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Cheap Moving Companies of July 2024

Top Cheap Moving Companies of 2024

Hiring a moving company can save you both time and money since professional movers are trained in proper packing and handling techniques and have the logistical experience to make the process as efficient as possible. Here are the most affordable moving companies:

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.

Compare Cheap Moving Companies

Use the table below to compare costs and BBB ratings of the more affordable moving companies on the market:

International Van Lines

Our Pick for Insurance Plans
4.5
Availability 50 States Service Model Full-Service BBB Rating B

Our Take

Our top choice for long-distance and international moving services, International Van Lines (IVL), has more than two decades of experience in the industry. The company can complete moves to all 50 U.S. states and more than 150 countries and supports all types of moves — no matter how far the destination. It offers multiple ways to get a quote and contact customer service and offers discounts of up to 15% when you call to arrange a move or show your military ID.

Read our full review of International Van Lines to learn more.

Pros and Cons

Pros Is equipped to pack and transport bulky and high-value items Has extensive online resources to help customers prepare for an upcoming move Offers custom crates for electronics Cons Requires a 25% deposit to book your moving date Charges $150 extra to move bulky items that cannot be stacked

Pricing Information

In our team’s review, we found the average mover who chooses IVL may pay between $2,500 and $4,300 for moving services. IVL requires a down payment of up to 25% of the move cost before it will confirm your appointment.

IVLs does not offer instant online quotes based on our experience. However, it has a free online quote estimation tool to deliver a ballpark cost before you connect with a representative. We collected a few pricing estimates for the sample moves below.

Route Distance Home Size  Estimated Cost
Philadelphia, Penn, to Annapolis, Md. 100 miles 1 bedroom $1,031–$2,063
Philadelphia to Myrtle Beach, S.C. 500 miles 2 bedrooms $2,519–$4,306
Philadelphia to Orlando, Fla. 1,000 miles 3 bedrooms $5,250–$7,688
Philadelphia to Tucson, Ariz. 2,000 miles 4 bedrooms $7,500–$10,875

 

Services Offered

IVL’s moves include loading, unloading and transportation, which its professional team handles. You can add the following options or specialized moving services:

  • Auto transportation services
  • Commercial moving services
  • Crating
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • International moving services
  • Loading and unloading services
  • Military moving services
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Packing supplies
  • Short-term and long-term storage
  • Specialized packing services for fragile items

American Van Lines

Our Pick for Long-Distance Moves
4.4
Availability 48 states Service Model Full-service BBB Rating A+

Overview

American Van Lines (AVL) is our team’s top choice for long-distance moving across the continental U.S., thanks to its specialized moving processes and transparent pricing. From piano moving to antique crating and packing, AVL’s team of movers is equipped and experienced to move very fragile items. It offers only binding estimates to ensure you know exactly what you will pay on the day you move.

Read our full review of American Van Lines to learn more.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has teams of certified movers for handling pianos and antiques Guarantees moving dates for an additional fee, offering daily reimbursement if the movers fail to arrive on time Offers flat-race pricing, or binding estimates, which will not change on moving day Cons Does not provide instant online quotes Requires an up-front deposit of as much as half of your total moving cost

Pricing Information

In our review, we found that the average American Van Lines customer will pay between $3,200 and $3,500 for a domestic move. American requires a down payment between 10% and 50% to confirm your moving date.

American Van Lines offers only binding quotes, which makes it worth considering for anyone looking to lock in a price before a move. For that reason, the company does not provide online quotes. You must connect with a representative to confirm your price ahead of time. However, AVL has a series of sample quotes for some of the most common routes.

Route Distance Home Size  Estimated Cost
Washington, D.C., to Atlanta, Ga. 650 miles 1 bedroom $3,035
Austin, Texas, to Denver, Colo. 1,000 miles 3 bedrooms $6,601
Miami, Fla., to Dallas, Texas 1,300 miles 1 bedroom $3,643
Miami, Fla., to New York City, N.Y. 1,100 miles 2 bedrooms $5,286

 

Services Offered

American Van Lines offers the following add-on services and specialized moving types:

  • Commercial moves
  • Corporate moves
  • Crating
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Military moves
  • Moving supplies
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Piano moving
  • Specialty packing services for antiques
  • Storage unit arrangement

Safeway Moving Inc.

Our Pick for Seniors
4.4
Availability 50 states Service Model full-service BBB Rating B

Our Take

Safeway Moving is an authorized carrier and broker offering specialized moves for seniors. In addition to providing standard long-distance moving services and military moves, it offers small and downsized moves for retirees. The company also specializes in moves that require more packing and unpacking assistance. The team employs advocates who can assist retirees in creating the right moving package, providing as much help as they need.

Read our full review of Safeway Moving to learn more.

