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Expert Reviewed
| Moving, Relocation, Car Shipping, Real Estate, H...Moving is hard. How do we know? Forbes Home surveyed people who have moved in the last five years and found that 83% of survey respondents said they find moving stressful. We also found that 72% of respondents who didn’t use moving services wish that they had.
And moving costs vary widely. Our analysis found quotes on identical two-bedroom short-distance moves (full-service packing and moving) from $1,040 to $6,500. This wide range alone is enough of a reason to shop around.
If you’re willing to put in the work, you can save a lot of money with a move-yourself solution, but spending a bit more on a full-service mover can reduce aggravation and save time. “It’s challenging and time-consuming to pack, load, unload and unpack an entire house on your own,” says Dawn Smith, our resident moving expert and Advisory Board Member. “Trained moving crews with the proper equipment move much faster than a DIY group of friends and family.”
This research can be tedious—but good research can save you time, money, and headaches. So we’ve done it for you. We compared 52 companies, scoring them on 78 different attributes to help you find the best moving companies for your needs.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. To help you find the best moving company, we researched 52 companies, sourced quotes for sample moves and compiled this list of the top 10 competitors in the business. We also consulted our advisory board moving expert, Dawn Smith to help you tackle your move like a pro. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
International Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
2
American Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
3
Blvd Moving
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
4
Mayzlin Relocation
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
Key Takeaways
The full-service movers International Van Lines, United Van Lines and Atlas Van Lines top our best moving companies 2024 list. International Van Lines (IVL) scored 4.6 out of 5 stars when reviewed against our methodology and currently holds an A BBB rating with eight years in business. The fast-growing company is a relative newcomer to the industry that maintains solid customer service ratings. IVL offers one of the widest ranges of available moving services almost anywhere customers exist. The company provides local, long-distance, interstate and international moving options.
We compared the ratings and costs of our top moving companies after completing our research and analysis across criteria including pricing and insurance, services offered, years in business and customer reviews and experiences.
| Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Home Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Best For | Estimate | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines |  | 4.6 |  | Best Overall | $2,519 | Get Free Estimates | From Participating Partners | |
| United Van Lines |  | 4.6 | | Best Long-Distance Move Value | $5,200 | Get Free Estimates | From Participating Partners | |
| Atlas Van Lines |  | 4.5 | | Best Local Move Value | $1,040 | Get Free Estimates | From Participating Partners | |
| Bekins Van Lines |  | 4.5 |  | Best Customer Experience | $2,432 | Get Free Estimates | From Participating Partners | |
| Allied Van Lines | 4.5 | | Best Price Quote Accuracy | $3,951 | View More | |||
| North American Van Lines | 4.4 | | Best for Custom Options | $3,951 | View More | |||
| Mayflower Transit |  | 4.4 | | Best for GPS Tracking | $5,800 | Get Free Estimates | From Participating Partners | |
| JK Moving |  | 4.4 | | Best Full-Service Experience | $6,500 | Get Free Estimates | From Participating Partners | |
| Colonial Van Lines |  | 4.2 |  | Best for Storage | $2,100 | Get Free Estimates | From Participating Partners | |
| American Van Lines |  | 4.0 | | Best for Speciality Moves | $3,659 | Get Free Estimates | From Participating Partners |
*NOTE: We planned a local move, our researchers requested an estimate for a “two-bedroom” full-service packing and moving from Brooklyn, NY (11202) to Hoboken, NJ (07030) – a total distance of 10 miles.
Best Overall
Best Overall
International Van Lines
We chose International Van Lines as the best overall moving company of 2024 scoring 4.6 as it has an extensive list of moving services and wide-ranging availability across the country. IVL started in 2000 and remains a fast-growing, award-winning moving company.
NOTE: While International Van Lines offers services to just about anywhere, there are only a limited number of states in which it directly handles moves without the use of a broker. Our review of International Van Lines focuses on its performance as a carrier. Working with a broker to complete a move is common practice among moving companies, so it’s important to do your research to ensure you are comfortable with the company IVL will broker for your move.
Now available in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and over 180 countries worldwide, IVL offers a full suite of moving services from local to international.
Why We Like It
We appreciate IVL’s long list of customizable moving options available at reasonable prices. Customers can choose to have the company and its subcontractors perform part of their move or handle every aspect for a completely hands-off experience. Additionally, we like IVL’s four moving insurance options and worldwide availability.
What We Don’t Like
IVL has some poor review scores, primarily regarding customer service issues and communication problems. The company also lost some scoring points for requiring a 25% deposit to secure a moving date.
Who It’s Best For
Moving customers seeking value without sacrificing moving options can benefit greatly from IVL’s approach. Also, while the company requires a deposit upfront, it provides penalty-free changes or cancellations until 48 hours before the scheduled moving time, which can work well for customers whose moving date and specifics may change.
