10 Best Moving Companies of 2026
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, and North American Van Lines are the best moving companies of 2026, and Safeway and American Van Lines are both moveBuddha Certified. We ranked them after reviewing 4,500+ movers on a 72-point rating system. Use the reviews and comparison tables below to narrow your options, then compare quotes for your route.
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Best moving companies at a glance
- Best overall: Safeway Moving
- Best for local moves: American Van Lines
- Best for customized moves: North American Van Lines
- Best for seniors: Allied Van Lines
- Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
- Best for white-glove service: JK Moving Services
- Best for international moves: International Van Lines
- Best for flexible storage: PODS
- Best moving container: U-Pack
- Best moving truck: Penske
We base these rankings on side-by-side company comparisons, pricing research, and firsthand customer experiences from our Better Moves Project.
Why compare movers with moveBuddha?
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
Compare quotes and availability from the best moving companies with our moving cost calculator.
Key takeaways
- Best overall: Safeway Moving gives flat-rate binding quotes and includes 30 days of free storage-in-transit on interstate moves.
- Best by move type: American Van Lines leads for local moves, International Van Lines for overseas moves, U-Pack for containers, and Penske for DIY truck rentals.
- Cheapest option: A truck rental usually costs the least, while moving containers balance cost and convenience.
- Before you book: Compare at least three quotes and check each mover’s deposit, estimate type, and coverage options.
Compare the top moving companies
This table shows each company’s best use case, price tier, and deposit requirement so you can narrow down your shortlist quickly.
| Company | Best for | Price | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | Overall | $$ | Up to 40% |
| American Van Lines | Local moves | $$ | Up to 50% |
| North American | Customized moves | $$$ | None |
| Allied Van Lines | Seniors | $$$ | None |
| Mayzlin Relocation | Customer service | $$ | 25% |
| JK Moving Services | White-glove service | $$$$ | $250 |
| International Van Lines | International moves | $$ | 25% |
| PODS | Flexible storage | $$$ | None |
| U-Pack | Moving container | $$ | None |
| Penske | Moving truck | $ | None |
What are the best moving companies in 2026?
Here’s our full review of each company on our list, including services and pros and cons.
Best for cross-country moves: Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving is our top overall pick because it pairs fair, flat-rate pricing with quality full-service moves. Safeway is a licensed interstate carrier founded by a U.S. Army veteran, and it serves all 48 contiguous states.
Every interstate move with Safeway includes 30 days of free storage-in-transit. Its crews also offer full-service packing with shrink wrap and moving pads to protect furniture and fragile items on long moves.
Safeway Moving services include:
- Long-distance moves
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Custom crating for heavier items
- Storage solutions
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Full-value protection coverage
Safeway Moving pros & cons
- Flat-rate binding quotes
- 30 days of free storage-in-transit
- Founded by a U.S. Army veteran
- Serves all 48 contiguous states
- No online pricing
- No local moves
- Not ideal for small moves
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
Best for local moves: American Van Lines
American Van Lines is primarily a long-distance mover, but it also provides quality full-service local moves. The company has been in business since 1995 and is registered with the Department of Defense as a certified transportation provider for military moves.
American Van Lines offers full-service packing plus specialty handling for pianos and antiques. Customers often say their final price matched their binding quote.
American Van Lines services include:
- Local and long-distance moves
- Commercial moving and corporate relocation
- Antique and piano moving
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Storage options
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
American Van Lines pros & cons
- Binding quotes
- Local & long-distance moves
- Piano & antique moving
- DoD-certified for military moves
- No moves to or from Alaska or Hawaii
- Deposit of up to 50%
- No online shipment tracking
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best for customized moves: North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL) builds each local, long-distance, or international move around your needs and budget, so you only pay for the services you use.
If you choose NAVL’s not-to-exceed quote, you won’t pay more than that amount, even if your shipment weighs a little more than expected. NAVL also offers auto shipping if you’re moving a vehicle.
North American Van Lines services include:
- Local, long-distance, and international moves
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Storage options
- Auto transport
- Specialty and fragile item transport
- Corporate relocation and commercial moves
North American Van Lines pros & cons
- Fully customizable moves
- Not-to-exceed quotes
- Online shipment tracking
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Nationwide availability
- Hard to reach customer service
- In-home survey needed for a binding quote
- Slow claims process
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
Best for seniors: Allied Van Lines
Moving to downsize, or helping an aging parent move, comes with emotional and logistical challenges. Allied Van Lines handles both with full-service packing and add-ons like piano moving, antique handling, and auto transport.
Allied Van Lines services include:
- Local, long-distance, and international moves
- Corporate and office relocations
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Storage-in-transit
- Auto transport
Allied Van Lines pros & cons
- Full-service packing for seniors
- Moves cars, RVs & boats
- Online shipment tracking
- Local, long-distance & international moves
- Must call for local quotes
- Pricier than other full-service movers
- Some claims-process complaints
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation is our top choice for a personalized moving experience. The family-owned company handles moves directly rather than through third-party partners and assigns each customer a relocation consultant.
