Preparing for moving day doesn’t need to feel daunting. Regardless of whether you’re moving locally or across the country, choosing a moving company that’s right for you can make the process more manageable. American Van Lines is our top pick when it comes to providing standard and extensive moving services, including packing and loading, disassembling and assembling furniture, transporting vehicles, and providing handy short-term storage options.
We’ve conducted interviews with industry insiders, surveyed 1,000 customers, and read over 500 reviews to compile a list of the best moving companies. Our research has revealed five moving companies that offer quality service, dependability, and customer satisfaction. This guide describes what makes each provider unique so you can find the ideal company for your next move.
Key Takeaways
- The typical cost to move is around $3,020 for both local and long-distance moves. A long-distance move costs about $3,124, while a local move across the U.S. averages $1,489.
- American Van Lines is our top recommendation for a professional mover, as it was the most trusted company among respondents in our 2025 nationwide survey.
- Around 91% of our survey respondents said moving was a stressful experience, but a professional mover helped alleviate a lot of the hassle by handling the complex logistics and physical labor of relocating.
Top Moving Companies
When planning your next move, working with a trusted moving company can significantly impact your transition to a new home. Based on extensive research and customer feedback, here’s our list of the top moving providers:
- American Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
Compare the Top Moving Companies
Before we detail why each professional mover made our list, compare our top-rated companies side-by-side based on factors like pricing and licensing in the table below.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Average Price | Deposit Required | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A- | $3,218 | 10%–50% | Carrier | ||
A+ | $3,520 | None | Carrier/Broker | ||
A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | ||
A+ | $2,273 | $250 | Carrier | ||
A+ | $3,601 | None | Carrier/Broker |
Our top recommendations offer full-service professional packing and loading services. Get an idea of what specialty services each provider offers in the table below.
| Specialty Services Offered | American Van Lines | Allied Van Lines | International Van Lines | JK Moving | North American Van Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly/reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Crating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Appliance and electronics handling | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Antique/specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Junk removal | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
Our Top Picks For Moving Companies
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is our top recommendation for moves across the country based on being the most trusted choice by customers in our 2025 survey of 1,000 moving customers nationwide. In addition to having three decades of experience, American Van Lines has features in place that help the company deliver high-quality service. The company hires in-house moving experts trained at its Pompano Beach facility to handle everything from antiques and fine art to home appliances with care and precision. American Van Lines also provides a full range of moving services to suit different customers’ needs, ranging from customized crating of valuable items to furniture disassembly and reassembly, professional packing and unpacking, and flexible storage solutions.
American Van Lines uses a flat-rate pricing system that covers all standard services, including loading, transport, unloading, furniture disassembly and reassembly, as well as specialty handling, without additional charges for items like stairs. This approach sets it apart from other major movers that may surprise you with extra fees. With a flat rate, you receive all the services American Van Lines offers for one transparent price. Plus, as a direct carrier and not a broker, American Van Lines has complete control over your move from the start to the finish. This means the company uses its own teams throughout the entire process instead of your move suddenly being outsourced to third-party service providers you don’t know.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works strictly as a moving carrier and doesn’t outsource services as a result
- Offers price-matching if you find a lower rate elsewhere
- Extends a guaranteed delivery option for an extra cost
Cons
- Doesn’t offer online moving quotes
- May require a large upfront deposit of up to 50%
Cost and Services
American Van Lines has an average cost of $3,218 based on quotes we obtained for both local and long-distance moves. However, customers with a two-bedroom home typically pay around $2,324. This pricing is competitive when compared to the national average moving cost of $3,020.
Below is a quick list of the services American Van Lines offers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Loading
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Office moves
- Unloading
- Unpacking
Allied Van Lines
Founded in 1928, Allied Van Lines is the most experienced moving company in our network of preferred national movers. With just shy of a century of history, Allied prides itself in long-distance moves, offering a go-to moving option for cross-country relocations. Allied’s fragile-only pack option offers ultimate protection of precious items in transit, and the company’s Allied Express moving containers represent a middle ground option for customers hoping to balance service and price.
