase the price later.
How We Selected the Top Moving Companies
We pinpointed six key factors when choosing a high-quality mover. These factors included customer service, reputation, value, service offerings, item protection, and scheduling.
Customer Service
Attentive, responsive service is crucial in an industry where mix-ups, damages, and stress are common. We find that a mover that responds to online reviews, maintains a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of B or higher, and displays useful tools–such as calculators–on its website provides better customer service than those that don’t.
NAVL, Allied, and JK Moving stand out in this category. These providers are transparent about hiring background-checked and insured moving crews, and they all maintain A+ BBB ratings with complaint response rates above 90%. The customer service representatives we spoke to from each company were professional, friendly, and responsive, ensuring a smoother experience without the hassle of difficult sales reps or confusing consultants.
Here's how each provider did in this category:
Reputation
When completing a move of any size—even a simple one-bedroom studio apartment move—having a mover with a strong reputation is crucial to ensure your peace of mind. Hiring a reputable company can also help you breathe easier knowing its practices and standards are on point.
We checked in with industry associations such as the American Moving and Storage Association to get insider knowledge on each company’s reputation and commitment to upholding high standards. This association has strict criteria for membership and accreditation, so you know any members have proven they run an ethical, professional operation.
We believe that reputable movers also have inspection fail rates with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that are average or below average at the very least. A provider’s FMCSA profile enables us to ensure its moving trucks and drivers aren't failing inspections and that its Department of Transportation (USDOT) number is legitimate. A provider won’t score well in this category if we find notes of faulty trucks or failed inspections.
JK Moving, NAVL, and Allied have stellar reputations, especially for interstate hauls, which must satisfy various government entities and customers in multiple states. This is impressive, considering all the logistics and regulations they have to juggle.
Check out how our top picks did here:
Value
It's not always smart to pick the cheapest option for a major move because we find that the real value of a professional mover comes down to a combination of cost, transparent pricing, and flexibility in services, such as offering cheaper self-service options.
NAVL and Allied provide the best value among our top five picks. They both offer moving packages that include professional packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and transit insurance—all at competitive prices.
We verified each company’s pricing through sample moving quotes and feedback from past customers. We also appreciated that these movers offer additional savings with self-service options. Companies that give binding estimates upfront scored higher with us, like NAVL and Allied. A binding estimate is a quote that a moving company guarantees it will not alter as long as nothing changes regarding your move. It helps avoid unexpected price hikes on moving day, but if your inventory changes the day of your move, you should expect a price increase.
Below is how each company performed when it comes to value:
Service Offerings
The more services a moving company offers, the better it can meet your needs. Premium services can be especially important for special moves like moving a senior citizen with mobility issues or hiring movers for an office. Because of this, we give more points to providers that can fulfill more services than others. NAVL and Allied, for example, cover everything from pre-move planning and packing to loading, unloading, and post-move setup. Some of the most crucial services are professional loading, packing, and unpacking as we find them to be the cornerstone of all professional moving services, and all our top recommendations provide these flagship services with top-of-the-line labor.
We checked to ensure our providers train their movers to handle large items such as beds, desks, and entertainment centers requiring specialized skills and tools. NAVL and Allied also shine with their add-on options, such as temporary or long-term storage services and specialized services for transporting vehicles, boats, valuable artwork, and antiques.
Our top picks also sell high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and moving blankets, making them a one-stop shop and saving you time and effort.
Check out how our top recommendations performed in this category below:
Item Protection
When evaluating item protection, we examined whether a company’s insurance truly covers the value of your belongings and what special services it offers for delicate items. Moving services for antiques and other unique items are of the utmost importance for people moving high-value items. We ensure that professional movers are skilled in packing and securing various items, including fragile glassware and electronics. They should also provide specialized services such as custom crating, which involves using custom-built crates or containers to minimize the risk of damage during loading, unloading, and transportation.
Moving insurance is another important consideration. We gave extra points to companies that offer customizable insurance, such as NAVL and JK Moving. These policies provide peace of mind by protecting you against the financial burden of lost, damaged, or stolen items during the move.
Our top five moving companies have strict security protocols to ensure the safety of your belongings. These protocols may include conducting background checks on employees, using GPS tracking, securing warehousing with round-the-clock surveillance, and employing advanced tracking systems to monitor the status of your shipment at all times. Almost every company in our review excels in this area, except Safeway, which offers more limited item protection options.
Read below how each provider performed in this category:
Scheduling
A terrible scheduling process can ruin your experience with a mover, especially if you're looking for movers for a last-minute move. We simulated each mover’s quote phase, the initial scheduling step where movers assess your moving needs and estimate costs, timelines, and schedules. A good professional mover offers multiple communication channels—not just a phone number—and gives you the option for an in-person or virtual assessment for added convenience. We gave more points to movers with their own smartphone apps that help you conduct assessments and organize all your moving documents.
NAVL, Allied, and JK Moving stand out for working closely with you to understand your preferences, such as moving dates and special considerations. They use this info to create customized schedules that fit your needs while considering travel distances and resource availability.
JK Moving has one of the best mobile apps and online portals for streamlining scheduling. Companies offering these tools let you access move details, track shipments, communicate with coordinators, and adjust schedules. These tools provide real-time updates, informing you of any delays or changes. Proper scheduling ensures that all aspects of the move—packing, loading, transportation, and unloading—are thoughtfully planned and resources such as trucks, equipment, and personnel are allocated efficiently for a seamless move.
Here is how each company scored against this rating factor:
How To Hire Professional Movers
There’s a lot of information to remember when hiring a professional mover, especially when you want to avoid scammers. In the video below from NBC Bay Area, consumer investigator Chris Chmura breaks down vital information you should know when dealing with a moving company. For example, he explains that you have the right to be present when a mover weighs your shipment and how this can be helpful when keeping a contract in order.
Find Moving Companies in Your State
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