Mayzlin’s customer support is available 24/7, and you get your deposit back if you cancel at least seven days before your move.
Mayzlin Relocation services include:
- Local moves in certain areas
- Long-distance moves
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Storage, including 30 days free on long-distance moves
- Full-value protection coverage
Mayzlin Relocation pros & cons
- Matches competitors’ lower prices
- 30 days of free storage on interstate moves
- Personal moving coordinator
- Full refund if you cancel 7 days out
- Quotes by phone only
- 25% deposit at booking
Best for white-glove services: JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services offers a wide range of specialty services, including antique and piano handling, moving large yard or fitness equipment, and custom crates for artwork.
JK Moving is one of the pricier companies on our list, but customers consistently praise its white-glove service.
JK Moving Services services include:
- Long-distance and international moves
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Storage options
- Vehicle transport
- Financing for moving services
- Corporate relocations
JK Moving Services pros & cons
- Low-interest financing for those who qualify
- Background-checked movers
- Several coverage options
- One of the priciest movers on our list
- Slow claims process
- Local moves only in MD, VA & DC
Best for international moves: International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) ranks first on our list of the best international moving companies. In business since 2000, IVL handles local, long-distance, and overseas moves through a large global partner network.
IVL includes a free month of storage and offers add-ons like auto transport and specialty item handling.
International Van Lines services include:
- Local and long-distance moves
- International moves
- Storage services
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Auto transport
- Government and military moves
International Van Lines pros & cons
- Domestic & overseas moves
- Free month of storage
- Auto & fragile item transport
- Last-minute moves within 48 hours
- No mobile app
- Not always cheapest for domestic moves
- 10% discount for veterans and seniors
- Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
- Services local, long-distance, and international moves
- Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer service
Best for flexible storage: PODS
PODS is a moving and storage container company built for DIY moves. It offers 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot containers, and you can order more than one for a larger home.
Your first 30 days of storage are included in the price. You can keep containers on your property or at a PODS facility.
PODS services include:
- Portable moving and storage containers
- Storage at your home or a PODS facility
- Third-party packing and loading help
- Boxes and moving supplies
PODS pros & cons
- Three container sizes
- First 30 days of storage included
- Load & unload at your own pace
- Flexible cancellation
- Not available in AK, MT, ND & WY
- Long-distance moves booked by phone
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Best moving container: U-Pack
U-Pack is one of the most affordable moving companies and a top pick among the best moving container companies. You load a trailer or ReloCube container yourself, and U-Pack’s professional drivers take it to your new home.
U-Pack gives online quotes, includes fuel in its pricing, and charges only for the trailer space you use.
U-Pack services include:
- Moving trailers and ReloCube containers
- Long-distance moves
- Door-to-door or service center delivery
- Storage solutions
- Packing supplies
U-Pack pros & cons
- Pay only for trailer space used
- Professional drivers
- Guaranteed transit & tracking available
- Cheaper than full-service movers
- No local moves
- Only three days to load & unload
- ReloCubes stored only at U-Pack facilities
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best moving truck: Penske
Penske Truck Rental is our pick for a fully DIY move. Its one-way rentals come with unlimited mileage, which keeps long-distance costs predictable.
Penske trucks range from cargo vans to 26-foot trucks, and you can buy packing supplies or rent dollies and furniture pads.
Penske services include:
- Moving truck rentals
- Towing equipment rentals
- Packing supplies and equipment
- Moving labor through a partner
Penske pros & cons
- Unlimited mileage on one-way rentals
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Online quotes
- Five vehicle sizes
- Per-mile rates on local rentals
- Fewer locations than some rivals
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Enter your ZIP code below to see prices and availability from top-rated moving companies.
How do you choose the right type of mover?
The right moving company for you depends on how much help you need, how far you’re going, and your budget.
- Full-service mover: Choose this if you want professionals to handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading.
- Moving container: Choose this for a lower price with more flexible loading and storage time.
- Truck rental: Choose this if cost matters most and you’re comfortable doing the labor and driving yourself.
- Interstate mover: Choose this if your move crosses state lines and you need a mover licensed for interstate service.
- International mover: Choose this for overseas shipping, customs support, and destination coordination.
Still unsure? Compare quotes first, since pricing and service differences usually make the best option clear. You can also read our Better Moves Project stories to see what real customers paid and how their moves went.
How do we rate the best moving companies?
We rate movers on a 72-point system that covers customer satisfaction, services, industry reputation, state availability, payment options, scheduling flexibility, and mover type. Our data comes from 25+ sources, including government databases, the BBB, and firsthand reports from moveBuddha readers.
How much does a moving company cost?
