Whether you are moving family heirlooms or packing boxes of clothes, your items have emotional and monetary value. This is why it is so important to find a reputable moving company to take care of your belongings from the time the movers enter your home to the time they leave. However, trying to find a good moving company can be daunting. Fortunately, we have made a survey to help you rest assured that your valuables will receive professional care.
Why do you trust us?
We analyzed the service and customization options, valuation range options, reputation and national availability of 52 companies to determine the best moving company. In each category, we evaluated the quality and quantity of available services to calculate our fairness score. Read our complete method below.
52 companies reviewed 4,316 data points analyzed 83 features we considered 54 primary data sources usedOur choice
Best moving company
North American truck route: the best choice for flexible pricing
Mayflower transit: most suitable for large-scale mobile.
United trucking company: the best choice for liability insurance.
Sudden death transfer system: the most suitable for military operations
Solomon and his son relocation service: the best choice for East Coast relocation.
Allied Van Lines: the best choice to provide full-service
Best moving company
Atlas Van Lines star rating: 4.5 (out of 5)Full service packaging: Yes
Availability: 50 states, Washington, D.C., Canada, Mexico (not available in Puerto Rico)
Scope of responsibility options: 2
Why did we choose Atlas Van Lines?
We chose Atlas Van Lines as one of the best moving companies because it has more than 70 years of experience in helping customers provide local, long-distance and international moving services. Atlas Van Lines has an A+ rating from the Business Improvement Bureau (BBB) and is certified by ProMover.
Who should use Atlas Van Lines?
If you are looking for a company with connections and resources in an area lacking extensive services, Atlas Van Lines may be the most suitable. Atlas has more than 430 locations in the United States and Canada, and 1,500 partners in 17 different countries to help you move-big or small.
A favorable opinion
Easy to get a quote through a virtual estimate More than 70 years of experience in the moving industryfraud
No online tool for instant estimates Has several low reviews through the BBB for damaged itemsNorth American truck route: the best choice for flexible pricing
North American Van Lines star rating: 4.5 (out of 5)Full service packaging: Yes
Availability: 50 states, Washington, D.C., Canada and Mexico (not available in Puerto Rico)
Scope of responsibility options: 2
Why do we choose the North American truck route?
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is another top competitor on our list, thanks to its national availability, international service and all-round service function. The company is an industry leader with an impressive 90-year history and more than 500 companies all over the country. Thanks to NAVL's WorldTrac satellite tracking system and online shipment tracking system, you can be confident that your goods will reach the correct destination.
Who should use the North American freight train line?
If you want to minimize the cost of moving, North American trucking company may be your best moving company. The company provides a guaranteed written quotation, but not all companies provide it, so that you can know exactly how much you paid for moving.
A favorable opinion
Long-standing reputation with a four-year ranking for having one of the best customer services in 2023 Transparent pricing for shipping between several major citiesfraud
Poor customer reviews with a 1.13 out of 5 through the BBB May be challenging to find all information needed for planning a move on the websiteMayflower transit: most suitable for large-scale mobile.
Mayflower transit star rating: 4.4 (out of 5)Full service packaging: Yes
Availability: 46 States, Washington, D.C., Canada and Mexico (not available in Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories)
Scope of responsibility options: 2
Why do we choose Mayflower bus?
We chose Mayflower because the company has more than 90 years of experience in helping people move locally, long-distance and internationally. Mayflower also provides all-round moving services in more than 150 countries.
Who should use Mayflower bus?
Mayflower is an ideal choice for anyone seeking full service. Mayflower will handle your heavy items, and even remove garbage from your property if you have a big move. When your goods arrive at the new location, the company will provide unpacking service and equipment connection through third-party partners.
A favorable opinion
Offers several comprehensive add-on packages for protecting your valuables Full-service options are great for customizing a long-distance movefraud
No service in Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island or West Virginia No feature for estimating your expensesUnited trucking company: the best choice for liability insurance.
Star rating of United Truck Shipping Company: 4.2 (out of 5)Full service packaging: Yes
Availability: 46 States, Washington, D.C., Canada and Mexico (not applicable to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont or West Virginia)
Scope of responsibility options: 2
Why do we choose United trucking company?
United Van Lines has been in the moving industry for more than 90 years, providing long-distance, off-road, military and corporate moving services. The company is on our list because you can choose the protection plan. United's full-value protection plan exceeds your typical liability plan, but you can also choose the lowest liability evaluation plan or declare a higher protection value than the full-value protection plan.
Who should use the United trucking company?
United Trucks is one of the best moving companies for anyone seeking to protect their responsibilities. If you want to move very valuable items, it is very important to make a backup plan in case of unexpected events. The company's full-value protection plan works differently from the homeowner's insurance policy because you will get the replacement value of the damaged or lost property.
A favorable opinion
Customizable moving services to take you nearly anywhere across the world Excellent protection plansfraud
Not available in Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont or West Virginia Is not BBB accredited despite its 27 years in businessSudden death transfer system: the most suitable for military operations
Suddath star rating: 4.2 (out of 5)Full service packaging: Yes
Availability: 48 states, Washington, D.C., Mexico and Canada (not available in Hawaii and Alaska)
Scope of responsibility options: 2
Why do we choose the sudden transfer system?
