10 Different Types of Moving Companies for Your Move
Moving is an exciting time for most people — a time to welcome new changes and a new chapter in their lives, like starting a business, starting a new job, starting a family, or moving to college.
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But beyond the excitement, there is some amount of stress and confusion that comes with moving. Some of it has to do with finding the best moving company, and some has to do with preparing for the move. After all, there are different types of moves for different occasions. Do you know what the different types of moving companies are and which one is right for your move?
Depending on if you want to DIY your move or hire professional movers, there are several different options you can choose from. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of moving companies available so you can make the right pick for your move.
What are the different types of moving companies?
When most people think of moving companies, they think of professionals who transport furniture and other belongings from point A to point B. However, different professional movers handle different niches of the market. One thing these providers do share in common, though, is that they handle the heavy lifting for you, greatly reducing the hassle of your move.
The different types of moving companies are:
- Local moving companies
- Long-distance and interstate moving companies
- International moving companies
- Specialty moving companies
- Moving containers or pods
- Freight companies
- Rental trucks
- Full-service movers
- Packing and labor services
- Moving brokers
1. Local moving companies
Local movers (also called intrastate moving companies) help people move short distances. As the name suggests, they handle localized moves within a single state, often within a given city or county. For example, metro movers only handle moves within a given metropolitan area.
Looking for the best movers in your area? Here are the best local moving companies based on where you live.
Learn MoreIn industry terms, local movers handle relocations that cover less than 100 miles. Hiring for a local move is not complicated since there are usually several local moving companies to choose from in your area. Their rates are usually lower compared to other movers, and many focus exclusively on residential moving. Keep in mind that local movers typically charge by the hour, and the average rate can vary greatly depending on where you live.
If you want to work with a company near you, check out our guides on the best local movers.
2. Long-distance and interstate moving companies
Long-distance movers handle moves further than 400 miles. However, companies that help with long-distance moves that cross state borders are typically called interstate moving companies or cross-country movers. Long-distance moves can be described as city to city, state to state, region to region, or coast to coast.
Within this category, the types of moving companies can be broken down further into:
- Commercial moving companies that help businesses and offices move
- Residential or household moving companies that help people relocate belongings from their homes
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Long-distance and interstate movers charge based on the volume of goods you need to transport. Additional costs for services, such as packing or unpacking, may apply. These moves can take days or weeks to complete depending on the distance covered. Many of these moving companies also provide commercial moving and corporate relocation services. A lot of local and interstate moving companies also offer storage services at their company’s storage facilities for an additional fee.
Interstate moving companies have to abide by strict federal regulations. Moves across state lines tend to be more complex than local moves. Make sure your movers are experienced in such moves, carry insurance, and have a good reputation.
3. International moving companies
If you are looking to relocate from the USA to another country, you’ll need to work with international movers. International movers handle relocations by air, sea, rail, road, or a combination of these modes. Air transport is the most expensive, followed by road, rail, and sea.
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International moving companies are heavily regulated due to the risks and protocols that international relocations must abide by. But luckily, most international moving companies are well-versed in all these formalities, helping to streamline this process for you.
If you’re moving abroad, be sure to check out our guide on the best international moving companies.
4. Specialty moving companies
Specialty moving companies are experts a handling items that require additional care or planning to relocate. They may specialize in large bulky items like hot tubs and pool tables or fragile pieces like antique art collections. Tell your moving company if you have any special items before the move. The moving company will let you know if they can handle it or if it’s better for you to book a specialty mover to transport the item.
Here are some items that you may want to ask a specialty mover to take care of:
- Hot tub
- Pool table, ping pong table, or foosball table
- Antiques and collectibles
- Cars
- Musical instruments
- Motorcycles
- Sports or gym equipment
- Weapons like guns or ammunition
- Safes
- Aquariums and terrariums with live animals
5. Moving containers
With this moving service, the moving container company delivers a secure container to your address on an agreed date. You then get to pack and load the provided container at your own pace. When you’re ready, call the company to collect and transport the storage container to the agreed location (either your new home or a storage unit). Many moving container companies also offer temporary storage at their own facilities if you can’t move into your new home right away.
