11 Best Moving Companies of 2019

There are a ton of different ways to move your stuff from one place to another. You can pay top dollar to have the professionals handle everything from packing to cleaning, or you can ask your friend if you can borrow their truck again. It all comes down to what works for you.

To make your impending journey just a little bit easier, we’ve rounded up all the best moving companies out there so you can compare them for yourself. Check out the different kinds of movers and see which one fits your needs.

Best Full-Service Moving Companies

Full-service movers can do everything for you or just give you some help loading up your stuff.

Full-service movers are definitely the most luxurious way to move. If you don’t mind paying for the honor, you can sit back and put your feet up while the pros sort out all of your belongings, pack them up, and drive them to your new place for you.

These kinds of movers don’t come cheap, but you can pick what level of service you need—whether that’s the full VIP treatment or just some help getting your grandma’s antique dresser onto the truck.

^{* Not available for all moves.}

Allied Van Lines: Best full-service mover

If you want your moving company to give you a buffet of options to choose from, then Allied Van Lines is an obvious choice. It offers just about every moving service there is and lets you choose the ones you need to fit your move.

You can relax and let Allied handle everything. It can even ship your car or boat.

What does Allied Van Lines offer?

Allied is a van line company that works with multiple local movers, called “agents,” around the country. It’s your agent that’s going to conduct your actual move, with whatever services you choose.

Allied Van Lines services: 

• Packing/unpacking
• Fragile-only packing
• Custom crating
• Loading/unloading
• Appliance disconnection/connection
• Furniture assembly
• Auto/boat transport
• Moving supplies
• Storage
• Shipment tracking
• Full valuation coverage

Just remember that almost every extra service costs extra money. The more services you add on to your move, the more you’ll end up spending. A truly full-service move can easily come out to cost thousands and thousands of dollars.

Allied Van Lines price and availability

Allied has to conduct an in-home estimate before it will give you a final quote for your move. That’s where someone comes and checks out your property in person. But it does say that the average long-distance move costs $3,500 for about 7 rooms and 7,000 pounds worth of stuff.¹

Want to learn more? Check out our Allied Van Lines review.

North American Van Lines: Most customizable full-service mover

North American Van Lines (sometimes styled as northAmerican) is a lot like Allied Van Lines. It has a bunch of different moving services, and it gives you total power to choose which ones you want for your specific move.

What does North American Van Lines offer?

Just like Allied, North American is a van line company that works with local movers in your area. Keep in mind that some local agents might not offer every service North American has (like auto transport), so double-check that you can get what you need.

North American Van Lines services:

• Packing/unpacking
• Loading/unloading
• Fragile-only packing
• Shuttle service
• Storage
• Shipment tracking
• Custom crating
• Full valuation coverage
• Furniture disassembly/assembly
• Auto transport
• Appliance disconnection/connection

If you want the ultimate stress-free move, North American can handle every task on your list. Or it can help you just pack up a few valuables and get everything unloaded at your new place. It’s up to you.

North American Van Lines price and availability.

As a full-service mover, North American can get pretty pricey—especially if you choose a lot of add-on services for your move. For packing alone, we were quoted $60 per hour with one packer.

As for availability, North American does local, long-distance, and even international moves, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out where to find one of its movers.

Want to learn more? Check out our North American Van Lines review.

Cross Country Movers Group: Best value full-service mover

Cross Country Movers Group is a brokerage company, which is a little different from a van line. It basically means that Cross Country Movers handles all the trouble of finding a moving company in your area and arranging all the details of your move for you.

You still get a full list of services like packing and furniture assembly, plus Cross Country Movers Group offers some extra value by including 30 days’ worth of storage (if your move qualifies).

What does Cross Country Movers Group offer?

Cross Country Moving Group may not offer some specialty services, like custom crating or crane vans for big items, but it can definitely cover all the basics of a regular move.

Features list:

• Packing/unpacking
• Loading/unloading
• Furniture assembly
• Auto transport
• Storage
• Moving supplies
• Full valuation coverage
• Electronics installation

Cross Country Moving Group price and availability.

