10 Best Moving Companies of 2026
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: We reviewed dozens of movers across customer satisfaction, services, pricing, availability, and reader-reported experiences and found Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, and North American Van Lines to be the top moving companies overall.
The best moving company depends on your move type, budget, and how much work you want to do yourself. To find the right mover, use the quick reviews and comparison table 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
These rankings are based on extensive research, side-by-side company comparisons, and firsthand customer experiences from our readers.
Why use moveBuddha to compare movers?
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing multiple moving companies and services before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support through the moving process.
- If something goes wrong during your move, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with your mover to help resolve issues and protect your move.
Ready to narrow it down? Compare quotes and availability from the best moving companies with our moving cost calculator.
Key takeaways
- Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service interstate moves thanks to its strong protection standards, flat-rate pricing approach, and broad availability.
- American Van Lines is our top pick for local moves, while International Van Lines stands out for overseas relocations, U-Pack is our favorite container option, and Penske is the best DIY truck rental on the list.
- The cheapest way to move is usually a truck rental, but moving containers can offer a better balance of cost and convenience. Full-service movers cost more, but they save you the labor.
- Compare at least three quotes before booking, and pay close attention to deposits, quote type, coverage options, and whether the mover handles your route directly.
- Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your costs, then compare movers that fit your budget and move type.
- For real customer experiences, visit the Better Moves Project to see how moves actually played out from booking through delivery.
Compare the top moving companies
If you want to compare the top movers side by side, start here. This table highlights each company’s rating, best use case, price tier, and deposit requirements so you can quickly narrow down your shortlist.
| Company | Our Rating | Best For | Price Range | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.5/5 | Moving van line | $$ | Up to 40% |
| American Van Lines | 4.5/5 | Local moves | $$ | Up to 50% |
| Allied Van Lines | 4/5 | Seniors | $$$ | None |
| Mayzlin Relocation | 4.45/5 | Customer service | $$ | 25% |
| North American Van Lines | 4.25/5 | Customized moves | $$$ | None |
| JK Moving Services | 4.25/5 | White-glove services | $$$$ | $250 |
| International Van Lines | 4.45/5 | International moves | $$ | 25% |
| PODS | 4.8/5 | Flexible moves | $$$ | None |
| U-Pack | 5/5 | Moving container | $$ | None |
| Penske | 4/5 | Moving truck | $ | None |
Our reviews of the best moving companies
Best for cross-country moves: Safeway Moving
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
Safeway Moving is a large full-service moving company that hasn’t lost focus on providing quality service and fair pricing. That focus makes Safeway our top overall pick for best moving van lines.
Safeway partners with vetted movers to serve all 50 states and some international moves. Safeway stands out for requiring all movers to carry $1 million insurance policies, a key benefit for big moves. Their movers also offer packing services — complete with shrink wrapping and moving pads — to protect your furniture, bulky items, and fragile items during a long move.
- Long-distance moves
- Some international moves
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Custom crating for heavier items
- Storage solutions
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Full-value protection coverage
Pros/Cons
- Offers transparent flat-rate pricing and price matching
- Transparent pricing
- 24/7 customer service
- 30 days of storage included for free
- Triple-check verification system to ensure accurate quotes
- Available in all 50 states
- Barebones website with no online pricing information
- Does not service local moves
- Not well-suited for small moves
Best for local moves: American Van Lines
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Although it is primarily a long-distance moving company, American Van Lines also provides quality full-service moving for local moves.
American Van Lines offers full-service packing, as well as fragile-only packing for specialty items like pianos and art. The company is a popular choice for local moves, thanks in large part to its binding pricing system and background-checked movers. AVL has built a reputation for providing consistent, high-quality service and competitive rates.
