Many of us dread moving. Whether you’re moving across the city, across the country, or across the globe, it’s a lot of work packing up our entire lives. However, working with one of the best moving companies can make your move a breeze.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
I researched each of the top moving companies across the United States to identify what makes each one unique and why they’re considered a top choice among customers. Using Today’s Homeowner review standards, each mover is also scored on basic services, customization, transparency, and reputation out of 10.
Working with the right moving company can help turn your move into a stress-free experience. In this article, I’ve detailed what each brand has to offer their clients and why I think they’re an excellent choice for transporting your belongings, cars, antiques, and more. I’ve outlined my top 10 choices for best moving companies below.
Top Moving Companies
- If you’re looking for a company to tackle your upcoming move, I’d highly recommend American Van Lines. While they don’t offer as many services as other movers, they’re backed by a strong reputation and offer the majority of solutions homeowners are going to need when moving within the continental United States.
- However, if you need a moving company that can handle international moves or has extras like car shipping, I’d suggest going with JK Moving Services. They have higher quotes than their competitors, but they offer a wealth of services to customers, have strong reviews, and are very up front about what they can offer their clients.
- When looking for a mover, you should always check their registrations, reviews, and contracts. All reputable moving companies will have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and meet any local, state, or international regulations relevant to their services.
Read our full Moving Methodology for more details.
My Expert Recommendation
My top choice for best moving company would have to be American Van Lines (AVL). The brand has a stellar reputation behind it with an A+ and 4.1 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a 4.3 on Trustpilot, and a 4.2 on Google as of this writing. The company also offers a majority of the services most customers in the United States are going to be looking for out of their mover including full-service packing, local moves, interstate moves, and storage solutions.
However, AVL does lack some services, such as car shipping and junk removal, and they don’t do international moves or moves outside of the continental 48 states. If you’re looking for more out of a moving company, I’d suggest going with JK Moving Services. They have a wealth of solutions, serve more than 170 countries, and, like AVL, have a great reputation with an A+ on the BBB and a 4.5 on Google currently. JK Moving is on the more expensive side, but many customers state in their reviews that the extra cost was worth it.
Moving Companies I Didn’t Include
One moving company I didn’t include is College Hunks. While they’re a fantastic solution for junk removal, they simply don’t offer the level of services many of the other full-service movers on this list do. For example, they don’t handle international moves, storage, piano moving, and antique moving. Plus, they’re not on Trustpilot as of this writing.
Another mover I chose not to include is PODS, a self-service company. Much of what they offer is already offered by U-Pack, a brand that is on this list, and PODS didn’t score as highly as U-Pack did according to our criteria. PODS’s website also doesn’t have a quick quote tool featured on their website and they’re not on the BBB.
Compare The Highest Rated Moving Companies
| Company | Rating | BBB Rating | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A |
$1,400–$9,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
A+ |
$1,700–$13,800 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
B |
$1,250 – $8,500 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
C |
$3,000–$11,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$600–$5,100 |
VISIT SITE | |
 JK Moving Services |
A+ |
$3,000–$6,000 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Companies
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
If you’re looking for information on moving, whether you want tips to make it as stress free as possible, or you want to know what the mover has to offer you, International Van Lines has you covered. Their website contains answers to many of the questions you likely have when working with a mover, from a breakdown of the services offered to the costs for add-ons services.
Plus, their emailed quotes are just as helpful. They provide a wealth of information in these emails, and most competitors don’t even come close to giving you as much information. IVL breaks down your estimate, lists your inventory, and goes into extensive detail about what your quote does and doesn’t include.
Many reviews for International Van Lines speak about outstanding customer service. However, they don’t reflect my experience. At every turn, I’ve had issues contacting the company. Several calls went unreturned and questions were unanswered. I did get one helpful representative eventually, but, in total, I’ve contacted the company about eight times.
I even tried out their chat tool on their website twice, but neither time did I get the answers to simple questions. The representative who answered simply stated the chat tool was for new quotes only, and they refused to answer any questions I had about discrepancies on their website or the brand’s various services.
International Van Lines offers a majority of the services homeowners are going to be looking for in a move, from car shipping to full-service packing. In fact, full-service packing is baked into their quote which could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run if you want someone else to tackle packing your belongings. Their website also goes into extensive details about services, costs, tips, discount advice, and much more. Thanks to their abundance of services, high reputation, and commitment to transparency, they earned a 9.3.
In addition, IVL’s emailed quotes are a notch above the rest. Not only do they break down the estimate for you in easy-to-understand terminology, but they also explain what’s included, what’s not included, the costs for additional services, and more. IVL’s emails then explain the next steps, including how to make a deposit, the size deposit they require, their cancellation policy, dispute settlement program, and general advice for working with the brand. They even include the federally required “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move“ booklet.
IVL does have high reviews across a number of trusted review sites, with many customers citing excellent customer service. However, my own experience has found the customer service to be lacking. Out of six calls placed to the company, I only walked away with real information about working with IVL from one of them. The website has a chat function, which states it’s for customer service, but both times I used it, responses were slow or nonexistent. The last time I used it, I simply wanted to inquire about a price discrepancy on their website. I was told, “this chat is for new quotes only,” and the representative just stopped responding to me. So many other customers have had stellar experiences with IVL’s customer service department that I have to believe my own experiences are an outlier, but I felt I would be remiss in not mentioning them.
International Van Lines earned a perfect 10 out of 10 for basic services. From local moving to storage services, the brand does it all and will serve the majority of homeowners’ needs when moving. They operate in 150 countries for international moving, and thanks to their background as an international logistics company, IVL has the experience to handle the complexity that comes with moving overseas. However, IVL no longer serves Alaska. Loading, unloading, and full-service packing are included in a majority of their quotes, but unpacking will cost an extra fee. While you can opt out of full-service packing, customers should be aware that IVL doesn’t offer major discounts for self-pack. It may be more cost-efficient to let them tackle the heavy lifting. Thirty days of storage is also included in their quotes as long as you request it before or during pickup on your moving day, but additional time after this initial period will cost you. It isn’t entirely clear how much additional months cost as the website and emails give ranges between $0.50 and $0.65 per cubic foot. When I reached out to the company for clarification on this expense, I was not able to get an answer.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Full-service packing, disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture, loading, unloading, protective pads for furniture, 30 days of storage, and basic liability coverage were all included in the quote I received from International Van Lines. Debris removal, shuttle service, bulky item packing, unpacking services, and piano handling all cost extra, but the estimate you receive from IVL will clearly outline these expenses. Compared to many other companies’ full-service quotes, IVL’s shows one of the most cost-effective service proposals, so if you’re thinking about having professionals pack your items, IVL could be a solid way to save hundreds of dollars.
I requested a quote for a two-bedroom home, moving between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC, a distance of 573 miles. The move was estimated at 3,682 lbs., and I was quoted:
- Full-service option with packing: $4,000.52
- Bulky item (each): $150
- Unpacking service: $175.00/hour at a minimum of 4 hours
- Piano handling: $150 to $350
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
Very few companies bake full-service packing into their moving quotes, so this can be an excellent way to take advantage of discounted full-pack solutions. Seniors, military members, and veterans may also qualify for additional savings (between 10% and 15%), but IVL’s website advises that all customers should ask for a discount, stating it could save you up to $500 on your move.
IVL came just short of a perfect 10 in customization. The company doesn’t offer home staging, which resulted in them being docked a point. Assembly and disassembly of basic furniture and basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb. per article) are included in all of IVL’s quotes. Packing materials are also included if you opt for the full-pack solution, but you can always buy boxes and supplies right on their website. Piano, special item, and antique moving are available but do cost extra, as does custom crating. Junk removal may or may not be part of your full-service packing quote, so be sure to ask. Prices for junk removal depend on the amount of debris you have and the availability of space inside the trailer. In addition, International Van Lines has solutions for car, boat, RV, and motorcycle shipping, and these solutions come with concierge services that handle all the paperwork and logistics of moving your vehicle or boat. If you want to add on any of these options, be sure to talk to your IVL relocation specialist as soon as possible to get a quote and reserve the service.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Thanks to their claimed Trustpilot profile (where they currently have a 4.3) and their A on the BBB as of this writing, IVL earned a 10 in reputation. Happy customers on Trustpilot explain that representatives, crews, and drivers were all kind, polite, and communicative, while the move itself was stress- and hassle-free. However, on the BBB and Google, reviews are more mixed, at 3.46 and 3.9, respectively. On Yelp, IVL has a very poor rating at just 1.7, and a vast majority of reviews are a single star. Many customers leaving 1-star reviews stated that their items arrived broken or ruined. The brand is responsive to both negative and positive reviews on Google and Trustpilot. Many competitors simply respond to positive reviews, if they respond at all, so it’s good to see IVL taking that extra step.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A / 3.46 out of 5 stars | 175 |
| Trustpilot | 4.3 out of 5 stars | 57 |
| 3.9 out of 5 stars | 809 | |
| Yelp | 1.7 out of 5 stars | 541 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for International Van Lines
Those leaving 5 stars for IVL often cite stellar communication, professionalism, and care with possessions. Representatives are said to have taken the time to work with these customers to outline what to expect while also delivering reasonable costs, especially compared to competitors.
