SCROLL TO SITE
The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.
Audited & Verified: Jun 23, 2025, 12:32pm
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorThere can also be plenty of anxiety and excitement that comes with a big life change like moving homes and the logistical challenge of packing, shipping and unpacking all your possessions.
Having so many options for moving companies can also be overwhelming. To help you with your choice, we’ve done a lot of the research on the best moving companies for you, examining the fees and policies for more than 50 companies, obtaining dozens of real quotes along the way. We also used our Consumer Sentiment Index tool, to analyze more than 39,000 customer reviews and comments to help you get the clearest picture possible.
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 69 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 experts, Dawn Smith and Matt Graber 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
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 | OUR RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.8   | Best Overall
| $3,900 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.8 | Best for Full-Service Experience
| $6,750 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.7  | Best for Customizable Moving Options
| N/A | ||
| 4.7 | Best for Local Move Value
| $9,000 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.7 | Best for GPS Tracking
| $2,250 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.6 | Best for Storage
| $2,650 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best for Price Quote Accuracy
| $4,500 | ||
| 4.5 | Best for Long-Distance Moves
| $5,543 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.1  | Best for Customer Experience
| $3,450 | From Participating Partners | |
| 3.8 | Best for Specialty Moves
| $4,500 | From Participating Partners |
Best Overall
Best Overall
Mayflower Transit
With nearly a century of experience in the field, availability in 50 states, and sought-after features like GPS tracking, Mayflower Transit is worth considering. Additionally, it offers free cancellation and requires no deposit.
We picked Mayflower Transit for various reasons, including good customer service. Our phone researchers reported polite and friendly representatives, which is a welcome sign.
Why We Like It
We like that Mayflower offers binding quotes for long-distance, interstate and international moves, as well as price matching, making it easier to budget for your move. Its customer sentiment also trends positively in several categories, including reputation, pricing and insurance.
Why We Don’t Like It
While the company has received positive feedback, it has also received a few less-than-positive reviews. Negative comments cite a lengthy quote process and inconsistent service across many of the company’s locations.
Who It’s Best For
Mayflower is a solid choice for those prioritizing accurate, locked-in pricing and features like GPS tracking, full-service packing, unpacking and junk removal.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Overall, Mayflower Transit is praised as a reputable national moving company with a long history in the industry. While many users commend its professionalism and reliability, others have expressed dissatisfaction with customer service and pricing concerns. These mixed opinions highlight various experiences but generally point to Mayflower as a well-known but potentially costly option for moving services.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $3,600, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $5,550. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best for Full-Service Experience
Best for Full-Service Experience
JK Moving Services
JK Moving is another relatively young company compared to others on this list, having started in 1982. Since then, it has built a good reputation among customers while offering various services, including full-service packing, unpacking, vehicle shipping and more.
JK Moving stands out for its dedication to sustainability, eco-friendly practices and various customer service options.
Why We Like It
Again, we like that JK Moving has prioritized sustainability, offering customers eco-friendly moving options, among other things. We were also impressed by its variety of customer support options, which included live chat, phone service and an app.
Why We Don’t Like It
Pricing weighed heavily on our evaluations, which is why JK Moving lost some points. While not always the most expensive mover, it tends to be more expensive than others on this list. However, it does offer financing through a third-party provider.
Who It’s Best For
Those looking for a well-regarded, full-service moving company should consider JK Moving, especially if receiving the lowest price isn’t their highest priority. Customers looking for eco-friendly options should also consider this company.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
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 its quality and reliability, there are notable mentions of broken items and inadequate customer service communication.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $5,000, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $6,750. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best for Customizable Moving Options
Best for Customizable Moving Options
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines is owned and operated by Allied Van Lines, our pick for accurate pricing. Given this and the company’s customizable options, it’s no surprise that the well-established North American also ranked on our list.
The company has an overall solid reputation, with customer sentiment skewing positively on multiple categories. It is also accredited and has an A+ rating with the BBB. Our phone researchers reported friendly and helpful representatives who were prompt with answers and information.
