Let’s be honest: handing over all your worldly possessions to a team of strangers takes a huge amount of trust. That’s why vetting your moving company is one of the most important parts of planning your move. A great mover provides more than just muscle; they offer professionalism, clear communication, and the expertise to handle your belongings with care. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose wisely. We’ll cover everything from decoding pricing and understanding insurance to evaluating the reputations of the most well-known moving companies USA has available, helping you find a team you can depend on completely.
Key Takeaways
- Choose Based on Reputation, Not Just a Name: Before you commit, verify the company’s license and insurance. Then, look for patterns in customer reviews—consistent praise for professionalism is a green flag, while repeated complaints about hidden fees are a clear warning.
- Get Clarity on Costs to Avoid Surprises: A good quote is a transparent one. Ask movers to break down their pricing model and to list any potential extra charges for things like stairs, long carries, or specialty items so you can compare offers accurately.
- Set Your Move Up for Success: Book your moving company well in advance, especially for a summer move. Before signing the contract, get clear answers on their cancellation policy, insurance options, and the process for handling any potential damages.
Who Are the Top Moving Companies in the USA?
Finding the right moving company can feel like a huge task, but it all comes down to knowing your options. The best movers combine experience, a wide range of services, and a solid reputation for taking care of your belongings. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, one of these top-tier companies is likely a great fit for your needs. We’ve gathered the key details on the industry’s leading names to help you compare and choose with confidence.
Starving Students Movers
With a name you won’t forget, Starving Students Movers has grown from a simple concept into a nationwide moving powerhouse. They bring nearly fifty years of experience to the table, focusing on providing dependable, value-driven moves. While they’ve evolved far beyond their student-mover roots, their commitment to affordability and customer trust remains central. They offer a full suite of moving services, including local, long-distance, and even international relocations. This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a company with a long track record of providing great service without breaking the bank.
United Van Lines
United Van Lines proudly calls itself “America’s #1 Mover,” and they back it up by specializing in “full-service” moves. What does that mean for you? It means they can handle literally everything—from packing your first box to placing the last piece of furniture in your new home. This all-inclusive approach is designed to create a completely stress-free experience. If the idea of managing logistics makes your head spin, letting United Van Lines take the lead can be a game-changer, allowing you to focus on settling into your new space.
Allied Van Lines
Flexibility is the name of the game for Allied Van Lines. They understand that no two moves are exactly alike, so they offer a personalized approach to relocation. You can opt for a full-service package where their team manages every detail, or you can create a custom plan that fits your specific needs and budget. This makes Allied Van Lines an excellent choice if you want professional help but still prefer to handle certain parts of the move yourself. Their goal is to simplify the process by letting you decide how much assistance you need.
Mayflower Transit
As one of the most recognized and trusted names in the industry, Mayflower Transit has built a reputation for reliability. They offer a comprehensive menu of moving services that can be customized to fit your unique situation. Whether you need help with a small apartment move or a large corporate relocation, their team is equipped to handle it. Customers often choose Mayflower for their consistent service and commitment to ensuring a smooth transition from one home to the next, making them a dependable partner for any move.
Atlas Van Lines
Known for its vast network of agents across the country, Atlas Van Lines is a major player in the moving world. They provide a complete range of services, covering local, long-distance, and international moves with a reputation for quality. What sets them apart is their extensive reach and the resources that come with it, ensuring they can manage complex relocations effectively. If you’re planning a move that crosses state lines or even oceans, the robust network of Atlas Van Lines makes them a strong and reliable contender.
Two Men and a Truck
With a focus on professional service and a friendly attitude, Two Men and a Truck has become a household name for both local and long-distance moves. They emphasize training their teams in the best moving techniques to ensure your belongings are handled with care. Their commitment to exceptional customer service is a cornerstone of their business, making them a go-to for people who value a positive and professional moving experience. For a reliable move with a personal touch, Two Men and a Truck is a trusted choice.