Most Common Criticism for International Van Lines
On Yelp, a number of negative reviews cite broken furniture and items. One customer stated their TV, refrigerator, and mattress were all damaged, and provided photos. Another explained the crews left a hole in their wall and damaged the staircase.
According to what we look for in companies, International Van Lines earned an 8.7 in transparency. Unlike many other movers, IVL has sample pricing and clearly lists additional fees right on their website. You can find out what an average move will cost you with add-ons like shuttle services and stairs without having to pick up the phone. Their website also has a quick quote feature, but it does require you to enter your contact information. However, if you do give them your phone number, they will return with a ballpark estimate. Many other competitors have a “quick quote” feature that takes your information and lets you know a representative will be in touch rather than giving you an estimate. IVL also received some points thanks to their GPS tracking option availability on some trucks, posted customer service hours, online and over-the-phone booking options, binding estimates, and disclosure of their status as a broker/carrier. In most of the United States, IVL does operate as a carrier. However, in Washington, Utah, Oregon, and Montana, they’re brokers, which means they’ll outsource the job to one of their partners.
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
Like International Van Lines, American Van Lines has a standout website. It’s even more informative about what you can expect when working with this moving company than IVL’s is. Each of AVL’s moving services is clearly outlined so you can know whether or not AVL is a good choice for you right off the bat.
AVL also has some of the best reviews out of the movers on this list. As of this writing, they have an A+ and 4.1 on the BBB, a 4.4 on Trustpilot, and a 4.2 on Google. Customers talk again and again about standout experiences from beginning to end, with amazing customer service and professional crews that handled their items with care.
While their website is detailed, American Van Lines’s emailed estimates are less so. They contain much less information compared to other companies’ emails and much of the details that are provided aren’t clear. It’s difficult to determine how much their add-on services will actually cost you, for example, and their terms and conditions, such as their cancellation policy, are confusingly written.
AVL also falls short in services. They don’t offer the wealth of solutions other full-service companies have on this list. For instance, AVL doesn’t handle international moves, car shipping, junk removal, or home staging. If you’re looking for a brand that can handle more than the basics, these movers may not be ideal for you.
Overall, American Van Lines earned an 8.5. The company is backed by a stellar reputation and excellent review scores on trusted review sites. For example, as of this writing, they have an A+ and a 4.1 on the BBB, a 4.4 on Trustpilot, and a 4.2 on Google. Customers leaving 5-star ratings cited that everything from the quoting experience to unpacking was fantastic, and crews and representatives went above and beyond.
AVL also has a very user-friendly website. It’s easy to locate the services they offer and what’s included in each of those solutions. Many competitors use vague language or provide tips rather than information about their services, so this is definitely a breath of fresh air. However, I wish that the informative approach had continued in their emails. The emailed estimate has important details, such as what the quote includes, but fees and contract obligations are confusingly written.
American Van Lines isn’t going to fit every customer’s needs. The brand doesn’t handle international moves, car shipping, home staging, or junk removal, services many of their competitors offer. However, if you’re just looking for the moving basics, I’d highly recommend giving them a call to get a quote.
For a majority of people moving, American Van Lines is going to meet your needs — they earned a 9 in basic services from me. I docked them a point as they don’t offer international shipping or moves to or from Alaska or Hawaii. Loading and unloading are included in all of AVL’s moving quotes, but packing and unpacking services cost extra.
Packing is one of AVL’s nicer features. Even if you’re going with another mover or you want to use a self-service brand like U-Pack, you can hire AVL’s crew to just pack your belongings. This can be a fantastic way to save time and effort (and potentially cash). Their quotes also include a free month of storage at one of their warehouses in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. Twenty-four-hour security cameras keep a watchful eye over your belongings, and customers can choose between personal, climate-controlled, temperature-controlled, oversized, and high-value storage vaults. In addition, you don’t have to move to use AVL’s storage facilities. They’ll store your items for you even if you’re just renovating your home.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
American Van Lines’s quotes for moves were right around the average of other movers’ estimates for the same home size and inventory. They offer self-pack or full-pack, depending on your needs, with full-pack costing between $600 and $800 more in comparison. My estimate included basic disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture, wrapping for furniture, loading, unloading, and basic valuation coverage. Additional fees, however, are confusing. For example, if you live in an apartment, you may have to pay for flights of stairs. Many other moving companies will state each flight is $75. AVL instead says that stairs are $1.50 per hundredweight (cwt). In fact, many of their additional fees are per cwt. When you’re trying to understand how much a quote will cost you in total, this isn’t the most straightforward approach.
For a two-bedroom home move estimated at 3,304 lbs. between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC, I was quoted:
- Self-packing option: $3,651.39
- Full-packing option: $4,251.39 to $4,451.39
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set 8 weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
American Van Lines has several special offers for moves between major cities right on their website. As of this writing, these cities include Miami, Atlanta, New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Greensboro, Houston, San Francisco, Portland, and Boston. In addition, AVL offers senior and seasonal discounts.
American Van Lines falls behind in customization, at just a 7, the lowest on this list of the full-service movers. Most moving companies don’t offer home staging, but AVL also doesn’t handle junk removal or car shipping. They can, however, assist with moving your motorcycle. Assembly and disassembly of standard furniture and valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb. per article) are included in their quotes, and packing materials are included if you opt for their full-service estimate. When it comes to piano, special item, and antique moving, AVL is known for their white-glove treatment, and their website carefully details what you can expect if you’re moving a piano with the brand. Custom crating is also offered for some furniture and antiques.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | No |
| Home Staging | No |
One of my favorite aspects of AVL is their standout reputation. As of this writing, they have an A+ and a 4.1 on the BBB, a 4.4 on Trustpilot, and a 4.2 on Google. Customers leaving positive reviews stated that representatives were kind, genuine, and patient. The crews are also said to be professional and friendly. However, on Yelp, reviews are more mixed, and the brand only has a 2.3 currently. Here, many customers speak about items and furniture arriving scratched, dented, or completely broken. AVL is very responsive to positive reviews on Google, but has only replied to a handful of negative reviews on Google. They don’t reply to any on Trustpilot.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 4.1 | 437 |
| Trustpilot | 4.4 | 81 |
| 4.2 | 970 | |
| Yelp | 2.3 | 451 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for American Van Lines
Customers leaving 5-star reviews for AVL explained they had a stellar experience from start to finish. Representatives were helpful and walked them through the quoting process. When the crews arrived on moving day, they were professional, kind, and efficient. If issues arose, the movers were quick to address them.
Most Common Criticism for American Van Lines
Those that didn’t have amazing experiences with AVL stated that there were major issues with delays, including missed pickup times that caused issues after selling their home. Other customers said their property arrived broken and little was offered in the way of restitution.
American Van Lines scored very highly in transparency, coming in at 8.7. They only lost points due to their lack of clearly listed additional fees and the fact that GPS tracking is only offered on some of their trucks. AVL does have a “quick quote” feature on their website, but it isn’t actually quick. The form doesn’t give you a cost estimate after submitting your contact information and move details but instead advises you that a representative will soon be in touch with a free quote. However, due to the sample pricing availability on the website and special offers, you may not need to use the tool. AVL also received some points thanks to their disclosure of their status as a moving carrier, binding estimates, posted customer service hours, and online and over-the-phone booking solutions.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
4.2
Our Rating
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a top choice if you’re looking for some deep discounts during your move. I was given a hefty discount on the total tariff cost over the phone (59.01%), and the representative told me that if I gave them 24 hours, they could get me more off the total cost. Sure enough, the next day I received an availability discount with manager approval for $1,265 off the total price.
IMRG, like AVL and IVL, has a user-friendly and informative website. They’re a moving broker only, which means they act as a middleman for your move, partnering you with one of their agents. However, their website clearly breaks down the pros and cons of many of their partners, explaining what they offer and how they can assist you during your move.
IMRG operates only as a broker. This means it isn’t immediately clear who you’ll be working with on your moving day, and you could get partnered with a less-than-stellar mover. When calling IMRG for a quote, you’ll want to clearly outline what you need from a mover, too, to make sure you’re assigned an agent that meets all your needs.
And while IMRG’s quick quote tool does deliver an estimate, it gives the same range for a majority of different-sized moves and origin and destinations. It requires your contact information, too, so you might just be better off calling the company for an estimate than using the tool as it likely won’t be very accurate for your needs.
