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The Best Moving Companies in Montana of 2024

Why Trust Us

How we rated the top moving companies
10
Factors analyzed Here are the 10 factors we used to score each moving company: moving services, type of mover, additional services, contents protection plans, payment process, state availability, scheduling process, moving trailer and container options, additional benefits and reputation.
1,000
Homeowners surveyed
20,000
Reviews considered Our team analyzed over 20,000 reviews for several moving companies to find out what makes a reliable moving company. We used these reviews to get gauge the customer experience with each company.
21
Companies compared We reviewed and compared services, mover type, insurance coverage, payment processes, availability, scheduling, additional benefits and reputation of each company.

Montana’s 7 Best Moving Companies

These companies are our top picks for moves to, from, or within Montana:

Compare Moving Companies in Montana

International Van Lines

Our Pick for Insurance Plans
4.5
  • Award: Our pick for insurance plans
  • Service model: Full service
  • Founded: 2000

Why We Chose International Van Lines

Before 2004, International Van Lines (IVL) focused exclusively on international moves. IVL now handles an average of 10,000 moves per year, including local and long-distance relocations. It’s licensed as both a carrier and a broker, enabling it to provide service in all 50 states and 150 different countries.

IVL is our pick for quality insurance plans. Self-pack customers can upgrade from complimentary limited liability insurance to total-loss insurance for 3% of the declared value of their household goods. This insurance covers the full value of your items but only reimburses you for the total loss or damage of your shipment.

Customers who opt for professional packing services can purchase all-risk insurance for 4% of the declared value. You’ll get reimbursed for individual items that are lost or damaged with a coverage cap of $250,000.

Services

Services

Above all else, IVL is versatile. It can handle both large and small moves nearly anywhere in the world. Every IVL move includes loading and unloading, transportation, and basic furniture disassembly and reassembly.

IVL also offers the following services:

  • Air freight
  • Auto transport
  • Full packing
  • Ocean freight
  • Packing materials
  • Storage in-transit

 

Cost

Cost

The IVL website features a moving calculator for instant ballpark pricing. You must contact the company directly and submit a virtual walk-through video using IVL’s MoveOne software for a binding estimate.

IVL charges a 25% upfront deposit that you can pay via credit card, check or ACH. However, the deposit is fully refundable if you cancel at least 48 hours before your moving day. Your remaining balance will be split into two equal payments due at pickup and delivery. For these payments, IVL accepts cash, money orders, company checks and cashier’s checks.

Get your quote: Call 888-375-6309 or fill out the form on the IVL website and request a free quote.

To learn more: International Van Lines Review

 

American Van Lines

Our Pick for Long-Distance Moves
4.4
  • Award: Our pick for long-distance moves
  • Service model: Full service
  • Founded: 1995

Why We Chose American Van Lines

American Van Lines (AVL) began in 1995 as a family business with two trucks. Today, the company has locations across the United States and weekly shuttles to major cities. AVL can handle both commercial and residential moves. Its website advertises special deals for customers moving from Dallas, Greensboro, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York or San Francisco to select locations.

Despite its impressive expansion, AVL limits its service to the contiguous 48 states. It also lacks weekend customer service hours. However, AVL makes up for these drawbacks with a highly trained workforce. Its movers are full-time, background-checked employees who average 10 years of experience.

Services

Although AVL specializes in long-distance moving and storage, it also offers local moving services. Its secure storage facilities include climate-controlled storage units as well as personal vaults.

AVL also offers the following services:

  • Antique moving
  • Auto shipping assistance
  • Commercial moving
  • Corporate relocation
  • Crating
  • Fine arts moving
  • Full packing
  • Military moving
  • Partial packing
  • Piano moving

Cost

Customers must pay an up-front deposit via credit card to book a move with AVL. The remaining balance is due upon delivery and can be paid via cash, credit card, money order or cashier’s check.

AVL offers both binding and non-binding moving estimates but not instant ballpark quotes. Binding estimates require an in-home or virtual consultation. AVL bases its quotes on weight, distance and the services you select.

Get your quote: Fill out the form on the AVL website for a free estimate or call 877-960-3186.

To learn more: American Van Lines Review

JK Moving

Our Pick for Financing
4.6
  • Award: Our pick for financing
  • Service model: Full service
  • Founded: 1982

Why We Chose JK Moving

With 40 years in the moving industry, JK Moving Services is among the most experienced interstate moving companies on this list. The company gives customers plenty of options for customizing their moves, and its customer service is available 24/7. What sets it apart, however, is the option to finance your move. Qualified customers can apply for financing through Enhancify, with interest rates as low as 0%.

JK Moving only has local movers in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland. That means you will need to choose a different provider if you plan a local move in Montana. Small long-distance moves can be completed within nine days and include a week of free storage.

Services

JK Moving does not operate as a local moving company in Montana. However, it can handle interstate moves between Big Sky Country and other states, including Wyoming and Idaho. Customers can choose between full or fragile-only packing services.

