Best Moving Companies

I’ve moved five times in the last fifteen years — twice locally, twice across state lines, and once internationally. I’ve used a full-service national carrier, rented a U-Haul and done it myself, hired local movers, and had a friend recommend a company that I should have vetted more thoroughly before handing them my furniture. Here’s what I’ve learned about how to pick the right kind of company for the specific move you’re actually doing.

Top Nationwide Moving Companies

For long-distance moves across state lines, a national carrier with an established network takes most of the logistical uncertainty off your plate.

United Van Lines

• Service Area: Nationwide
• Specialty: Full-service moves, including packing and unpacking
• Why they stand out: Large network, comprehensive services
• Founded: 1928

One of the largest carriers in the country. Their agent network means consistent service availability across most destinations. If you want someone to handle packing, transport, and unpacking, United is a solid option — expect to pay for the convenience.

American Van Lines

• Service Area: Nationwide
• Specialty: Long-distance moves
• Why they stand out: Flat-rate pricing
• Founded: 1995

Flat-rate pricing is genuinely useful for budgeting — no surprise bill on delivery day because the move took longer than estimated. They specialize in long-distance and tend to use experienced crews.

Atlas Van Lines

• Service Area: Nationwide and international
• Specialty: Personalized moving plans
• Why they stand out: Variety of services
• Founded: 1948

Atlas does both domestic and international moves, which makes them useful if you’re headed overseas. Their customizable plans let you pick services a la carte rather than paying for a full-service package you don’t need.

Top Local Moving Companies

For moves within the same metro area, local companies often beat the nationals on price and responsiveness.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

• Service Area: Across the United States
• Specialty: Local moves
• Why they stand out: Strong customer service
• Founded: 1985

I’ve used TWO MEN AND A TRUCK twice for local moves. Both times the crews were professional, careful with furniture, and on time. The franchise model means quality can vary by location, so check local reviews specifically — not just corporate ratings.

Bellhop

• Service Area: Selected cities
• Specialty: Modern, tech-driven approach
• Why they stand out: Easy booking and transparent pricing
• Founded: 2011

Bellhop makes the booking process genuinely easy — online, clear pricing, no phone tag with a dispatcher. Coverage is limited to select markets, but where they operate, the model is efficient and well-reviewed.

Top International Moving Companies

International moves involve customs documentation, international regulations, and logistics that most domestic movers aren’t equipped for.

Allied Van Lines

• Service Area: Worldwide
• Specialty: International moves
• Why they stand out: Comprehensive moving services
• Founded: 1928

Allied’s global network handles customs paperwork and international shipping logistics. When I did my international move, having someone who understood the customs declaration requirements on both ends was worth the premium.

International Van Lines

• Service Area: Worldwide
• Specialty: Long-distance and international moves
• Why they stand out: High customer satisfaction ratings
• Founded: 2000

IVL handles both long-haul domestic and international work. They’re consistently well-reviewed on customer satisfaction, which matters more than almost any other metric for a move you can’t supervise in real-time.

Top Budget-Friendly Moving Companies

If budget is the primary constraint and you’re willing to do more work yourself, the savings can be significant.

PODS

• Service Area: Nationwide
• Specialty: Portable storage containers
• Why they stand out: Cost-effective DIY option
• Founded: 1998

PODS drops a container at your house, you load it at your own pace, they transport it, you unload. The key advantage is flexibility — you control the timeline rather than a moving company’s schedule. Good option if your move has complexity around timing or you want to move non-urgently.

U-Haul

• Service Area: Nationwide
• Specialty: Truck rentals and moving supplies
• Why they stand out: Flexible rental options
• Founded: 1945

The cheapest option if you’re willing to drive the truck yourself. U-Haul’s ubiquity means equipment is available almost everywhere and dropping off trucks is straightforward. The one catch: driving a large truck is genuinely stressful if you’ve never done it. Practice reversing in a parking lot before you attempt parallel parking on a city street with your furniture on board. I say this from experience.

Top Full-Service Moving Companies

For people who want everything handled from packing to unpacking, full-service movers cost more but eliminate almost all the physical and logistical work.

Mayflower Transit

• Service Area: Nationwide
• Specialty: Full-service moves
• Why they stand out: Extensive moving options
• Founded: 1927

Mayflower’s century of operation is a meaningful signal — they’ve survived by being reliable. Comprehensive packing-to-unpacking service, with particular strength in long-distance moves.

Bekins Van Lines

• Service Area: Nationwide
• Specialty: Full-service moves
• Why they stand out: Personalized service
• Founded: 1891

Bekins is one of the oldest moving companies in the country. Their personalized approach means you’re more likely to get consistent communication and assigned crews rather than whoever’s available the week of your move.

How to Actually Choose

Get at least three quotes for any significant move. Verify the company’s USDOT number with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for interstate movers — this takes two minutes and confirms they’re legitimately licensed. Read reviews specifically for your local market, not just corporate averages. Ask what happens if your belongings are damaged — understand their liability coverage and whether you need additional insurance for high-value items.