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Moving containers are an affordable, secure, and convenient way to move. You get the affordability of packing everything yourself, but with the convenience and peace of mind of letting someone else handle the driving.
Are moving containers a good option for me?
Moving containers can be a great option if you mind handling the labor of the move, but would rather not drive a truck. They’re also a good option for short-term renovations and moves where you need a little more flexibility to load/unload at your own pace.
6. Freight companies
These companies will transport your freight (bulk goods) via air, sea, rail, or road. The bulk goods can be transported in crates, containers, or pallets. Freight companies will either collect the goods from a specified location or provide a drop-off point.
Freight companies will rarely offer packing or loading services. You may need to engage another company for that. In most cases, freight companies are better suited for long-distance and international moves.
When should you consider a freight company for moving?
A freight company can be a good option if you’re moving a vehicle, a large piece of furniture, or a sizable amount of goods. Freight companies sell space on trailers, so you can rent the entire space or just some of it.
However, they may have less specific delivery times, and you’ll need to do the labor yourself.
7. Truck rental
If you are confident that you can pack and haul your belongings, then a rental truck could be the right fit for you. This is as DIY as it gets and is also one of the cheapest ways to move. But remember that transporting your household goods is a big job with many risks, especially when doing a long-distance move.
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Rental trucks are usually offered at a flat daily or hourly rate, with additional per-mile fees added on top of that. You’ll also need to fill up the truck with gas before you return it. Many rental truck companies offer optional insurance packages that are well worth considering. You don’t want to be left financially responsible for damage to the truck or your items.
Is renting a moving truck a good option for me?
Renting a moving truck can be a good option if you’re confident enough to drive a truck on your own and have the energy to tackle the labor of loading/unloading. It can be an especially affordable option if you’re moving locally, but it can be more tedious and expensive for a long-distance move.
Moving trucks are great options for people who want full autonomy throughout the moving process and no concerns about delayed shipments/moving on someone else’s timeline.
8. Full-service movers
These are movers that handle every aspect of the move for you. They will pack, load, transport, unpack, and even install or arrange your furniture for you. Some full-service moving companies go the extra mile and offer post-moving cleaning services, pet moving, and even car transportation.
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Full-service movers give you the utmost convenience when it comes to moves. You just have to show up at your new address and let them handle everything else. But all this comes at a cost. A full-service move can cost you several thousand dollars extra, depending on the type of package you sign up for.
9. Packing services
Overwhelmed at the thought of packing up all your belongings? No problem. With professional packing services, you are good to go. Packing services providers typically charge per hour, with an average rate of around $75/hour. Many full-service moving companies also offer packing services as an additional option.
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When you use packing services, professional packers come a few days before moving day to prepare your furniture and other belongings for moving. Be sure to discuss if the packing rate includes the packing materials, or if you’ll need to provide your own packing supplies.
Some companies also help with other similar services, like furniture disassembly or moving specialty items like pianos.
When should I splurge for packing services?
You may want to splurge on packing services if you’re pressed for time or have a large amount of household goods you want to move. You may also want professional packing services if you have precious items or bulk furniture that is vulnerable to damage during transit.
Hiring professionals ensures that your expensive items are adequately protected and handled carefully by people with experience.
10. Moving brokers
Moving brokers are a bit different from other moving companies because they don’t carry out moves themselves. They don’t employ movers, nor do they own fleets of moving trucks. Instead, moving brokers “sell” your move to actual movers who own trucks and other freight transportation equipment.
Moving brokers are intermediaries between the client and freight companies or movers. They bridge the gap by bringing the two together.
While some might think brokers aren’t necessary, they actually do help. Thanks to their large network of movers, they help link clients with special, urgent, or complicated moving needs. Most moving brokers deal with freight and are often paid a negotiated commission for the move.
What is the most affordable way to move?
The rule of thumb is that the more you do on a move, the less you get to pay. A DIY move where you do everything is generally the cheapest option. With these self-service moves, you rent a truck, pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack by yourself. However, a full DIY move is not practical or possible for many Americans.
The next most affordable way to move is to have a moving company only handle the hauling part of the process. You pack, load, unload, and unpack a moving container or moving truck by yourself. The mover only drives to your residence and then hauls your belongings to your new home.