IMRG earned an 8.4 overall. They’re also our choice for best discounts. The moving broker advertises $500 off right on their website, but during my call with the brand, I was offered much more off. In fact, between a 59.01% tariff discount and an availability discount, I was offered over $3,600 off my moving quote without even asking. Moving is already expensive, and if you’re looking to save some serious cash, this can be a fantastic route.
IMRG operates as a broker, meaning they’ll operate as the middleman and partner you with one of their agents who meets your unique moving needs. Their website goes into extensive detail about their various partners, what they offer, and their various pros and cons. As informative as IMRG’s website is, though, their quick quote tool does leave a lot to be desired. It returns with the same estimates no matter what information you supply about your move.
However, going with a moving broker is always a gamble. You could be partnered with one of the best movers in your area, or you might get the notorious brand that is known for getting more 1-star than 5-star reviews. If you choose to work with IMRG or another broker, try to find out who you will be partnered with ahead of time so you can investigate their reputation and services.
IMRG received a 9 out of 10 for basic services as they, like AVL, don’t offer international moving services and don’t operate in Alaska. However, the brand and their partners do specialize in local, interstate, and long-distance moving, with packing and unpacking services available. Loading, unloading, and 30 days of storage for your belongings are included in all of their quotes, but the actual storage facilities available and their features will depend on the agent you’re partnered with. After the first 30 days, storage is $0.50 per cubic foot per month or a minimum of $200.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Thanks to some hefty discounts, IMRG’s quote is one of the lowest among the companies I’ve contacted and received an estimate from. The followup email from the brand broke down the estimate to show it included the tariff, basic estimate price, binding estimate fee, packing materials, a fuel surcharge, and basic valuation protection. However, it’s important to note that IMRG does require a larger deposit than many other movers. They can ask for up to 50% up front when you book your moving date and their services, and they only have a three-day cancellation window after you sign your bill of lading. When other moving companies require no money down and the ability to cancel up to 24 hours before your reservation, you’ll want to be positive you want to go with IMRG before you place that deposit.
I requested a moving quote from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a two-bedroom home estimated at 3,801 lb. I received the following numbers:
- Self-packing option:$3,296
- Full-packing option: $3,946
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
IMRG, as of this writing, offers a $500 discount to all customers who call the company. In my experience, however, they offer much more than $500. Between a 59.01% tariff discount and an availability discount, I was granted more than $3,600 off my total move cost. It did take 24 hours to receive the availability discount, however, so be sure to ask about any promotions they’re currently running during your call. Additional discounts may be available through their partners. For example, Atlas Van Lines, an IMRG agent, offers discounts to American Automobile Association (AAA) members.
Like many moving companies, IMRG doesn’t offer home staging, which landed them at a 9 for customization. Through their network of partners, however, the broker does offer everything else we look for in a mover. Assembly and disassembly of standard furniture, packing tape, moving pads, and basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb. per article) are included in all of their quotes. IMRG’s agents also specialize in antique, special item, and piano moving, with specialty services and storage facilities available depending on your unique needs. When choosing which car transportation companies they’ll work with, IMRG looks into experience, reliability, reputation, insurance, and pricing to partner you with the right brand. In addition, their agents can tackle custom crating needs and junk removal.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
IMRG does have a lower reputation, especially when compared to IVL and AVL. While the company has a B on the BBB as of this writing, they don’t have a claimed Trustpilot profile. This resulted in us giving them a 7.8 out of 10. Reviews across the BBB and Google Business Profile are also mixed, with a 3.56 and 3.5 respectively at the moment. IMRG operates as a broker, and this status could explain the differences in experiences. When customers are working with different movers, they’re going to have varying experiences. However, positive reviews do state that IMRG is responsive before, during, and after the move. Negative reviews explained there was extensive damage to their items, and costs were much higher than estimated. IMRG does reply to both negative and positive reviews on Google.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 3.56 | 122 |
| Trustpilot | Not available | Not available |
| 3.5 | 1,117 | |
| Yelp | Not available | Not available |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Even though their agents handle the actual move, many positive reviews explained that IMRG actually keeps in touch during, before, and after the move to make sure everything is going smoothly. Others said the service they received from the agents was outstanding and all for an affordable price.
Most Common Criticism for Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Due to their status as a broker, customers are going to have varying experiences with IMRG’s agents. One of the most common complaints among 1-star reviews is broken items. Customers claim furniture, electronics, and other items arrived broken, and some posted pictures of the extensive damage.
IMRG came in at a 7.7 for transparency. While they do list sample prices of moves on their website, the company doesn’t list additional fees you could expect. GPS tracking is also not available through their partners. IMRG does, however, offer binding estimates, has online and over-the-phone booking solutions, and discloses their status as a broker. As a broker, they partner customers with the moving agent that best fits the customers’ unique needs and wants. There is also a quick quote feature on their website, but it gives the same few ranges no matter what information you put into the website. This isn’t very helpful if you’re trying to get a clearer picture of how much your move will cost you.
Safeway Moving
4.1
Our Rating
Many moving companies base their quotes on the weight to be moved, and weight estimates can be very different between companies. While some may only vary by 500 lb., I’ve run into instances where the estimate between one company and another is doubled for the exact same inventory. Safeway Moving, however, uses a flat-rate pricing approach. Their costs are based on the space the customer uses in the trailer. This is much easier to measure and estimate than weight and can lead to a more accurate quote.
Safeway Moving also has informative emails, detailed enough to rival IVL’s emails. It breaks down your quote, lets you know what’s included (and what isn’t), lists additional fees, details their terms and conditions, and more. Like IVL, it includes the federally required “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, too.
One confusing thing about Safeway Moving is the number of websites the brand has. I have found three associated with the company so far. The quick quote tool doesn’t work on one of them, and on another website, it doesn’t return with an estimate. Instead, it informs you a representative will reach out shortly to discuss your quote.
No matter which website you visit, getting actual details about the company is tough. They have little to no information about what services the brand offers and instead use general language and terminology to describe their solutions. Without a call to the brand, it’s difficult to tell how Safeway actually serves their customers and how they differ from the competition.
Safeway Moving is our choice for best flat-rate pricing, as they base their quotes on space rather than weight. When you’re estimating how much your belongings weigh, you can get vastly different estimates. For example, for the same two-bedroom home move, my inventory was estimated at anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 lbs. during calls with moving company representatives. If you have a detailed inventory with measurements of your furniture, you stand to get a much more accurate quote from Safeway as a result. Plus, if you end up using more or less space than expected, they’ll even adjust your costs.
Like IVL, Safeway also delivers informative emails breaking down your quote, their terms and conditions, and what your move includes when working with the brand. Many follow-up questions you might have about the mover are answered in these without having to reach back out to the representative.
However, where Safeway Moving truly falls short is their website. In fact, they seem to have at least three of them, but even with three websites, finding information online about Safeway isn’t easy. Their pages use generic terminology that could describe any mover out there, with little about what differentiates them from the competition. Overall, though, Safeway earned an 8.2.
Safeway Moving only specializes in interstate, international, and long-distance moves. They don’t do local moves, so if you’re just going to the next city over, you’re going to have to go with one of the competitors. Loading, unloading, and 30 days of storage are included in your quote, but I’ve received offers of free storage for up to 45 days from the brand. Additional time is $0.50 per cubic foot or a minimum of $200 per month. Their full-packing solution includes all labor, packing materials, and packing at $1.00 to $1.50 per cubic foot.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | No |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Safeway Moving’s quotes include disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture, wrapping of all furniture, loading, unloading, and release valuation ($0.60 per lb. up to $10,000). Packing materials can be purchased at an additional cost, and their email notes that they won’t move any fragile items without proper packing. Their full-packing solution includes all labor, packing materials, and packing at $1.00 to $1.50 per cubic foot. The exact cost depends on where you live and the time of year. Safeway’s emails also list a unique additional service: expedited delivery. Delivery with Safeway can take up to 30 days (compared to other brands’ listed 21 days), so this might be a good investment. The rate listed in my email is $1.00 per cubic ft (or $850 minimum). However, expedited delivery isn’t available in all 50 states.
After a discount, a 573-mile move between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC, was estimated at 521 cubic ft and:
- Self-packing option: $3,375.00
- Full-packing option: $3,896.00
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
Simply asking for a discount from Safeway Moving may net you a good chunk of change. I was informed that if I waited a day, I could receive some money off the quote. Sure enough, the next day, I received a quote with $400 off the total price. Safeway also offers first-time customer discounts and a 5% discount if you mention St. Jude’s Children Cancer Foundation to the representative.