JK Moving also offers the following services:

  • Antique packing
  • Auto transport
  • Commercial moving
  • Employee relocation
  • Fine art packing
  • Government and military moves
  • Piano moving
  • Short- and long-term storage
  • Unpacking
  • Wine packing

Cost

JK Moving charges a deposit of $250. It also requires customers to settle their balance before shipping. Customers can pay via credit card, cash or check. Qualified customers can also finance their moves through Enhancify.

Instant online quotes are not available. Customers have three options to obtain a binding estimate: a virtual self-survey, an in-home consultation or a virtual consultation. JK Moving estimates the number of hours, trucks and crew members needed to complete your move. Furniture size, home layout and moving distance will all affect your quote.

Get your quote: Call 571-487-8929 or fill out the form on the JK Moving website.

To learn more: JK Moving Review

Moving APT

Most Flexible Payment Options
4.5
  • Award: Our pick for most flexible payment options
  • Service model: Full service
  • Founded: 1999

Why We Chose Moving APT

Moving APT operates as a moving broker rather than a carrier. That means instead of offering in-house services, the company outsources moves to a network of pre-screened partners. If you need financing or a specific payment method, Moving APT can match you with a company that offers that option. The company can also shop around to find you the best possible rate.

Your moving experience may vary depending on which subcontractor completes your move. Since Moving APT is a broker, you’ll have to pay a brokerage fee in addition to moving costs, making it slightly pricier than booking a move directly with a carrier.

Services

Through its large network of partners, Moving APT can arrange nearly any moving service you need. This includes less common services, such as paper shredding and furniture repair.

Moving APT also offers the following services:

  • Appliance connection
  • Auto transport
  • Cleaning
  • Corporate relocation
  • Furniture assembly
  • Government and military moves
  • Packing
  • Storage
  • Unpacking

Cost

Moving APT charges a variable deposit that is nonrefundable if you cancel less than seven days in advance. Various payment options are available, and some of the company’s partners offer financing. In addition to a price-match policy, Moving APT offers discounts for early reservations and short-distance moves. All its partners provide discounted services for military, senior and differently abled customers.

Customers must fill out a moving inventory to receive a binding estimate. Moving APT also offers instant ballpark pricing through its website.

Get your quote: Enter your moving details on the Moving APT website or call 855-910-1001.

North American Van Lines

Our Pick for Easy Claims Process
4.5
  • Award: Our pick for easy claims process
  • Service model: Full service
  • Founded: 1933

Why We Chose North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines (NAVL) cannot guarantee a stress-free move, but it does its best to put customers’ minds at ease. The company has nearly nine decades of experience and requires all its drivers to complete an annual certification process. If something gets lost or damaged during transit, NAVL offers a simple claims process. All you have to do is fill out an online form. The company also provides customer support and online resources for assistance with filing claims.

NAVL provides real-time shipment tracking via the WorldTrac satellite system. The company has a fleet of more than 2,700 trucks, which means it can complete most moves in-house. However, NAVL does outsource some moves and services.

Services

NAVL’s standout feature is its white-glove moving service. With this service, NAVL’s movers will handle not only packing and unpacking but also cleaning, furniture arranging and picture hanging. They will even assemble your home gym and set up your entertainment system.

NAVL also offers the following services:

  • Appliance installation
  • Auto transport
  • Cleaning
  • Corporate relocation
  • Debris removal
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Full-service packing
  • Furniture assembly
  • Packing supplies
  • Storage
  • Unpacking

Cost

NAVL charges a flat hourly rate for local moves. It bases its long-distance moving costs on several factors: the weight and size of your belongings, mileage, destination and labor needed. Customers can get a quote with ballpark pricing on the NAVL website.

Binding estimates require a phone interview and a virtual home walk-through. NAVL will provide either bottom-line or not-to-exceed pricing. Your balance will be due upon delivery and can be paid via cash, money order or check. NAVL does not accept personal checks, but some agents accept credit cards.

Get your quote: Call 877-624-0912 or visit the NAVL website for a Quote on Demand.

To learn more: North American Van Lines Review

Allied Van Lines

Our Pick for Convenience
4.7
  • Award: Our pick for convenience
  • Service model: Full service
  • Founded: 1928

Why We Chose Allied Van Lines

Not only is Allied Van Lines the oldest company on our list, but it offers a full range of services. Its vehicle relocation services are its most impressive feature. While most movers outsource auto transport, Allied uses its own open and enclosed vehicle carriers. The company claims that in addition to your car, it can move anything, including snowmobiles, jet skis and yachts.

Allied assigns a personal relocation assistant to every customer and offers 24/7 online shipment tracking. Its customer service hours are limited to weekdays.

Services

Allied is the only mover on this list that advertises pet relocation services and boat transport. Another uncommon feature is a shuttle service to facilitate moves to or from homes that are hard to access.