What affects your moving costs with a moving company?
How much moving companies charge really depends on how much stuff you have, how far you are moving, and the date of your move. Professional moving companies will generally provide an estimate based on the factors like the size of your home, the estimated weight of your household goods, or the number of boxes you have. Other factors can also come into play with different movers, so your best choice is to reach out and get quotes from multiple providers.
Comparing your moving options with a moving cost calculator can help you get a general idea of how much different types of moving companies would cost for your specific plans.
If cost is the biggest factor for you, which it is for many, check out our guide on the cheapest moving companies.
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Are moving companies reliable?
The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all moving company. For the most part, moving companies are reliable. But this is something that needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
As you research different moving companies, you will realize that there are both reliable and not-so-reliable movers in the industry. And this is not unique to the moving industry.
Obviously, you want to find a reliable moving company that will provide you with a smooth, stress-free move to your new location. The best moving companies give you great value for your money. The trick is to carry out your due diligence when looking for one.
To avoid scams, always make sure the company you’re working with has a registered USDOT number, is registered with The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and is a certified household goods mover. Be sure to check reviews, and ask for more details about their moving process and quotes when you speak to a representative.
How can I choose the right type of mover?
There are hundreds of moving companies in the USA. So how can you narrow down your options?
Start by determining what type of moving service you want. Do you need full-service movers, a truck rental, a moving container, or some kind of specialized help? Then, look for movers that can offer you the moving experience you want and are located in your city. Check that the mover can also transport your belongings to your final destination (as some only do local moves).
Comparing the different types of moving companies
You can compare the different types of movers and what they offer below.
| Full-service movers | Rental truck | |
|---|---|---|
| Labor/services | Everything from packing/unpacking to loading/unloading | No labor is included, but you can use friends or hire third-party help. You’ll need to drive the truck yourself with this option. |
| Insurance | Fully insured, often with additional purchase options | Additional coverage options, up to full cost replacement |
| Storage | Available for an extra fee | Sometimes available for an extra fee, but you’ll typically need to move your belongings into a separate unit |
| Pricing | Full-service movers often require inventory lists or in-home estimates before they can provide an accurate quote. Full-service movers are the most expensive. | Flat rate based on truck size, distance, and time needed |
| Full-service movers | Freight trailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Labor/services | Everything from packing/unpacking to loading/unloading | No labor is included, but you can use friends or hire third-party help for packing/loading. With this option, you won’t have to drive. |
| Insurance | Fully insured, often with additional purchase options | Rarely offers more than basic valuation ($0.60 per pound of belongings) |
| Storage | Available for an extra fee | Limited availability, typically very expensive |
| Pricing | Full-service movers often require inventory lists or in-home estimates before they can provide an accurate quote. Full-service movers are the most expensive. | Flat rate based on the space your items take up in the truck |
| Full-service movers | Moving containers | |
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| Labor/services | Everything from packing/unpacking to loading/unloading | No labor included, but you can use friends or hire third-party help for packing/loading. With this option, you won’t have to drive. |
| Insurance | Fully insured, often with additional purchase options | Basic valuation included, may be able to purchase additional coverage |
| Storage | Available for an extra fee | Can store belongings on-site or at a facility without needing to move items out of the container. Many companies offer a free month promotion. |
| Pricing | Full-service movers often require inventory lists or in-home estimates before they can provide an accurate quote. Full-service movers are the most expensive. | Flat rate based on container size |
Next, you need to do some extra research to determine which are the best moving companies for your situation. Look at their customer reviews and ratings online. Consider asking your friends and relatives for a referral to a company they’ve worked with and loved. Do they have a good reputation? Check their website to see how many years of experience they have, and to get a better idea of the type of services they offer.
At this point, you should shortlist three to five companies and ask for free quotes. When requesting moving quotes, ask about licensing and insurance. Ask questions specific to the needs of your move. Gauge their level of concern, attentiveness, and customer service — not just their availability for your move date. Be wary of any quotes that are significantly lower or higher than the average cost for your move.
With all this information, you can select the right moving company for your needs with confidence.
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