Learn more: International Van Lines review
International Van Lines has a variety of consumer sentiments, but many lean negative. The poor reviews refer to International Van Lines’ poor communication throughout the moving process, overcharging and misleading pricing estimates. The company also brokers moves, according to many users.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
International Van Lines has a variety of consumer sentiments, but many lean negative. The poor reviews refer to International Van Lines’ poor communication throughout the moving process, overcharging and misleading pricing estimates. The company also brokers moves, according to many users.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 31% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 68% Negative
Relative to other insurers, International Van Lines is ranked 9 out of 10 for Customer Service and Communication.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 33% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 66% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 13% Positive; 🟡 1% Neutral; 🔴 86% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 34% Positive; 🟡 1% Neutral; 🔴 66% Negative
Ranked 7 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 23% Positive; 🟡 0% Neutral; 🔴 77% Negative
Ranked 7 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 31% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 68% Negative
Relative to other insurers, International Van Lines is ranked 9 out of 10 for Customer Service and Communication.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 33% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 66% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 13% Positive; 🟡 1% Neutral; 🔴 86% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 34% Positive; 🟡 1% Neutral; 🔴 66% Negative
Ranked 7 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 23% Positive; 🟡 0% Neutral; 🔴 77% Negative
Ranked 7 out of 10
We found that the quoted cost of moving the contents of a two-bedroom home with IVL is $2,519 plus fees for a local move from Brooklyn, NY to Hoboken, NJ. Moving the contents of the same home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, is quoted at $4,306 plus fees.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered:
Types of Moves Offered
Best For Long-Distance Move Value
Best For Long-Distance Move Value
United Van Lines
Our top pick for providing moving customers with excellent value is United Van Lines. The company began in 1928 and scores well with consumers. United’s approach to long-distance moving is to provide every service necessary for one-stop-shopping and doing so using customized moving plans with a fair and accurate pricing model.
Despite a lack of detailed prices on its website, we recommend United Van Lines among our best companies list. Our phone researchers called United and found the representative to be fairly friendly and offered a ballpark figure based on 10,000 lbs of goods and a roughly 600-mile distance, showing that quotes may be easy to acquire without supplying too much initial information.
Why We Like It
We like many aspects of United Van Lines’ services. However, the most prominent features that make it stand out are its dedication to providing accurate price quotes to avoid cost surprises after your move and the fact that you can cancel your move without penalty up until your move starts.
What We Don’t Like
United Van Lines offers accurate pricing for its moving services. However, the company doesn’t excel in providing those quotes rapidly. Obtaining pricing can take several days and will include a virtual or in-home survey. While accurate, the process can make price shopping cumbersome. Additionally, some customer reviews cite communication issues and missed appointments.
Who It’s Best For
Consider United Van Lines for long-distance moving value and precise pricing to avoid unexpected costs later. Keep in mind that time is necessary to receive all of the pricing information. Customers with uncertainty about their moving day specifics can also fare well with United due to its lack of a necessary deposit and relaxed cancellation policy.
Learn more: United Van Lines review
United Van Lines is generally praised in many reviews for being a reputable moving company with a strong presence in the industry and offers various services. More negative reviews cite dissatisfaction with customer service, overall cost and transparency throughout the moving process. Others noted issues with with pricing discrepancies, damaged or missing items, and delays. The mixed reviews suggest that while some customers are satisfied, others have had poor experiences with the company’s service and accountability.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
United Van Lines is generally praised in many reviews for being a reputable moving company with a strong presence in the industry and offers various services. More negative reviews cite dissatisfaction with customer service, overall cost and transparency throughout the moving process. Others noted issues with with pricing discrepancies, damaged or missing items, and delays. The mixed reviews suggest that while some customers are satisfied, others have had poor experiences with the company’s service and accountability.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 64% Positive; 🟡 18% Neutral; 🔴 19% Negative
Relative to other insurers, United Van Lines is ranked 4 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 34% Positive; 🟡 36% Neutral; 🔴 30% Negative
Ranked 3 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 30% Positive; 🟡 5% Neutral; 🔴 65% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 50% Positive; 🟡 9% Neutral; 🔴 41% Negative
Ranked 4 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 18% Positive; 🟡 12% Neutral; 🔴 70% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 64% Positive; 🟡 18% Neutral; 🔴 19% Negative
Relative to other insurers, United Van Lines is ranked 4 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 34% Positive; 🟡 36% Neutral; 🔴 30% Negative
Ranked 3 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 30% Positive; 🟡 5% Neutral; 🔴 65% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 50% Positive; 🟡 9% Neutral; 🔴 41% Negative
Ranked 4 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 18% Positive; 🟡 12% Neutral; 🔴 70% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
The estimated price for moving the contents of a two-bedroom home with United Van Lines is $5,200 for a local move from Brooklyn, NY to Hoboken, NJ. Moving the contents of the same home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, is estimated at $5,900. However, United requires an in-home or virtual tour to provide final price quotes.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered
Types of Moves Offered
Best For Local Move Value
Best For Local Move Value
Atlas Van Lines
While Atlas Van Lines offers all kinds of moving services, from local to long-distance and international moves, it stands out in our review for its local moving value. The company’s local moving services, as well as other move types, offer storage, specialty item moving, vehicle transporting and more.
Atlas carries an A+ grade at the BBB and features AAA and other pricing discounts. Our phone researchers called the company and the representative abruptly interrupted our inquiry and transferred us to a third-party moving company. It’s important to make sure that you confirm the company itself can handle your move.
Why We Like It
Atlas Van Lines is a perennial favorite on customer ratings platforms. We like Atlas for a variety of reasons, including its wide reach with over 1,500 partner moving companies. Its local moving value, however, stands out from the crowd. Additionally, Atlas provides its customers with other perks, including car rental, airline ticket and hotel discounts through its professional affiliations.
What We Don’t Like
Atlas Van Lines only allows its customers to change or cancel their moving date within three days of signing the work order without incurring a penalty. Our other concerns that affect our overall review score include customer service complaints in some of the company’s locations.
Who It’s Best For
We recommend Atlas Van Lines to a wide demographic. However, local moving customers, in particular, can benefit from the company’s expertise and potential cost savings in that area. Be sure of your moving date, though, because of Atlas’ restrictive cancellation policy.