Allied also offers the following services:

  • Auto transport
  • Appliance connection
  • Cleaning
  • Corporate relocation
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Full packing
  • Furniture assembly
  • International moving
  • Packing supplies
  • Short- and long-term storage
  • Unpacking

Cost

Unlike many of the best Montana moving companies, Allied does not charge an up-front deposit. You just need to settle your balance before unloading. The company accepts cash, money orders, certified checks and credit cards.

Allied offers binding and non-binding estimates that consider weight and mileage. With a non-binding estimate, your final total will depend on the weight of your belongings. Binding estimates require a virtual or in-home consultation.

Get your quote: Request an InstaQuote on the Allied website or call 877-483-9424.

To learn more: Allied Van Lines Review

U-Pack

City-to-City Moves
3.5
  • Award: Our pick for city-to-city moves
  • Service model: Self-service
  • Founded: 1997

Why We Chose U-Pack

U-Pack is a self-service moving company known for its ReloCubes. These small, portable moving containers provide 308 cubic feet of space — enough for a single room’s worth of stuff. The company also has trailers to facilitate larger moves. Whichever you choose, U-Pack will take care of transporting the container to your new home. However, the company does not offer packing, loading or unloading assistance.

Full-service, long-distance movers might take weeks to deliver your belongings. With a turnaround time of two to five business days for most U.S. moves, U-Pack is a more efficient option for city-to-city moves. Plus, it will never combine shipments or transfer your belongings to a new container.

Services

For smaller moves, U-Pack offers ReloCubes that can fit in a single parking space. The company also has larger moving trailers that can be parked along the street or in your driveway. These trailers are 27 feet long, 8 feet wide and 9 feet high.

U-Pack can help with the following:

  • Cross-country moves
  • Job relocations
  • Military moves
  • On-site storage
  • Senior moving
  • Small moves
  • Student moves

Cost

You must provide a debit or credit card number to reserve the equipment for your move, but U-Pack will not charge your card until your container is loaded. You can cancel or change your delivery and pickup dates without penalty if you do so at least a week in advance.

U-Pack provides instant quotes through its website. You can also check the website for coupon codes and discounts. For instance, its website mentions discounts for students, military members and customers who book online.

Get your quote: Enter your moving details on the U-Pack website to get a quote.

To learn more: U-Pack Review

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The Bottom Line: Which Is the Best Moving Company in Montana?

International Van Lines is our top pick for Montana moves. Whether you are planning a cross-country move to Big Sky Country or simply relocating from Billings to Bozeman, IVL can streamline the moving process. Its offerings include full packing, storage, auto transport and even international moving services. IVL customers also benefit from an online tracking portal, affordable insurance options and a generous cancellation policy.

For a long-distance domestic move, you might also consider American Van Lines for its experienced moving staff. JK Moving is our pick for financing your move, with rates as low as 0% for qualified customers through Enhancify. Meanwhile, U-Pack offers two affordable self-service options in the form of its ReloCubes and moving trailers.

Any of the companies on our list would be an excellent choice for your Montana move. We recommend getting a free moving quote from at least three companies to compare your options before deciding.


Compare the Best Moving Companies in Montana

See how the best moving companies compare on key metrics.

ProviderInternational Van LinesAmerican Van LinesJK MovingMoving APTNorth American Van LinesAllied Van LinesU-Pack
Get a QuoteVisit IVLVisit AVLVisit JK MovingVisit Moving APTVisit NAVLVisit AlliedVisit U-Pack
Availability50485050505050
Type of MoverFull serviceFull serviceFull serviceFull serviceFull serviceFull serviceSelf-service
Binding Estimate?NoYesYesYesYesYesN/A
BBB rating*BB-A+BA+A+A+

*Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of October 2022.


Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Companies in Montana

The cheapest way to move your stuff is to rent a moving truck and handle the packing, loading and unloading yourself. The exact cost will vary based on the size, distance and timing of your move, among other factors.

Read More: Best Cheap Moving Companies

These are the best moving companies in Montana, according to our research:

  • International Van Lines
  • American Van Lines
  • JK Moving
  • Moving APT
  • North American Van Lines
  • Allied
  • U-Pack

Common services offered by professional moving companies include the following:

  • Loading and unloading
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Short- or long-term storage
  • Transportation
  • Vehicle relocation
  • Furniture assembly
  • Appliance connection
  • Cleaning

The best way to move out of your apartment depends on your priorities. If your top concern is cost, renting a moving truck and relying on friends and family to help load it is the cheapest option. If you want convenience, a full-service moving company can handle every aspect of your move, from packing and cleaning to unpacking and furniture setup.



Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Moving Companies

Our team created a comprehensive moving company methodology based on industry standards and customer experience to rank moving companies. We called each moving company to speak with representatives, simulated the quote process online and over the phone as applicable, reviewed each company’s contents protection (insurance) plans, and examined customer reviews for each provider. Based on a 100-point scale, we gave each provider a score out of five stars. We used ten key factors to score providers including moving services, additional services, payment process, contents protection plans, scheduling process, trailer and container sizes, additional benefits, state availability, reputation and type of mover.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.com.

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