Moving company prices vary widely for the same move, and your quote depends mostly on the size and distance of your move. The time of year, add-ons like packing or custom crating, and specialty items can also raise your cost.
Here are example quotes from the companies on our list, based on moveBuddha’s most recent firsthand pricing data:
| Company | Deposit | Cost | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway | Up to 40% | $4,300 | 2,900 miles |
| American Van Lines | Up to 50% | $3,578 | 1,360 miles |
| Allied Van Lines | None | $12,999 | 1,242 miles |
| Mayzlin Relocation | 25% | $4,500 | 1,050 miles |
| JK Moving Services | $250 | $15,960 | 1,900 miles |
| International Van Lines | 25% | $4,153 | 1,300 miles |
| PODS | None | $4,000 | 1,242 miles |
| U-Pack | None | $1,430 | Under 250 miles |
| Penske | None | $1,199 | 342 miles |
These are example prices, not quotes. The moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator runs on 1,000+ live price points collected every month, so you get a concrete benchmark to measure any mover’s quote against.
National moving company discounts
These discounts from companies on our list can help lower the cost of your move:
| Company | Discounts offered |
|---|---|
| Safeway | Senior, military, AAA, student & first responder |
| Allied Van Lines | Senior & military |
| Mayzlin Relocation | Call to ask about senior & military |
| International Van Lines | Senior & military |
| PODS | Senior |
| U-Pack | Senior, military & AAA |
| Penske | Senior, military & AAA |
What types of moving companies are there?
The type of moving company you book has a big effect on how much time and money your move takes. Here’s a quick overview of your options.
Residential moving companies
Residential moving companies include local, long-distance, and interstate movers. Local movers usually handle moves within a 50 - 100 mile radius.
Interstate movers cross state lines, so they must hold federal authority from the FMCSA. They typically have larger fleets and broader services than local movers.
International moving companies
International moving companies use global partner networks to move you to another country. Most offer ocean freight, full container shipping, and air freight, plus storage and vehicle shipping.
Moving container companies
Moving container companies deliver a portable container to your home, which you load at your own pace. The company then transports it to your new home or holds it in storage, which helps if you need flexible dates.
Moving truck rental companies
Moving truck rental companies are the go-to option for DIY moves and usually the cheapest, since you handle the packing, loading, and driving. Many offer unlimited mileage on one-way rentals, which keeps long-distance pricing predictable.
Freight companies
Freight companies provide a trailer that you pack and load yourself. Many let you pay for only the space you use and fill the rest with other shipments headed the same way, a cost-effective middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Moving companies with storage
Many long-distance movers offer storage-in-transit, which holds your belongings temporarily if you can’t move into your new home right away. Some also offer longer-term storage.
Moving companies with junk & debris removal
Some full-service movers remove junk and debris at the start or end of a move, including leftover packing materials. Expect to pay extra for this service.
Car shipping companies
Car shipping companies transport your vehicle so you don’t have to drive it on a long-distance or international move. Most ship cars by truck, though rail is another option.
Specialty movers
Specialty movers handle fragile, bulky, or unusual items like pool tables, pianos, art, and antiques. See our list of the best antique moving companies, and plan to book a regular mover for the rest of your belongings.
Commercial moving companies
Commercial moving companies specialize in office moves, including computers and business equipment. Many also handle corporate relocations when an employee moves for work.
FAQ
How much do professional movers cost?
Professional movers cost around $2,100 for a local three-bedroom move and $5,500 for a long-distance move, on average. Your price depends mostly on the size and distance of your move. Use our moving cost calculator for an estimate based on your move.
What is the cheapest moving company?
The cheapest full-service moving company is American Van Lines, based on our research and Better Moves Project experiences. For DIY moves, Budget Truck Rental is usually cheapest. U-Pack tends to be the most affordable moving container.
What is a moving broker?
A moving broker is a company that books your move with a separate carrier, which does the actual work. moveBuddha isn’t a broker, and we don’t recommend working with brokers. Check which company name and USDOT number appear on your paperwork before you sign.
How do I know if a moving company is reputable?
You’ll know a moving company is reputable if it holds a valid license from the FMCSA or your state, along with plenty of positive reviews. It should also give you a clear written contract and transparent pricing. A moveBuddha Certified mover has already passed our vetting.
How far in advance should I hire a moving company?
You should hire a moving company at least six weeks before your move to make sure it’s available. Start collecting quotes about two months ahead when you can. Book even earlier for a summer move.
Do moving companies require a deposit?
Many moving companies require a deposit, and the amount varies by company. Deposits on our list range from none to 50% of the move cost. It’s a red flag if a mover wants full payment upfront.
Should I tip movers?
You should tip movers if they do a good job, though it isn’t required. A tip of 5% - 10% is typical for a standard move, and 15% - 20% for outstanding service or a complex move. See our movers tipping guide for flat-rate options.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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