Like many full-service movers, Safeway includes assembly and disassembly of standard furniture and basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb. up to $10,000) in its quotes. Packing materials and full-service packing can be purchased for additional fees, and they do sell specialty boxes, such as boxes for exercise bikes. You can also opt for additional coverage known as full value protection, which comes with three deductible levels: $250, $500, and $1000. Although their website doesn’t make it clear, Safeway can assist with piano, special item, and antique moving as well as car shipping, custom crating, and junk removal. They don’t tackle home staging. This resulted in Safeway getting a 9 in customization.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Safeway Moving currently has a B- on the BBB and a 4.2 on Trustpilot, which resulted in them getting a 9 in reputation according to our criteria. While this is a high rating on Trustpilot, reviews on Google and the BBB are more mixed (both a 3.8 as of this writing). They’re responsive to positive reviews on Google but they don’t reply to negative reviews on Google or positive or negative ones on Trustpilot. Many customers who had excellent experiences with these movers state that Safeway exceeded all expectations, and crews and representatives were careful, polite, responsive, and knowledgeable. However, 1-star reviews state that there were massive delays with deliveries, and when items were finally received, boxes were crushed and furniture was damaged.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B- / 3.96 out of 5 stars | 131 |
| Trustpilot | 4.2 out of 5 stars | 36 |
| 4.0 out of 5 stars | 229 | |
| Yelp | 1.3 out of 5 stars | 66 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Safeway Moving
Stellar customer service is often cited in 5-star reviews for Safeway Moving. Several reviews mention the representatives and crews they worked with by name, thanking them personally. They acknowledged that Safeway made the entire moving process smooth and stress free.
Most Common Criticism for Safeway Moving
One common complaint among 1-star reviews is delivery delays. Customers who didn’t have good experiences with Safeway explained that their items were stuck in storage for weeks at a time, and they found little to no recourse with Safeway’s representatives. When the items finally arrived, many belongings were damaged, dented, or scratched.
Safeway’s lowest score, at just 7, is in transparency. Their website contains no sample pricing but does tout “no extra fees.” It’s not entirely clear what this refers to as the emails I’ve received from the company detail additional services and their costs. It could be referencing “no hidden fees” instead. Safeway also lost a little ground because not all of their trucks have GPS tracking, but they earned some points thanks to their binding estimates, disclosure of their status as a broker/carrier, posted customer service hours, and online and over-the-phone booking. Safeway does have a quick quote tool on two of their websites, too, but on one page it throws an error and on another it simply informs you a representative will be in touch.
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Moving APT is one of only two moving companies on this list that earned a perfect 10 in both basic services and customization (the other is Allied Van Lines). For homeowners in need of home staging, Moving APT’s partners have it handled. This service can increase interest in your home and help you sell it for top dollar.
This brand is also our pick for best quoting experience. Other companies have you jump through hoops to get a quote. Whether it’s a quick quote tool that’s anything but quick, a 45-minute phone call, or an in-home assessment, getting a moving estimate takes a lot of time. However, I was on and off the phone with Moving Apt in just 10 minutes. Plus, their quick quote tool is actually quick (and you’ll be offered a 15% discount after using it).
Moving APT is a broker only. Like IMRG, this means working with a partner of the brand rather than the brand itself. You could work with a mover who is fantastic from start to finish, or you could be paired up with a mover who has a lengthy history of 1 and 2-star reviews.
This moving company also scored particularly low in transparency, the lowest on this list, in fact. Their website is missing the mark when it comes to information for their customers, especially pricing. Moving APT doesn’t list sample prices, additional fees, or customer service hours.
Moving APT scored an 8.2 based on the criteria we measure against. Much of this score is attributable to the company’s perfect 10 scores in basic services and customization. They offer a wealth of moving solutions, serve 180 countries, and have home staging, a rarity among other moving brands on this list. For those who want to sell their home for top dollar, staging can help you attract more attention to your house.
They’re also our pick for best quoting experience. When calling for quotes, it can be easy to get burnt out. Many movers keep you on the phone for 30 or 40 minutes, if not longer. Some won’t even give you an estimate over the phone as they require in-home or virtual assessments. Moving APT’s process, though, takes just 10 minutes over the phone. They also have a moving cost calculator on their website that not only delivers an estimate but also gives you a discount if you supply your contact information afterward.
However, Moving APT is a broker, which means when you hire the brand, the job is going to be outsourced to one of their partners. They’re just the middleman. This can result in you getting paired with a great or not-so-great moving company. In addition, since they work with over 2,500 agents, their website can’t list things like sample pricing or additional fees, since every company will have slightly different pricing structures.
Based on our criteria, Moving APT earned a 10 in basic services. With a network of over 2,500 partners, they’re equipped to handle any move, from local transportation within the same city to moves to over 180 countries around the globe. Loading, unloading, and storage are included in all of their quotes, but customers can choose between “Standard Full-Service Move” and “Platinum Full Packing Service Move.” Platinum comes with full packing, including crating furniture, custom boxes, and packing materials. Unpacking is also available, but it will cost you extra. Their website contains no information about their storage facilities, but the warehouses and their features will depend on the movers you’re paired with.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Thanks to hefty discounts, Moving APT was one of the most affordable companies on this list of best moving companies. Their Standard moving package includes the basic estimate price, fuel surcharge, and booking fee, while Platinum includes packing and packing materials. You could incur additional fees if your road doesn’t have access for the trailer, if the movers have to climb a lot of stairs, or if there is a long carry from your front door to the truck.
For a move from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, I was estimated to be moving 5,274 lbs worth of belongings. I was quoted:
- Self-service option: $2,700
- Full-service option (without unpacking): $3,700
- Full-service option with full value protection (without unpacking): $4,522.64
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
If you don’t have to move on a specific date, you could take advantage of Moving APT’s three-day pickup window flexibility coupon. It personally would have saved me $1,275.87 on my quote. Plus, if you use the moving quote tool on their website and submit your contact information, they’ll give you a 15% discount off your total price.
Moving APT is one of only two companies on this list who earned a perfect 10 in customization (the other is Allied Van Lines). Unlike many other movers, they offer home staging, which can be a fantastic service if you want to increase the selling power of your house ahead of a move. Like many other moving companies, assembly and disassembly of standard furniture are included in their quotes, as is basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb. per article). Customers can opt for their full value protection as well if additional insurance is needed. Their Platinum Full Packing Service Move does include packing materials, but even if you’d like to self-pack, you can purchase boxes, kits, tape, and more right through a link they supply in their quote emails. The emails also contain an auto transport number if you forgot to let Moving APT know you needed car shipping ahead of time. In addition, Moving APT and their more than 2,500 partners are equipped to handle piano moving, custom crating, junk removal, and antique moving for their customers.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | Yes |
Reviews for Moving APT are middling. With a 3.53 on the BBB and a 3.7 on Google, as of this writing, customers are having vastly varying experiences with the company’s partners. On Yelp, their score is currently a 1.3, one of the lowest on this list. Due to a B+ on the BBB and an unclaimed Trustpilot profile, Moving APT landed at a 7.8 in reputation. The company is responsive to all positive reviews on Google but only responsive to some negative ones. When other movers respond to negative reviews, they often apologize and ask the customer to reach out to them personally to try to rectify the issue. However, Moving APT’s responses to 1-star reviews are disheartening. They often say, “We don’t know who this customer is” or actually argue with the customer rather than offering them assistance. If you have a concern during or after your move, you may have more luck contacting the moving agent you were partnered with due to these responses.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B+ / 3.53 out of 5 stars | 15 |
| Trustpilot | N/A | N/A |
| 3.7 out of 5 stars | 246 | |
| Yelp | 1.3 out of 5 stars | 172 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Moving APT
Customers who had positive experience with Moving APT’s partners cited professional, efficient, and kind movers with solid communication from Moving APT and the crew before, during, and after the move. Others explained they had fragile antiques that needed to be moved, but the crews arrived fully prepared and carefully wrapped each and every piece so there was no damage upon delivery.
Most Common Criticism for Moving APT
Those who left 1-star reviews detailed bad experiences with the movers, explaining that items were held hostage until more money was paid, communication was nonexistent during the move, and there were higher than-expected fees for their full-packing services.
Moving APT came in very low in transparency at only a 5.3. A lot of points were lost because they didn’t have sample pricing, a list of additional fees, or customer service hours posted on their website. However, their quick quote tool is one of the best I’ve found among these top moving companies. It doesn’t require your contact information to use. After you get an estimate, they invite you to submit your email and let you know you’ll get 15% off your move if you do. When many other movers advertise a quick quote calculator but don’t actually give you a quick quote, this is definitely refreshing. Moving APT also received some points thanks to their online and over-the-phone booking options and binding estimates. This company is a moving broker/carrier, though, meaning Moving APT will act as the intermediary and partner you with one of their moving agents to actually complete the job. Broker/carriers can often offer more services than carriers, but not all of their agents are going to be the best of the best. You may be partnered with one who is less than ideal.
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
Like American Van Lines, JK Moving Services starts the move off on the right foot with an extremely helpful and user-friendly website. They have dedicated pages for a majority of their services and detail what to expect before, during, and after your move if you decide to go with them.