Cross Country Moving Group strives to keep its pricing affordable,2 but whether it’s the best deal for your move totally depends on where you live, what kind of services you need, and even what time of year it is.

You might also need to double-check availability. Cross Country lists only 22 cities on its website, so make sure you can get services in your area.

Best moving container companies

Moving container companies bring you the containers and let you load them up yourself.

Moving container companies are like the middle option between full-service movers and just renting a truck.

Here’s how it works: the company brings you the containers and you load them up with stuff on your own. Then the company picks up the containers and ships them to your new place for you so you can unload them.

It’s easier than loading a truck and cheaper than hiring a full mover, but it’s a little of both.

^{* U-Pack also offers trailers for larger moves.}

PODS: Best moving container company

If you’ve heard of moving container companies at all, then you’ve heard of PODS. It’s the best known of the bunch, and for good reason. You can choose from three different container sizes and it’s available all over the country.

What does PODS offer?

PODS delivers all-metal, weatherproof containers right to your property and then gives you an impressively long time to load them up and get them ready to move. (30 days, to be exact.)

PODS services:

• 30-day loading period
• Steel containers
• 30 days’ worth of included storage
• Over-the-phone quotes
• Moving supplies

You also get 30 days’ worth of storage included in your PODS quote, which is great if you know you’re going to need to store your stuff for a bit before you can move it into your new place.

PODS price and availability

PODS has locations in 44 states plus DC.3 So while you can’t get it absolutely everywhere, the odds are in your favor that there’s a location in your state.

As for pricing, PODS is one of the priciest moving container companies. If you know you’re going to need some of the included services, like a long loading time and storage, then it can be a pretty great deal. But if not, then U-Pack might work better for you.

Want to learn more? Check out our PODS review.

U-Pack: Best value moving container

U-Pack is like a mix between a moving container company and a rental truck company. It offers only one container size, but it also offers a bigger trailer option where you pay based on how much space you use.

In either case, U-Pack brings the container (or trailer) to you, you load it up yourself, and then someone else hauls it across the country for you. Easy peasy.

What does U-Pack offer?

First of all, U-Pack doesn’t do local moves. If you need a moving container for a move in town, then PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT, or maybe even U-Box, will be more your style.

U-Pack services:

• Metal, weatherproof containers
• Trailers for larger moves
• Moving and packing supplies
• Three-day loading period
• Online quotes
• Storage services

For long-distance moves, U-Pack can be a really good value. For one thing, you pay only for what you actually use. If you order three ReloCubes but you end up using only two of them, then you don’t have to pay for that extra container.

U-Pack price and availability

U-Pack might be the cheapest of the moving container companies, but you can still expect to spend several hundred dollars on your move. At least U-Pack makes it super easy to get a quote on its website, so you can skip the phone call.

Want to learn more? Check out our U-Pack review.

1-800-PACK-RAT: Best container construction

1-800-PACK-RAT is the small but fierce option in the moving container scene. It’s not as widely available as U-Pack or PODS, but its containers offer a couple of extra features that give them an edge over the competition.

What does 1-800-PACK-RAT offer?

1-800-PACK-RAT has three different container sizes and all of them have barn-style doors that let you maximize the space, plus an all-steel construction that makes them hardy and weatherproof.

If you want to feel secure that your stuff will reach you safe, dry, and undamaged, then 1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers are a good bet.

1-800-PACK-RAT price and availability

1-800-PACK-RAT has average pricing, but it does include the same long loading time and included storage that PODS does. You get 30 days to load up your containers and you get 30 days’ worth of storage included in your quote.

Want to learn more? Check out our 1-800-PACK-RAT review.

Best truck rental companies

Truck rental companies are the classic DIY way to move. Load everything up and drive the rig yourself.

If you want the cheapest and most hands-on moving option, then truck rental is where it’s at. It can save you a ton of money over hiring a full-service mover, or even using a container company—but you’ll have to handle all the grunt work yourself.

U-Haul: Best truck rental company

U-Haul is the first name that comes to mind when you think of truck rentals, and for good reason. U-Haul is available everywhere and has a bunch of different truck options so you can find the one that works for you.

