Best Moving Companies

The importance of hiring a responsible, professional mover with good customer reviews cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, there are plenty of shady companies out there that specialize in scamming people, bilking them for extra dollars at the end of a move or doing a poor job. And no one needs any extra challenges when they’re already facing the stress and logistics that come with moving.

Key insights

• All legit movers in the U.S. must be registered with the FMCSA or the state where they operate, and all interstate movers must have a USDOT number.
• For a smaller local move, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for professional moving services. For larger moves, you might be looking at several thousand dollars.
• If you decide to hire movers and have the budget for it, you can also pay for them to pack and unpack your belongings.
• Make sure to get several different moving quotes, if possible, and opt for a company with good customer reviews and transparent terms.

You want an honest mover with a history of happy customers. The company should meet your needs in terms of service types, cost and transparency.

Reputation

A trustworthy moving company doesn’t have anything to hide and should be happy to answer all your questions. Feel free to ask about how long companies have been in business or what the training process is like to ensure the movers know how to protect your valuables and prevent damage.

You should also read customer reviews from third-party sites. You want a company with high overall ratings, of course, but also look specifically at what customers liked about the service (e.g., punctuality). Also, look for reviews that discuss how the company handles refunds, payouts, delays or damaged goods to get an idea of how it operates when things don’t go as planned.

The in-person estimate is also a good time to take stock of the professionalism of the company and its crew. The representative should be able to address your questions and concerns, and they should show up on time.

Service area

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you want to ensure the company you work with can actually do the job you need. Some companies only operate within state lines, for instance, while others offer regional but not cross-country services.

Additional services

If you need help with packing and unpacking, short- or long-term storage or moving specialty items (pianos, antiques, pool tables, etc.), ask about this upfront — these additional services will likely add to your cost or need to be outsourced.

Pricing structure, fees and policies

Always look for companies with clear and transparent pricing. Most local movers charge by the hour, while long-distance movers tend to charge a flat rate. Ask about hidden fees or add-ons, as well as the company’s policy on lost or damaged items and cancellations.

When you start researching moving services, you may feel overwhelmed by all your choices. One thing to bear in mind is that not all movers are alike, and there are different types of services to choose from. The type of moving service you need depends largely on two things: how far you’re moving and what you’re moving.

• Local moving companies: These businesses aren’t able to transport goods across state lines. If you live in a larger, urban area, you may find movers that only operate within your metro area. If you’re relocating within the same state or simply moving from one part of the city to another, this is the service you need.
• Long-distance moving companies: If you’re moving to a different state, you’ll need to use a moving company that’s registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for interstate services.
• International: When you move out of the country, your belongings will usually need to travel by boat or plane, making the logistics much more complicated. There are some domestic companies that offer this service.
• Specialty movers: Most moving companies have restrictions on the items they can transport. For instance, antiques, pianos, cars, artwork or gun safes may need to be transported separately by movers that have the special equipment and skills to do this.
• Full-service moving: A full-service provider packs up your belongings, transports them to your new home, and unloads and unpacks for you. With a partial-service option, the moving company only packs up certain items while you do everything else. With a self-serve model, you’re responsible for packing, loading and unloading your belongings, but you’ll depend on the moving company for transport.

Hiring a reputable moving company is likely your single biggest relocation expense, so you want to get it right. Below, we walk you through the key steps: researching companies, evaluating their services and determining your best option.

1. Assess your needs

Before you start looking for a moving company, you need a clear idea of what you’ll take with you and what you’ll leave behind. Once you know this, you can decide how much you want (or need) your movers to do.

If you’re trying to stay within a budget, you may decide to do a lot of the prep work yourself by packing everything before the moving crew comes. On the other hand, if you know you can’t take a lot of time off work during the move, you may want the movers to do everything for you.

2. Start researching

Some of the best tools you have are the people you know. Ask family, friends and neighbors for their recommendations and experiences with moving companies. If you’ve just bought a new home, your real estate agent is also a great resource for advice.

Once you have a few companies in mind, check out their websites, and then branch out to read reviews from impartial sources.

3. Get detailed quotes from at least three companies

Many companies have online quote tools or provide estimates over the phone. While this is a good place to start, it doesn’t take the place of an in-home survey.

During the survey, the company’s representative compiles a detailed inventory of what you’ll be moving, which they use to calculate your estimate. In-home estimates are almost always free and give you the most accurate idea of your costs.

4. Check licensing and insurance

All reputable moving companies should be licensed and insured, and any commercial moving truck crossing state lines is required to have a USDOT number. You can verify this on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. At the state level, regulations will vary, so it’s best to check with your state’s Department of Transportation about what makes a mover legit.

5. Compare quotes and make a decision

Read through all your quotes thoroughly and compare them side by side. Don’t be tempted to go with the lowest bid — if an estimate comes in significantly lower than the others, it may indicate that charges were left out or that you’re working with a dishonest company.

The cost to hire movers can vary widely. For local moves, you might pay between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars, while a cross-country move can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.