Why We Like It
Along with its reputation, we like that North American Van Lines offers several services and customizations, including full-service packing, furniture assembly and disassembly, antique shipping, piano shipping and more. Like its sister company, Allied Van Lines, North American is also dedicated to accurate pricing.
Why We Don’t Like It
Since flexibility is important to many consumers, we don’t like North American’s relatively strict three-day cancellation window, which cost it some points in our ranking. Quotes were also difficult to obtain due to an in-home evaluation requirement.
Who It’s Best For
Those who value pricing accuracy and customizable options should consider North American Van Lines. However, if budget is your primary concern and you are planning a long-distance move, you may want to look elsewhere.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
North American Van Lines is widely recognized as a reliable and reputable moving company in the industry. Though many consumer reviews praise the company’s professionalism, competitive pricing and ability to handle moves efficiently, many also discuss damaged items, poor customer service and unexpected costs, indicating a mixed experience.
We were unable to gather a quote for this company during our mystery shopping research due to an in-home evaluation requirement.
Services:
Best for Local Move Value
Best for Local Move Value
Atlas Van Lines
If you want a good value on local moves, consider Atlas Van Lines. While this nearly 80-year-old company offers long-distance and international moves, local moves stood out in our review, with options for storage, specialty item moving and more.
Learn more: Atlas Van Lines review
According to our consumer sentiment index data, Atlas Van Lines received some of the highest customer reviews on this list. We also like that the company offers price matching, AAA discounts and other perks.
Why We Like It
You’ll find that Atlas Van Lines is an everyday favorite on customer review sites, which is always a good sign. We also like that it has nationwide availability with over 1,500 moving partners. Its value-based local moving also helps it stand out from the competition. We appreciate that Atlas provides thoughtful extras like car rentals as well as airline and hotel discounts.
Why We Don’t Like It
Atlas Van Lines does not have the most flexible cancellation policy on this list. It only allows penalty-free cancellation within three days of signing the work order. Additionally, Atlas relies on its partnerships with third-party moving companies. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it’s best to make sure you’re comfortable with this and the third party Atlas chooses for your move.
Who It’s Best For
Atlas Van Lines can be a good fit for a wide demographic; however, it’s especially beneficial to customers looking to move locally. Since the cancellation policy is more rigid than others on this list, it’s important to be confident of your moving date before signing any contracts.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
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.
During our research, we were unable to gather a local moving quote for this company due to a pre-move assessment requirement. However, we were able to get a quote for a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, which was $9,000.
Services:
Best for GPS Tracking
Best for GPS Tracking
United Van Lines
If you are planning a long-distance move, United Van Lines should be on your list of companies to consider. It’s one of our top picks for providing excellent value for long-distance moves in all 50 states and offering helpful features like GPS tracking. This nearly 100-year-old company is popular among consumers for its one-stop-shop approach to moving.
Learn more: United Van Lines review
While pricing information for this business is more difficult to obtain than other companies on our list, we still consider United Van Lines the best. Our phone researchers contacted the company and found the representatives reasonably friendly and willing to offer a ballpark figure, proving that general quotes are relatively easy to get without providing too many details upfront.
Why We Like It
We found many aspects of United Van Lines’ services beneficial. However, one of the most standout features was its commitment to delivering accurate quotes. This helps you avoid unwanted cost surprises down the road. We also like that the company offers free cancellations until your move begins.
Why We Don’t Like It
The trade-off for accurate pricing is that those prices take time to be provided. Getting a quote can take multiple days and requires a virtual or in-home review. While we commend the company for its accuracy, this process can make price shopping and comparison difficult. Besides that, some customer reviews mention communication errors and skipped appointments.
Who It’s Best For
United Van Lines is an excellent option for long-distance customers looking for great value, accurate pricing and extra services like GPS tracking. It’s ideal, especially if you don’t mind waiting a few days for those prices. People uncertain about their moving date could also benefit from United Van Lines due to its generous cancellation policy and $0 deposit.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Many reviews praise United Van Lines as a reputable moving company with a strong presence in the industry that provides various services. However, more negative reviews cite dissatisfaction with customer service, overall cost and transparency throughout the moving process. Others note issues 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.