JK Moving takes it further than AVL, though. They deliver extremely informative emails after you contact them. I was given PDFs, tips, and advice for my move, including checklists, information about their financing options, and more. No other company in my experience delivered this much information after I contacted them.
JK Moving Services was far and away the most expensive mover on this list. Their cost estimates were more than double those of other companies for the exact same inventory. This could be due to the fact that JK Moving uses weight to determine quotes, but it’s definitely not the whole story.
And, disappointingly, JK Moving Services’s quoting experience isn’t fast. Their quote tool doesn’t give you an estimate, but rather informs you a representative will be in touch shortly. Then, the company will only give you a ballpark estimate until you complete a virtual assessment that includes taking 30 to 60 videos of your belongings. This is extremely time consuming, especially when you’re trying to compare quotes and movers.
JK Moving Services’s websites and emails are definitely some of the most informative and user friendly compared to other movers I’ve spoken to. Their website provides extensive details about their services, differentiators, contact information, and more. The emails I received from the representative were chock full of resources, tips, PDFs, and videos. This attention to detail and forthcoming approach can definitely be reassuring when you’re in the midst of a stressful move. In addition, JK Moving offers a number of moving services, while serving over 170 countries.
Although many of my questions were answered without having to contact the representative thanks to the emails and website, the representative was very responsive when I reached out. They were more than happy to not only answer the questions I had, but to send me additional resources on their services, solutions, and reputation. Overall, JK Moving Services received an 8.4.
However, where JK Moving Services misses the mark for me is their quoting process. As informative as their website is, their quoting tool won’t return with an estimate. Instead, after entering your contact information, they inform you a representative will reach out to you shortly. Whether you call or enter your information online, the quoting process then takes a while. When I called, for example, I was asked questions about my inventory and then transferred to another representative the next day who would be handling my move. I was asked many of the same questions again, and while my inventory was the same compared to other moving companies I contacted, the price was more than double in comparison. Then, I was advised I would have to undergo a virtual survey and upload 30 to 60 videos of my belongings. It’s definitely a lengthy process when you’re just trying to get an idea of how much a move will cost you. That high price could be rectified after the virtual survey, but it could scare off customers, too.
For basic services, JK Moving earned a perfect 10. Their crews can assist with local, long-distance, interstate, and international moves to over 170 countries. However, it’s important to note that JK Moving Services only conducts local moves in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Loading and unloading are included in their quotes, but full-packing and unpacking solutions come with additional costs. When it comes to storage, this mover offers facilities that have 24/7 video surveillance, motion sensors, options for climate-controlled storage, and fire-suppression systems.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
JK Moving Services’s estimate was much higher than that of other moving companies I talked to, even with the same inventory and similar move distances. These movers do base their quotes on weight, so this could partly be to blame. For example, AVL estimated my inventory to weigh 3,304 lbs. JK Moving took that same inventory and came out to a weight of 6,050 lbs. However, Moving APT’s weight estimate (5,274 lbs) was closer to JK Moving’s estimate, and yet the self-pack option is $5,000 cheaper with Moving APT than with JK Moving. Another reason for the discrepancy in weight and price could come down to a miscommunication. When I called JK Moving, I talked to one representative on the phone and detailed my inventory to be moved. My information was then handed off to a second representative who contacted me the following day. It’s entirely possible that something was lost in translation between the two representatives regarding my inventory. Even if there was an error, though, these movers are definitely much more expensive than the competition.
I requested information for a two-bedroom home move between Mobile, AL, and Dallas, TX, a distance of 588 miles. I received the following numbers:
- Self-service option: $7,522
- Full-service option: $9,388
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Mobile, AL, to Dallas, TX, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
JK Moving offers financing to their customers, starting with a 0% APR promotional period if approved. After the promotion, the APR starts at 3.99%. This mover also offers a 2% discount to customers of Brookfield Residential, and some long-distance and international moves come with full packing included in the total cost.
JK Moving Services received a 9 in customization, losing a point as they don’t offer home staging. Assembly and disassembly of standard furniture are included in their quote, as is basic valuation coverage. Customers can choose to go with full valuation coverage as well. Mine was priced at $24,000 worth of coverage with a $0 deductible for $252. Car shipping is done through JK Moving’s partner McCollister’s Auto Transport which uses custom-designed enclosed trailers with GPS tracking. These movers also have the experience to handle piano, antique, and special item moving with care, but custom crating is often done by a third-party agent. In addition, they offer junk removal.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Although JK Moving Services has an A+ on the BBB and a 4.5 on Google as of this writing, reviews on other trusted review sites are mixed. On Trustpilot, they have just a single review, but their other ratings are a 3.89 on the BBB and a 3.5 on Yelp. Responsive to many positive and negative reviews on Google and Yelp, JK Moving takes the time to thank past customers for their feedback and invites them to reach out if they have any issues or concerns. Positive reviews noted how the brand was able to make even a hectic move as smooth and stress free as possible with knowledgeable crews and representatives. On the other hand, those with less-than-stellar experiences explained there were unexpected extra costs on an already-expensive moving bill.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 3.89 | 75 |
| Trustpilot | 3.6 | 1 |
| 4.5 | 1,336 | |
| Yelp | 3.5 | 377 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for JK Moving Services
Common praise among top reviews for JK Moving Services cited professional and helpful crews that were able to pack and transport even the most delicate of items with care. Many also spoke of the efficiency of the teams, with one past customer on Yelp comparing the company to a Swiss watch.
Most Common Criticism for JK Moving Services
Customers who left 1-star reviews had different experiences with the crews, explaining that packing, loading, and unloading were careless. Boxes arrived smashed, items were in disarray, and several belongings were broken or scratched upon delivery. One customer explained that furniture and artwork were damaged, and the moving crew left a hole in the wall of their home.
JK Moving scores relatively lower on transparency. At just a 6.3, the mover doesn’t list sample pricing or additional fees you could be paying on moving day. In addition, they don’t disclose their status as a broker/carrier. This means you could work with JK Moving Services or you may be partnered with one of their moving agents. Knowing this up front can influence your decision on whether or not to work with a company. In addition, they do have a quick quote tool available on their website, but you’ll need to enter your contact information and wait for a call from a representative to get any numbers. However, JK Moving did get some points thanks to their GPS tracking availability on their trucks, posted customer service hours, binding estimates, and online and over-the-phone booking.
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
Home staging is rarely offered by moving companies, but Allied Van Lines does offer this service. This netted them a 10 out of 10 in both basic services and customizations — one out of only two movers on this list. As a broker/carrier, they have the network that enables them to offer a number of solutions homeowners are looking for from a mover, from local moving to junk removal.
One of the services Allied offers is car shipping. In fact, they’re our choice for best vehicle shipping options. They have both open and enclosed carriers depending on your unique needs and can also assist with transporting boats and snowmobiles. Even if you’re moving internationally and want to bring your car with you, Allied has you covered.
Allied Van Lines doesn’t offer estimates or quotes over the phone or through their quick quote tool online. Customers have to schedule a virtual or in-home walkthrough in order to get a quote. This can be exceedingly time consuming if you’re shopping around for a mover.
Allied also has some of the lowest reviews on this list. As of this writing, they have a 2.3 on Trustpilot and 1.09 out of 5 stars on the BBB. Customers cite extensive delivery delays, missing items, broken belongings, unhelpful crews, and little to no customer support from the representatives.
Only two companies on this list earned a perfect 10 in both basic services and customization based on what we look for. Allied Van Lines is one of them. They specialize in local, long-distance, cross-country, interstate, and international moves with a number of add-ons depending on your needs. If your move is small, too, they have Allied Express — a container-like option that could save you quite a bit of money in the long run.
Allied is also our choice for best vehicle shipping options, as they can assist with moving any vehicle, including boats and snowmobiles. Their auto transport works both domestically and internationally and comes with up to $100,000 valuation coverage at $0 deductible. It’s a single cost, too, so you won’t be playing a guessing game with how much it costs to ship your car. The number they tell you is the number you’ll pay — no hidden fees. Generally, it takes three to seven business days for your car to be delivered, and their website states if they’re delayed for any reason, they’ll provide you with a rental car for free.
However, both transparency and reputation for Allied is on the lower side. They have poor reviews on Trustpilot and BBB currently, and their website doesn’t have any sample pricing or additional fee examples listed. Plus, their quick quote tool simply takes your contact information, letting you know they’ll contact you soon. While they do have a perfect 10 in both basic services and customization, their lower scores in transparency and reputation brought them to an 8.3.
