Our Moving Company Ranking System

Choosing the right moving company makes all the difference. By evaluating companies based on just the right factors, we find the ones who offer the services you need without the unnecessary bells and whistles, making moves stress-free, successful, and fast.

Here's how we do it:

✓ Customer Satisfaction – We measure overall satisfaction using customer feedback.

✓ Response Time – We assess how quickly companies respond to inquiries and service requests.

✓ Areas Serviced – We make sure the companies cover a lot of ground so we can compare them accordingly.

✓ Accurate Quotes – We make sure the estimates are fair and close to final figures.

✓ Customer Reviews – We take reviews into account to see what kind of service each company offers.

✓ Agent Helpfulness – We look at how customer service teams and agents support you throughout the moving process.

As part of our free comparisons and reviews of companies on this site, we may receive compensation from the companies featured. By doing so, we determine whether each company has been properly licensed by the USDOT and/or other appropriate organizations as a moving company or broker.

Choosing the Right Moving Company

To get the best deal on professional movers, get quotes from several companies. This can help you get an accurate idea of fair rates and a general price range to expect. The quote process for most online moving companies takes less than two minutes and is typically 100% free.

How Much Do Professional Movers Cost?

Local movers typically charge by the hour, whereas long-distance movers often charge based on weight of total items and distance traveled.

On average, a professional moving service cost roughly $1,000 - $2,000 (local) and $4,000 - $5,000 (long-distance) in 2023, according to information from the companies featured on our site. This can vary based on the number of rooms, travel distance, and any special services requested. Fewer rooms, fewer miles, and fewer special requests typically translates to lower prices.

Are there any ways to reduce the overall cost of moving?

U.S. households have an average of three bedrooms, according to a 2022 Statista report. Fewer bedrooms than this could mean paying less than the average cost above. More rooms? Here's a couple key ways our experts have identified that might help you shave off the total of your final bill:

• Purge Unnecessary Items
  • Reduce the amount of items you need to move by selling, donating, or discarding items you no longer use. The fewer items you need to pack and move, the cheaper the move.
• Get Multiple Quotes
  • Compare quotes from several moving companies. Prices can vary, so comparing them is a foolproof way to find the best deal.
• Try Off-Peak Times
  • You can spend more money during the summer months, on weekends, or at the beginning or end of the month. If possible, schedule your move during off-peak times.
• Book Early
  • It's better to book your movers in advance. Last-minute bookings can be more expensive if moving companies are in high demand.
• Check Your Insurance
  • If you have home insurance, check to see if it covers moves. This can save you loads of money and prevent unnecessary fees.
• Tax Deductions
  • You may be able to claim your moving expenses as tax deductions if you move for work. The IRS can be strict about what qualifies, so be sure to carefully review criteria.

What are the Different Types of Moving Services?

From packing to unpacking, let's break down the services different moving companies offer so you're prepared when it comes time to request a quote.

• Local Movers
  • Local movers specialize in moving within the same city or metro area, and their rates are typically hourly.
• Long-Distance Movers
  • Moving companies providing long-distance services handle moves that cover significant distances within the same state or across several states, (sometimes even internationally) usually charging based on weight and distance.
• Intrastate Moves
  • Movers that conduct service within the same state (beyond local moving distances) and are regulated by state authorities.
• Interstate Moves
  • Movers that move goods across state lines are subject to federal (rather than state) regulations and often involve more detailed scheduling and planning.
• Special Items Requests
  • These movers specialize in moving single items like pianos, antiques, large furniture, and art that require specialized handling or equipment.
• Packing/Unpacking Services
  • These services help ensure your belongings don't break during the move, and also helps you set them up once you have moved.
• Storage Services
  • Services that allow you to store belongings before, during, or after a move in a secured, sometimes even temperature-controlled location.

Make a Plan

Moving can seem overwhelming, but breaking the process down into manageable steps can make it go much more smoothly. Creating a plan is the first step to any successful move. Put together a timeline and set clear goals at each stage. Think about your moving date, your budget, and any special requirements, like transporting fragile items.

Many professional movers offer free resources like personalized checklists and professional agents who can help you every step of the way. By comparing the best options, we help you find the company that best suits your needs and your budget, so you spend less time worrying about the details and more time making your new house your own.