The Best Moving Companies of 2026
Posted in: Long Distance Moving Advice, Moving AdviceThe best moving companies in 2026 are National Van Lines, American Van Lines, and International Van Lines, depending on the distance of your move. But what really makes a moving company the “best”? It ultimately depends on what you need for your particular move, and whether or not cost or convenience is more important to you.
MovingPlace has been in the moving business for over a decade, and we know what makes a moving company good—or not. That’s why we’ve put in the legwork into finding the best full-service moving companies of 2026, so you don’t overspend, get bad service, or make the wrong pick for your needs.
Choose the Best Moving Company for Your Move Type
While some moving companies are decent all-rounders, many excel in managing certain move types. Considering a company’s reputation for handling your specific move type can help you ensure it’s the best choice for you.
In this guide, we’ll recommend the best moving companies for:
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
- Interstate moves
- Cross-country moves
- International moves
- DIY/container options
Sometimes, we’ll recommend the same company under more than one category. That’s because we’ve reviewed their services carefully and feel confident in their ability to tackle several move types efficiently.
The Best Moving Companies at a Glance
Need speedy advice on the best company for your move? Here’s our quick-fire guide to the top moving companies for every move distance:
| Company | Best for | Move types served |
| National Van Lines | Local moves | Local moves, long-distance moves |
| American Van Lines | Long-distance moves, interstate moves | Local moves, long-distance moves, interstate moves |
| International Van Lines | Cross-country moves, international moves | Long-distance moves, cross-country moves, international moves |
Before You Book: Estimates, Deposits, and Moving Contracts
Knowing how to assess what a moving company is offering can help you avoid making the wrong call on an important decision. First, understanding how moving companies generate estimates and which method best suits your requirements is crucial.
The three main types of moving estimates are:
Binding estimate
- What it means: This type of estimate provides a guaranteed price for your selected services based on the items listed in your inventory, regardless of how much they weigh. It provides relative certainty on what you’ll pay, so it can be a great option if you know exactly what items you want to move.
- Risk level: Low
Non-binding estimate
- What it means: A non-binding estimate is an unfixed quote for your chosen services based on the estimated weight of your inventory. The price can increase significantly if your goods weigh more than expected, but this estimate type may be worth considering if you’re unsure of your final inventory.
- Risk level: High
Not-to-exceed estimate
- What it means: A not-to-exceed estimate combines some of the benefits of a binding and non-binding estimate. Your moving company will cap your payment at a specific price, so you won’t pay more than the stated maximum. However, you could pay less if your inventory weighs less than expected. Not all moving companies offer this type of estimate, but it’s a balanced option that suits most customers.
- Risk level: Low
Deposits and Contracts
As a rule of thumb, you should expect to pay a deposit of roughly 10% to 30% of your moving estimate. Moving companies tend to charge toward the upper end of this scale for long-distance moves or moves scheduled during high-demand periods. The best-rated moving companies won’t ask for more than 50% or the entire payment upfront, and it’s a red flag if the moving company you’re looking into does.
“…[A] local full-service move costs anaverage of $935, while labor-only help comes in atabout $415. A long-distance move might cost anywhere from$840 to $10,000 or more.”
Your moving company must also give you a Bill of Lading (BOL) before your move commences. The BOL is a legal contract that lists the services your moving company will provide, the terms under which it will provide them, and how much you’ll pay. It provides protection for both you and your movers in the case of a dispute, so reading the BOL thoroughly and understanding its contents is essential.
Being aware of a few common pitfalls maximizes your chances of a successful move. We recommend avoiding:
- Last-minute bookings: The best moving companies usually get booked up in advance. Leaving your booking until the last minute will likely limit your options and increase the price you pay.
- Failing to obtain written contracts: Without a contract, raising a dispute with your mover in the event of an issue will be challenging or even impossible.
- Not carrying out research: Hiring movers without research increases the risk of unreliable service. Before you book, thoroughly check the company’s accreditation, licenses, and reputation to avoid unpleasant surprises later on.
By following this advice and staying informed on what to expect during the process, you can significantly increase the chances of a seamless, efficient move.
How We Chose the Best Moving Companies for All Move Types
According to some recent stats from IBISWorld, the United Stateshas 1,994 moving businesses. So how do you know which one to choose for your move?
For this guide, we narrowed the list down to national moving companies and stand-out DIY solutions. To earn a place on our list, we verified each company’s interstate moving license and checked that they offer written estimates, which are essential requirements for a reputable moving company.