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
- Commercial moving and corporate relocation services
- Antique and piano moving, including custom crating
- Full-service packing and unpacking, as well as fragile-only services
- Storage options
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Full-value protection coverage
Pros/Cons
- Predictable, flat-rate pricing with binding quotes
- Moving for specialized items
- Background-checked and drug-tested employees
- Offers several discounts, including military and senior discounts
- Doesn’t offer moves to or from Alaska or Hawaii
- Requires up to a 50% deposit
- No online shipment tracking available
Best for customized moves: North American Van Lines
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
North American Van Lines (NAVL) provides customizable full-service moves for local, long-distance, and international relocations.
If you choose their guaranteed not-to-exceed quote, you will pay exactly that and nothing more, even if your items end up being a little heavier than expected. You can also pick and choose which of NAVL’s varied moving services you want to use for your move, allowing you total control over how much you will pay for your move in total.
- Long-distance, local, and international moves
- Full-service packing and unpacking, including furniture disassembly and assembly
- Storage options
- Auto transport
- Specialty fragile item transportation
- Cleaning services
- Full insurance coverage
- Corporate relocations and commercial moving services
- Packing supplies available for purchase
Pros/Cons
- Full-service moving options that can be customized to fit your move
- Free online quotes with no upfront deposit
- 24/7 online shipment tracking during your move
- Custom crating options for fragile items
- Nationwide availability
- Customers report it can be difficult to reach customer service
- An in-home walk-through is required to receive a binding quote
- The claims process can be difficult, according to online consumer reviews
Best for seniors: Allied Van Lines
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
Whether you’re an older adult who’s moving to downsize or you’re helping an aging loved one move to a new home, the senior moving process comes with its own challenges. Fortunately, Allied Van Lines understands both the emotional and logistical challenges of moving seniors.
Allied Van Lines offers full-service moving to help with packing, which is especially helpful for older people. Its team also handles add-on services like antiques and fragile items, piano moving, and vehicle shipping.
- Local, long-distance, and international moves
- Corporate and office relocations
- Full-value protection coverage
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Temporary storage in transit for up to 90 days
- Packing supplies available for purchase
- Moving container options available
Pros/Cons
- Instant online quotes
- 24-hour customer service
- Moves cars, RVs and boats
- Online shipment tracking
- Available in all 50 states and 130 countries
- Donates unwanted items to the Salvation Army
- You need to call for local moving quotes
- Tends to be more expensive than other full-service movers
- Some customers report experiencing technical issues with Allied’s claims process
Our Full Review: Allied Van Lines Review
Best customer service: Mayzlin Relocation
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
Mayzlin Relocation is our top choice if you’re looking for a personalized moving experience and round-the-clock customer support.
Mayzlin is a family-owned business that handles all moves directly, rather than through third-party partners. They provide each customer with a relocation consultant to guide you through the process, from getting a quote and coordinating a moving date to unloading and unpacking.
Mayzlin’s customer support is available 24/7, and its flexible cancellation policy ensures you’ll get your deposit back if you cancel within seven days of your scheduled relocation.
- Local moves (in certain areas)
- Long-distance moves
- Professional full-service packing and unpacking
- Storage options, including 30 days of free storage on long-distance moves
- Full-value protection coverage
- Personal moving consultant
Pros/Cons
- Will match lower prices from competitors
- Provides 30 days of free storage for interstate moves
- Assigns a personal moving coordinator for all relocations
- Full refund available for cancellations made seven days before the move date
- You have to call for a quote
- Requires a 25% deposit at booking
Best for white-glove services: JK Moving Services
- White-glove handling of fragile & high-end items
- Guaranteed pickup & delivery
- $250 deposit for interstate moves
- Mobile app with 24/7 customer service
- Financing available
JK Moving Services is a full-service mover that offers an impressive range of specialty services, like special handling of antiques and pianos, moving large items like yard or fitness equipment, and custom crates for artwork and other fragile items.
While JK Moving is one of our higher-priced best moving companies, the customer reviews simply rave about their amazing white-glove customer service and comprehensive moving services.