Pros and Cons

Pros Guarantees price-matching for storage services Attaches a flat rate to interstate moves to prevent hidden costs Has donated a portion of moving fees to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital since 2020 Cons Doesn’t have a wide selection of online resources, such as a moving calculator or pricing list Doesn’t provide 24/7 customer service

Pricing Information

Our team estimates most homeowners moving with Safeway Moving will pay between $4,000 and $7,500 for their moving services.

Safeway Moving does not have instant online quotes or online pricing estimates — you must submit your contact information or call its team to learn more. When our team requested a sample quote for a three-bedroom move from Nashville, Tenn., to Mobile, Ala., a distance of about 450 miles, we received a price of $5,619. 

Services Offered

Safeway Moving currently offers the following services:

  • Advocated senior moves
  • Crating
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Military moves
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Short-term and long-term climate-controlled storage
  • Small moves
  • Standard short-term and long-term services

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Our pick for Efficiency
4.0
Availability 50 states Service Model Full-service BBB Rating B

Overview

The Interstate Moving and Relocation Group (IMRG) is a full-service moving brokerage that offers coordinated, GPS-tracked long-distance moves. As a broker, IMRG hand-picks movers to join its partner network and coordinates affordable moves for customers. If you’re looking for more competitive moving quotes, coordinating with a broker like IMRG is an option.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides online resources to make move planning easier for its customers Has more affordable rates than many interstate moving services according to some customers on Google Reviews Is quick to provide a ballpark estimate Cons Outsources relocation services, resulting in unsatisfactory service in some instances according to customers on Google Reviews Will only refund deposits within 72 hours of booking

Pricing Information

In our review, we found that the average IMRG brokered move will cost between $2,800 and $4,000. Most moves with IMRG require a down payment. How much depends on the long-distance movers you get matched with.

IMRG offers no online quotes, but it does have a quote estimation tool that calculates your price. We collected a few estimates and received the following ballpark pricing from the calculation tool.

Route Distance Home Size  Estimated Cost
Philadelphia, Penn, to Annapolis, Md. 100 miles 1 bedroom $1,500–$3,500
Philadelphia to Myrtle Beach, S.C. 500 miles 2 bedrooms $3,900–$7,000
Philadelphia to Orlando, Fla. 1,000 miles 3 bedrooms $3,900–$7,000
Philadelphia to Tucson, Ariz. 2,000 miles 4 bedrooms $8,500 or more

 

Services Offered

IMRG can arrange the following services for customers:

  • Automobile transportation
  • Corporate moving
  • Furniture moving
  • Long distance moving
  • Local moving
  • Military moving
  • Packing services

North American Van Lines

Our Pick for Easy Claims Process
4.5
Availability 50 states Service Model Full-services BBB Rating A+

Our Take

North American Van Lines (NAVL) operates out of Fort Wayne, Ind., bringing more than 85 years of experience to the moving industry. The company acts as a licensed and bonded moving broker and carrier for the entire U.S., with more than 500 moving agents working across the country.

NAVL provides customer support through personal moving agents for each customer and separate customer service lines for domestic and international moves. You can find easy-to-understand claims forms on the NAVL website and a dedicated phone number for claims support. The company also provides a wide range of online resources and tools, including a moving calculator, a space calculator, relocation guides, checklists and information on shipping wine collections.

Pros and Cons

Pros Trains all drivers using an interactive simulator Maintains an online multimedia library of free moving resources and tips Provides an online calculator to determine the number of moving boxes and cost of packing supplies you will need Cons Storage options may be limited due to local availability Gives discounts for new customers and first-time homeowners

Services

North American Van Lines provides industry-standard full-service and partial-service moving options, such as packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking and installing appliances. It also offers self-packing suggestions for customers looking to save money.

NAVL moving coverage is also noteworthy. Customers can customize moves to the exact value of their possessions with a content protection plan. If any of your items get lost or damaged during transit, NAVL’s transparent claims process makes filing a claim for repair or reimbursement easy.

Types of Moves Serviced

  • International moves
  • Long-distance domestic moves (full-service and partial)
  • Corporate relocation
  • Military relocation
  • Commercial moves

Cost

North American Van Lines’ cost includes factors such as the overall distance of your move, your contents protection plan, services used and the total weight of your shipment. NAVL costs $4,700–$5,350 on average.

The company accepts payment in the form of certified checks, cash and credit card. North American Van Lines does not require an up-front deposit.

Allied Van Lines

Our Pick for Convenience
4.7
Availability 50 states Service Model Full-service BBB Rating A+

Our Take

Allied Van Lines has provided full-service and partial-service moves across the U.S. for more than 90 years. The company is available across all 50 states and offers flexible payment options and comprehensive services. Allied also offers DIY services, such as its fragile-only packing option and a portable storage container moving service called Allied Express. The Allied Express service features professional moving assistance, an uncommon perk for container moving and storage.