Learn more: Atlas Van Lines review
In many consumer reviews of Atlas Van Lines, it is lauded as a widely recognized and reputable moving company in the industry. Many reviews are positive, with users noting reliable and professional service from the company, others mentioned inaccurate estimates, delivery issues and higher-than-expected prices. Since the company has such a mixed group of reviews, it’s important to consider them carefully and compare quotes before choosing a moving company.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
In many consumer reviews of Atlas Van Lines, it is lauded as a widely recognized and reputable moving company in the industry. Many reviews are positive, with users noting reliable and professional service from the company, others mentioned inaccurate estimates, delivery issues and higher-than-expected prices. Since the company has such a mixed group of reviews, it’s important to consider them carefully and compare quotes before choosing a moving company.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 68% Positive; 🟡 19% Neutral; 🔴 13% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Atlas Van Lines is ranked 2 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 42% Positive; 🟡 12% Neutral; 🔴 46% Negative
Ranked 5 out of 10
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 33% Positive; 🟡 19% Neutral; 🔴 47% Negative
Ranked 7 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 23% Positive; 🟡 15% Neutral; 🔴 62% Negative
Ranked 3 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 13% Positive; 🟡 20% Neutral; 🔴 67% Negative
Ranked 9 out of 10
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 68% Positive; 🟡 19% Neutral; 🔴 13% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Atlas Van Lines is ranked 2 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 42% Positive; 🟡 12% Neutral; 🔴 46% Negative
Ranked 5 out of 10
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 33% Positive; 🟡 19% Neutral; 🔴 47% Negative
Ranked 7 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 23% Positive; 🟡 15% Neutral; 🔴 62% Negative
Ranked 3 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 13% Positive; 🟡 20% Neutral; 🔴 67% Negative
Ranked 9 out of 10
An Atlas moving quote for a local move from Brooklyn, NY to Hoboken, NJ is $1,040 based on an hourly estimate. Moving the contents of the same home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, is quoted at $6,121 plus any additional fees.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered
Types of Moves Offered
Best for Customer Experience
Best for Customer Experience
Bekins Van Lines
Bekins Van Lines focuses on providing an excellent customer experience regardless of the type or details of your move. The company began in 1891 and remains a world-class mover, featuring high overall consumer ratings and an A+ BBB grade.
Bekins offers the option of having a designated move manager assigned to your move to help sort the details and make your move as seamless as possible.
Why We Like It
We like Bekins Van Lines’ long history and responsiveness when customers have complaints. However, we particularly appreciate the company’s focus on providing excellent customer service to avoid complaints in the first place. Customers report great communication skills and professionalism in their reviews.
What We Don’t Like
We’d like to see Bekins Van Lines improve its overall score in our review by rethinking its three-day cancellation window before incurring a penalty and increasing its customers’ moving options, perhaps by adding container moving services.
Who It’s Best For
Bekins Van Lines offers good moving services, excellent customer service and reasonable pricing. For those who are certain of their moving needs, seek great service and can work with slightly fewer moving options than other companies, Bekins can be a solid choice.
Learn more: Bekins Van Lines review
On average, Bekins Van Lines reviews are mixed, with many consumers reporting poor professionalism, lack of communication and item damage at the end of the move. The company is recognized as a solid company within the industry, though the claims process and unexpected costs were a major dissatisfaction factor in many reviews.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
On average, Bekins Van Lines reviews are mixed, with many consumers reporting poor professionalism, lack of communication and item damage at the end of the move. The company is recognized as a solid company within the industry, though the claims process and unexpected costs were a major dissatisfaction factor in many reviews.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 38% Positive; 🟡 17% Neutral; 🔴 45% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Bekins Van Lines is ranked 9 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 12% Positive; 🟡 3% Neutral; 🔴 85% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 28% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 70% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 2% Positive; 🟡 0% Neutral; 🔴 98% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 24% Positive; 🟡 9% Neutral; 🔴 67% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 38% Positive; 🟡 17% Neutral; 🔴 45% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Bekins Van Lines is ranked 9 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 12% Positive; 🟡 3% Neutral; 🔴 85% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 28% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 70% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 2% Positive; 🟡 0% Neutral; 🔴 98% Negative
Ranked 10 out of 10
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 24% Positive; 🟡 9% Neutral; 🔴 67% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
The cost of moving the contents of a two-bedroom home with Bekins Van Lines is $2,432.50 for a local move from Brooklyn, NY to Hoboken, NJ. Moving the contents of the same home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, costs $6,425.20, based on estimates provided by the company.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered
Types of Moves Offered
Best for Price Quote Accuracy
Best for Price Quote Accuracy
Allied Van Lines
For consumers who dislike pricing surprises, Allied Van Lines steps up as our top pick for providing accurate price quotes, regardless of whether you’re moving locally, long-distance or internationally.
While the quote process can get somewhat lengthy, the results accurately depict what customers can expect to pay without surprises apart from major changes.
Why We Like It
Allied Van Lines has plenty going for it in our review. The company sports good but mixed customer reviews, an accurate pricing strategy to avoid surprises and no cancellation fees (at least up to 3 days after you book).
What We Don’t Like
While Atlas promises accurate pricing, obtaining a quote can take time. Potential customers can be turned off by not being able to price shop quickly and conveniently. Additionally, the quotes we received weren’t unreasonable. However, the long-distance moving prices were higher than those of some of its competitors.
Who It’s Best For
Customers looking for a mover with a long-standing excellent reputation accompanied by spot-on pricing will likely appreciate the Atlas business model. Despite some higher prices, we found that customers like Atlas Van Lines’ transparency and overall value.