- Long-distance and international moves (local moving services are limited)
- Full-service packing and unpacking, including furniture disassembly and assembly
- Storage options
- Vehicle transport
- Full insurance coverage
- Financing for moving services
- Corporate relocations with concierge service
Pros/Cons
- Low-interest financing options (for those who qualify)
- Background-checked and drug-screened moving staff
- AI technology-powered quotes available
- 24/7 customer support available during your move
- Variety of insurance coverage options
- One of the most expensive moving companies on our list
- Customers report the claims process can take a long time
- Local moves are limited to Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Best for international moves: International Van Lines
- 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
For homeowners planning an overseas relocation International Van Lines (IVL) comes in best overall on our list of top international movers.
In addition to serving local and long-distance moves, the company handles relocations to 180 countries, thanks to a vast network of global partners. This network also allows IVL to offer very competitive rates. IVL provides several useful add-ons for domestic and international moves, such as vehicle shipping and specialty item transport.
- Local and long-distance moves
- International moves to 180 countries
- Storage services
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Auto transport
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Full-value protection coverage
- Government and military moves
- Office relocation
Pros/Cons
- Services all 50 states and over 180 countries
- Add-on services include vehicle shipping and fragile item transport
- 30 days of free storage included
- Offers discounts for bundled services
- Handles last-minute moves (within 48 hours of booking)
- No mobile app available
- Not always the most affordable for domestic moves
Best for flexible storage: PODS
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
PODS simplifies moving with flexible options that cater to DIY moves. Founded in 1998, PODS is a moving and storage container company that’s available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. PODS offers three container sizes — eight, 12, and 16 feet — at different price points. You can also order multiple PODS if needed for a larger move.
All rentals automatically include 30 days of storage, giving you ample time for loading and unloading. PODS containers can also be used for temporary or long-term storage on your own property or at a PODS facility. The company offers several discounts for new customers as well. For local moves, PODS offers 10% off initial delivery and 10% off first month’s rental. For long-distance moves, PODS gives 10% off initial delivery, 10% off the first month’s rental, and 10% off long-distance transit.
- Portable moving and storage containers
- Storage options
- Third-party packing and loading assistance available
- Car shipping through partner companies
- Boxes and moving supplies available for purchase
Pros/Cons
- Three container sizes
- Easily store your belongings at a PODS facility or your own property
- Very flexible loading and unloading timelines — move at your own pace
- Onsite storage
- Money-back cancellation policy
- New customer discounts
- Not available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming
- Long-distance moves must be booked by phone
Best moving container: U-Pack
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
U-Pack is one of the more affordable moving companies, and it’s one of our top choices among the best moving container companies in the industry. With U-Pack, you book online, they drop a moving container off at your house, you load and pack it, and U-Pack transports it to your new address.
Choose between a truck trailer (for bigger moves) or a ReloCube (for smaller moves). Best of all, U-Pack offers transparent online quotes and only charges you for the space you use in the moving trailer.
- Moving containers and freight trailers that you load and unload yourself
- Long-distance moves
- Door-to-door or service center delivery
- Storage solutions
- Packing materials and moving supplies available for purchase
- Catastrophic liability coverage
Pros/Cons
- Only pay for the space you use with freight trailer rentals
- Professional drivers transport the container
- Less expensive than full-service movers
- Fast delivery times with online shipment tracking
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Not available for local moves
- Only provides three days to load and unload the container
- ReloCubes can only be stored at a U-Pack facility
Best moving truck: Penske
- 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
If you want to plan a fully DIY move to cut down on long-distance moving costs and don’t mind doing some heavy lifting, Penske Truck Rental is your best bet.
With Penske, you’re in charge of packing and loading the truck. You can also buy packing supplies from Penske or rent hand trucks or furniture pads to streamline your move. Use the Penske app to book and manage your truck rental, including 24/7 roadside assistance if you ever have a problem.
