A moving company can relocate your belongings across long distances in a quick, safe and intentional manner. The trick is sifting through all of the possible relocation and moving company options to find the best moving companies for you.
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Quicklook: Best Moving Companies
- Best Overall: Atlas Van Lines
- Best for International Moving: International Van Lines
- Best for Shipment Tracking: Mayflower
- Best for Long Distances: Allied Van Lines
- Best for Full-Service Moving: United Van Lines
- Best for Long-Term Storage: PODS
6 Best Moving Companies Options
When you’re looking for the best moving companies, what you really need to focus on are the best moving companies for your needs. Moving services have specialties. They’re not a one-size-fits-all deal. Don’t just type random phrases in Google like “moving companies relocation shipping service” and hope for the best. Instead, conduct research and be intentional about which company you trust to help you.
Atlas Van Lines
For an all-around amazing company that gets excellent reviews, check out Atlas Van Lines. They’ve been in business since 1948 and the company has spread itself around the world with its 430 independent agencies.
Best For: Overall
Insurance Coverage: They offer minimal protection at no cost, which pays based on item weight multiplied by 60 cents per pound. They also offer Full Value Protection (FVP), which requires your shipment to have a declared minimum value of either $10,000 or $6 per pound in terms of the shipment’s total weight.
Storage:
- Yes
- Storage in transit or secure short-term storage
- Long-term storage for global moves
International Shipping: Yes
BBB Score: A+
Benefits:
- Excellent ratings
- Discounts for AAA members
- Useful and well-designed website
Disadvantages:
- Estimates assume insurance upgrade
- Won’t move containers
- Restrictive cancellation period
International Van Lines
Responsible for more than 20,000 moves every year, International Van Lines continues to win awards for its stellar customer service. From institutions like Newsweek, Angie’s List and Forbes, Atlas is regarded as a people-first business. They began moving in the year 2000 and have grown to serve 150 countries today.
Best For: International Moving
Insurance Coverage:
- Yes
- Full coverage insurance called All Risk Insurance
- Takes care of the full declared value of your items up to $250,000
- Either a $500 or $1,000 deductible
- Standard limited liability coverage
- Covers 60 cents per pound per item
Storage:
- Yes
- One month of free storage
International Shipping: Yes
BBB Score: B
Benefits:
- Excellent customer service
- Optional storage and insurance
Disadvantages:
- Moves may be brokered or subcontracted to other companies
- 25% deposit required
Mayflower
Mayflower is currently part of UniGroup, which has expanded its reach throughout the world. Mayflower prides itself on communication and service with fast quotes and plenty of storage and insurance options. Their shipment tracking tool is easy to use, up-to-date and accurate.
Best For: Shipment Tracking
Insurance Coverage: Yes. They offer optional Full Value Protection insurance. It works by estimating your shipment weight and multiplying that number by $6 per pound. They also have a Minimum Liability valuation at 60 cents per pound per item. You can also declare a higher amount for the FVP at extra cost.
Storage: Yes. They offer local, long-distance and international moving storage options, as well as residential and commercial storage services.
International Shipping: Yes
BBB Score: A+
Benefits:
- Moving packages can be customized
- No deposit required
- Free cancellations
- Moving supplies and vehicles offered
- Excellent shipment tracking
Disadvantages:
- No container moving
- Obtuse quote process
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines has a huge worldwide mover network. They’re over 85 years old at this point, so they’ve learned a thing or two about packing and unpacking belongings for cross-country moves.
Best For: Long-Distance Moving
Insurance Coverage: Yes. They have the same basic liability required of any moving company at 60 cents per pound per item. They also offer Extra Care Protection (ECP), which is full-valuation coverage. Even more coverage can be had for valuables worth $100 per pound or more, which requires filling out a High Value Inventory Form.
Storage:
- Yes
- Both temporary and permanent
International Shipping: Yes
BBB Score: A+
Benefits:
- Excellent customer service
- Quotes are simple
- Offer online tracking
Disadvantages:
- Local moves can be expensive
- Limited self-service support
United Van Lines
Once you book with United Van Lines, there’s little you’ll have to do from that point. They specialize in handling every part of the move, including debris removal, furniture, wall mount disassembly, set-up assistance and all of the packing you need.
Best For: Full-Service Moving
Insurance Coverage: Yes. FVP is calculated by taking the estimated weight of the shipment and multiplying it by $6 for every pound. They also have a High Value Inventory Form for items valued at $100 or more. Of course, the standard Minimum Liability Valuation option covers 60 cents per pound per item.
Storage:
- Yes
- Residential and commercial
- Long- and short-term options
International Shipping: Yes
BBB Score: A+
Benefits:
- Numerous add-ons available
- Easy-to-navigate website
- Transparent and upfront pricing
- Online tracking option
Disadvantages:
- Full-service comes with high prices
- Lacks container moving service
PODS
If you need days, weeks or even months to sift through your belongings at your leisure, then PODS may be for you. They drop off a moving container, which you fill at your pace. When you’re ready to move, so is PODS. And if you just want your belongings to stay in storage for the long haul, that’s a possibility available to you as well.
Best For: Long-Term Storage
Insurance Coverage: Yes. They offer Contents Protection or Container Only if your homeowner’s insurance protects your belongings. The coverage levels range from $5,000 to $300,000 with a $100-per-claim deductible.
Storage: Yes
International Shipping: Yes. However, they only serve 46 out of 50 U.S. states. They don’t currently operate in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota or Wyoming.
BBB Score: B
Benefits:
- Flexible timetable
- Easy-to-understand pricing
- Various container sizes
- Long-term storage
Disadvantages:
- Limited to 46 states in the U.S.
- Few add-ons and services
- No full-service packing
What Is a Moving Company?
A moving company specializes in transporting belongings from a residential or commercial location to another location. The move may be local, regional, cross-country or even international.
How Does a Moving Company Work?
Moving companies take a truck or container packed with your belongings and transport them to a new location of your choice. Movers usually load boxes and furniture into the vehicle and unload them at your destination. Some will pack and unpack your items for an additional fee.
What To Consider with Moving Companies
Aside from reviews indicating the quality of the company and the services they offer, you’ll need to dig into the particulars of their services to get a smooth move.
Budget
If you want to know how much you’ll spend, make sure you understand all of the charges you’ll face, including insurance coverage.
Timeline
If you’re operating on a limited timeline, avoid relocation companies known for being slow. Also, if you have particularly fragile or expensive items, your chosen moving company may take extra time to ensure their safe shipment.
Custom Items
Some relocation companies specialize in handling rare or unique items, such as cars, motorcycles, boats, artwork, and sensitive equipment.
Types of Move
If you need to move across your hometown, you might not want a company that specializes in international moving. Also, if you are making a commercial or residential move, make sure the company can handle the one you need.
Special Services
Do you need permanent storage? Do you have items that require such careful handling that the movers need sterile gloves? Ensure your moving company can handle special requests.
A Little Research Saves Many Headaches
Choosing a moving company is like choosing a car. If you’re going around a racetrack, a panel van won’t do. If you have a large family to drive around, a two-seater sports car won’t work. Choose your moving services based on your specific needs, read reviews and communicate your desires clearly so that your belongings arrive in one piece.
FAQ
Nationally, the average cost of a move is $1,400. The range goes from just under $1,000 to $2,500.
Moving by yourself — with some volunteer help — is definitely the cheapest. However, if time is a consideration, using a moving company may be best.
Local movers generally cost between $25 and $50 per hour per mover. With a total moving time of five hours, the cost could range from $250 to $500.
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