We evaluated each company according to the following criteria:
- Pricing transparency
- Storage options
- Claims handling procedures
- Shipment tracking
- Ability to handle specialty items
- Reputation
- Value for money
Determining a company’s reputation can be challenging, and star ratings alone don’t always paint the full picture. We scour customer reviews and complaints to identify patterns, enabling us to point out where companies consistently exceed or underperform.
Best Moving Companies for Local Moves
A move counts as local when the distance between your start and end points is under 50 miles. While some customers prefer full-service moving, where movers handle every aspect of the move and provide transport, it isn’t always necessary for local moves and could prove to be overkill if your move is small or straightforward.
Using a labor-only service could be more cost-effective if you’re only moving a few rooms of furniture or traveling a very short distance. When you book a labor-only relocation, the movers load and unload your belongings, and you rent and drive the truck (or get a moving container). It’s often worth comparing the price of full-service moving to the price of labor-only moving and truck rental to determine whether the additional cost is worth the convenience.
National Van Lines: Best Local Moving Company
- Provides full-service moves across even short distances
- Interstate and international moving services available
- Flexible storage options in secure facilities
- Support available for seniors downsizing or moving to retirement homes
- Specialty packing services for fragile and valuable items
National Van Lines offers affordable moving services, with prices averaging between $500 and $2,000 for local moves. It has nearly 100 years of experience in the moving industry and offers personalized support for military and senior moving.
Some reviewers mention that their belongings were damaged during transit and report frustrating experiences trying to resolve disputes. Before booking with National Van Lines, we recommend verifying whether the included insurance covers the value of your belongings and carefully reviewing your BOL to ensure you’re happy with the service terms.
Local Moving Services Through HireAHelper: A Great Local Alternative – Runner Up
While large national movers are great for long-distance relocations, the best local moving companies are often smaller businesses. That’s because they often have area-specific expertise that helps them deliver a more streamlined service.
While HireAHelper itself isn’t a moving company, you can easily compare the best local pros on the HireAHelper marketplace. Just enter your ZIP code into our online tool to instantly see vetted local movers. From there, you can:
- Compare moversside by side
- Check outverified reviews
- See accurate pricingand available services
- Book your mover directlythrough our site with our best-price guarantee
You don’t even need to give us your contact information. Just take a look around, compare movers in our network, and lock in the right moving company when you’re ready.
Best Moving Companies for Long-Distance Moves
The definition of a long-distance move depends on the moving company’s policy and whether the move crosses state lines. At HireaHelper, we consider any move between 1000 and 1799 miles to be long-distance.
While some companies charge by the hour for local relocations, they’ll likely consider the distance traveled and the weight of your belongings when quoting for a long-distance move. Your delivery window will likely be longer to allow the company to work around unexpected delays, such as poor weather or heavy traffic. And if you’re unable to move into your new home right away and need temporary storage, it’s worth looking for a company with flexible storage options to help you cover any gaps.
American Van Lines – Best Long-Distance Moving Company
- Upfront, binding estimates with transparent costs
- Specializes in long-distance moves
- Storage options to help manage gaps in housing availability
- Referral program for additional savings
- Strong reputation for positive complaint resolution
Of all the companies we’ve researched, American Van Lines has some of the strongest reviews, with a 4.3-star Google rating. While it only offers local relocation services in a few states, it specializes in managing long-distance moves through a network of local agents.
While customer impressions are generally positive, some complain about the inconsistent quality of subcontractors and mention late deliveries. However, it’s worth noting that the company has a consistent track record of resolving complaints to the customer’s satisfaction. American Van Lines offers location-specific specials, so it’s worth checking for deals when comparing prices to other companies.
Mayflower Transit- Runner Up
- Local, long-distance, and international moves
- Trash and debris removal services available
- Operates in 46 states, excluding Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and West Virginia
- Snap moves program to help streamline long-distance moves
- Doesn’t require a deposit
Mayflower Transit operates via local affiliates and agents who coordinate moves. It provides an impressive range of add-on services, from trash removal to car shipping, enabling you to build a moving package that perfectly suits your needs. Some local affiliates have outstanding reputations for managing long-distance moves.
However, some affiliates receive poor feedback, with some customers mentioning inconsistent communication and lost or damaged items. We recommend researching your local Mayflower affiliate to determine whether services are reliable in your area.
