Best Moving Companies 2026: Services, Prices, Comparison and Complete Moving Guide

Moving companies provide residential and commercial relocation services ranging from partial packing assistance to full-service moves. With average moving cost exceeding $5,000 and moves involving significant logistics, choosing the right moving company is crucial. This comprehensive guide reviews types of moving services, major moving companies, cost factors, tips for getting best quotes, and how to select reliable movers for your needs.

Understanding Moving Services

Types of moving services: Full-service movers (everything handled), partial-service movers (you pack, they transport), self-service movers (you do all packing/loading), specialty movers (pianos, art, antiques), commercial movers (business relocation)

Distance categories: Local move (under 100 miles, typically hourly rate), long-distance move (100+ miles, weight-based pricing), interstate move (regulated by DOT), international move (complex logistics, expensive)

Moving industry landscape (2026): 43.4 million people move annually in US, average moving cost $5,000-15,000, 83% of moves involve hiring professional movers, BBB rated movers have better outcomes, complaints often involve hidden costs

Types of Moving Companies

Full-Service Moving Companies

What’s included: Packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking, furniture placement. They handle everything.

Cost: $5,000-15,000+ for long-distance (most expensive option)

Ideal for: High-value items, complex moves, busy professionals, elderly, disabilities, valuable/fragile items

Examples: Allied, Bekins, Mayflower, United Van Lines, Northstar

Pros: Stress-free, everything handled professionally, insurance/liability, best for valuable items

Cons: Most expensive, less control, timing depends on schedule, damage risk with movers

Partial-Service Moving Companies

What’s included: You pack, they handle loading, transportation, unloading. You may unpack or they can help.

Cost: $2,000-10,000 (mid-range)

Ideal for: Cost-conscious movers, those with time for packing, valuable items (you pack carefully), mixed budget

Pros: Moderate cost, you control packing, reduced damage risk (you pack valuables), good balance

Cons: You must pack, labor intensive, requires time commitment

Self-Service Moving (Pod/Container Companies)

What’s included: Container delivered, you pack and load, they transport, you unload

Cost: $1,500-8,000 (cheapest option)

Examples: PODS, U-Pack, CubeSmart, Zippy Shell, Pax World

Timeline: Flexible (you control packing timeline), not rush-dependent

Ideal for: Budget-movers, flexible timelines, those without kids/elderly to manage, downsize moves

Pros: Cheapest option, flexible timeline, you control packing, no time pressure

Cons: You must do heavy lifting, requires physical ability, longer timeline typical, damage risk on loading

Labor-Only Moving

What’s included: Rent truck, hire movers hourly (typically $50-150/person/hour), you provide truck

Cost: $500-3,000 for short moves

Ideal for: Local moves, budget movers, those with pickup truck or renting Uhaul

Examples: Bellhop, Lugg, Dolly, Handy, TaskRabbit

Major Moving Companies Reviewed 2026

1. Allied Van Lines (Largest Network)

Moving experience: Full-service, local to interstate

Coverage: 50 states, Canada, international

Pricing: $5,000-20,000+ for long-distance (weight-based)

Customer rating: 3.8/5 stars (good, some complaints about timing)

Pros: Largest network of agents, established (since 1928), handles all move types, strong insurance

Cons: Expensive, variable quality by location, complaints about delays, hidden costs sometimes

Best for: Complex interstate moves, high-value items, those prioritizing established company

2. United Van Lines (Premium Service)

Coverage: Full North America

Pricing: $6,000-18,000+ (premium pricing)

Customer rating: 4.0/5 stars (higher than average)

Unique: Guarantees binding estimates, free boxes, free wardrobe boxes, 100% guarantee

Pros: Excellent customer service, guarantees, transparent pricing, quality assurance

Cons: Premium pricing, longer booking windows typical, fewer local agents than Allied

Best for: Those wanting premium service, transparent pricing priority, high-value moves

3. Mayflower (Best for Specialty)

Services: Full-service, specialty moves (pianos, art, antiques), international

Pricing: $5,500-20,000+ depending on services

Specialty: Handles fine art, pianos, antiques with special care

Pros: Specialty item expertise, careful handling, established reputation, white glove service

Cons: Expensive, primarily full-service (no budget options), premium pricing for specialty

Best for: Valuable items (art, antiques, pianos), those wanting extra care, high-end moves

4. PODS (Best for Flexibility)

Service type: Container-based, self-service

Pricing: $2,500-8,000 typical

Flexibility: You control packing timeline (days to months), containers on your schedule