For customers who struggle with deciding between traditional full-service moving and do-it-yourself (DIY) crate solutions, Allied offers a valuable benefit: delivery date guarantees on its containers without the high prices usually charged for such a guarantee. In our 2025 moving survey, Allied was the only company that customers consistently reported stuck to quoted prices without hidden costs or charges. Allied’s in-person inspection ensures more accurate prices and fewer surprises on moving day compared to phone estimates. However, Allied serves as a carrier and broker, which means affiliated companies might manage cross-country moves, which is a consideration to note when scheduling your in-home consultation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Features real-time shipment tracking through an advanced online system
- Includes flexible container options with Allied Express for moving flexibility
- Specializes in high-value vehicle transport, including classic and luxury automobiles
Cons
- Limited customer support hours compared to some competitors
- Potential for third-party handling in certain service regions
Cost and Services
Allied has an overall average price of $3,520 across local and long-distance moves nationwide. Here’s a list of the services Allied offers for moves:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading
- Office moves
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Unloading
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) is one of the only movers we’ve reviewed offering extensive door-to-door international relocation services in over 140 countries. International vehicle shipping service from IVL is particularly useful for seasonal transplants or permanent movers who need to have their cars ready at their new destination.
As both a broker and a moving carrier, IVL has a broad network of nationwide moving partners. This hybrid operation means one of the company’s partners may service your move in some areas, but can also equate to broader service and specialized knowledge in various locations. IVL services meet a range of moving needs, such as climate control for sensitive items, specialty crating for valuables, and special care for antique and fragile objects. Based on our 2025 moving survey, professional and specialty packing supplies were the top two requested add-ons from customers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has strong regional knowledge with a nationwide reach
- Combines carrier and broker capabilities for flexible service options
- Provides round-the-clock, 24/7 customer assistance
Cons
- Lacks digital quote generation capabilities
- Requires an upfront payment of up to 25% at pickup
Cost and Services
IVL costs an average of $3,112 based on local and long-distance quotes we received for moves across the U.S. However, we found the company’s two-bedroom average pricing is highly competitive at $1,980.
Here are the services IVL offers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading
- Office moves
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Unloading
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services provides customers with professional long-distance moving services delivered in a white-glove, personalized manner. Although the company doesn’t perform local moves in every market, it offers interstate moves with an assigned coordinator who creates a customized moving plan with specific logistics, costs, and timing factors.
JK Moving’s services can especially benefit moving customers with specialty items, providing professional handling for pianos, antiques, and high-end possessions that need climate-controlled storage. The company also collaborates with Montway Auto Transport to relocate cars in a seamless manner, which is ideal for clients who require house and car transport. JK Moving’s mobile app also allows real-time tracking of shipments, so you can see your belongings move en route. While the company’s climate-controlled storage facilities are mainly in the Maryland and Virginia areas, JK Moving offers total protection with its insurance packages for added security when your possessions are in transit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Assigns dedicated moving coordinators for personalized relocation planning
- Utilizes specialized packing materials for environmental protection
- Provides flexible financing options through a partnership with Enhancify
Cons
- Limits storage solutions to specific geographic regions
- May have reduced availability during industry peak seasons, based on customer reviews
Cost and Services
While our survey found the average cost of using JK Moving is $2,273, we didn’t have enough respondents to determine prices across all regions accurately. However, during our own secret shopping experience with the company, we received a significantly higher quote. For moving a two-bedroom home from Atlanta, Georgia, to Chicago, Illinois, which included furniture disassembly, wrapping, loading, unloading, and full value coverage, the quoted price was $7,520.
JK Moving offers the following services:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Loading
- Office moves
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Unloading
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a seasoned industry professional that offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of movers across the country. It was the third most used company in our poll for customer moves. From in-state moves to cross-country relocations, NAVL offers a wide variety of full- and partial-service moves, including packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and flexible storage solutions. The company’s premium services, like fragile-only packing, disassembling and reassembling furniture and appliances, and special vehicle transport, may appeal to retirees, families, and seasonal movers.
NAVL’s nationwide network connects customers to short- and long-term storage facilities across the country, allowing for easier management of staggered move-in dates or short-term moves. For customers who need to transport vehicles, NAVL provides open and enclosed carrier services, the latter of which offers improved protection for classic or luxury vehicles. NAVL adds a generous contents protection program that goes above and beyond the federally mandated minimum, providing reimbursement at $6 per pound for a minimum of a $6,000 valued shipment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brings industry knowledge of regional regulations and seasonal considerations
- Provides guaranteed pricing with not-to-exceed quotes for budget certainty
- Features digital tracking capabilities through a dedicated mobile application
Cons
- Has limited regional-specific promotional offerings
- Service quality may vary depending on local franchise locations
Cost and Services
NAVL has a typical average national price of $3,601, based on quotes we collected for local and long-distance moves. Here are NAVL’s service options:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading
- Office moves
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Unloading
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
How Much Does a Move Cost?