Whether you’re moving to the next city over or internationally, Allied Van Lines has you covered. They service over 130 countries and can tackle the loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking for you if needed. Packing and unpacking do cost extra, but you can opt for partial packing as well to save some cash. If you want to do the loading and unloading yourself, too, Allied has Allied Express. This is a service similar to U-Pack, where a container is delivered to your door, you load it up, and they deliver it to your new home. Storage is also available through Allied, with flexible options depending on your needs. Storage-in-transit can be used for 90 days, but after this period, you would have to go with permanent storage. Their facilities are climate-controlled and come with security features, including 24-hour surveillance and alarm systems.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Allied Van Lines doesn’t deliver quotes, estimates, or ballpark numbers without a virtual survey or in-home assessment. These allow the brand to get a more accurate picture of your belongings and, in theory, deliver a more accurate quote. However, this process is time consuming and can be exhausting, especially if you’re doing several virtual surveys for various companies. The quoting tool on Allied’s website doesn’t deliver a quote, but instead passes on your contact information to a representative so they can schedule your assessment.
Available Discounts
Allied doesn’t publicize any information about their discounts, but their blog does advise you to ask movers about them. It states that many moving companies will give money off to “veterans, members of professional or social organizations, and… seniors.”
Allied Van Lines also earned a perfect 10 in customization. They offer home staging, junk removal, custom crating, piano moving, antique moving, and special item moving. For insurance, Allied offers both basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb.) with every quote and “Extra Care Protection” (ECP) for an extra fee, which allows you to protect your belongings based on an amount you determine. Their website actually breaks down exactly how the two coverage options differ and has an online claims form, two features I haven’t often seen on other movers’ websites. Assembly and disassembly of standard furniture are included in their quotes, and packing materials can be purchased.
Where Allied really excels is their auto transport services. They have open and enclosed carriers available, deliver vehicles within three to seven days, and offer up to $100,000 valuation coverage per vehicle. You’ll receive a single bill for the expense, so no hidden fees, and if Allied doesn’t deliver on time, they’ll provide you with a rental car at no extra charge.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | Yes |
Allied Van Lines only received a 7 under reputation. While they have an A+ on the BBB, they only have a 2.3 on Trustpilot as of this writing. On the review side of things on the BBB, they also only have a 1.09. It’s important to note, however, that all Allied branches have their own Google and Yelp business profiles. For this article, I used their offices closest to their parent company’s headquarters in Chicago, IL. There, the brand has a 4.9 on Google, but the Yelp profile has no reviews currently. If you’re thinking about working with Allied, you’ll want to check out your local branch and investigate the experiences customers have had with them. Positive reviews speak of professional crew members and representatives, efficiency during the move, and top-notch communication every step of the way. Negative reviews, though, detailed broken items, missing property, and denied insurance claims. Allied is responsive, however, to negative and positive reviews on the BBB.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+/1.09 | 57 |
| Trustpilot | 2.3 | 12 |
| 4.9 | 133 | |
| Yelp | Not available | Not available |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Allied Van Lines
Customers who had standout experiences with Allied detailed constant communication from the crews, representatives, and drivers throughout the entire move. Even during complicated moves with narrow walkways and long walks, the movers went above and beyond.
Most Common Criticism for Allied Van Lines
Those leaving 1-star reviews for Allied Van Lines often explained that items arrived damaged or were missing. Some even noted that, as they unpacked, they kept finding more belongings broken. When they went to file a claim, they were denied even with Allied’s Extra Care Protection coverage.
Allied received only a 6.3 in transparency. Their website doesn’t list any sample pricing or additional fees that could be incurred during your move, and while there is a quote feature on the site, you won’t get any information right away. Allied simply takes your contact information and hands it off to a representative to schedule your virtual or in-home assessment. This mover also lost some points due to the fact that it doesn’t disclose it’s a broker/carrier, which is important information to have. Allied may outsource your move to another company and not alert you of the fact. This can be a bit of a gamble as you never know the reputation of the movers you’ll be working with before you get a quote. However, Allied did get some points in transparency thanks to their GPS tracking availability on some trucks, posted customer service hours, over-the-phone and online booking, and available binding estimates.
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
When working with U-Pack, it’s very easy to know what to expect. The entire process is straightforward. The company will deliver a container to your home. You have three days to load it before they pick it up and transport it to your new location. Once it’s delivered, you have three days to unload it before U-Pack arrives to take it away. When you’re dealing with additional fees, issues with movers and crews, and other full-service hurdles, this can be a breath of fresh air if you just want a simple-as-can-be move.
I’ve also personally had excellent experiences when talking with U-Pack. The representatives were extremely helpful and answered all the questions I had. Plus, if you don’t want to pick up the phone to get a ballpark estimate, you don’t have to. Their quick quote tool gives you the same information you’d receive over the phone.
While U-Pack’s service is very straightforward, it’s also not for everyone. It’s self-service, which means you’ll be doing the heavy lifting yourself. It truly is the DIY option of movers. If you live in a high rise or can’t pack up your own furniture, this might not be a viable option for you. You can hire a third-party agent through U-Pack to handle the loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking, but this will cost you some extra cash.
The nature of U-Pack also means the company is lacking in all the bells and whistles. Options for piano, antique, and special item moving are limited, and insurance doesn’t cover anything that’s broken. They also don’t handle car shipping, junk removal, or home staging.
U-Pack is a stellar option if you want to handle a majority of the move yourself and save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your move. It’s a very simple process. They drop the container, known as a ReloCube, off at your front door. You have three days to pack it up, and they’ll then transport it to your new location for you to unpack. You have three days to unload it before they come to pick up the container. You might also get paired with a trailer rather than a ReloCube if they think it’s a better fit for you. For example, for a two-bedroom home move, a trailer is recommended as two ReloCubes would be needed, and it’s more cost-effective to go with the trailer. However, you can always opt for two containers instead if you wish.
When you hire U-Pack, you know exactly what to expect, and there’s no guesswork about move dates, weight, or additional fees. You’re only charged on the space you use in their ReloCubes or their trailer. Their quoting process is very straightforward, and utilizing the quick quote tool on their website can make getting an estimate easy. You can even start your reservation right from that page. Personally, the interactions I’ve had with the brand have been fantastic, too. The representatives were helpful, polite, and quick to address any questions I had.
However, the brand is a self-service company, which means they don’t offer all the extras compared to the other movers on this list. You’ll be on the hook for doing the heavy lifting unless you want to hire a third party to do it all for you. Due to having a smaller range of services, however, U-Pack received a 6.9 overall.
In basic services, U-Pack earned a 7. While they’re equipped to handle local, interstate, and long-distance moves (including moves in Alaska and Hawaii), they don’t do international moves. Options for packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading are also limited. Most customers are going to be tackling this work themselves while U-Pack handles the transport. However, they do have a third-party agent they recommend if you need assistance during your move. You will have to pay extra for that service, though, so at that point, it may be worth it to look into other full-service movers and compare prices. Storage is also available through U-Pack. In fact, if you go with the ReloCubes, you can store your items for as long as you need. Storage in their trailers, though, is only available for up to 120 days.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
U-Pack’s quotes are based on the space you use in the trailer or how many ReloCubes you require for your move. For trailers, if you use more or less space than you anticipated during the quoting process, your quote will be adjusted accordingly. During the reservation process, customers can choose between trailers and ReloCubes, depending on their needs. For a two-bedroom home move, it was recommended that I use 14 feet of a trailer. This would be the equivalent of two ReloCubes. However, according to their quick quote tool, it’s more expensive to go with the containers than it is the trailer, so it’s important to think about your needs, as well as your budget, when deciding between the two.
For a move between Mobile, AL, and Dallas, TX, delivery was estimated between four and six business days, and I was quoted:
- 14 feet of space on a trailer: $2,166
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Mobile, AL, to Dallas, TX, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
The quick quote tool on U-Pack’s website doesn’t require your contact information to get an estimate, but it does invite you to enter your email if you’d like to be alerted to special moving offers and price reductions for your move. When talking with a representative, I was also advised to book as soon as possible as their prices go up the closer you get to your move date. Since they don’t require a deposit and you can cancel up to one business day of your scheduled move, this can be a fantastic way to lock in a lower price.
U-Pack comes in extremely low for customization at just a 5. Due to the nature of the company, they simply just don’t offer all the extras. While they can absolutely move your piano, special items, or antiques, for example, the items will lack proper protection. U-Pack only supplies customer carrier negligence coverage and catastrophic coverage. These policies don’t cover any damages caused by improper packing, so if you have any high-value items, you may not want to move them with U-Pack. The container service also doesn’t offer custom crating, home staging, or car shipping, but they can move motorcycles. Packing materials and solutions for the assembly and disassembly of furniture can be purchased through one of their third-party vendors.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | No |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
U-Pack received an 8 in reputation and has a strong history on both the BBB (A+ and 4.35) and Google (4.0) as of this writing. However, reviews are more mixed on Trustpilot (2.6) and Yelp (3.1). It’s important to note that U-Pack has different Google and Yelp profiles for their various offices around the United States, so you’ll want to look into your local U-Pack’s review before making a reservation. For this article, we used their headquarters. The company is responsive to some reviews on Google and the BBB. Positive reviews spoke of stellar customer service every step of the way, while negative reviews detailed broken belongings upon delivery and little recourse available..