We love that U-Haul gives us so many options, but don’t believe the prices you see advertised on its trucks—or even its website. U-Haul has some hidden costs it doesn’t include in those amounts.

What does U-Haul offer?

U-Haul offers truck rentals for both local and long-distance moves. You can reserve your vehicle, get a quote online, and then just head to your local U-Haul location to pick up the truck and load up your stuff.

U-Haul services: 

• Local moves
• Long-distance moves
• Trailer rentals
• Car towing equipment rentals
• Low decks for easy loading
• Moving supplies
• Roadside assistance

U-Haul trucks come with EZ-load ramps, which really just means the truck decks are a bit lower to the ground so they’re easier for you to load. And if you need to tow your car, U-Haul has the equipment to do it.

U-Haul price and availability

U-Haul’s available pretty much everywhere. You can rent U-Haul trucks all across the United States.

Just know that there are some hidden fees to renting U-Hauls, including fuel costs, per-mile rates, taxes, and environmental fees. In the end, U-Haul’s not always the cheapest truck rental company out there.

Want to learn more? Check out our U-Haul review.

Budget Truck Rental: Best value truck rental

If you want to save a few Jacksons on your truck rental (or even some Benjamins), then Budget Truck Rental lives up to its name: it really is the best budget option.

Budget trucks routinely cost less than U-Haul or Penske, and you can still get add-on features like furniture pads and moving blankets or car towing equipment for an extra cost.

What does Budget Truck Rental offer?

Budget Truck Rental doesn’t offer too many different sizes of trucks—just three. But those three sizes will work for most people, especially if you just need the biggest option.

But for those of us in small apartments with less stuff to move, we’d like to see Budget offer at least some cargo vans.

Budget Truck Rental services:

• Local moves
• Long-distance moves
• Car towing equipment rentals
• Moving supplies

Budget Truck Rental price and availability

Budget is available all over the country, but it does have have a lot of the same hidden fees as U-Haul: per-mile charges, fuel costs, etc. It also throws on a few extra hidden fees, like a no-show fee if you don’t come to pick up your reserved truck, and a late-return fee if you return your truck late.

Want to learn more? Check out our Budget Truck Rental review.

Penske: Best long-distance truck rental

If you’re moving long-distance and want to make sure you have a reliable and relatively new truck that will get you safely across the country, then Penske is the way to go. It turns over its truck fleet often so that its models are the newest on the market, and it offers roadside assistance.

What does Penske offer?

Penske offers a decent array of truck sizes, along with a cargo van. You can also get moving supplies, like blankets and boxes, through Penske.

Penske services:

• Local moves
• Long-distance moves
• Moving supplies
• Roadside assistance
• Car towing equipment rental

Penske’s trucks also include some thoughtful features, like non-slip floors inside each truck so you don’t have to worry about sliding to the ground while you’re trying to push that couch onboard.

The trucks also have translucent roofs so you can see what you’re doing, as well as lights so you don’t have to work in the dark.

Penske price and availability

Penske has thousands of rental locations across the country, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a truck in your area.

As for pricing, it’s pretty average. But Penske does give transparent quotes online that clearly spell out costs and fees. The only downside is that you have to enter your personal information (like your name and phone number) before you can get your quote.

Want to learn more? Check out our Penske review.

Best local moving company: College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving

College Hunks don’t just help you move—it can also help you clear out the junk so you don’t take it with you.

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving stays very true to its name: it handles both junk removal and moving services to give you a one-stop shop for your local moving needs.

^{* Not all interstate moves supported.}

College Hunks handles mostly local moves, so if you’re looking for a long-distance provider, it might not work for you. The Hunks handle only some interstate moves.

What does College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving offer?

The best thing about College Hunks is how it combines junk removal with your standard array of moving services.

It can do all the normal moving stuff, like pack for you and load your furniture into your new house. But College Hunks can also get rid of your old mattress and take care of that pile of rubbish you’ve had sitting in your garage.

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving services:

• Loading/unloading
• Shuttle service
• Storage
• Shipment tracking
• Packing/unpacking
• Furniture assembly
• Full valuation coverage
• Junk removal and demolition services
• Fragile-only packing

If you don’t need the junk removal, no worries—College Hunks still provides solid moving service. But it’s nice to have the option.

