Top Moving Companies in the United States
After evaluating hundreds of moving companies based on service quality, customer reviews, pricing transparency, and reliability, we present our top recommendations for now:
1. Allied Van Lines
Services: Local, long-distance, international moves
Specialty: Full-service moves, corporate relocations
Coverage: Nationwide with 500+ agents
Visit Website →2. North American Van Lines
Services: Residential, commercial, military moves
Specialty: Cross-country relocations
Technology: Real-time shipment tracking
Visit Website →3. United Van Lines
Services: Local, interstate, international moves
Specialty: High-value item handling
Experience: 45+ years in business
Visit Website →4. Mayflower Transit
Services: Full-service moves, storage
Specialty: Military and government moves
History: 90+ years in business
Visit Website →5. Two Men and a Truck
Services: Local moves, packing services
Specialty: Small to medium-sized moves
Availability: 350+ locations nationwide
Visit Website →6. U-Pack
Services: DIY moving with professional transport
Specialty: Budget-friendly long-distance moves
Savings: Up to 50% off full-service moves
Visit Website →7. PODS
Services: Portable storage containers
Specialty: Flexible timeline moves
Convenience: On-site storage option
Visit Website →8. Bekins Van Lines
Services: Residential, commercial moves
Specialty: High-end furniture handling
Heritage: Established in 1891
Visit Website →9. International Van Lines
Services: International relocations
Specialty: Overseas moves, customs clearance
Global Reach: 180+ countries served
Visit Website →10. JK Moving Services
Services: Local, long-distance, international
Specialty: Eco-friendly moving options
Commitment: Carbon-neutral moving
Visit Website →11. College Hunks Hauling Junk
Services: Small moves, junk removal
Specialty: Apartment moves, donation pickup
Charity: 2 million+ lbs donated yearly
Visit Website →12. Atlas Van Lines
Services: Residential, corporate moves
Specialty: Vehicle transportation
Network: 400+ agents nationwide
Visit Website →13. Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services: Local, long-distance moves
Specialty: Piano and fragile item moving
Training: 120+ hours for specialty items
Visit Website →14. Roadway Moving
Services: Local, interstate moves
Specialty: Luxury item handling
Service: White-glove moving experience
Visit Website →15. Firefighter's Moving
Services: Local, long-distance moves
Specialty: Veteran-owned business
Mission: Supports burn foundations
Visit Website →16. FlatRate Moving
Services: Local, interstate moves
Specialty: Binding price quotes
Transparency: No hidden fees
Visit Website →17. Solomon & Sons Relocation
Services: High-end residential moves
Specialty: Art and antique transportation
Security: Climate-controlled options
Visit Website →18. Liberty Moving Systems
Services: Corporate relocation services
Specialty: Employee relocation programs
Technology: Dedicated move coordinators
Visit Website →19. Modern Moving
Services: Tech-enabled local moves
Specialty: Instant online booking
Innovation: Real-time crew tracking
Visit Website →20. Green Moving Company
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Visit Website →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →Advertising Place
Services: Eco-friendly moving solutions
Specialty: Sustainable packing materials
Commitment: Zero-emission vehicles
Contact:[email protected] →How We Selected These Companies
Our research team evaluated moving companies based on:
- Customer Satisfaction: Analyzed 50,000+ reviews across multiple platforms
- Service Quality: Evaluated handling of fragile items and specialty possessions
- Pricing Transparency: Assessed clarity of estimates and hidden fee policies
- Reliability: Tracked on-time performance and claims resolution
- Innovation: Considered technology integration and modern solutions
Solving Americans' Top Moving Challenges
Based on our survey of 2,500 recent movers, we've identified and solved the most common pain points:
1. Budget Overruns and Hidden Fees
The Problem: 73% of movers reported costs exceeding estimates by 30-50%, with unexpected charges for stairs, long carries, and shuttle services.
Comprehensive Solutions:
- Get binding estimates: Only accept guaranteed-price quotes in writing from at least 3 companies
- Understand all potential fees: Ask specifically about charges for stairs, elevators, long carries (>75 feet), and shuttle services
- Measure access points: Document stair counts, doorway widths, and parking distances at both locations
- Use our cost calculator: See our detailed cost breakdown with average prices for all services
- Budget buffer: Add 20% to your highest estimate for unexpected expenses
2. Damage to Belongings
The Problem: 42% of moves result in damaged items, with only 31% receiving full compensation due to poor documentation.