We found the average cost to move is $3,020 for both local and long-distance moves. The average cost of a long-distance move is $3,124, while the average cost for a local move, across the entire country, is $1,489. Your moving price will change according to your home’s size, the total distance of the move, the services you pick, and the time of the year.
Cost by Home Size and Distance
Get a better idea of what your move might cost by home size, including the number of bedrooms and estimated weights of the associated belongings, in the table below.
| 1 Bedroom (2,000–4,000 lbs) | 2 Bedrooms (4,000–7,000 lbs) | 3 Bedrooms (7,000–10,000 lbs) | 4 Bedrooms (10,000+ lbs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local (50 miles or less) | $1,492 | $1,202 | $1,479 | $2,799 |
| 50–200 miles | $1,585 | $1,632 | $2,242 | $4,319 |
| 201–500 miles | $2,239 | $1,946 | $2,766 | $6,566 |
| 501–800 miles | $1,999 | $2,087 | $3,249 | $7,016 |
| 801–1,100 miles | $2,424 | $2,450 | $3,704 | $6,348 |
| 1,101–1,400 miles | $2,485 | $2,668 | $3,913 | $6,207 |
| 1,401–1,700 miles | $2,434 | $2,981 | $4,253 | $8,513 |
| 1,701+ miles | $2,916 | $3,351 | $5,064 | $9,228 |
| Total average | $2,437 | $3,450 | $6,382 |
Other Factors That Impact Moving Costs
When estimating the cost of your move, it’s important to look beyond just distance and home size. Several important factors can influence how much you’ll ultimately spend, no matter where you’re relocating. Understanding these elements can help you budget and avoid last-minute surprises.
- Timing of your move: Summer is the busiest season for moving companies. Warmer months see a higher demand, which typically drives up prices and limits availability. Planning your move during the off-season, which is generally the late fall or winter, can sometimes help you score better rates and more flexibility with scheduling. If you’re moving during hurricane season or holiday weekends, prepare for possible weather delays and higher pricing.
- Your chosen services: The more services you add, the higher your overall moving costs. If you need help moving a piano, fine art, or a vintage car, specialty services can add convenience but also increase your final bill. Climate-controlled packing and storage are also popular for those relocating from or to humid or extreme climates.
- Home layout and accessibility: Moving into or out of a property with multiple levels, narrow hallways, or restricted access can complicate the process. Think of tight stairwells, gated communities, or buildings with strict elevator policies. These scenarios usually require more labor and time, leading to higher fees. High-rise apartment moves, for instance, often incur additional costs due to loading dock restrictions or long carrying distances.
- Distance: Whether you’re moving across town or the country, mileage matters. Long-distance moves, especially to or from rural areas or places with limited access, can come with additional fuel, toll, and travel surcharges. For example, a move from a remote mountain town will likely cost more than one from a well-connected metro area, simply because of logistics.
- Volume of your belongings: Moving more stuff equals more time, labor, and truck space. A four-bedroom house with a garage full of tools will naturally cost more to move than a minimalist one-bedroom apartment. For example, someone moving from a large family home in the suburbs may have vastly different costs than a person relocating from a high-rise studio in the city. Movers often estimate costs based on the total weight or cubic footage of your belongings, so decluttering before your move can really pay off.
How To Save Money on Your Move
Here’s a list of savvy tips to help you save money on your move:
- Book your move early: The earlier you schedule your move, the better your chances of getting competitive rates, especially if you’re moving in peak season during summer or early fall. Booking at least 6–8 weeks in advance can lock in lower pricing and better availability.
- Compare multiple quotes: We don’t recommend going with the first company you find. Get estimates from at least three reputable movers. Then, use these quotes to negotiate the best deal possible and choose one based on your budget and service needs.
- Declutter before your move: When you’re paying by the pound or the box, it literally pays to lighten your load. Sell, donate, or recycle items you no longer need. Hosting a garage sale or listing items on Facebook Marketplace can even earn you some extra money.
- DIY where it makes sense: If you’re comfortable with some heavy lifting, consider hybrid options like PODS or U-Pack. With container companies, you pack and load your belongings and then the company handles driving your items to your new home. This approach can save you hundreds over using full-service moves.
- Move during the off-season: If your schedule allows, avoid peak moving months. Late fall and winter (excluding holidays) are typically slower times for moving companies, and you might score discounted rates as a result.