Learn more: Allied Van Lines review
Generally, Allied Van Lines is viewed in reviews as a reliable and reputable national moving company with decades of experience. More negative customer opinions focus on inaccurate estimates, delayed deliveries and occasionally poor customer service. Positive reviews include professional handling, clear pricing and overall positive experiences.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Generally, Allied Van Lines is viewed in reviews as a reliable and reputable national moving company with decades of experience. More negative customer opinions focus on inaccurate estimates, delayed deliveries and occasionally poor customer service. Positive reviews include professional handling, clear pricing and overall positive experiences.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 53% Positive; 🟡 22% Neutral; 🔴 25% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Allied Van Lines is ranked 1 out of 10 for Pricing and Transparency.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 49% Positive; 🟡 17% Neutral; 🔴 34% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 30% Positive; 🟡 17% Neutral; 🔴 53% Negative
Ranked 7 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 24% Positive; 🟡 15% Neutral; 🔴 62% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 18% Positive; 🟡 18% Neutral; 🔴 64% Negative
Ranked 5 out of 10
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 53% Positive; 🟡 22% Neutral; 🔴 25% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Allied Van Lines is ranked 1 out of 10 for Pricing and Transparency.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 49% Positive; 🟡 17% Neutral; 🔴 34% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 30% Positive; 🟡 17% Neutral; 🔴 53% Negative
Ranked 7 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 24% Positive; 🟡 15% Neutral; 🔴 62% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 18% Positive; 🟡 18% Neutral; 🔴 64% Negative
Ranked 5 out of 10
The quoted cost of moving the contents of a two-bedroom home, roughly 9,400 pounds, with Allied Van Lines is $3,951.50 for a local move from Brooklyn, NY to Hoboken, NJ. Moving the contents of the same home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, is quoted at $9,440.59.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered
Types of Moves Offered
BEST FOR CUSTOM OPTIONS
BEST FOR CUSTOM OPTIONS
North American Van Lines
Operating under the same ownership as Allied Van Lines, our top pick for accurate pricing, it’s not surprising to learn that North American Van Lines also provides a positive customer experience through upfront pricing and other perks.
The company enjoys solid average customer ratings and has an A+ grade with the BBB. When our phone researchers called the company, the representative who answered was friendly and helpful, immediately getting back to us with more information, despite that we couldn’t receive an estimate—North American requires an in-person visit before solidifying a final cost.
Why We Like It
North American Van Lines stands out for its customer support strengths. While we like North American for several reasons, its customer service scores in our review were particularly above par. We also like the company’s dedication to providing accurate pricing like its sister company, Allied Van Lines.
What We Don’t Like
North American Van Lines’ pricing cost it some points in our evaluation. The company provides excellent support and service. However, its long-distance quotes landed on the higher end in our research. We’d also like to see the company extend its penalty-free cancellation window from three days after signing the work order to a more manageable timeframe to increase its review score.
Who It’s Best For
Customers who appreciate excellent customer service even after the sale can do well with North American Van Lines and its 24/7 support line. While budget-minded customers can appreciate the company’s accurate price quoting, they may be less excited about the slightly higher-than-average long-distance costs.
Learn more: North American Van Lines review
North American Van Lines is widely recognized as a reliable and reputable moving company in the moving industry. Though many consumer reviews include praise for the company’s professionalism, competitive pricing and ability to handle moves efficiently, there are many reviews discussing damaged items, poor customer service and unexpected costs, indicating a mixed experience with the company.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
North American Van Lines is widely recognized as a reliable and reputable moving company in the moving industry. Though many consumer reviews include praise for the company’s professionalism, competitive pricing and ability to handle moves efficiently, there are many reviews discussing damaged items, poor customer service and unexpected costs, indicating a mixed experience with the company.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 71% Positive; 🟡 10% Neutral; 🔴 20% Negative
Relative to other insurers, North American Van Lines is ranked 3 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 33% Positive; 🟡 21% Neutral; 🔴 47% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 9% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 89% Negative
Ranked 9 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 52% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 46% Negative
Ranked 3 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 53% Positive; 🟡 3% Neutral; 🔴 44% Negative
Ranked 3 out of 10
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 71% Positive; 🟡 10% Neutral; 🔴 20% Negative
Relative to other insurers, North American Van Lines is ranked 3 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 33% Positive; 🟡 21% Neutral; 🔴 47% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 9% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 89% Negative
Ranked 9 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 52% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 46% Negative
Ranked 3 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 53% Positive; 🟡 3% Neutral; 🔴 44% Negative
Ranked 3 out of 10
North American operates under the same corporation as Allied Van Lines. Pricing is $3,951.50 for a local move from Brooklyn, NY to Hoboken, NJ, and $9,440.59 to move the contents of the same home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered
Types of Moves Offered
BEST FOR GPS TRACKING
BEST FOR GPS TRACKING
Mayflower Transit
While local moving service availability is hit or miss depending on location with Mayflower, the company stands out from the crowd for several other features. Mayflower operates in 49 states nationwide, carries great review ratings scores across several platforms, allows late cancellations without additional fees and requires no deposit to secure a moving date.
We picked Mayflower Transit for a handful of reasons, including its good customer reviews, cancellation policy and more. When our phone researchers reached out to the company, the representative was polite and friendly and immediately offered another point of contact, though the contact was a partner moving company.
Why We Like It
Of particular interest to our research team is Mayflower Transit’s excellence in and dedication to the needs of military moving. However, we also recommend the company for its excellent customer service skills and binding quote options for long-distance, interstate and international moves.