Suddath Relocation Systems has more than 100 years of experience in the moving industry, and is a mature moving company, providing local, long-distance, military and international moving services. Suddath Relocation Systems, one of the top agents of United Van Lines, requires its employees to receive more than 250 hours of practical training to make your relocation in the best condition.
Who should use the sudden death transfer system?
If you are a military family that needs help moving, this may be the most suitable moving company for you. Suddath Relocation Systems is no stranger to residential relocation. It moves more than 80,000 families and more than 38,000 military families every year.
A favorable opinion
Specializes in employee relocation Experienced with military movesfraud
Customer ratings vary by location Not available in Alaska or HawaiiSolomon and his son relocation service: the best choice for East Coast relocation.
Solomon and his son relocation service star rating: 4.1 (out of 5).Full service packaging: Yes
Availability: 43 States and Washington, D.C. (not applicable to Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico)
Scope of responsibility options: 2
Why did we choose Solomon & Sons?
Solomon & Sons Relocation Service Company is a local family moving company, which was established in Florida and has rapidly developed to provide services to almost the whole United States. This company has won a place on our list because of its high customer reviews and ratings. Although this family business has grown, it still brings the local value of close-knit customer service to the forefront of its business.
Who should use Solomon & Sons?
If you are the kind of person who will search for the best and worst comments on the Internet when choosing a partner, Solomon & Sons Relocation Service Company will not let you down. The company's excellent record in customer service and satisfaction makes it a reliable choice for those looking for reputable companies.
Moreover, if you live on the east coast-specifically, near Florida or in Florida-this company will be easier to find than other moving companies. Although Solomon serves all 50 states, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana have limited or no services in winter.
A favorable opinion
Excellent customer ratings with a score of 4.27 out of 5 on the BBB Family-owned company offers a personal touchfraud
Less availability for pickups in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana in the winter season Some customer reviews complain about hidden feesAllied Van Lines: the best choice to provide full-service
Allied Van Lines star rating: 4.1 (out of 5)Full service packaging: Yes
Availability: 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and other US territories, Canada and Mexico.
Scope of responsibility options: 2
Why do we choose United trucking company?
Allied Van Lines has been in the moving business for more than 95 years. The company's transparency on transportation costs is refreshing, and will provide quotations according to your movement. It is available in all 50 states. You can rest assured that your porters have the experience to transport your goods from point A to point B reliably.
Who should use Allied Van Lines?
If you are looking for a full-service moving company that can be found in all 50 States, you will benefit the most from Allied Van Lines. As we all know, Allied Van Lines cooperates with third parties specializing in assembly and disassembly services, disconnection and reconnection services and cleaning services to tailor the mobile plan according to your needs. It even provides shuttle bus service for remote areas or areas with inconvenient transportation.
A favorable opinion
More than 95 years in the moving industry Excellent full-service packagesfraud
May cost more than competitors Low customer service reviews with a 1.09 out of 5 through the BBBA list of our selections
Our rating (out of 5 stars) Mover type No. of states available Atlas Van Lines4.5
Local, long-distance, interstate, international, full-service
50
North American Van Lines4.5
Local, long-distance, interstate, international, full-service
50
Mayflower Transit4.4
Local, long-distance, interstate, international, full-service
46
Not applicable to Germany, HI, RI, SD and WV.
4.2
Local, long-distance, interstate, international, full-service
46
Not applicable to HI, RI, VT and WV.
4.2
Local, long-distance, interstate, international, full-service
48
Not applicable to AK and HI.
4.1
Local, long-distance, interstate, international, full-service
50
Limited supply in ND, MT and SD areas.
4.1
Local, long-distance, interstate, international, full-service
50
What didn't pass
Our honors include Good Greece, JK Mobile and International Model Line.
Good Greek Moving and Storage: Has outstanding customer reviews and offers junk removal services but lacks features like a virtual assessment, moving calculator and inventory app JK Moving Services: Offers premium moves and is one of the largest independent moving companies in the United States but doesn’t offer junk removal services International Van Lines: Has transparent pricing and strong customer reviews but several complaints through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)What services does the moving company provide?
When choosing a moving company, it is very important to ensure that your moving company provides the services you need to move successfully. Here are some of the most common services that moving companies may provide:
Antique shipping Appliance disconnection and hookup Arts and collectible shipping Fragile packing Full-service International moving Interstate moving services Junk removal Local moving services Long-distance moving services Oversized hauling Piano shipping Self-service Storage Vehicle shippingHow much does the moving company cost?
The average cost of hiring porters is ,625. Short-distance relocation costs as low as 0, while long-distance relocation costs as high as ,700. With such price difference, you will find that many factors will affect the cost of moving.