We were unable to obtain a local quote from this company due to an in-person home survey requirement; however, we did obtain a ballpark estimate for a 632-mile long-distance move with 1,000 pounds of goods, which came out to $2,250.
Services:
Best for Storage
Best for Storage
Colonial Van Lines
Founded in 2003, Colonial Van Lines is a relative newcomer in the industry but stands out for its decent customer reviews, fair pricing and varied services, including long- and short-term storage solutions.
Colonial Van Lines ranked on our list for several reasons, including its service catalog, pricing, customer sentiment ratings and more.
Why We Like It
Specializing in long-distance moves, Colonial prioritizes an often overlooked service—storage—which we love. It offers long-term and short-term solutions ranging from two weeks to two months or longer. Another notable offering is the company’s Colonial Cubes, which are delivered to your house for packing and then shipped away.
Why We Don’t Like It
Even though Colonial Van Lines has agents across the country, it is not the best option for local moving services. The cancellation policy isn’t the most flexible, with fees applicable after 72 hours of signing the contract. The company also requires a deposit to book a move.
Who It’s Best For
Customers planning a long-distance move and anticipating storage needs should consider Colonial Van Lines for its varied options and fair pricing. However, those moving locally or internationally should look elsewhere.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Overall, Colonial Van Lines receives mixed customer reviews, with some praising the company’s professional and careful service, while others 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.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $2,100, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $2,650. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best for Price Quote Accuracy
Best for Price Quote Accuracy
Allied Van Lines
For those who value pricing transparency, 95-year-old Allied Van Lines is a good choice. It is our top pick for quote accuracy. Whether you are moving across town or the world, you can depend on Allied to give you an accurate quote.
While obtaining a quote can take longer than with other companies on this list, customers can count on the fact that the quote they receive is accurate, assuming no major changes are made to the move.
Why We Like It
Besides pricing accuracy, we like that Allied Van Lines has nationwide availability and doesn’t require a deposit to book. According to the data from our consumer sentiment index, Allied ranked relatively well, with its strongest category amongst consumers being (not surprisingly) pricing and transparency.
Why We Don’t Like It
While pricing is accurate, it also takes time. Some customers might be turned off by this fact, as it makes price shopping more cumbersome. While the prices were reasonable, they weren’t the lowest on this list.
Who It’s Best For
Allied Van Lines is best for customers looking for a mover with a long-standing, positive reputation that prioritizes price transparency and accuracy. However, precise quotes do come at the cost of time, so it’s best for customers who are not in a hurry.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
In reviews, Allied Van Lines is generally viewed 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.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $4,500, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $5,000. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best for Long-Distance Moves
Best for Long-Distance Moves
International Van Lines
International Van Lines scored well based on our rigorous methodology partly due to the company’s extensive list of services and widespread availability across the U.S. and the world. With over two decades in the business, IVL remains a rapidly growing, highly-awarded moving company worth considering.
NOTE: While International Van Lines offers services almost anywhere, it only directly handles moves in a limited number of locations. It acts as a broker in the other areas, depending entirely on contracting third parties. Our review focuses on the company’s performance as a carrier. Brokering is a common practice within the industry, so it’s essential to research the broker and the carrier they choose to work with.
Learn more: International Van Lines review
International Van Lines offers various services across all 50 states and more than 180 countries worldwide, including Canada and Mexico, proving it can handle just about any move.
Why We Like It
IVL offers an extended list of tailored moving options at competitive prices. The company can accommodate customers who want a completely hands-off experience and those who want to be more involved. We also like that IVL offers four insurance options and widespread international availability.
Why We Don’t Like It
Some customer sentiments and reviews reflect poor customer service and communication issues. IVL also lost points for requiring a 25% deposit to reserve a moving date.
Who It’s Best For
Even though the company requires a deposit to secure a date, it offers free cancellation until 48 hours before the scheduled move. This makes the company a good option for those who value flexibility or anticipate date changes. The company is also an excellent choice for value-focused customers, offering a long list of services at competitive rates.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
International Van Lines has various 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. According to many users, the company also brokers moves.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $5,324, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $5,543. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best for Customer Experience
Best for Customer Experience
Bekins Van Lines
Bekins stands out for providing high-quality customer service since its inception in 1891. Available in every state, the company prides itself on its ability to help with moves regardless of size or type while maintaining customer satisfaction.