What We Don’t Like
While Mayflower earns high average customer review ratings, the company does suffer from some negative feedback. Less-than-positive reviews cite factors like Mayflower’s lengthy price-quoting process and customer service inconsistencies in some of the company’s locations.
Who It’s Best For
Military personnel handling their own move can benefit greatly from Mayflower Transit’s expertise, flexibility and options. Local moving customers in some areas may have to choose a more available moving company option. However, Mayflower is a solid choice for experiencing high-level customer service, regardless of the distance.
Learn more: Mayflower Transit review
Overall, Mayflower Transit is praised as a reputable national moving company with a long history in the industry. While many users commend their professionalism and reliability, others have expressed dissatisfaction with customer service and pricing concerns. These mixed opinions highlight a range of experiences but generally point to Mayflower as a well-known but potentially costly option for moving services.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Overall, Mayflower Transit is praised as a reputable national moving company with a long history in the industry. While many users commend their professionalism and reliability, others have expressed dissatisfaction with customer service and pricing concerns. These mixed opinions highlight a range of experiences but generally point to Mayflower as a well-known but potentially costly option for moving services.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 75% Positive; 🟡 17% Neutral; 🔴 7% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Mayflower Transit is ranked 1 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 45% Positive; 🟡 32% Neutral; 🔴 23% Negative
Ranked 2 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 50% Positive; 🟡 5% Neutral; 🔴 45% Negative
Ranked 4 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 31% Positive; 🟡 0% Neutral; 🔴 69% Negative
Ranked 2 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 29% Positive; 🟡 24% Neutral; 🔴 47% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 75% Positive; 🟡 17% Neutral; 🔴 7% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Mayflower Transit is ranked 1 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 45% Positive; 🟡 32% Neutral; 🔴 23% Negative
Ranked 2 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 50% Positive; 🟡 5% Neutral; 🔴 45% Negative
Ranked 4 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 31% Positive; 🟡 0% Neutral; 🔴 69% Negative
Ranked 2 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 29% Positive; 🟡 24% Neutral; 🔴 47% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
The cost to move the contents of a two-bedroom home with Mayflower Transit, is $5,800 for a local move from Brooklyn, NY to Hoboken, NJ. Moving the contents of the same home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, costs an estimated $6,500.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered
Types of Moves Offered
BEST FULL-SERVICE EXPERIENCE
BEST FULL-SERVICE EXPERIENCE
JK Moving
JK Moving stands out for numerous reasons. Primarily the fact that the company rates highly with customers despite often being more costly than much of its competition. Our research indicates that JK Moving’s prices tend to be above average in many situations but not always.
JK Moving offers third-party move financing on its website for convenience and operates with sustainability and eco-friendliness at its forefront.
Why We Like It
We like JK Moving primarily for its sustainable business practices and its offering of eco-friendly moving options. However, the relative newcomer to the business, which started in 1982, also impresses us with its 24/7 customer support, useful mobile app and great customer reviews.
What We Don’t Like
Price is a significant factor in our company evaluations. While JK Moving isn’t always the most expensive mover, it tends to be more costly on average, and the lack of a binding quote option causes concern among our researchers. We deducted points for that reason despite the fact that numerous positive customer reviews don’t mention price at all.
Who It’s Best For
Local moving customers outside of the Washington D.C. area will have to look elsewhere for a mover. However, for those looking for a full-service moving experience with plenty of options and benefits, JK Moving could be the solution.
Learn more: JK Moving review
JK Moving has mixed reviews overall with a generally satisfactory sentiment among users. Many reviews refer to the company’s professional service, efficiency and care in handling belongings. However, there were reports of insurance compensation and pricing deviations. While several customers recommend JK Moving for their quality and reliability, there are notable mentions of broken items and inadequate customer service communication.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
JK Moving has mixed reviews overall with a generally satisfactory sentiment among users. Many reviews refer to the company’s professional service, efficiency and care in handling belongings. However, there were reports of insurance compensation and pricing deviations. While several customers recommend JK Moving for their quality and reliability, there are notable mentions of broken items and inadequate customer service communication.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 42% Positive; 🟡 5% Neutral; 🔴 54% Negative
Relative to other insurers, JK Moving is ranked 5 out of 10 for Pricing and Transparency.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 67% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 31% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 59% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 39% Negative
Ranked 2 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 27% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 71% Negative
Ranked 4 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 71% Positive; 🟡 1% Neutral; 🔴 28% Negative
Ranked 1 out of 10
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 42% Positive; 🟡 5% Neutral; 🔴 54% Negative
Relative to other insurers, JK Moving is ranked 5 out of 10 for Pricing and Transparency.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 67% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 31% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 59% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 39% Negative
Ranked 2 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 27% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 71% Negative
Ranked 4 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 71% Positive; 🟡 1% Neutral; 🔴 28% Negative
Ranked 1 out of 10
The non-binding price estimate from JK Moving to move the contents of a typical two-bedroom home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, is $8,400. JK Moving typically only offers limited local moving in Virginia, Maryland and D.C.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered
Types of Moves Offered
BEST FOR SHORT- OR LONG-TERM STORAGE
BEST FOR SHORT- OR LONG-TERM STORAGE
Colonial Van Lines
High customer ratings and focusing on customer convenience sets Colonial Van Lines apart. The company is a perennial favorite on numerous lists of excellent moving companies. Its primary function is to provide interstate and long-distance moves.
Colonial Van Lines made our list for a variety of reasons, including experts at a customer’s disposal, customer ratings and more.
Why We Like It
Excellent benefits, such as the availability of a single-person company contact for customers and reasonable pricing, are our favorite aspects of Colonial Van Lines. We also like the company’s additional customer support benefits, such as its robust mobile app.