Below are some factors that affect moving costs:

• Local vs. long-distance: Local movers tend to charge by the hour and worker, while interstate movers charge a flat fee based on the distance, weight and volume of the load.
• The extent of service: If your movers are packing and unpacking your belongings, your costs will be much higher. Expect to pay between $300 to $500 more for packing services.
• Complexity: If either your current or new location has a lot of stairs or is in other ways hard to get to (say, it’s on a narrow street that a large truck can’t conveniently park on), you’ll likely see an added fee.
• Time of the year: Summer is the most popular time to move and also when you’ll see the highest rates. The same goes for weekends. If you can move in the off-season or midweek, you may be able to reduce costs.
• Storage: Storing your belongings before or after your move may cost extra, but most full-service moving companies will be able to provide this service (some offer a free or discounted month upfront).
• Gratuity: Tipping is a fairly standard practice, but it’s not required. That said, if you’re happy with your service, it’s nice to set aside $20 to $50 in cash per worker.

How moving quotes work

You want at least three quotes in writing from different movers. These should be as accurate as possible, which ideally means getting an in-home survey (though this can be done virtually). During the survey, be sure to point out any larger items you won’t be taking with you. Include those in outdoor spaces, like sheds or garages.

There are three main types of moving quotes:

• Nonbinding: Nonbinding estimates are a best guess of your costs. Most contracts allow the company to charge no more than 10% above the quoted amount.
• Binding: Binding quotes aren’t as common, but with these, the company is legally obligated to charge you only what’s quoted as long as there are no changes to the inventory.
• Binding-not-to-exceed: These are essentially the same as a binding estimate, except you could end up paying less if the actual load weight is lower than the estimate.

When you find a company you want to move forward with, sign a detailed contract only if it has an itemized inventory list. If there’s loss or damage, you’ll need this documentation to file a claim. Your contract should include details about valuation and insurance, which generally fall into one of two categories for interstate moves:

• Full-value protection: Most companies use full-value protection by default. It offers the most comprehensive coverage and essentially means the mover is liable to repair, replace or cover the cost of repair or replacement for any lost or damaged item. The only exceptions are items of “extraordinary value” assessed at over $100 per pound, which need to be individually named and may be insured separately by a third party.
• Released-value (limited-value) protection: This is the least expensive option and will only reimburse you for a fraction of your item’s value. This insurance is based on weight and will pay up to 60 cents per pound. You must opt into this type of coverage.

You may be asked to pay a small deposit to hold your date, but the bulk of your payment should be due upon delivery once you know the job has been completed to your satisfaction.

How can I avoid moving scams?

• Ask lots of questions. The associates should be knowledgeable and transparent.
• If you’re moving across state lines, ensure the mover is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• A legit mover should take inventory of your belongings either virtually or in person ahead of the move. If the company doesn’t offer this service, beware.
• Never pay a large deposit — most movers don’t ask for more than 20% of the total cost upfront.

» MORE: How to avoid moving scams

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth move, and by starting early and staying organized, you’ll set yourself up for success.

1. Look at the big picture: Take an initial inventory of your needs, including your time frame, how much you have to move and your budget, keeping in mind you’ll want to hold some money back for incidental expenses.
2. Declutter: Moving is an ideal time to declutter your living space. Most movers charge by weight and cubic volume, so you may want to pare down your heaviest belongings (e.g., books, aging furniture, appliances). The cost and hassle of moving these older items may not be worth it.
3. Start packing: Give yourself plenty of time to pack. Start with areas you don’t use as frequently — like the guest room, garage or closets — or with seasonal items like sports equipment, lawn tools, winter clothing and kitchen gadgets. Aim to get one room done every day and stick to your plan. Labeling is also key: We recommend labeling each box to make it easier for the movers to get everything in the right place when they unload.
4. Gather your essentials: A week out from the big day, make sure you have your essentials boxes planned out. Ideally, everyone in your household has one box or bag that gets them through moving day and the day after. This should include a change of clothes, toiletry items and necessary medication.
5. Get contact info: Make sure you have a reliable contact for the moving company so you can communicate with the driver about where they should park for loading and unloading. If possible, plan to have kids and pets out of the way to make it easier for your movers to do their job.

» READ MORE: Moving checklist

We analyzed the past three years of consumer reviews of moving companies on our site and discovered that the overall satisfaction rating was 4.2 stars. Companies that we pick for inclusion in this guide all have ratings of 3.6 stars or higher as of publishing.

Other key takeaways from our review analysis of moving companies on ConsumerAffairs:

• Punctuality makes the biggest positive difference to those who’ve hired movers. Reviewers who mention speed of service rate their companies higher than average.
• On the flip side, mentions of refunds and payouts are associated with a less favorable average rating (3.3 stars).
• Overall, customers who mention the price give their movers a positive average rating of 4.2 stars.
• Reviewers had the highest percentage of complaints about sales and marketing tactics: 88% of reviews that mention marketing are negative, and 12% are positive.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach informed by our expert editors to choose the best moving companies. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks.