- Take advantage of discounts: Many moving companies offer special rates for students, military members, American Automobile Association (AAA) members, or seniors. Companies like North American Van Lines and Mayflower often have promotional pricing or online coupon codes—don’t hesitate to ask.
- Use your own packing supplies: Instead of purchasing boxes and materials, ask local stores or friends for extras. Many liquor stores, bookstores, and supermarkets give away sturdy boxes for free. You can also reuse old towels and linens to wrap fragile items.
- Use temporary storage: If your move-in and move-out dates don’t align perfectly, look for a company that bundles storage into your package, like American Van Lines or United Van Lines. It may end up being more cost-effective than paying for separate storage.
How We Collected Moving Cost Data
To provide a clear and accurate picture of what people typically pay for a move across the U.S., we gathered over 2,000 moving quotes from 16 moving companies that operate nationwide. We used sample addresses for single-family homes of various sizes, from studios and one-bedroom homes to spacious four-bedroom houses, to account for the wide range of moves Americans make every year. These quotes included moves within states, between states, and cross-country relocations.
To reflect the diversity of moving scenarios, we ensured our data represented a mix of urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and rural communities. This included everything from big cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to smaller towns and remote areas with varying moving logistics. After gathering the quotes, we averaged the costs within each state to get a comprehensive view of regional pricing. We then averaged together the cost of hiring a mover in each state to determine a national price range.
Moving Regulations To Know
Before you load the first box, it’s worth brushing up on a few key moving regulations that can impact your plans, especially for long-distance or interstate moves. These aren’t just red tape; understanding local, state, and federal regulations can protect your rights, prevent surprise fees, and help you choose a trustworthy mover. Here’s what to keep in mind as you plan for your move:
- Access and parking permits: In cities or dense residential areas, you may need a parking permit for the moving truck, or your movers may charge extra for “long carry” distances from the curb to the door. It’s a good idea to ask your mover about access requirements and reserve any necessary permits in advance.
- Bill of lading: This is your official contract with the mover. It includes delivery timelines, cost breakdowns, and agreed services. Never sign a blank or incomplete bill of lading, and keep a copy for your records.
- Binding vs. non-binding estimates: A binding estimate means your price won’t change as long as you don’t add services at the last minute. A non-binding estimate can go up based on actual weight or services. Ask upfront which type of quote you’re getting.
- FMCSA registration: Any company handling interstate moves must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can check the company’s credentials and complaint history at protectyourmove.gov to make sure you’re hiring a licensed, reputable mover.
- Delivery windows and delays: Federal law requires movers to deliver your items within a “reasonable” window, but it’s common for long-distance deliveries to span several days. If delivery is significantly delayed without cause, you may be eligible for compensation, so keep records.
- Intrastate regulations vary by state: Moving within the same state? Each state has its own licensing and regulation rules. For example, California and Texas require movers to hold a license with specific state agencies. You can verify state-specific moving regulation requirements with your local consumer affairs office.
- Inventory list requirements: Reputable movers should inventory your belongings before your move. Review this list and make notes of any high-value or fragile items. This protects you if something is lost or damaged during transit.
- Valuation coverage: Movers are required to offer basic protection, but this isn’t the same as full insurance. Standard valuation is around $0.60 per pound, so for more valuable items, consider purchasing third-party moving insurance for peace of mind.
Figuring Out Your Moving Timeline
Creating a clear timeline is one of the best ways to keep your move organized, on budget, and as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, having a moving checklist in place helps avoid last-minute chaos and gives you time to handle hiccups. Long-distance moves typically require more lead time for logistics like booking reputable movers, securing vehicle transport, or arranging temporary housing.
6–8 weeks
Start researching and getting quotes from moving companies. Decide whether you’re going DIY, full-service, or hybrid with your move. Take inventory of your belongings and begin decluttering. Sell, donate, or toss what you don’t need.
4–5 weeks
Book your movers. Begin packing items you use less often, such as seasonal clothing, décor, and books. Notify your landlord or prepare your current home for sale if applicable.
2 weeks
Set up mail forwarding and update your address with banks, subscriptions, and important contacts. Schedule utility shutoffs and service transfers at both your current and future homes. Confirm all moving details with your movers or truck rental company.
1 week
Pack a personal essentials bag with toiletries, chargers, clothing, documents, and medications. Finish most of your packing, label boxes by room, and mark fragile items. Do a walk-through to check for anything you might have missed, such as closets, attics, and basements.