What We Don’t Like
Despite having agents in all 48 contiguous states, Colonial Van Lines shies away from offering local moving services. We deducted review points for reports against the company regarding inconsistent pricing and requiring a deposit upfront.
Who It’s Best For
Interstate and long-distance moving customers seeking solid customer support features, such as having a single contact to help iron out details and a helpful mobile app will likely benefit most from hiring Colonial Van Lines.
Learn more: Colonial Van Lines review
Overall, Colonial Van Lines receives mixed reviews from customers, with some praising the company’s professional and careful service, while other reviews refer to poor communication, unexpected costs and damaged or missing items. Several customers report feeling scammed due to price increases and delayed deliveries, although a few note positive interactions with specific representatives who addressed issues. The company’s reliance on subcontractors appears to contribute to inconsistent service quality.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Overall, Colonial Van Lines receives mixed reviews from customers, with some praising the company’s professional and careful service, while other reviews refer to poor communication, unexpected costs and damaged or missing items. Several customers report feeling scammed due to price increases and delayed deliveries, although a few note positive interactions with specific representatives who addressed issues. The company’s reliance on subcontractors appears to contribute to inconsistent service quality.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 69% Positive; 🟡 0% Neutral; 🔴 31% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Colonial Van Lines is ranked 5 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 45% Positive; 🟡 7% Neutral; 🔴 48% Negative
Ranked 4 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 38% Positive; 🟡 4% Neutral; 🔴 59% Negative
Ranked 1 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 77% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 21% Negative
Ranked 1 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 62% Positive; 🟡 3% Neutral; 🔴 34% Negative
Ranked 2 out of 10
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 69% Positive; 🟡 0% Neutral; 🔴 31% Negative
Relative to other insurers, Colonial Van Lines is ranked 5 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 45% Positive; 🟡 7% Neutral; 🔴 48% Negative
Ranked 4 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 38% Positive; 🟡 4% Neutral; 🔴 59% Negative
Ranked 1 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 77% Positive; 🟡 2% Neutral; 🔴 21% Negative
Ranked 1 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 62% Positive; 🟡 3% Neutral; 🔴 34% Negative
Ranked 2 out of 10
Moving a two-bedroom home with Colonial Van Lines from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, is quoted at $2,650 plus fees. The company is a long-distance moving specialist and provides only limited local moving services.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered
Types of Moves Offered
BEST FOR SPECIALTY MOVES
BEST FOR SPECIALTY MOVES
American Van Lines
American Van Lines makes our list by providing a great customer experience through transparent pricing with binding estimates and no hidden fees.
American provides discounts and extra benefits to meet the special demands of military moves. When our phone researchers contacted American, the representative placed us on hold unexpectedly and then transferred us to voicemail.
Why We Like It
American Van Lines’ flat-rate, binding price quote model stands out as a big plus in our review. Additionally, while the company maintains a full schedule, we appreciate the availability of last-minute and weekend moves at no additional cost over typical moving when possible.
What We Don’t Like
While American Van Lines scores well in our review for things like its pricing and availability, the company suffers from some low review scores and customer complaints, which are worth investigating depending on your specific moving needs.
Who It’s Best For
Local, long-distance and international moving customers that desire reasonable and predictable pricing can do well with American Van Lines. However, be prepared to put down a deposit to secure your moving date.
Learn more: American Van Lines review
On average, American Van Lines receives mixed reviews from users. While many positive reviews discuss competitive pricing and professional service, numerous complaints highlight issues with damaged or lost items, poor communication and challenges with subcontracting and unexpected costs. This reflects an overall balanced experience with both positive and negative attributes reported.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
On average, American Van Lines receives mixed reviews from users. While many positive reviews discuss competitive pricing and professional service, numerous complaints highlight issues with damaged or lost items, poor communication and challenges with subcontracting and unexpected costs. This reflects an overall balanced experience with both positive and negative attributes reported.
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Home uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
*Percentages may not total 100 as all percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 60% Positive; 🟡 8% Neutral; 🔴 32% Negative
Relative to other insurers, American Van Lines is ranked 7 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 22% Positive; 🟡 12% Neutral; 🔴 65% Negative
Ranked 9 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 13% Positive; 🟡 1% Neutral; 🔴 86% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 44% Positive; 🟡 5% Neutral; 🔴 51% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 41% Positive; 🟡 3% Neutral; 🔴 56% Negative
Ranked 5 out of 10
Reputation and Reviews
🟢 60% Positive; 🟡 8% Neutral; 🔴 32% Negative
Relative to other insurers, American Van Lines is ranked 7 out of 10 for Reputation and Reviews.
Pricing and Transparency
🟢 22% Positive; 🟡 12% Neutral; 🔴 65% Negative
Ranked 9 out of 10
Insurance and Liability Coverage
🟢 13% Positive; 🟡 1% Neutral; 🔴 86% Negative
Ranked 8 out of 10
Customer Service and Communication
🟢 44% Positive; 🟡 5% Neutral; 🔴 51% Negative
Ranked 6 out of 10
Timeliness and Reliability
🟢 41% Positive; 🟡 3% Neutral; 🔴 56% Negative
Ranked 5 out of 10
Locally moving a typical two-bedroom home from Brooklyn, NY to Hoboken, NJ costs an estimated $3,659. Moving the same home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, is quoted at $3,878 plus fees.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Services Offered
Types of Moves Offered
With so many moving companies to choose from, it can be challenging to narrow down your list of potential service providers. The following are factors to consider when choosing your mover. The metrics closely align with our criteria for selecting the best moving companies for this list.