Customer rating: 4.1/5 stars

Pros: Flexible timeline, fixed pricing (no surprise costs), affordable, no time pressure, good for downsizing

Cons: You must load/unload, requires physical ability, longer total time typical, damage risk on loading

Best for: Budget-conscious, flexible timelines, downsize moves, those physically able to pack

5. Bellhop (Best for Local Moves)

Service: Labor-only (you rent truck), hourly rate

Pricing: $50-150/person/hour, $0 supply costs

Coverage: 150+ cities in North America

Booking: App-based (transparent, real-time)

Customer rating: 4.3/5 stars

Pros: Transparent pricing, flexible scheduling, app convenience, best for local moves, affordable

Cons: You must rent truck and drive, local only, no packing provided, physical labor required

Best for: Local moves, budget-conscious, tech-savvy, those comfortable renting truck

Moving Cost Breakdown

Local Move Example (10 miles, 2-bedroom apartment)

Full-service: $3,000-7,000 (most expensive)
Partial-service: $1,500-4,000 (moderate)
Self-service (PODS): $1,200-2,500 (cheapest)
Labor-only: $400-800 (cheapest if you have truck)

Long-Distance Move Example (1,000 miles, 3-bedroom house)

Full-service: $8,000-15,000+ (most expensive)
Partial-service: $4,000-10,000 (moderate)
Self-service (PODS): $3,000-7,000 (moderate)
Labor-only: Not viable for long-distance

Factors Affecting Moving Cost

Distance: Local ($50-100/hour) vs long-distance (weight-based pricing)

Weight/volume: More stuff = more cost (every 1,000 lbs adds $500-1,000 typically)

Season: Summer peak (higher costs), winter off-season (cheaper 20-40%)

Move complexity: Stairs, tight hallways, long carry = additional charges

Specialty items: Pianos, artwork, antiques = specialized care premium

Packing services: Full-service most expensive, self-service cheapest

Insurance: Basic included, premium/specialty adds cost

Getting Best Moving Quotes

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Inventory items (create detailed list, take photos of valuable items)

Step 2: Get 3-5 in-home or virtual estimates (in-home more accurate)

Step 3: Compare estimates (check for binding vs non-binding)

Step 4: Verify credentials (DOT license for interstate moves, insurance, BBB rating)

Step 5: Check references and reviews (Google, Yelp, BBB, Trustpilot)

Step 6: Negotiate (sometimes possible, especially off-season)

Step 7: Get contract in writing (essential for protection)

Avoiding Moving Scams

Red flags: Refuses in-person estimate (do video or phone only), estimates quote only from photos, demands large upfront deposit (10% ok, 50%+ bad), vague about services, no DOT license (interstate moves), no insurance documentation

Protection tips: Always get written estimates, verify DOT license (DOT.gov), get insurance in writing, read contract completely, pay with credit card (protection), keep photos of items before move

Moving Preparation Timeline

8 weeks before: Declutter and downsize, get moving quotes, book moving company

6 weeks before: Update address with postal service, utilities, subscriptions

4 weeks before: Notify employer, schools, banks, insurance companies

2 weeks before: Start packing (if doing yourself), confirm moving details

1 week before: Finish packing, prepare first-night box, confirm final logistics

Moving day: Final walkthrough, check all items loaded, take photos of empty apartment

After move: Verify all items arrived, document any damage, file claims if needed

Moving Companies Action Plan

1. Determine move type (local, long-distance, international)
2. Assess budget and service level needed
3. Create inventory of items being moved
4. Get 3-5 in-home or detailed estimates
5. Verify credentials and check reviews
6. Compare total costs (include supplies, packing, insurance)
7. Choose company and book (get in writing)
8. Start decluttering and organizing
9. Follow preparation timeline
10. Document items before move, take photos of empty residence

Average moving cost $5,000-15,000 depending on move type and services. Full-service most expensive ($8,000-15,000) but stress-free. PODS cheapest ($2,500-7,000) but requires effort. Get 3-5 quotes before choosing—significant variation (30-50% differences common). Verify credentials (DOT license for interstate), check BBB/Google reviews, get everything in writing. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best availability and pricing. Avoid peak summer season if possible (winter 20-40% cheaper). Declutter before moving (pay by weight/volume). Start early, plan logistics, and you’ll have smooth move with professional company.

Hidden Costs and Fee Breakdown

Moving estimates should include: Base moving cost per mile or hourly rate, fuel surcharge (1-25% additional), equipment fees (dollies, blankets), assembly/disassembly fees, stair fees for difficult access, long carry fees. Always get written estimates with itemized fees before committing.