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving price and availability

College Hunks will only give you a price quote over the phone if your house is smaller than 1,500 square feet. Any more than that and you’re going to need an in-home estimate, where someone comes to your house to see how much stuff you have.

You can check before you call to see if College Hunks has service in your area. Its availability is a bit limited compared to big national providers like Allied.

Want to learn more? Check out our College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving review.

Best long-distance moving company: Best Interstate Moving and Storage

Best Interstate Moving and Storage specializes in long-distance moves and offers premium service upgrades.

Best Interstate Moving and Storage is a moving broker that hooks you up with a company in your area to cover long-distance moves—whether you’re headed one state over or way across the country.

We like that Best Interstate Moving and Storage gives price estimates over the phone without requiring an in-person estimate first. Just keep in mind, over-the-phone estimates are less reliable and you might pay more on your actual moving day.

What does Best Interstate Moving and Storage offer?

Best Interstate Moving and Storage has a pretty wide variety of moving services for your interstate trek.

Best Interstate Moving and Storage services: 

• Furniture disassembly
• Storage
• Packing/unpacking
• Full valuation coverage
• Specialty transport
• Moving supplies
• Loading/unloading
• Custom crating
• Shuttle service
• Piano transport

Like with Allied and North American, you can choose which services you need and leave the ones you don’t.

Best Interstate Moving and Storage also gives you the option to pay extra for a premium “white glove” service that gives your stuff the red carpet treatment from start to finish. Just keep in mind that when we say that service costs extra, we mean like a few thousand dollars extra.

Best Interstate Moving and Storage price and availability

Best Interstate Moving and Storage is available nationwide. You can get an idea of how much your move will cost by calling in and speaking with an agent.

The agent can give you an estimate of how much they think your final total will be, but you won’t know for sure until your actual moving day. That’s why in-person estimates are more reliable than phone estimates—it’s helpful if an agent actually sees your stuff for themself.

Want to learn more? Check out our Best Interstate Moving and Storage review.

Recap

Whether you’re moving down the block or across the world, there’s a moving company that can help you do it. Choose the right type of mover for you and get the best company that will give you the most bang for your buck.

Best full-service movers

Allied Van Lines: Allied is available everywhere and has a ton of different moving services that will help you with everything from packing to moving your boat. Just keep in mind that add-ons can be pricey.

North American Van Lines: North American lets you pick which services you want so you can get movers who do everything for you or just help out with a few different things.

Cross Country Movers Group: Cross Country Movers Group has more limited availability than Allied and North American, but it gives you 30 days’ worth of included storage on most moves.

Best moving container companies

PODS: PODS has three different container sizes and includes storage in your initial quote. But it’s not the cheapest container option.

U-Pack: U-Pack doesn’t make you buy anything you don’t need (like storage) and only makes you pay for what you use. Plus, it’s available everywhere—including Canada and Puerto Rico.

1-800-PACK-RAT: 1-800-PACK-RAT has more limited availability than the other two, but its containers are super well-constructed to keep your stuff safe during transport.

Best truck rental companies

U-Haul: U-Haul has lots of different truck sizes and enough locations that you can always get your hands on the vehicle you need. Just watch out for hidden fees.

Budget Truck Rental: Budget Truck Rental has the best truck deals on the market, but it doesn’t come with some of the nice extras, like roadside assistance.

Penske: Penske keeps its truck fleet in top working order so you get a reliable vehicle with transparent pricing.

Best local moving company

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving: College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving handles both moving and junk removal so you can get everything you need from one company. Just make sure it’s available in your area.

Best long-distance mover

Best Interstate Moving and Storage: Best Interstate Moving and Storage specializes in getting your stuff safely from one state to another. Just be aware, it doesn’t handle local moves.

Have you used a moving company in the past? What type of mover did you choose? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Sources

1. Allied Van Lines, “Long-Distance Movers”
2. Cross Country Movers Group, “Professional Moving Services”
3. PODS, “PODS Locations by State”
4. 1-800-PACK-RAT, “Storage Facility Locations”