An excellent place to start when determining the quality of your potential moving company is looking at its years in business or the operator’s years of experience. Regardless of the age of an individual company, ensure the owners or directors have at least several years of operating within the industry.
Checking online resources and talking with friends and neighbors is excellent for getting the scoop on your candidate companies. Ask about their experiences when working with their last mover, as well as pricing, customer service and overall comfort level during their move.
There are a couple of tricks you can use to discover the reliability of your candidate moving companies. Check the Better Business Bureau website for the company’s overall grade. A high grade, such as an A or A+, typically means the company is responsive when its customers have a complaint or concern. Read some of the reviews to determine how you feel about the types of complaints customers have.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may also list your mover if it travels between states and this can provide insight into a company’s legitimacy. Also, check online and local review platforms for overall customer happiness.
The cost of your move can vary widely between moving companies. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
When shopping for a mover, the best approach is to get at least three quotes from three different companies and compare based on price and service features within that cost range. Remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best value, and be wary of extremely low quotes.
All moving companies require licensure and insurance of some sort. You can check a company’s status on your state’s business information websites. Also, ask your mover for a copy or proof of its business license and insurance. Reputable companies will be happy to honor your request.
Moving companies offer a variety of services over and above getting your stuff from here to there. For instance, if you need to move a vehicle, identify a mover who can perform the service along with your move instead of seeking a second provider to do the additional work.
Typical moving services may include vehicle moving, large and fragile item moving, full-service packing and unpacking, cleanup services, moving supply availability, insurance options, storage and more.
In addition to choosing a moving company that does business in your area, you’ll also need to find one that provides the services you want on the timeline you need. Booking your move as early as possible is helpful. During prime moving months like May, June, and July, you’ll compete with plenty of other movers, so availability shrinks, especially over the weekends. However, some movers can make themselves available on short notice. Choose an available mover that can stay on schedule for your move based on reviews, reputation and reliability.
EXPERT TIPS
Dawn M. Smith
Military Moving Expert and Experienced Traveler, Advisory Board Member
Sami Allen
Managing Editor
Cassidy Grubisic
Updates Editor
You can choose a midweek move, compare multiple estimates, ask the company for specialty discounts like military or senior and recycle sturdy moving boxes and packing materials.
Military Moving Expert and Experienced Traveler, Advisory Board Member
It’s important to consider the time of year that you plan to move. Generally, peak moving season is between May and September, so if your move timeline is flexible, choosing a date between October and April can save you more money.
Managing Editor
Consider how much of the move you are comfortable doing by yourself. Maybe you only need to hire a driver to move your things between houses, but you have friends or family to help load and unload the items. The more you do yourself, the lower the monetary costs.
Updates Editor
You can explore local movers in your city to find a company that fits your needs or discover national moving companies who service your state.
Moving Companies By State
The cost of hiring a moving company depends primarily on the size and distance of your move, as well as the services you choose from your movers. Moving the contents of a typical two-bedroom home locally costs an average of $2,100. However, customers could pay anywhere from under $1,000 to over $5,000, depending on the job’s specifics.
Long-distance moves over 500 miles for the same size home have a cost range of around $2,000 to $9,500. However, moving over 2,500 miles, moving the contents of a larger home or moving internationally can cost up to $17,000.
Specialty moving add-ons to the move, such as adding vehicles, boats, pianos, motorcycles and other valuable or large items can increase the overall cost by $300 to $2,000.
| COMPANY | LOCAL MOVE* | LONG-DISTANCE MOVE** | LATE CANCELLATION FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | $2,519.00 | $4,306.00 | Yes |
| United Van Lines | $5,200.00 | $5,900.00 | No |
| Atlas Van Lines | $1,040.00 | $6,120.78 | Yes |
| Bekins | $2,432.50 | $6,425.20 | No |
| Allied Van Lines | $3,951.50 | $9,440.59 | No |
| North American Van Lines | $3,951.50 | $9,440.59 | Yes |
| Mayflower | $5,800.00 | $6,500.00 | No |
| JK Moving Services | $6,500.00 | $8,400.00 | Yes |
| Colonial Van Lines | $2,100.00 | $2,650.00 | Yes |
| American Van Lines | $3,659.36 | $3,877.56 | Yes |
Besides the hourly price for a moving crew to load and unload your possessions, additional factors will apply depending on the circumstances surrounding your move. The costs of these additions will determine your final moving price.
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Defining your move before starting your search for the right company is an excellent way to identify contenders. Look for companies experienced in performing moves that meet your needs based on answers to these questions:
Beyond getting your stuff from here to there, you may require or just want additional moving services. Identify if you need or want full-service packing and loading, have items that require special care or handling, require temporary or long-term storage or any other related service. Identify a company that seamlessly meets those needs in-house or through trusted affiliate partners.
While moving companies can offer all kinds of additional services for a price, finding one that offers partial services or cost incentives can be the difference between meeting your moving budget and not. If you have a limited project budget, find a mover to accommodate your needs by offering flexibility. Also, consider receiving binding or not-to-exceed quotes for added security.
Referrals from friends, family, neighbors and review sites are excellent for identifying a mover for your type of move. Also, ask each company you’re considering for a list of verifiable referrals you can call and talk to about their experience.
The protection offered by moving companies themselves is not insurance. It is called valuation, and the differences between the two are subtle yet important. Whether you need one or the other depends on the value of your possessions and several other factors.
— Dawn M. Smith, Moving Expert, Advisory Board Member
Moving companies must carry minimum liability insurance and are subject to variable licensing requirements in your state. Familiarize yourself with the requirements in your location and ask your potential moving company for corresponding documentation to prove its legitimacy.