Best Moving Companies for Interstate Moves
Federal law comes into play when you move across state lines, which means that your mover is no longer regulated by individual state laws. Instead, the company is bound by regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Your movers must hold an FMCSA license, provide a written binding or non-binding estimate, and supply a Bill of Lading before your move starts.
American Van Lines – Best Interstate Moving Company
- Binding estimates with no hidden costs
- Covers the entire continental United States
- #1 Mover of the Year for Prudential Winner
- Storage solutions available
- Online booking tool available for price comparison
Already our top pick for long-distance moves, American Van Lines also ranks as our best out-of-state moving company. It operates across the entire continental United States, boasts several awards, and consistently ranks highly for its outstanding customer service standards.
Although it receives some complaints about third-party contractors, American Van Lines appears to have strong resolution procedures. As with long-distance relocations, we recommend checking the company’s specials, as location-specific discounts may be available for your move.
North American Van Lines – Runner Up
- Available throughout North America
- Special packing considerations for fragile items
- Free online quotes available
- Customizable service levels to suit individual needs
- Guaranteed pricing with no hidden fees
North American Van Lines allows customers to personalize their services, which means you’ll only pay for the options you actually need. This high level of customization helps you keep control of your spending, making the company a great option for interstate moves on a budget.
However, you should keep in mind thatsome North American Van Lines reviews mentioned that thecompany subcontracts out the work. Others stated that they had missing or broken items. Check with your local affiliate to see what you can expect from their service quality.
Best Moving Companies for Cross-Country Moves
Cross-country moves are generally seen as higher risk than local moves because they have longer transit times and often involve more handling points. These factors increase the chances of items being lost or damaged and make your delivery more vulnerable to delays caused by unforeseen hazards or regulatory problems. We recommend working with movers experienced in handling cross-country moves and investing in comprehensive insurance for added protection.
International Van Lines – Best Cross-Country Moving Company
- Licensed carrier with in-house crews
- One month of free storage with every move
- 5% discount available for phone bookings
- Free estimates available
- Specializes in long-distance and cross-country moves
International Van Lines is a licensed carrier, which means that it owns its fleet and manages your move directly. It has physical locations in several states, enabling it to handle moves between most areas of the United States and further afield. The company has a 4.6-star Trustpilot rating, with customers praising the team’s clear communication, efficiency, and careful handling.
While feedback is mainly positive, some customers mention that their estimates increased due to weight overages. Consider requesting an in-person survey to ensure your inventory is accurate to avoid unexpected costs.
Safeway Moving — Runner Up
- Long-distance and cross-country moves
- Inventory management system to track belongings
- Referral program available
- Secure storage solutions
- Packing and unpacking services
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned company specializing in long-distance and cross-country moves. It has storage areas that are elevated to prevent flood damageand monitored with CCTV equipment, making it an ideal option if you’re unable to move into your new home immediately.
However, the company doesn’t offer online booking, and some customers express concerns about unexpected price increases. While flat-rate pricing is advertised, scheduling an in-person estimate is advisable to avoid surprise fees.
Best Moving Companies for International Moves
International moves take expertise because of more complex processes like customs and documentation requirements. Complying with destination-specific laws is essential to avoiding delays and additional costs, so choosing a mover with extensive experience in managing international moves is key. Before hiring, ensure any company you’re considering is licensed or registered with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
International Van Lines – Best International Moving Company
- Brick-and-mortar offices in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois
- In-home and virtual surveys available
- Covers over 140 international destinations
- Free 15-minute consultation
- FMC-licensed carrier
Alongside its domestic moving services, International Van Lines also manages full-service international relocations. The company handles customs clearance and documentation on your behalf and provides a dedicated point of contact to manage the process and keep you updated.
While International Van Lines receives mostly glowing reviews, customers share concerns about unexpected price hikes. For international moves, we recommend choosing an in-person survey over a virtual appraisal, especially if you plan to move a large volume of belongings.
Best Moving Options If You Want to DIY
Truck rental, moving containers, and freight services are your three main options for DIY moving. Truck rental is ideal for local moves and people on smaller budgets, but it’s worth weighing the potential stress of moving your belongings and driving the truck yourself against the savings.
Moving containers are generally more expensive and may not provide enough storage space for very large loads. However, they can be a handy way to store your belongings if you don’t plan to move into your new home right away or don’t want to drive a large moving truck.