Professional Protection Plan:
- Create a video inventory: Walk through each room narrating item conditions (use apps like MoveNote)
- Understand insurance options: Basic (60¢/lb) vs Full Value Protection (1-3% of item value)
- Pack strategically: Use our fragile packing guide with professional techniques
- Supervise loading: Be present to ensure proper handling of all items
- Inspect immediately: Check all items within 24 hours of delivery and document any damage
3. Extreme Stress and Decision Fatigue
The Problem: Moving ranks as the 3rd most stressful life event, with 68% reporting decision fatigue from hundreds of small choices.
Stress Reduction System:
- Follow our 8-week timeline: Use our day-by-day checklist to eliminate guesswork
- Delegate tasks: Hire help for packing (TaskRabbit), cleaning (Thumbtack), or organizing
- Create decision buckets: Categorize items into "Keep", "Sell", "Donate", "Trash" before packing
- Schedule downtime: Block off 2-hour relaxation periods during moving week
- Prepare an essentials kit: Pack a clearly labeled box with 3 days' worth of necessities
4. Scams and Untrustworthy Movers
The Problem: FMCSA reports 15% of moving complaints involve scams like hostage loads or bait-and-switch pricing.
Scam Prevention Guide:
- Verify credentials: Check USDOT number at FMCSA's SAFER System
- Spot red flags: Avoid companies that demand large deposits, have no physical office, or use unmarked trucks
- Read reviews strategically: Look for patterns in feedback across BBB, Google, and Yelp
- Get multiple estimates: We recommend 3-5 in-person or virtual surveys
- Trust our vetted list: Our top 20 movers have been thoroughly researched
5. Community Adjustment Difficulties
The Problem: 61% of movers feel isolated in their new location, with 43% still unpacking after 3 months.
Settlement Success Plan:
- Pre-move research: Use Niche to study schools, crime, and amenities
- Connection strategy: Join Nextdoor and 2 local Facebook groups before moving
- Unpacking system: Follow our room-by-room unpacking priority guide
- Exploration plan: Identify 5 local spots to visit in your first week (pharmacy, grocery, park, etc.)
- Routine establishment: Set up new habits (gym, coffee shop, walking route) within 2 weeks
6. Timing and Coordination Issues
The Problem: 55% experience scheduling conflicts between housing closings, moving dates, and utility transfers.
Seamless Scheduling Method:
- Create a master timeline: Sync moving dates with lease/closing dates using our interactive planner
- Build in buffers: Schedule movers 2 days before lease ends or 1 day after closing
- Stagger utilities: Keep old utilities active for 2 extra days, start new ones 1 day early
- Plan for contingencies: Identify local storage options as backup
- Use our coordination checklist: Download our move-day timeline template
Pro Tip: The Moving Binder System
Stay organized with these 5 essential sections:
- Estimates & Contracts: Signed agreements from all service providers
- Inventory Documentation: Photos/video walkthroughs and itemized lists
- Utility & Service Transfers: Confirmation numbers and contact info
- Address Change Records: Complete list of updated accounts
- Receipts & Expenses: All moving-related purchases for tax purposes
Download our free moving binder templates (PDF/Excel versions).
The Complete Moving Process: Step-by-Step
Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure nothing falls through the cracks during your relocation:
1. Planning Stage (8-12 weeks before moving)
- Create a moving budget: Use our interactive cost calculator
- Research moving companies: Compare our top 20 movers
- Decide on move type: Full-service (most convenient), DIY (most affordable), or hybrid
- Source packing materials: Get free boxes from Freecycle or buy from U-Haul
- Begin decluttering: Use the KonMari method to reduce items by 30-40%
- Research new area: Identify schools, healthcare, and essential services
2. Preparation Stage (4-6 weeks before moving)
- Book movers: Secure dates, especially for summer moves
- Change your address: Complete USPS forwarding and update 20+ accounts
- Transfer utilities: Use Move.org's utility service to coordinate
- Arrange storage: If needed, compare prices on SpareFoot
- Start packing: Begin with seasonal and rarely used items
- Measure spaces: Verify large furniture fits in new home
3. Packing Stage (2-4 weeks before moving)
- Pack systematically: Complete one room before starting another
- Label thoroughly: Use color-coded labels with room names and priority levels
- Create digital inventory: Use apps like Sortly to track boxes
- Prepare essentials kit: Pack 3 days' worth of necessities in clearly marked containers
- Disassemble furniture: Keep hardware in labeled bags taped to pieces
- Specialty items: Make arrangements for pianos, aquariums, etc.