- Moving truck rentals
- Towing equipment rentals
- Packing supplies and equipment available for purchase or rent
- Moving labor (through Simple Moving Labor)
Pros/Cons
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Truck rentals are the most affordable way to move
- Online quotes available
- Unlimited mileage for long-distance moves
- Several truck sizes and equipment add-ons to meet your moving needs
- Charges per-mileage rates for local moves
- Can be more expensive and has fewer locations than other truck rental providers
Ready to start comparing movers? Enter your ZIP code below to see prices and availability from top-rated moving companies.
How to choose the right type of mover
- Choose a full-service mover if you want professionals to handle packing, loading, transportation, and unloading.
- Choose a moving container company if you want a lower-cost option with more flexible loading and storage time.
- Choose a truck rental if keeping costs low matters most and you’re comfortable doing the labor and driving yourself.
- Choose an interstate mover if your move crosses state lines and you need a company licensed for long-distance service.
- Choose an international mover if you need overseas shipping, customs support, and destination coordination.
If you’re still not sure which type of mover fits your move, compare quotes first. Pricing and service differences usually make the best option much clearer. It’s helpful to read firsthand reviews to learn about a moving company’s costs and services.
Check out moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project to read about the honest experiences of real customers, including how much they paid, to see how your moving company stacks up. You can also read customer reviews on consumer sites like the BBB, Trustpilot, and Yelp.
Our ratings of the best moving companies
We rated the best moving companies based on the factors that matter most when choosing a mover, including customer satisfaction, services, industry reputation, state availability, payment options, scheduling flexibility, and mover type. We also consider feedback and real-world experiences shared by moveBuddha readers.
- Customer satisfaction
- Services offered
- Industry reputation
- State availability
- Payment options
- Scheduling
- Type of mover
How much does a moving company cost?
Every moving company is different, and pricing can vary significantly from one company to another for the same move. Your quote will primarily be based on the size and distance of your move. However, additional factors like the time of year, whether you need add-on services like packing or custom crating, and moving specialty items can also affect your costs.
The following table highlights example quotes from the moving companies on our list, based on moveBuddha’s most recent firsthand pricing data:
| Company | Upfront deposit | Cost estimate | 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 (full-service) | 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 | Less than 250 miles |
| Penske | None | $1,199 | 342 miles |
Keep in mind that these are just estimates. For a better idea of moving costs, check out our free moving cost calculator.
National moving company discounts
The following discounts from the best moving companies can help lower the cost of your move.
| Company | Senior | Military | AAA Member | Student | First responders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Allied Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Mayzlin Relocation | Call | Call | |||
| JK Moving Services | |||||
| International Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| PODS | ✓ | ||||
| U-Pack | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Penske | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Types of moving companies
The type of moving company you book has a big effect on how much time and money you’ll spend on your move. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of moving companies you might work with.
Residential moving companies
Residential moving companies include local moving companies, long-distance movers, and interstate movers. Local movers specialize in servicing moves within a 50 to 100-mile radius.
Long-distance movers usually handle moves in the 100- to 400-mile range. These companies usually operate within one state (crossing state lines comes with a lot of rules), and have larger fleets and more robust services than most local movers.
International moving companies
International moving companies rely on large international networks to facilitate moves to other countries. They typically offer a variety of shipping options to transport your property, including ocean freight, full container shipping, and air freight. Most international movers also provide storage services and can help with vehicle shipping.
Moving container companies
Moving container companies are a creative and affordable alternative to hiring full-service movers. They deliver a portable storage container to your property, which you load at your own pace.
From there, the company transports the container for you, with options for immediate delivery to your new home or keeping the container in temporary storage for a while. If you need long-term storage or flexible moving dates, moving containers are a great option.
Moving truck rental companies
Moving truck rental companies are the go-to option for DIY moves. Truck rentals are typically the cheapest option by far for a move because you are responsible for all the work. You’ll take care of all packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and even driving.
Some truck rental companies offer unlimited mileage for long-distance one-way moves, giving you complete pricing transparency. For many households, the cost savings are well worth the extra work.