Factors affecting mobile cost
Distance is one of the most important factors affecting the cost of moving, but in terms of cost factors, the size of your home is closely followed. The cost per mile of local movement is higher than that of long-distance movement, but the final cost will be the lowest because of the short distance. At the same time, the moving cost of a one-bedroom house is the lowest, while the cost of a five-bedroom house is much higher.
Common discount
Investing in a moving company may be a considerable financial undertaking, and finding a discount may be just what you need to offset some of your moving costs. Common discounts include:
First responder discounts Law enforcement discounts Membership discounts Military discounts Off-season discounts Senior discounts Student discounts Teacher discountsSome moving companies also cooperate with American Automobile Association (AAA) to give you a certain amount or percentage of moving expenses.
Beware of transactions that seem to be much lower than competitors' prices, because this may be a sign of fraud. Check carefully whether your moving company has proper license and insurance, and a reliable online reputation.
What are you looking for in a moving company
When choosing a moving company, many choices will make it difficult for you to judge which company is suitable for the job. Fortunately, looking at the company's opening years, its reputation and reliability, cost, license, insurance, service, function and availability can help you determine the best moving company.
efficiency
Some moving companies-especially smaller ones-will be full soon in the peak season, so it is necessary to check the company's vacancy situation in advance. The last thing you want is to plan to move, only to find that your future company is gone for weeks or months.
expense
Many moving companies have vague pricing online, which makes it important to call several moving companies to get quotations. Compare at least three quotations and find the most competitive price.
Licensing and insurance
All moving companies should be registered and licensed in FMCSA. If your future company is not, it may be a signal that you want to do business with a liar. Every state has a compulsory license, and moving companies must obtain a license to do business.
After obtaining the license, the company needs investment insurance. Not every moving company has the same insurance, so ask your moving company what kind of insurance their vehicles have and see what kind of protection they have.
Reputation and reliability
A reputable company will have enthusiastic customers to support it. Compare the number of online reviews and ratings with the number of years in business, looking for signs of a good reputation.
Services and functions
The distance you travel, the type of goods, your departure and alighting places, packing and unpacking services, disconnection and connection services, etc., will all have an impact on whether the moving company has the service types and functions you need to complete the move.
Doing business for many years
How long a company has been in business is not necessarily a comprehensive standard; However, the longer a company operates, the more customer comments and recommendations you should have to evaluate the company's reputation.
How to prepare for moving?
Preparing for moving may feel stressful and overwhelming, but you can make full preparations for a successful move by following the suggestions and techniques:
Create a timeline for your move. Make a moving checklist. Write down your entire inventory for an accurate quote. Set a budget. Decide on which moving and packing services you want. Compare moving companies and choose the right one for you. Reach out to your moving company two or three months before the move to confirm availability. Change your mailing address and associated subscriptions. Transfer your utilities, internet and TV services.Methodology
In order to determine the ranking of mobile companies, CNN emphasized that the home editing team analyzed 52 companies, and the star rating of each company was determined by many factors, including:
Mobile type (30%)
We reward companies that provide local, long-distance, international, full-service, self-service and carrier services. The company that offers the most choices gets the highest score.
Service and customization options (30%)
We offer points to companies that provide packaging and unpacking services, electrical disconnection and setting, transportation of cars and other vehicles, garbage removal and storage options. Companies that provide fragile items, antiques, works of art and collectibles, and piano packaging get extra points.
Liability insurance option (15%)
Companies that provide the lowest valuation coverage in the industry score the lowest, while companies that provide three or more options score the highest.
Reputation (15%)
We weighted the company's BBB scores, the number of complaints from the Federal Motor Transport Safety Administration in 2022 and years of experience to calculate their reputation scores.
Status Availability (5%)
Companies get points according to the number of states they serve. The more States are available, the more points we give them.
Online option (4%)
We provide online option points for companies, such as virtual evaluation, mobile supply calculator, GPS tracking and inventory application. The more options a company has, the more points we give them.
Editorial judgment (1%)
Our editors grade the company according to the expert evaluation. Companies with imperfect franchise stores, markets or websites did not score. Companies without the U.S. Department of Transportation number will be deducted. Companies that fail to meet these standards will get extra points.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to move?
Moving in autumn or early spring may be the best time of the year, because the demand is low, but the weather is not so unpredictable. Late spring and early autumn is the busiest time to move, and the cost may be higher due to the increase in demand.
Does the moving company provide a guarantee or guarantee?
Although not all moving companies provide guarantees or guarantees, the most reputable companies usually do. If your moving company doesn't offer a guaranteed quotation or protection plan, it may be unknown.
Are my belongings insured during the move, or should I buy additional insurance?
If you have a homeowner's insurance or rental insurance plan, it can protect your belongings during transportation, storage and arrival at a new destination. However, not all policies cover your property once they leave your old home. Be sure to check your home insurance plan before deciding whether to buy extra insurance. Some moving companies may offer better insurance plans than your existing ones.
How much should I tip the porter?
There are many ways to tip. You can tip each porter per hour, choose a fixed rate of to 0 per porter per day, tip 10% to 20% of the total moving cost, or choose an amount that meets your budget.