“As a rule of thumb, you should expect to pay a deposit of roughly 10% to 30% of your moving estimate….The best-rated moving companies won’t ask for more than 50% or the entire payment upfront…”
Freight shipping is usually the most cost-effective option for very large or heavy loads, especially if your move it long-distance. However, you won’t maintain control of your goods during transit, which could be an issue if you need to move according to a tight timeline.
HireaHelper can help you find vetted labor-only movers to make your DIY move a success. We offer upfront pricing, stress-free scheduling, and expert support to ensure your moving day goes without a hitch, all backed by our Service Guarantee for peace of mind.
How Much Do Moving Companies Cost?
Based onHireAHelper’s latest data, a local full-service move costs anaverage of $935, while labor-only help comes in atabout $415. A long-distance move might cost anywhere from $840 to $10,000 or more. Ultimately, though, it all depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re going.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all move package, so your moving costs might run lower or higher than these averages. Moving companies use a variety of pricing structures to determine a fair rate. Some charge by the hour, others by the mile, and still others set a flat rate. Other factors impact the bottom line, like nonrefundable deposits, add-on packing/unpacking services, and insurance.
How to Avoid a Bad Moving Company
Performing some simple checks can help you avoid subpar moving companies. Before committing to working with a mover, we recommend checking:
- Company information: Cross-check any information a mover provides, such as the company name, address, and USDOT number, against its details on the FMCSA website to ensure it matches.
- Insurance: Ensure that the company holds Cargo and General Liability insurance.
- Reviews: Read customer reviews from reputable sources like the BBB to confirm the company’s reputation and learn how it handles complaints.
- Licenses: Search for the company on the FMCSA website to verify that it is authorized to manage your move.
It’s worth knowing the difference between a broker and a carrier to ensure your moving company is a good fit. Neither is inherently bad, but each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.
A broker doesn’t own its own fleet or hire its own staff. Instead, it manages your move through a network of third-party affiliates. Working with a broker might provide access to lower prices and more scheduling flexibility, but it often means less direct communication with the people responsible for transporting your belongings.
Carriers own their trucks and hire their own staff. While prices can be higher, some customers prefer to work with a carrier because it allows them to maintain tighter control over the moving process.
Why You Can Trust HireAHelper
HireAHelper has been helping people just like you find trusted movers since 2007. Since then,we’ve become the internet’s top-reviewed moving service provider, and our marketplace has grown to more than 2,000 moving companies. We’ve helped over 910,000 people move, with our customers giving us an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
When you find a mover through our platform, you can trust that you’re getting outstanding service, plus the support of our in-house customer service team.
The way our service works is simple. Movers list their services, and you get to see cost data you won’t find anywhere else, along with verified reviews, making it easy to compare movers side by side.
Every company in our network undergoes careful vetting. We check for licensing and insurance, and we consider how their customers rate them. In other words, if they’re in our network, you know you can trust them.
FAQs About the Best Moving Companies
How do I know if a moving company is legit?
Researching a moving company can help you determine if it’s legitimate. Cross-check details like the company’s name and address against the FMCSA website, read customer reviews, and verify insurance and licenses to help you decide.
Are brokers safe to use?
Brokers can be safe to use if they’re registered with the FMCSA and have a solid reputation. However, resolving a dispute with a broker can be more challenging because third-party affiliates will handle your move, so thorough research is essential.
What’s a reasonable deposit for movers?
Reputable movers charge deposits of 10% to 30% of the total price of your move. It’s a red flag if they ask for most or all of the cost upfront, and it’s an especially bad sign if they ask for a cash deposit.
Binding vs non-binding estimates: which is better?
A binding estimate is usually lower risk because you won’t pay more than the quoted price, even if your goods weigh more than expected. However, a non-binding estimate could be suitable if you’re unsure of your inventory at the time of booking.
Do I need full value protection?
You don’t have to purchase full value protection when moving house, but it’s generally recommended. Otherwise, you could receive less than the value of your belongings in compensation if they become lost or damaged.
How many quotes should I get?
We recommend getting at least three quotes before choosing a moving company. Obtaining multiple quotes allows you to compare price, customer service quality, and service options to ensure you get the right fit for your needs.
Is it cheaper to use PODS or movers?
Whether it’s cheaper to use PODS or movers depends on the level of service you select, but PODS usually cost less than full-service moving.
How far in advance should I book movers?
Reputable moving companies usually get booked fast, so the earlier you can book, the better. Allow at least six to eight weeks if you plan to move during summer or another high-demand time. For off-peak moves in winter and early spring, two to four weeks is usually enough time.