North American Van Lines
With decades of experience under its belt, North American Van Lines is a seasoned veteran in the moving industry. They offer a wide array of services, including professional packing, secure loading, and flexible storage solutions, designed to meet a variety of customer needs. Their long history has allowed them to refine their processes, making them a highly efficient and reliable choice. If you’re looking for an established company that has seen it all, North American Van Lines has the experience to handle your move with expertise.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is well-regarded for its experienced movers and transparent, flat-rate pricing model. This approach helps you avoid surprise fees and gives you a clear understanding of your costs from the start. They offer a variety of moving services that can be tailored to your specific requirements, whether you’re moving a home or an office. Customers who prioritize budget clarity and efficiency often turn to American Van Lines for a straightforward and dependable moving experience.
How Do Movers Price Their Services?
Understanding how moving companies calculate their fees is the first step to finding a service that fits your budget. Moving costs aren’t just a single number; they’re a combination of labor, distance, and the specific services you need. While it might seem complicated, breaking down the pricing models and potential fees makes it much easier to compare quotes and avoid any last-minute surprises. A transparent mover will always be happy to walk you through their estimate, ensuring you know exactly what you’re paying for. This knowledge helps you plan your finances and choose a company that offers real value, not just a low initial price.
What Are the Base Pricing Models?
Most moving companies use a few standard models to price their services. For local moves, pricing is typically based on an hourly rate. You can generally expect to pay between $25 and $50 per hour for each mover, which means a two-person crew would cost about $50 to $100 per hour. This rate covers the labor for loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings.
For long-distance moves, the calculation changes. Instead of an hourly rate, these moves are usually priced based on the total weight of your shipment and the distance to your new home. The moving company will weigh the truck before and after loading your items to determine the final cost.
Watch Out for These Hidden Fees
No one likes unexpected charges, so it’s smart to ask about potential extra fees upfront. While reputable companies practice clear pricing, some costs depend on the specifics of your move. Common additional fees can include charges for long carries (if the truck can’t park close to your door), handling stairs or elevators, and moving bulky or delicate specialty items like pianos or safes.
Other potential costs might be fuel surcharges, especially for long-distance moves, or fees for packing materials if you don’t provide your own. Always ask for a detailed, itemized quote and confirm which services are included in the base price to ensure there are no surprises on moving day.
How to Compare Moving Quotes Accurately
When you start getting quotes, it’s tempting to just look at the bottom-line number. However, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. A professional moving company offers a wide range of moving services, so you need to compare what’s included in each estimate. Does one quote include packing materials while another doesn’t? Is basic liability coverage included, or is that extra?
Look at each company’s reputation by reading online testimonials and reviews. A slightly higher price from a company with a stellar track record for reliability and customer care is often a worthwhile investment for your peace of mind. Get at least three quotes to get a clear picture of the average cost for your specific move.
How Does the Season Affect Moving Costs?
Believe it or not, the time of year you move can have a big impact on the price. The peak moving season typically runs from May through September, when kids are out of school and the weather is warmer. During these months, demand for movers is high, which often leads to higher prices and less availability.
If your timeline is flexible, consider moving during the off-season (October through April). You’ll likely find more competitive pricing and have an easier time booking your preferred moving date. Regardless of when you move, hiring professionals can make the entire process smoother. They have the experience to handle moves efficiently in any season, saving you time and stress.
What Can You Learn from Customer Reviews?
Before you book a moving truck, spend some time with customer reviews. They are a goldmine of information, offering a real-world look at a company’s performance beyond its marketing promises. Reading reviews helps you understand a company’s reliability, professionalism, and how they handle problems when they arise. By learning to read between the lines, you can spot both the green flags that signal a great mover and the red flags that warn you to stay away. This is your chance to learn from the experiences of others to ensure your move is as smooth as possible.
Read Between the Lines of Customer Ratings
When you’re scrolling through reviews, look for patterns. A single five-star rating is nice, but a dozen reviews that all mention the same positive qualities are far more telling. Look for comments that speak to consistency and reliability. For example, a review that says, “I just moved again and my first call was to Starving Students,” shows repeat business, which is a strong vote of confidence. Pay attention to details about the crew’s professionalism and care. Consistent praise across multiple customer testimonials suggests you can expect a similar, high-quality experience for your own move.
