How to find a good moving company: compare written quotes, verify registration with the FMCSA, understand your coverage, and choose the right type of move for your budget.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this guide walks you through your options, how to vet movers, what moves cost, and links to our in-depth reviews of the major national van lines.
Choose the Right Type of Move
| Option | Who packs and loads | Who drives | Relative cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service movers | Movers (packing optional) | Movers | Highest | Hands-off moves, large homes |
| Portable container | You | The container company | Low to mid | Packing at your pace, storage between homes |
| Rental truck | You | You | Lowest | Local moves and tight budgets |
| Labor only | Hired helpers | You | Low | DIY moves that need muscle |
Compare options: PODS cost guide, PODS vs. PACK-RAT vs. U-Pack, U-Haul review, moving labor and containers vs. movers.
National Van Line Reviews
United Van Lines
Agent-owned UniGroup brand and Mayflower’s sister. Strong for long-distance and corporate moves.
Allied Van Lines
SIRVA brand with agents in all 50 states and a large international network.
Atlas Van Lines
Agent-owned since 1948, with deep corporate relocation experience.
Bekins Van Lines
In business since 1891, now part of The Wheaton Group.
How to Vet a Moving Company
- Get at least three written estimates after an in-person or virtual survey. Be wary of firm prices given without seeing your belongings.
- Verify the USDOT number on the FMCSA website for interstate moves, and check complaint history. Many states also license in-state movers.
- Know whether it’s a mover or a broker. See movers vs. brokers.
- Read recent reviews for the specific company or local agent.
- Get everything in writing: estimate type, coverage, pickup and delivery windows, and all fees.
- Avoid big deposits and cash-only demands.
More detail: what to know before hiring movers.
What Do Movers Cost?
Local moves are usually billed by the hour for a crew and truck, plus travel time and materials. Long-distance moves are priced mainly by shipment weight and distance, plus packing, storage and extra services. Summer, weekends and month-end dates cost the most.
Get a ballpark with our local moving cost calculator and long-distance moving cost calculator, then compare written quotes. Specialty items have their own calculators: piano moving, pool table moving and car shipping.
Ways to Save on Movers
- Move mid-week and mid-month, outside the summer peak.
- Declutter first. Less weight means a lower long-distance price. See how to declutter before moving.
- Pack yourself and leave only fragile items to the pros.
- Negotiate. See how to negotiate with movers.
- Look for discounts on our moving discounts page.
Moving long distance?
Compare long-distance movers, then vet each one before you book.
Get Long-Distance QuotesMoving Company FAQs
How do I find a reputable moving company?
Get at least three written estimates after an in-person or virtual survey, verify each company’s USDOT number and complaint history on the FMCSA website, read recent reviews, and confirm whether you’re dealing with a mover or a broker.
How much do movers cost?
Local moves are usually billed by the hour for a crew and truck, while long-distance moves are priced mainly by weight and distance. Full-service interstate moves commonly cost several thousand dollars, and more for large homes. Use our moving cost calculators for a ballpark, then compare written quotes.
Should I hire movers or move myself?
Full-service movers save time and effort but cost the most. Renting a truck is cheapest if you can load and drive. A portable container is a middle ground: you pack and load, and the company handles the driving.
What’s the best moving company?
It depends on your route and the local agent or crew assigned to your move. National van lines like United, Allied, Atlas and Bekins have large networks, but the specific local agent matters most. Compare quotes and vet each company.