Remember, reputable moving companies understand that you’re trying to protect yourself by asking and are happy to supply proof.
Most movers require a down payment of some sort. Whether that’s in the form of a refundable or nonrefundable deposit or an initial payment varies between companies. While paying a deposit is expected when moving, avoid companies that ask for more than about 25% of the total estimated project cost. A deposit of under $500 should suffice in most circumstances.
Before signing on with your moving company, read through the proposed contract in detail. The process of moving can contain many variables. Many variables will play out in the form of additional costs added to your final invoice.
When reading the contract, look for exclusions and protections, and identify items that will affect the final price. Common items are extra charges for staircases and elevators, truck access issues or anything else that affects the time it takes to perform services.
When you find concerning items in the contract, discuss how to avoid the additional charges with your mover or how much extra money you should expect to pay.
| COMPANY | INSURANCE PROTECTION OPTIONS | MORE DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | 3 | Additional declared value protection also available / Items not on inventory not covered |
| United Van Lines | 2 | Additional declared value protection also available / Content inspection may apply |
| Atlas Van Lines | 2 | Additional declared value protection also available |
| Bekins | 2 | Additional declared value protection also available |
| Allied Van Lines | 2 | Extra Care Protection, declared value coverage also available |
| North American Van Lines | 2 | Additional declared value protection also available / High-value items declaration necessary |
| Mayflower | 2 | Additional declared value protection also available / Adjustable until loading |
| JK Moving Services | 2 | Additional declared value protection also available / Contact company for details |
| Colonial Van Lines | 2 | Additional declared value protection also available |
| American Van Lines | 3 | Additional declared value protection also available / Third-party insurance also acceptable |
Although many moving companies can perform any type of move, some of them are better at particular kinds than others. Look for specific skills when choosing your mover, depending on the type of mover you need.
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In Forbes Home’s survey, about 30% of all respondents across U.S. regions reported moving within the same city or town, while an average of 29% of respondents planned same-state moves. Almost a quarter of all respondents reported moving to a different state, which supports certain booms of moving trends. This survey showed that 27% of respondents from the midwest planned out-of-state moves while a whopping 47% of northeast respondents reported moving in-town.
In terms of states people are moving in and out of, United States Postal Service data shows that Illinois saw 29,000 outbound moves that weren’t reciprocated in 2021, while states like Texas had over 9 million moves in between 2000 and 2022.
Later last year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported the number of moves remained at a historic low around the U.S, after the mover rate in 2022 reached just 8.7%—only a small increase from 2021’s 8.4% rate. Within the U.S., the bulk of these moves (60%) were labeled short-distance (likely within the state or short distances across state borders), while the remaining 40% was made up of long-distance moves.
Forbes Home's moving content is backed by our Forbes Home Advisory Board. Our moving experts specialize in various aspects of moving, from long—and short-distance moves to packing and furniture handling and even car shipping and sustainable moving supplies. With their deep knowledge, these industry experts help us review articles and advise on content at multiple stages in the editorial process, from ideation to publication.
Moving, Relocation, Car Shipping, Real Estate, Home Improvement
Local and Long Distance Moving, Packing, Home Staging, Furniture Handling, Sustainable Moving, Reusable Moving Supplies
We developed our list of the best moving companies by first identifying competitors that met basic criteria such as licensing, insurance and legal registration. We reviewed the 52 most widely available companies from that list and scored them all based on 78 different attributes. Each company’s rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, represented in the chart below:
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates moving companies on our detailed methodology page.
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Exercise caution before hiring any moving company, even if it sounds legitimate. Check with friends and relatives who may have used the company before, look at reviews and read some of the comments, check state and federal resource websites (like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, or FMCSA) for registration and licensing and visit a local office to meet with your representative in the workplace.
Local moving costs are typically calculated by estimating the number of hours per worker to complete the job. Prices average between $25 and $50 per mover per hour plus additional services and mileage. Expect moving costs for an average-sized home to total between $1,400 and $5,700.
Although most moving companies can safely move your high-value possessions, it’s recommended that extremely valuable items are handled by a specialty mover, or better yet, yourself.
Your moving company can’t move hazardous chemicals, paints, combustibles and large batteries.
A good rule of thumb is to plan to tip $5 to $6 per person for each hour of work. To put this into perspective, $25 per person on average would be acceptable for a half-day move (four hours or less), while a full-day move will warrant closer to $50 to $80 per person, depending on the difficulty of the move, types of items moved and more. Although moving staff usually prefer cash tips, some companies let you add a tip to your final invoice when you pay electronically.
Moving companies often require a deposit to secure services. However, many companies either don’t need any money upfront or don’t charge anything until your move begins. A moving deposit may or may not be refundable, and it’s important to check with your mover before signing up for service.
A moving deposit should never exceed about 25% of the estimated cost of your move. Be wary of any company asking for more than that amount.
Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and consultant for several publications such as Angi, Trusted Company Reviews, USNews and World Report and Small Spaces Great Life.
Kristin is a deputy editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
Thanks to military life, Dawn knows all too well the ups and downs of creating a new home after each move. She has first-hand experience in a wide range of moving-related topics, from scouting the best neighborhoods to choosing the perfect paint color and hiring the best home service professionals. Dawn has shared expert relocation tips and advice with readers for more than 10 years. Dawn specializes in writing about planning a move, buying, selling, renting and decorating homes. You can read her relocation blogs, articles and guides in outlets such as Angi, The Spruce, The PODS Blog, MiltiaryByOwner and MilitaryOneSource.