To decide our seven top picks for buyers with different priorities (like our pick for interstate moves), as well as our top overall moving company, we used a weighted scoring system that took into account both reviews about each company from ConsumerAffairs users and specific company offerings that we researched.

The weightings for each pick were:

• Top pick overall: Service/movers satisfaction rate: 14%; Customer service satisfaction rate: 6%; Service/punctuality satisfaction rate: 6%; Service/packing satisfaction rate: 6%; Service/quote accuracy satisfaction rate: 6%; Service/damage satisfaction rate: 6%; Product/price satisfaction rate: 6%; Storage options: 10%; Packing services: 10%; Deposit requirements: 15%; Discounts: 10%; App: 5%
• Our pick for interstate moves: Service/movers satisfaction rate: 17%; Service/customer service satisfaction rate: 11%; Service/punctuality satisfaction rate: 8%; Service/packing satisfaction rate: 9%; Service/quote accuracy satisfaction rate: 5%; Service/damage satisfaction rate: 5%; Product/price satisfaction rate: 5%; Storage options: 10%; Packing services: 10%; Deposit requirements: 10%; Discounts: 5%; App: 5%
• Our pick for local moves: Service/movers satisfaction rate: 15%; Service/customer service satisfaction rate: 10%; Service/punctuality satisfaction rate: 5%; Service/packing satisfaction rate: 6%; Service/quote accuracy satisfaction rate: 6%; Service/damage satisfaction rate: 5%; Product/price satisfaction rate: 15%; Packing services: 9%; Deposit requirements: 15%; Discounts: 10%; App: 4%
• Our pick for auto transport services: Service/movers satisfaction rate: 25%; Service/customer service satisfaction rate: 15%; Service/punctuality satisfaction rate: 5%; Service/quote accuracy satisfaction rate: 10%; Service/damage satisfaction rate: 10%; Product/price satisfaction rate: 10%; Deposit requirements: 10%; Discounts: 10%; App: 5%
• Our pick for packing services: Service/movers satisfaction rate: 10%; Service/customer service satisfaction rate: 3%; Service/punctuality satisfaction rate: 3%; Service/packing satisfaction rate: 30%; Service/quote accuracy satisfaction rate: 3%; Service/damage satisfaction rate: 10%; Product/price satisfaction rate: 3%; Storage options: 3%; Packing services: 30%; Deposit requirements: 3%; Discounts: 2%
• Our pick for affordable moves: Service/movers satisfaction rate: 9%; Service/customer service satisfaction rate: 8%; Service/punctuality satisfaction rate: 5%; Service/quote accuracy satisfaction rate: 8%; Service/damage satisfaction rate: 5%; Product/price satisfaction rate: 30%; Deposit requirements: 15%; Discounts: 20%
• Our pick for international moves: Service/movers satisfaction rate: 15%; Service/customer service satisfaction rate: 15%; Service/punctuality satisfaction rate: 10%; Service/packing satisfaction rate: 5%; Service/quote accuracy satisfaction rate: 5%; Service/damage satisfaction rate: 10%; Product/price satisfaction rate: 5%; Storage options: 15%; Packing services: 10%; Deposit requirements: 5%; App: 5%

The process for scoring each company across all seven categories and overall is entirely statistical. To complete it, the team did the following:

• Conducted sentence-by-sentence sentiment analysis of thousands of reviews on our site from Feb. 1, 2021, to Feb. 1, 2024, to identify the aspects that people care about most in moving companies. We then decoded the reviews and star ratings to calculate the percentage of reviewers who are “happy” or “satisfied” with each aspect for each company, which we refer to as the “satisfaction rating” for that aspect. For moving, these aspects included:
  • Movers
  • Customer service
  • Punctuality
  • Packing
  • Quote accuracy
  • Damage
  • Price
• Carefully selected the most important offerings consumers should consider before choosing a mover and researched these offerings at each company. For moving, these features included:
  • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
  • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
  • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for 20% or less down versus those with higher deposit requirements.
  • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
  • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.
• Calculated a normalized score ranging from 0 to 10 for each aspect and offering, The company with the best satisfaction rating or feature value was assigned a score of 10, and other company scores were based on their relation to the maximum satisfaction rating or best feature. For example, Colonial Van Lines, which had a customer service satisfaction rating of 80%, received a score of 10 for this aspect. A company with a satisfaction rating of half Colonial Van Lines’ would have been assigned a score of 5, and a company with a satisfaction rating of 25% of Colonial Van Lines’ would have received a 2.5.
• Created a unique percentage weighting system of each aspect and offering for each of our categories to reflect how a buyer with that priority might “weight” their decision. You can review the weightings above. We then added these weighted scores together to get a final score in that category for each company. Not all aspects or features were always factored into every score.

The company with the highest score in each category’s uniquely weighted formula was given the “Our pick for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, the company with the second-highest score was named the winner.