Learn more: Bekins Van Lines review
Bekins sets itself apart for its customer experience, with the unique offering of a designated moving manager to help you sort the details of your move for the smoothest experience possible.
Why We Like It
While customer reviews can vary and even trend toward negative, per our consumer sentiment index data, we’ve found that, as a whole, Bekins provides a good customer experience. Not only is it responsive to complaints, but it also offers unique services like a designated moving manager. Along with being accredited, the company has an A+ ranking on the BBB and a solid 4.3 stars on Facebook.
Why We Don’t Like It
Its three-day penalty-free cancellation window is far from the best cancellation policy among competitors. If you value flexibility, Bekins might not be for you.
Who It’s Best For
Overall, Bekins offers a reasonable service and is excellent for those who are sure of their moving needs and date. With its moving manager service, Bekins is also a fantastic option for those looking for a more hands-off experience.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
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 significant source of dissatisfaction in many reviews.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $1,500, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $3,450. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best for Specialty Moves
Best for Specialty Moves
American Van Lines
Founded in 1995, this comparatively young company made our list in part because of its variety of specialty moving services. American Van Lines also offers a decent cancellation policy, military discounts and service guarantees, further distinguishing it from the competition.
American Van Lines offers unique services tailored toward specialty items like antiques, art, collectibles, pianos and oversized objects. The company provides local and long-distance moves, along with discounts and other benefits.
Why We Like It
We like American Van Lines’ flexible cancellation policy. It allows free cancellations within a week of the move date and the option to put your move on hold for up to 12 months. We also appreciate its specialty shipping options, which ensure that even the bulkiest or most expensive items can be shipped safely.
Why We Don’t Like It
Unfortunately, American Van Lines requires a deposit to book a move. It also lacks some of the customer service features of other companies, like 24/7 phone service, live chat and GPS tracking.
Who It’s Best For
Those with larger or more valuable items should consider American Van Lines, which offers a variety of specialty services. People who value flexibility will like the company’s generous cancellation policy and 12-month holds.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
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.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $3,709, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $4,500. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
The cost to hire a mover depends on several factors, including the distance of the move and the amount of stuff you have. Our research involving dozens of quotes found that, on average, you can expect to pay between $40 and $80 per hour with the standard two movers. Local moves are less expensive, and can cost anywhere from $300 and $6,900 total. Long-distance moves are pricier and can cost between $1,050 and $12,700.
What are 3 tips for negotiating a better moving price?
1. Move mid-week if possible. Moving companies often offer lower rates when their schedules are lighter.
2. Bring competitors’ quotes and see if [the moving company] can offer a better price.
3. Sign up for the company’s email and socials. You’ll be first to know if they run money-saving promotions.
—Dawn Smith, Moving Expert and Forbes Home Advisory Board Member
Every moving cost is unique, which is why we suggest getting multiple quotes based on your individual situation. Some factors that can affect your moving cost include:
Get Your Free Moving Estimate
Receive a custom quote from a moving company today that's designed to meet your needs and budget by clicking on your state.
Keep these things in mind when researching and selecting the best moving company for you.
It’s not worth looking too far into a company if it can’t move you to where you need to go or if it can’t move specific items that you need transported. We recommend searching for companies that can handle your specific situation when you search. For example, if you really don’t want to handle packing and unpacking, we recommend specifically searching for full-service moving companies right off the bat. .
Of course you’ll want to ensure a mover can come to your current home, but since not all movers can handle interstate moves, if that’s the move you’re making, be sure to seek out companies specifically that bill themselves as interstate movers. Bonus points if the company explicitly states that it operates both in your origin and destination location. If you’re making a very long-distance or even international move, alter your search to include those parameters for the best success.
Many modern moving companies will offer GPS tracking, especially for long-distance moving. Be sure to ask if your mover offers this and how you’ll be able to track your items.