Spot the Red Flags of Poor Service
Negative reviews are just as revealing as positive ones, if not more so. While you should take extremely emotional reviews with a grain of salt, consistent complaints are a major red flag. Are multiple people reporting late arrivals, damaged furniture, or surprise fees? A stark warning like, “Unless you’re hiring the Starving Students Moving Company to haul your furniture to the dump, don’t call them,” is alarming. While this is an outlier for a reputable company, seeing similar sentiments repeated across different review platforms should give you serious pause. Pay close attention to how—or if—the company responds to negative feedback.
Look for These Signs of a Quality Mover
The best reviews often highlight the little things that make a big difference. Look for mentions of specific qualities that point to a well-run operation. Comments like, “The starving students movers were on time, polite and hard working,” tell you a lot about the company’s culture and training. Punctuality, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic are hallmarks of a professional team. These are the movers who will respect your home and your belongings. When you see reviews praising the crew’s character and not just their strength, you’re likely looking at a company that values customer service from top to bottom.
Don’t Fall for These Common Moving Myths
Reviews can also help you get past common misconceptions about the moving industry. One myth is that hiring professional movers is always too expensive. In reality, a good moving company can save you time, prevent costly damage to your belongings, and reduce a ton of stress. Another common myth is that all moving companies are the same. Reputable movers invest in high-quality equipment and continuous training for their staff, which is reflected in their service and pricing. Reading reviews helps you find a company that offers true value, not just the lowest price.
Which Add-On Services Make Moving Easier?
Moving is more than just getting your boxes from point A to point B. The best moving companies understand this and offer a suite of add-on services designed to take the weight off your shoulders. While the basic moving service covers loading, transporting, and unloading, these extras can handle the tasks you’d rather not deal with. From packing up your entire kitchen to storing your items between homes, these services can transform a stressful ordeal into a smooth transition. Let’s look at some of the most helpful add-ons to consider for your next move.
Packing and Unpacking Services
Let’s be honest: packing is often the most dreaded part of moving. It’s time-consuming, tedious, and requires a certain amount of strategy. This is where professional packing services come in. A trained crew can pack your entire home in a fraction of the time it would take you, using the right materials to protect your belongings. Some full-service movers even offer unpacking services and will remove all the moving debris, so you can settle into your new space without being surrounded by a mountain of boxes and paper. It’s a service that can significantly reduce the physical and mental load of relocating.
Storage Solutions
Sometimes, your moving dates don’t line up perfectly. You might be downsizing, waiting for a new home to be ready, or simply needing to declutter. This is when moving and storage solutions become invaluable. Many moving companies offer secure, climate-controlled storage units where you can keep your belongings for short or long periods. The best part is the convenience; the movers can transport your items directly from your old home to the storage unit and then deliver them to your new place whenever you’re ready. This integrated approach saves you the hassle of coordinating with a separate storage facility.
Specialty Moving for Valuables
Do you have items that need extra care, like a grand piano, a valuable piece of art, or a delicate antique? These aren’t things you want to trust to just anyone. Many movers offer specialty moving services for high-value or oversized items. These crews have the specific training and equipment needed to move your treasures safely. Keep in mind that these services usually come with additional fees, so it’s crucial to discuss any specialty items you have with the moving company upfront. Getting a clear quote for these items will help you avoid any surprises on your final bill.
Your Insurance Coverage Options
Accidents can happen, which is why understanding your insurance options is so important. By law, movers must provide basic liability coverage, but this often provides minimal reimbursement based on weight, not value. For greater peace of mind, most companies offer Full Value Protection. This more comprehensive coverage means the moving company is responsible for the replacement value of any lost or damaged item. Reputable movers like Mayflower are transparent about their pricing and insurance options, so be sure to ask detailed questions about how your belongings are protected during the move.
Shipment Tracking and Tech Features
In an age where you can track a pizza to your door, it only makes sense that you should be able to track your life’s belongings across the country. Many top-tier moving companies now offer technology that gives you more control and visibility over your move. For example, companies like United Van Lines provide online portals where you can manage your entire move, from signing documents to tracking your shipment’s progress in real-time. These tech features provide transparency and can help ease the anxiety of not knowing where your things are during a long-distance move.
How Do You Choose the Right Mover?