Moving day
Get ready early, and do one last walkthrough of your old home before the truck leaves. Supervise the loading process and keep important documents and valuables with you. Once everything is out, clean the home and take pictures for your records.
Survey Insights from Moving Customers
In 2025, we surveyed 1,000 moving customers across the country, focusing on both long-distance and local relocations, to gain insight into the costs, benefits, and drawbacks of hiring a professional moving company. Note that this survey didn’t include the use of moving truck rental services, such as U-Haul, which is a popular choice for many movers.
Our findings revealed that the majority of participants (72%) completed a local move within the same state or over one day, and 61% hired a professional mover. The cost of local moves ranged from $50–$150 per hour, with an average price around $100 per hour. In contrast, long-distance moves ranged from $1,000–$5,000, with the average expense being closer to $2,000–$3,000. Notably, 55% of respondents underestimated their moving costs, with the average expense exceeding expectations by $545.
The survey also highlighted that stress and logistical challenges were common among customers, with 91% of respondents reporting a stressful experience. The major stressors identified in our survey included the physical demands of packing and unpacking (39%), financial burdens (38%), and unexpected delays or issues (27%). Fifty-eight percent of respondents said the process took longer than anticipated, and 21% incurred debt to cover moving expenses.
FAQs About the Best Moving Companies
Is it cheaper to hire a moving company?
It depends on the details of your move, including the distance, your belongings, and overall service needs. If you’re moving across town with just a few boxes and have friends who can help out, doing the move yourself might save you money. However, moving a larger home or farther distance may end up costing less if you hire professionals. When you consider the costs of renting a truck, buying fuel, purchasing packing materials, taking time off work, and the risk of damaging your belongings or injuring yourself, hiring a moving company can actually offer a more economical and less stressful option.
How do I know if a moving company is reputable?
Reputation is crucial in the moving business. Start by checking online reviews on platforms such as the BBB, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google. Look for a company with a consistently positive track record and pay attention to how the provider responds to complaints. Make sure the company is licensed and insured. Interstate movers should have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which you can verify with the FMCSA. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask for references or a detailed quote in writing. A reputable company should willingly provide both.
How much should you pay for movers?
The cost of moving can vary significantly based on factors such as distance, the size of the move, and any additional services you may need, like packing or storage. For a local move, you can expect to pay around $1,489, based on quotes we collected. In contrast, long-distance moves typically cost closer to $3,124, depending on the mileage and the weight of your belongings. It’s important to request a detailed estimate upfront and to clarify whether the quote is a flat rate or based on hourly labor.
What should I look for when choosing a moving company?
Think of choosing a moving company like hiring someone to babysit and transport your belongings. You want a mix of experience, reliability, and professionalism. Key things to look for include:
- A strong reputation and positive reviews
- Clear contracts with no vague terms
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Responsive and helpful customer service
- Transparent pricing and detailed estimates
How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies
To fairly and thoroughly evaluate moving companies, we developed a 100-point rating system grounded in real customer feedback, regulatory data, and hands-on testing. We gathered quotes, verified licensing and safety records, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and even conducted secret shopping to get a full picture of the customer experience. Each company was scored across six essential categories and then given a final rating out of 5 stars.
Our Rating Methodology
Here’s how we broke down our review:
- Customer service (18%): We read more than 7,500 reviews on Google Reviews, the BBB, and Trustpilot, surveyed more than 3,000 recent customers, and tested each company’s website and support team ourselves. Companies earned higher marks for having clear communication, responsiveness, and a helpful, user-friendly online experience.
- Reputation (14%): We verified that each mover has proper licensing through the USDOT and checked FMCSA safety records, specifically truck maintenance data. We also gave extra credit to companies that publicly commit to background-checking their crews, showing they prioritize customer safety.
- Value (18%): Using real quotes for 3-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles, we compared average prices across providers. We also considered whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they have a clear and simple billing process.
- Service offerings (19%): We evaluated the range of services available, from packing and unpacking to piano moving and junk removal. Movers that offer more options, including do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions like portable storage, scored higher for flexibility and convenience.
- Item protection (20%): We reviewed each company’s insurance offerings and how well they prevent damage during the move. Higher scores went to movers that offer full-value protection and use best practices like shrink wrap, padding, and floor guards.
- Scheduling (11%): We assessed how easy it is to request a quote, speak to a representative, and manage a move from start to finish. Companies with multiple contact options, digital tools like apps or customer portals, and streamlined booking processes stood out from the rest.