4. Moving Week
- Confirm arrangements: Verify dates/times with all service providers
- Finish packing: Leave out only daily necessities
- Prepare appliances: Follow manufacturer guidelines for moving
- Clean thoroughly: Or book services through Thumbtack
- Plan meals: Use up perishables and freezer items
- Prepare payment: Have cash and payment methods ready for movers
5. Moving Day
- Final walkthrough: Check all closets, cabinets, and storage areas
- Supervise loading: Be available to answer questions
- Document condition: Photograph loaded truck and empty home
- Secure valuables: Transport important items personally
- Record meter readings: At both old and new properties
- Verify paperwork: Review and sign inventory lists carefully
6. After the Move
- Inspect deliveries: Note any damage before movers leave
- Unpack strategically: Start with essentials, then bedrooms/kitchen
- Complete address changes: Update remaining accounts and services
- Explore neighborhood: Locate essential services within first week
- Register vehicles: Complete new state requirements if applicable
- Settle in: Join local groups and establish routines
Moving With Children? Follow This Plan
- 4 weeks before: Involve kids in packing their rooms with special boxes
- 2 weeks before: Visit new neighborhood together if possible
- 1 week before: Pack a special "kid essentials" box with favorite items
- Moving day: Arrange childcare or assign a helper to focus on kids
- First week: Unpack kids' rooms first to create familiarity
- First month: Establish new routines and explore together
More tips at PBS Parents Moving Guide.
2025 Moving Costs: Comprehensive Breakdown
Based on current market data from our partner Unpakt, here's detailed pricing information:
Local Moves (within 50 miles)
- Home Size:Studio/1-bedroom
- Professional Movers: $300-$800
- Truck Rental: $50-$150
- Packing Services: $200-$400
- Total Range: $300-$1,200
- Time Estimate:4-6 hours
- Home Size:2-bedroom
- Professional Movers: $800-$1,500
- Truck Rental: $100-$200
- Packing Services: $400-$800
- Total Range: $900-$2,500
- Time Estimate:6-8 hours
- Home Size:3-bedroom
- Professional Movers: $1,500-$3,000
- Truck Rental: $150-$300
- Packing Services: $800-$1,500
- Total Range: $1,700-$4,800
- Time Estimate:8-10 hours
- Home Size:4+ bedroom
- Professional Movers: $3,000-$5,000+
- Truck Rental: $200-$500
- Packing Services: $1,500-$3,000
- Total Range: $3,500-$8,500+
- Time Estimate:10+ hours
Long-Distance Moves (per mile)
- Distance:500 miles
- Cost per mile: $0.50-$1.00
- Average total: $2,500-$5,000
- Typical weight:5,000-7,000 lbs
- Timeframe: 3-7 days
- Storage Included:1-2 weeks
- Distance:1,000 miles
- Cost per mile: $0.50-$1.00
- Average total: $5,000-$10,000
- Typical weight: 5,000-7,000 lbs
- Timeframe: 5-10 days
- Storage Included:2-3 weeks
- Distance:Cross-country (2,800+ miles)
- Cost per mile: $0.50-$1.00
- Average total: $4,000-$15,000+
- Typical weight: 5,000-10,000 lbs
- Timeframe: 7-14 days
- Storage Included:1 month
Additional Services Pricing
- Packing services: $200-$500 per room (source: HomeAdvisor)
- Storage: $50-$300 per month (see SpareFoot for local rates)
- Specialty items:
- Pianos: $300-$2,000 (grand pianos at higher end)
- Pool tables: $200-$800 depending on disassembly needs
- Safes: $150-$600 (over 500 lbs requires special equipment)
- Artwork: $100-$500 per piece for crating and handling
- Moving insurance:
- Basic: Included (60¢ per pound per article)
- Full Value: 1-3% of declared value
- Third-party: MovingInsurance.com offers comprehensive coverage
- Vehicle shipping: $500-$1,500 (compare at uShip)
10 Proven Ways to Reduce Moving Costs
- Move off-season: September-April rates are 20-30% lower than summer peaks
- Choose mid-month/week: Avoid weekends and month-ends when demand is highest
- Declutter aggressively: Reduce volume by 25% and sell items on Facebook Marketplace
- Pack yourself: But purchase specialty boxes for fragile items
- Compare quotes: Get 3-5 estimates from different company types
- Look for discounts: Military, student, senior, AAA, and corporate discounts often available
- Consider hybrid moves: Rent truck but hire loaders from Bellhops
- Use free supplies: Get boxes from local stores or Freecycle
- Transport valuables: Move jewelry, documents, and collectibles yourself
- Time utilities wisely: Overlap services by 1 day to avoid gaps
Tax Deductions for Moving
While most personal moves aren't tax deductible, you may qualify if:
- Your move is closely related to starting a new job or business
- You meet the distance test (50+ miles farther from old home)
- You meet the time test (work full-time for 39+ weeks in first year)
See IRS Topic 455 for details and consult a tax professional about:
- Transportation of household goods
- Travel expenses (excluding meals)
- Storage costs (up to 30 days)
- Temporary lodging expenses
Ultimate Moving Preparation Checklist
This comprehensive checklist will help ensure you don't forget anything important. Print it from Moving.com's checklist.