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 4.35 out of 5 stars | 199 |
| Trustpilot | 2.6 out of 5 stars | 223 |
| 4.0 out of 5 stars | 11 | |
| Yelp | 3.1 out of 5 stars | 25 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for U-Pack
Those leaving positive reviews often highlight the company’s customer service. Many 5-star reviews also talked about how the process was extremely simple and straightforward and how they’ve used the company several times already and plan to use them again.
Most Common Criticism for U-Pack
Negative reviews for U-Pack often discuss broken furniture and other items upon delivery. Since the brand only offers limited coverage, many claims are denied and customers feel they have nowhere to turn after many of their belongings were destroyed beyond repair.
With a score of 8, U-Pack meets most of the factors we look for in transparency. Their quick quote tool actually delivers online quotes without requiring contact information — a rarity I’ve seen among movers. You can even opt to enter your email after you use it to get alerts about special price offers and reductions. In addition, U-Pack’s website lists sample pricing for various moves. However, they don’t list any additional fees that could be incurred during your move, such as costs for stairs, long carry, or elevators, as these would be through a third party. If you’re not opting for third party movers to help you pack or load your ReloCube, you shouldn’t see any additional fees with U-Pack. Additional points were given thanks to U-Pack’s disclosure as a carrier, binding estimates, online and over-the-phone booking, and GPS tracking availability on their trailers and Relocubes. While the company doesn’t have posted customer service hours, they do have a handy tool on their website that lets you know how many representatives are available to take your call at any given time.
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
If this is your first time moving or you’re stressed about your upcoming move, North American Van Lines (NAVL) has you covered. Their website is chock full of resources that will make your move as worry free as possible. You can find tools that help you determine how many boxes you’ll need for your belongings, moving day checklists, packing tips, selecting supplies, and more. There’s even a page dedicated to helping you move your wine collection.
NAVL also offers a majority of the services homeowners are going to be looking for in a mover. While they don’t offer home staging like Allied and Moving APT do, they’ve been in the business since 1933 and understand what customers are looking for when they work with a moving company. In addition, NAVL can assist with moves to over 130 countries around the globe.
Like Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines won’t give you a quote over the phone. They require customers to undergo a virtual survey or home assessment in order to get an estimate. Their quick quote tool on their website also doesn’t deliver an estimate, but passes your information on to a representative who will contact you about your move. When you’re trying to just get a ballpark quote for your move, this process can be overwhelming, especially if you have to repeat it several times.
NAVL also comes in very low when it comes to reviews. While they’re rated A+ on the BBB, they only have a 2.3 on Trustpilot as of this writing. Plus, their headquarters in Fort Wayne, IN, only has a 2.8 on Google and a 1.0 on Yelp currently. These poor reviews are not inspiring and are some of the lowest on this list.
According to the criteria we look for in movers, North American Van Lines received a 7.9. They’ve been in business since 1933 and know exactly what customers are looking for and need in the midst of their move. The company offers most of the services their clients are going to be looking for, from local moving to car shipping and full-packing solutions to custom crating. NAVL can also assist with international moves to more than 130 countries.
In addition, NAVL’s website is a fantastic resource. It doesn’t just cover what the company can do for its customers. It’s full of checklists, resources, tips, tricks, and calculators to help make your move a breeze. One feature I particularly love is their unique packing calculator. Simply enter how long you’ve lived in the home, how you’d describe your home (clutter free or stuffed with belongings), and the rooms you’d like to include. Their calculator will come back with a packing material list for you and even break down how many boxes and supplies you’ll need per room.
However, North American Van Lines does come up short in two areas for me — their quoting process and their reviews. They require their customers to go through a virtual survey or in-home assessment in order to get a quote. You can’t get a ballpark figure from their online quoting tool or a representative. In addition, their reviews are concerning. They only have a 1.13 on the BBB, a 2.3 on Trustpilot, a 2.8 on Google, and a 1.0 on Yelp as of this writing. The low quantity of reviews, though, could point to only dissatisfied customers leaving reviews and suggest that NAVL doesn’t reach out to customers to leave testimonials often.
North American Van Lines earned a 10 out of 10 for their basic services. They deliver self-pack and full-service resources for local, interstate, international, and long-distance moves. Their packing services are also customizable. You can request full-pack, custom crating only, or fragile-only services, mixing and matching depending on your needs. They also offer unpacking if needed. Loading and unloading are included in all of their quotes, and storage solutions are flexible (short-term or long-term are available). Plus, NAVL’s storage facilities are climate- controlled and come with security approval from the U.S. Department of Defense.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
As with Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines doesn’t deliver moving quotes without a virtual or in-home assessment. This quoting process is free and can be done entirely through your smartphone. A specialist will go through your home room by room, talk to you about specialty services such as custom crating, and discuss access to your current home and your new home. These steps help to ensure they’re delivering an accurate quote up front and there are no additional expenses on your moving day. However, there’s no denying that this is a tedious process and if you’re doing it over and over with other moving companies, it can be exhausting to get an estimate of how much your move will cost you in the end.
Available Discounts
For interstate moves, North American Van Lines offers discounts to veterans, according to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) website. NAVL doesn’t advertise any other ways to save money when working with them, but it’s always advisable to ask your representative about any special promotions or available discounts. You can also save money by booking your trailer as soon as possible, as prices do tend to go up the closer it gets to your moving date.
For customization, NAVL received a 9 out of 10. Assembly and disassembly of basic furniture, including dining room tables, swing sets, and beds is included in the price. The movers also supply you with packing materials if you opt for their full-pack service, but you can also purchase standard boxes and specialty moving supplies depending on your unique needs. For example, they offer wardrobe, mirror, and mattress boxes as well as dishpack barrels that come with built-in dividers to keep your dishware secure. In addition, NAVL offers piano, special item, and antique moving, custom crating, junk removal, and car shipping on open and enclosed car carriers. For valuation coverage, basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb. per article) is included in all of their quotes, but additional coverage can be purchased. They have a straightforward claims process on their website and over the phone, too.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
While North American Van Lines has an A+ rating on the BBB, the brand only has a 2.3 on Trustpilot as of this writing. This resulted in us giving them an 8 overall in reputation. Ratings on trusted review sites for NAVL are generally low. Currently, they have a 1.13 on the BBB. Every local office for these movers has its own Google and Yelp profile, but their headquarters profiles show only a 2.8 on Google and a 1.0 on Yelp. However, I do want to point out that, overall, very few people have reviewed NAVL and this could be why they have such low ratings. The company may not be reaching out to happy customers often to get their reviews, and, therefore, only unhappy clients are detailing their experiences. The positive reviews that do exist speak of timely pickup and delivery and helpful crew members. One-star reviews explained that a majority of items were damaged or missing.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 1.13 out of 5 stars | 32 |
| Trustpilot | 2.3 out of 5 stars | 7 |
| 2.8 out of 5 stars | 26 | |
| Yelp | 1.0 out of 5 stars | 11 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for North American Van Lines
NAVL has only a handful of positive reviews on trusted review sites. Here, customers discuss timely delivery and knowledgeable crew members. The mover also has several testimonials on their website, and customers have stated that the crews and representatives were professional, friendly, and efficient.
Most Common Criticism for North American Van Lines
A majority of reviews on trusted review sites for NAVL are negative. Customers discussed broken items upon delivery, damaged furniture, inefficient crew members, and disorganized moves. Several customers explained they had to wait well over the three-week delivery time to receive their items.
North American Van Lines received only a 6.3 in transparency. Points were taken off due to the fact that the website doesn’t detail any sample pricing and additional fees that could be incurred during your move, such as costs for long carry, stairs, and shuttle use. They also don’t have posted customer service hours or disclose their status as a broker/carrier. Working with broker/carriers means that the company may move your items, but they might also outsource the job to one of their contractors. And while NAVL does have a quick quote feature on their website, it doesn’t actually give you an estimate when you use it. Instead, it informs you that someone will reach out shortly about your quote and to schedule an assessment. NAVL did get some points, however, for their GPS tracking on some of their trucks, online and over-the-phone booking, and binding estimates.
Mayflower Moving
4.1
Our Rating
Mayflower Moving has a very user-friendly website. It’s easy to find what you’re looking for. When many other companies’ websites are mazelike or don’t actually give you any information about their services, a user friendly one is refreshing. Mayflower’s contains details about their move solutions, full-service packing, and moving tips and advice. In addition, they have the MyMayflower Move Portal which makes it easy to track your move on your computer or on your phone.
Although Mayflower won’t give you a binding estimate without a virtual or home walkthrough, they’ll give you a ballpark quote over the phone. This can give you insight into their costs without having to jump through hoops. You’ll know rather quickly if this is a mover that will fit into your budget.