Finding the right moving company can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to know what to look for and which questions to ask. A great mover does more than just transport your belongings; they provide peace of mind during a major life transition. By focusing on a few critical areas like credentials, experience, and customer care, you can confidently select a partner who will make your move smooth and stress-free. Think of it as hiring a temporary project manager for your relocation—you want someone reliable, communicative, and skilled. Let’s walk through the essential steps to vet your options and find the perfect fit for your move.
Verify Their License and Insurance
Before you even ask for a quote, confirm that the moving company is properly licensed and insured. This is your first line of defense against scams and ensures you’re working with a legitimate business. For moves between states, companies must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number, which you can verify through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database. For local moves, requirements vary by state, so check your state’s transportation department website. Proper licensing and insurance are hallmarks of a professional company that is accountable for its services and the safety of your possessions. Don’t just take their word for it—do your own quick check.
Evaluate Their Experience and Service Area
Experience matters immensely in the moving industry. A company that has been around for decades, like Starving Students, has handled countless moves and knows how to manage unexpected challenges. With more than a million moves under our belt since 1973, we’ve seen it all. An experienced team is more efficient, better at problem-solving, and skilled in handling everything from fragile antiques to bulky furniture. Also, confirm that the company’s service area covers both your origin and destination points. This is especially important for long-distance moves, as you want a mover with an established network and familiarity with the logistics of cross-country transport.
Assess Their Customer Service
The quality of a company’s customer service can make or break your moving experience. From your first phone call to the final box being placed in your new home, you should feel supported and respected. Pay attention to how they communicate. Are they responsive, clear, and willing to answer all your questions? Reading customer testimonials can offer great insight into what you can expect. Look for comments describing the crew as “on time, polite and hard working.” A company that values its customers will have a team that is professional and courteous, turning a potentially stressful day into a positive experience.
Plan Your Timeline for a Peak Season Move
Moving is often stressful, and that stress can multiply during peak season (typically May through September). If you plan to move during these busy months, it’s crucial to book your mover well in advance—ideally, at least two to three months out. Reputable companies get booked up quickly, and waiting until the last minute can leave you with limited, and often more expensive, options. Planning ahead gives you time to research thoroughly, compare quotes without pressure, and secure your preferred moving date. A detailed moving checklist can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Ask These Questions Before You Hire
Before you sign any contract, make sure you have clear answers to a few key questions. This simple step can save you from headaches and hidden fees down the road. Always check the company’s policy before committing.
Here’s what to ask:
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What type of liability coverage is included in the quote, and what are my options for additional protection?
- Is your quote a binding or non-binding estimate?
- Who is my main point of contact during the move?
- What is the claims process if something is damaged?
Getting these details in writing will ensure you and your mover are on the same page from start to finish.
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- Let Starving Students Handle Your Long-Distance Move
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my move? If you have the flexibility, I recommend booking your movers at least two months ahead of time, especially if you plan to move during the busy season between May and September. This gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date with a reputable company. Waiting until the last minute can limit your options and often leads to higher prices.
Is paying for professional packing really worth the cost? This really comes down to what you value more: your time or your money. Professional packing services can feel like a splurge, but they save you dozens of hours of tedious work. A trained crew can pack your entire home efficiently and safely, using the right materials to protect your fragile items. If the thought of packing fills you with dread, it’s an investment in your own sanity.
What’s the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate? A binding estimate is a contract that sets a guaranteed price for your move, as long as you don’t add any items or services later. A non-binding estimate is more of a ballpark figure that can change based on the actual weight of your belongings. For peace of mind and easier budgeting, a binding estimate is usually the safer bet so you aren’t surprised by the final bill.
Do I actually need to buy extra moving insurance? By law, movers provide basic liability coverage, but it’s very minimal and pays out based on an item’s weight, not its actual value. This means you might only get $30 for a broken $500 television. Opting for Full Value Protection costs more, but it ensures the moving company is responsible for replacing the item or reimbursing you for its current market value. It’s a smart choice for protecting your valuable possessions.
What’s the single most important step before hiring a mover? Before you do anything else, verify the company’s license and insurance. For any move crossing state lines, the company must have a U.S. Department of Transportation number you can look up online. This simple check confirms you’re dealing with a legitimate business that is held to federal standards, which is your best protection against scams and rogue operators.