Checking online reviews, asking friends and family members about their past experiences and generally looking into the online footprint for a company can help you make a good choice. You can also look up the company’s USDOT number, if it’s an interstate mover, to check out its safety record.
With all the different things you have to coordinate and worry about during a move, it’s easy to forget to submit a change-of-address form to the USPS. However, this is an important step, since you don’t want any important mail to be delivered to the new residents. Luckily changing your address is easy with a simple online form. Additionally, don’t forget to change your address for any mail-in subscriptions or upcoming package deliveries.
It’s best to change your address with USPS at least two weeks before your departure date, so there’s plenty of time for staff to input the information and alert your mail carrier of the change. You can choose the exact date for the address switch. It’s an easy process online.
— Dawn Smith, Moving Expert and Forbes Home Advisory Board Member
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, movers are required by law to provide at least two different liability options, also known as valuation coverage. They are known as Full Value and Released Value Protection. Released Value Protection is free to consumers however, it is extremely limited. With this option, the mover is liable for no more than 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if a $500, 20-pound TV was damaged during transport, the company is only obligated to pay you $12.
If you’d like to pay a premium, you can opt for Full Value Protection. This option reimburses customers based on the value of their item, not just the weight. In this case the mover has to either replace or repair the TV or reimburse the full $500 value.
It’s also important to check that your chosen moving company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. All interstate moving companies are required to have a USDOT number which you can look up on the FMCSA website. Each state will also have its own requirements for licensing and registration, so be sure to look at your state’s official government website for more details.
Depending on where you are moving, weather can be an important factor in your planning. While winter is often a cheaper time of year to move, snow and cold temperatures can be a hindrance. Summer can be a convenient time to move, but extreme heat and severe weather can also be a problem. While you can’t control the weather, think about your unique location and try to choose a time of year, where weather issues are less of concern.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Long Distance Moving Companies
Free, No-commitment Estimates
These are some of the most common red flags to look out for when selecting a moving company. For a more comprehensive list, check out this article from the FMCSA.
While there are plenty of red flags to look out for, here are a few green flags you want to see in your potential moving company.
While not necessarily a green or red flag, it’s important to understand the difference between a broker and a carrier when choosing a moving company. A good moving company will be forthright about which category it falls under.
A carrier is a company that works directly on your move. It has the crew that is on the ground packing your boxes, loading them into the truck and hauling your things to your new destination. A broker, on the other hand, coordinates a network consisting of multiple carriers. If you want to work with one company for your whole move, opt for a carrier. However, if you’d like to work with a larger international company, which may provide more service options, you’ll likely need to go with a broker.
All of the companies on our list are carriers except International Van Lines, which is a broker, and United Van Lines which acts as a broker for local moves but a carrier for everything else.
Get Your Free Moving Estimate
Receive a custom quote that's designed to meet your needs and budget.
No matter where you live or where you’re moving to, comparing moving companies can help you make the best choice for your relocation.
Moving Companies By State
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 69 most widely available companies from that list and scored them all based on 89 different attributes. Each company’s rating is determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, such as an in-house Consumer Sentiment Analysis, pricing, moving services and options, nationwide availability and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates moving companies on our detailed methodology page.
How much you tip movers should reflect the amount of help they provide and the number of hours they work. A good rule of thumb is to tip $20 to $30 per person for a local move and $50 per person for long-distance moves. It’s also acceptable to tip between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the move.
Each moving company usually has a list of items they can’t move. This list typically includes hazardous chemicals, paints, combustibles and large batteries. However, it’s a good idea to check with your moving company if you’re unsure. Also, valuable items like jewelry or art should either be moved by yourself or by using a specialty moving company.
Unfortunately, moving scams exist, so it’s important to do your research when hiring a company. Get referrals from friends and family, look at online reviews and check government organizations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for licensing and registration information.
Cassidy was an updates editor whose main responsibility is to write and edit articles on a range of home improvement topics. Her passion for lifestyle writing began with her editorial apprenticeship at Travel + Leisure magazine. Moving from travel to home, Cassidy now specializes in writing DIY and interior design content.
Kristin is a lead 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.