8-12 Weeks Before Moving
- Research moving companies and get estimates
- Create a moving binder or digital folder for all documents
- Begin inventorying your possessions (try apps like MoveNote)
- Start using up perishable food items
- Research schools in new area (check GreatSchools ratings)
- If buying/selling a home, confirm timelines with real estate agent
- Measure large furniture and doorways in new home
- Begin collecting packing supplies
4-6 Weeks Before Moving
- Schedule utility disconnections/connections (gas, electric, water, trash, internet)
- Change address with USPS (USPS Change of Address)
- Update address with banks, credit cards, subscriptions (use Centriq's checklist)
- Arrange for school records transfer if applicable
- Schedule medical records transfer and find new providers
- Obtain packing supplies (boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap)
- Begin packing non-essential items (seasonal decor, books, etc.)
- Schedule donation pickups for unwanted items
2-4 Weeks Before Moving
- Confirm moving company reservation
- Arrange for childcare/pet care on moving day
- Pack most items, leaving only essentials
- Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly (check EPA guidelines)
- Confirm travel arrangements if long-distance
- Plan meals to use up remaining food
- Prepare appliances for moving (defrost fridge, drain washer, etc.)
1 Week Before Moving
- Pack essentials box (toiletries, medications, chargers, etc.)
- Defrost refrigerator/freezer if moving
- Drain gas from lawn equipment
- Confirm utility transfer dates
- Prepare payment for movers (check their preferred method)
- Clean old home (or arrange cleaning service)
- Take photos of empty home for security deposit
- Verify parking arrangements for moving truck
Moving Day Essentials
- Moving contract and contact information
- Cash and payment methods
- Snacks, water, and basic tools (scissors, box cutter, etc.)
- Cleaning supplies
- Important documents and valuables
- Phone charger and portable battery
- First aid kit
- Keys for both old and new homes
- Maps/directions if traveling long distance
- Child/pet necessities if applicable
Digital Tools for a Smooth Move
These apps can simplify your relocation:
- Sortly - Inventory management with barcode scanning
- MoveNote - Video documentation of item conditions
- Centriq - Address change checklist with reminders
- Measurence - AR tools to visualize furniture placement
- TaskRabbit - Hire help for packing/unpacking
- Nextdoor - Connect with new neighbors early
Essential Moving Resources
Government Resources
- FMCSA Protect Your Move - Regulations for interstate moves
- USA.gov Moving Resources - Official government information
- Military OneSource - Relocation assistance for service members
- IRS Moving Expense Deductions - Tax information
Planning Tools
- Moving.com Tools - Calculators, checklists, and more
- Realtor.com Moving Center - Neighborhood insights
- Energy.gov Moving Guide - Utility setup assistance
- Unpakt - Moving cost comparison tool
- SpareFoot - Storage unit finder and comparison
Community Support
- r/moving subreddit - Crowdsourced moving advice
- Moving Help Facebook Group - Community support
- Nextdoor - Connect with new neighbors
- Meetup - Find local groups in your new area
Specialty Moving Resources
- ASPCA Pet Moving Guide - Relocating with animals
- AARP Senior Moving Guide - Relocating elderly parents
- Fine Art Shipping - Valuable artwork transportation