Mayflower Moving’s reviews are hard to pin down. For example, they’re on the BBB, but their BBB profile is actually for their parent company, Unigroup. As a result, many of the reviews are not for Mayflower but for Unigroup and its other subsidiaries. They’re also on Trustpilot, but they only have six total reviews. Plus, Mayflower doesn’t have profiles on Google or Yelp.
I’ve also personally found communication from representatives of this brand to be lacking. The company operates as a broker/carrier, and in one instance, I was simply told to call the partner company. As a broker, they’re supposed to make that connection for me. Another time I called, I received a ballpark estimate from Mayflower, but received no follow-up information or details about the company after the call was complete.
According to our criteria and what we look for in basic services, customization, reputation, and transparency, Mayflower Moving earned a 7.9 out of 10. The company is a broker/carrier, and as a result, can offer a wide range of moving services to their customers. Their website also does a great job of breaking down those solutions and showing you what you can expect when working with Mayflower or one of their clients. You’ll also find moving tips, advice, eight-week moving planners, and videos. Plus, as our choice for “best technology,” they have the MyMayflower move portal. It can be used on your computer or on your phone, and it gives you access to a moving checklist, timeline, tips, booking, and more.
Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines require you to go through a virtual or home assessment in order to get a moving estimate. They won’t give you a quote at all over the phone. While Mayflower also requires a virtual or home assessment for a binding estimate, the representatives aren’t against giving you a ballpark estimate to get you started. This can be a solid strategy to make a shorter list of movers you may want to hire.
However, communication from the company does seem to be on the limited side. One representative simply told me to talk to their partner company. Usually, moving brokers do that legwork for you. While they gave me a quote, another representative sent me no follow-up information about my estimate or the next steps. In addition, their lack of reviews isn’t inspiring. While they do have testimonials on their website, it seems that Mayflower Moving doesn’t go out of its way to collect reviews from its customers. They don’t have Google or Yelp profiles, they only have six total reviews on Trustpilot, and a majority of reviews on the BBB under their profile are actually for their parent company, Unigroup.
Mayflower Moving offers everything we look for in a mover for basic services, from local moving to storage services. Even if it’s a small move, they have you covered with their Snapmoves service. These are specifically designed to be cost effective and customizable. For those moving internationally, Mayflower can also (likely) help as they serve over 150 countries around the world. Loading and unloading are included in their quotes, but full packing, partial packing, and unpacking services cost extra. Mayflower even offers electronics packing and installation if you don’t want to personally deal with disassembling your computer and TV system and reassembling them in your new home. In addition, this mover offers short- and long-term storage solutions.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Mayflower Moving does require customers to conduct a virtual survey or home assessment in order to get a binding estimate. They highly recommend using the virtual survey to save time, which is touted to be user friendly. However, before you even get to that step, Mayflower representatives can still give you a ballpark estimate. I was personally able to get a ballpark quote for a two-bedroom move, but didn’t receive a follow-up email about what that price includes or their additional fees. It’s important to note, though, that Mayflower won’t give an estimate for packing without the assessment.
For a move between Mobile, AL, and Dallas, TX, I was quoted:
- Transportation without packing: $2,000 to $2,900
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Mobile, AL, and Dallas, TX, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
Mayflower Moving currently doesn’t offer any specific discounts to customers. However, it never hurts to ask for a lower quote or for advice on lowering your estimate. It’s generally recommended that you book as soon as possible, though, as movers tend to get more costly the closer you are to your moving date.
Mayflower Moving came in at a 7.7 for customization. They, like many movers, don’t offer home staging, and while they do offer packing materials and junk removal, availability is limited and depends on your location. Assembly and disassembly of bed frames is included in all quotes, too, but this is much less than many other movers offer. Competitors will disassemble and reassemble all basic furniture, not just bed frames. Car shipping, however, is available for a majority of their moves, and Mayflower has open-sided and enclosed car carriers for this particular service. In addition, they can assist with piano moving, custom crating, and antique moving. When moving with Mayflower, customers can choose between minimum valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb. per article) or full-value protection (starting at $6.00 per lb.).
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
As of this writing, Mayflower has a B rating on the BBB and a 2.4 on Trustpilot. This earned them a 7 according to our criteria. Reviews for this moving company, however, are hard to pin down. The ones you can find aren’t inspiring. For example, while the company has a 1.3 review rating on the BBB, many of these reviews (and their B rating) are actually for their parent company, Unigroup. On their Trustpilot, there are only six reviews, and the company doesn’t have Google or Yelp profiles. While Mayflower collects testimonials for their website, only three can be viewed at any given time. Nailing down the reputation of this brand is definitely difficult. The testimonials, though, speak of great overall experiences, stellar communication, and an easy online quoting process. Negative reviews detailed broken furniture, rushed crews, and damage to homes. Unigroup is responsive to reviews on the BBB, but neither Mayflower nor Unigroup answers any on Trustpilot.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/1.3 | 33 |
| Trustpilot | 2.4 | 6 |
| Not available | Not available | |
| Yelp | Not available | Not available |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Mayflower Moving
The only place to really see praise of Mayflower Moving is through testimonials on their website. These customers detailed excellent attention to detail from beginning to end, reliable communication, and helpful crews and representatives from the brand.
Most Common Criticism for Mayflower Moving
A majority of reviews for Mayflower Moving on trusted review sites are fewer than 3 stars. Many unhappy customers detail broken items and scratched furniture. One on Trustpilot even claims that damage was done to their home by the moving crews.
When it comes to transparency, Mayflower Moving received a 7.3. The company gained points due to GPS tracking availability on some of their trailers, posted customer service, online booking, over-the-phone booking, and binding estimates. The brand is also forthcoming about their status as a broker/carrier, and will give you some up-front information about the agents they’ll partner you with. For example, when researching a move in Alaska, they work with World Wide Movers, Inc. Alaska, and Golden North Van Lines. Mayflower’s website does have a quoting tool, but customers shouldn’t expect an estimate after using it. Like many movers on this list, it simply informs you a representative will call you soon. We also docked some points as the company doesn’t list sample pricing or additional fees on their website.
What to Look for in a Reputable Company for Moving
All reputable moving companies will follow applicable federal, state, or international laws. The exact requirements your movers need to meet depend on where they’ll be operating during your move. Every state has different regulations, too. Movers in Connecticut, for example, have to hold certain certifications and permits. However, in Delaware, local moving companies aren’t subject to specific state registrations to operate.
If you are working with a moving company within the United States, they should:
- Be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and be listed as a carrier, broker/carrier, or broker
- Have a USDOT number
- Give you a copy of the federally required “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet at some point before your move
- Supply you with a copy of your bill of lading (the document that details the inventory to be moved)
- Meet all other applicable local, state, and international laws and regulations
How To Avoid Moving Scams
Scams during moves are all too common. The FMCSA has a number of resources to help you spot and avoid moving scams. Their Moving Fraud Prevention Checklist clearly details what you should look for in a mover, and their Household Goods Program allows you to search moving companies, view their registration, and see a history of complaints made against the brand.
Common moving scams include:
- Hostage load
- Also known as a ransom load, this is when a mover holds your belongings unless you pay additional fees, usually thousands of dollars. While there can be additional unexpected costs when moving, most hostage loads are illegal, and the company cannot hold your items hostage. If you are ever subjected to this scam, the moving company should be reported to your state’s transportation department and the FMCSA.
- Mover fraud
- Some bad actors will pose as legitimate movers just to take the deposit and disappear. Checking their USDOT number and history of complaints through the FMCSA will help you avoid fraudulent companies.
- Change of address
- Some movers will claim you have to pay them money, usually $100, in order to change your address. All homeowners and tenants can change their address for free at a United States Postal Service office or for a small fee online.
- Bait and switch
- Moving costs can change, especially if your inventory or services change before your moving day. However, some companies will lowball you in order to win your business only to raise the price exponentially on the day of your move. If you receive a quote that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
FAQs
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost?
The average cost of a moving company is $3,645.11, but the exact cost of your move can depend on a number of factors, including when you’re moving, your origin, your destination, add-on services, and more. However, it may be possible to get a lower moving cost by negotiating with the moving company.
Do You Need a Moving Company?
You do need a moving company because moving is often complicated, and professional movers have the resources and knowledge to help you get your items safely and quickly from point A to point B.
Are Moving Companies Worth It?
A moving company is worth it for a majority of homeowners and tenants. While you can choose to do it yourself, many homeowners will simply have too many belongings to move themselves and movers have the experience to tackle the job for you.
Other Resources for Prospective Movers
- Best Cheap Moving Companies
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- Best Interstate Moving Companies
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- Moving Quotes Online
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- Best Moving Companies for Small Moves
- Best Packing and Moving Companies
- Best Junk Removal
- Best Pet Shipping Companies
- Moving Companies That Offer Discounts To Senior Citizens
- Best Piano Moving Companies
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