Freight companies
Freight companies operate similar to moving container companies. The freight company provides a freight trailer, but you are responsible for packing and loading your items.
Many freight companies allow you to only fill part of the trailer and pay for that space. They then fill the rest of the trailer with other shipments going to the same area and transport the contents. This can provide a cost-effective middle ground between DIY and full-service moves.
Moving companies with storage
Many long-distance moving companies also provide storage options for your move. The most common option is called storage in transit, which provides temporary storage for the items in your moving truck for up to 90 days. Some companies also offer longer-term storage. These storage solutions can be useful if you won’t be able to move into your new home right away after you move out.
Moving companies with junk & debris removal
Some full-service moving companies offer junk and debris removal as part of their services, which can come in handy at both the beginning and end of a move. Cleaning up moving supplies and other trash related to the move will give you one less item on your to-do list — though you’ll typically need to pay a premium for these services.
Car shipping companies
If you already have a car, take it with you! Car shipping companies specialize in safely moving vehicles from point A to point B.
This is really useful for long-distance or international moves where it just isn’t practical (or fun) to drive your car to your new home. Most car shippers transport your car via truck, but train shipping is also a popular option.
Specialty movers
Need to move something that’s especially fragile, bulky, or downright unusual? That’s where specialty movers come in.
These experts specialize in disassembly and reassembly for items like:
- Pool tables
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques (check out our best antique moving companies here)
Keep in mind that you might also need to hire a regular full-service mover to handle the bulk of your stuff and a separate specialty mover for these items.
Commercial moving companies
Businesses need moving services, too! Commercial moving companies specialize in office moves, bringing added expertise to transporting computers and other business equipment. Commercial moving companies often also assist with corporate relocations by providing moving services when an employee needs to move for work.
FAQ
How much do professional movers cost?
On average, professional movers cost around $2,100 for a local move of a three-bedroom home and $5,500 for a long distance move. However, the cost of professional movers can vary significantly based primarily on the size and distance of your move. Check out our moving cost calculator to get a rough estimate based on the specifics of your move.
What is the cheapest moving company?
The cheapest full-service moving company is American Van Lines, based on our research and the experiences of moveBuddha Better Moves Project participants. For DIY moves, Budget Truck Rental is usually the cheapest option, while U-Pack tends to be the most cost-effective for moving container moves.
What is a moving van line?
A moving van line is a multi-state network of moving companies that partner with each other to operate under a larger, more well-known name. These companies partner together to provide nationwide service. Brands like North American Van Lines and International Van Lines are good examples of this type of mover.
What is a moving broker?
A moving broker is a company that arranges the transportation of your household goods through a network of carriers, who perform the actual work. Many of the biggest moving companies are actually brokers that utilize a wide network of smaller carriers.
How do I know if a moving company is reputable?
The best movers have:
- Licensing from the FMCSA or state agencies
- Plenty of positive customer reviews
- Clear, detailed contracts
- Moving insurance to cover damages
- Transparent pricing
- Verifiable years of experience
How far in advance should I hire a moving company?
You should hire a moving company at least six weeks before your moving date so you can ensure they are available. When possible, it’s best to collect quotes at least two months before your move.
Do moving companies require a deposit?
Many moving companies require a deposit, but the actual deposit amount varies from company to company. It’s a red flag if the moving company requires full payment upfront.
Do I need to pack my own things?
You do not necessarily need to pack your own things. If you buy packing services from your moving company, they will handle packing. But if you don’t buy packing services, you will need to handle it yourself ahead of moving day.
Should I tip movers?
Tipping movers isn’t required, but it is a standard practice – and it’s a kind way to express gratitude for a job well done. The typical tip range is 10% to 20% of the total moving cost. Try to tip in cash and divide it equally among the crew.
Am I supposed to feed my movers?
You are not expected or required to feed movers but it is a nice gesture, especially for full-day or multi-day jobs. Bottled water, individual bags of chips, and pizza are all easy ways to show gratitude.
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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