Allied is a licensed and insured broker-carrier for interstate moves, conducting household moves and vehicle relocation using its own equipment and crew. However, Allied’s broker designation means that if your move is outside the company’s service area, it may outsource your move to a partnered company. While this allows the company to serve all 50 states, it may sometimes lead to difficulty in communication.

Pros and Cons

Pros Gives discounts for new customers and first-time homeowners Has a comprehensive online shipment tracking system that provides updates on location and delivery date Provides up to $100,000 in coverage for vehicle shipments Cons Does not provide 24/7 claims support Will not give instant quotes online

Services

Allied Van Lines provides full- and partial-service moves, including furniture disassembly, packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking and furniture reassembly. Allied also offers a cost-saving fragile-only packing service in which workers pack difficult and fragile items while you pack the rest. Specialty packing supplies are available for purchase.

Types of Moves Serviced

  • International moves
  • Local moves (full-service and partial)
  • Long-distance domestic moves (full-service and partial)
  • Corporate relocation
  • Military relocation
  • Commercial moves

Cost

Allied Van Lines creates its prices based on industry-standard factors such as the total weight of your shipment, the distance of your move, the services purchased, moving insurance, storage services and the time of the year. The average cost of Allied Van Lines is $4,730–$5,380.

Allied accepts payments in the form of cash, certified check and credit card. The company does not require a deposit for its services.

JK Moving

Our Pick for Financing
4.6
Availability 50 states Service Model Full-service BBB Rating A+

Our Take

Chuck Kuhn founded JK Moving Services in 1982 at 16 years old and built it into a provider with full-service moving options and an emphasis on technology and customer service. Several organizations have recognized JK Moving for its commercial and residential relocation efforts, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and The Washington Business Journal.

A representative from JK Moving’s Human Resources department told us that the company background checks and drug tests its movers before they are hired and periodically throughout the year. These employees also receive annual training in the company’s dedicated training facility.

JK Moving stands out for offering financing for your move. Through a partnership with Enhancify, JK Moving connects customers with lenders that will allow you to pay for your move over time with varied payment terms and interest rates. Customers may be able to receive financing rates as low as 0%.** Keep in mind that you might save money by paying upfront if you receive higher interest rates.

*Local moves available only in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
**Subject to credit approval.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers comprehensive options for covering your belongings Runs a small moves program that sees items packed, shipped and delivered long-distance within 9 days Provides financing options through Enhancify Cons Does not offer price matching Has a $250 up-front deposit requirement

Services

JK Moving is a full-service company that coordinates each step of the moving process. It offers door-to-door moves with services including packing, loading, transportation, unloading and unpacking. JK Moving also offers long-term and short-term storage solutions. For insurance options, you can add valuation coverage, a type of contents coverage based on the value of your belongings rather than a predetermined value. JK Moving is a carrier, but it is also a licensed and insured interstate moving broker. It may contract a partner company if it can’t provide moving trucks and services in your required locations.

Types of Moves Serviced

  • International moves
  • Local moving (limited to the Washington, D.C. area)
  • Long-distance domestic moves (full-service and partial)
  • Corporate relocation
  • Military relocation
  • Commercial moves
  • Automobile moves
  • IT and tech moves

Cost

JK Moving customizes each move based on a customer’s moving needs and budget and gives customers a binding estimate, which means you won’t be hit with surprise upcharges on moving day. JK Moving accepts cash, checks, credit cards and financing through Enhancify. It requires an up-front deposit of $250.

On average, JK Moving costs $7,550 per move.


How Much Does Hiring a Moving Company Cost?

According to our research, hiring a moving company to help with your move can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $8,500, depending on the brand, the distance of the move, how many bedrooms are being moved and more.

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Which Is the Best Affordable Moving Company for You?

While the best, most affordable moving company for you will come down to your specific needs and budget, we recommend International Van Lines for full-service packages. IVL has experience with local, long-distance and international moves of all sizes and provides comprehensive protection coverage options for your belongings. Additionally, the company provides several discounts and will work with you to lower your costs to a price you can afford.

American Van Lines is another suitable option, providing flat-rate pricing to keep costs predictable. AVL has built its business on expertise, using trained moving teams that average 10 years of moving industry experience across the board. We also noted Safeway for its flat-rate pricing and commitment to streamlined service. 

We recommend consulting with at least three moving providers. You should review a quote from each company and ask any questions you have before booking your move.

Full-Service vs. Self-Service Movers

Full-Service Movers

Full-service moves come with the comfort that your items will be handled professionally and efficiently. Traditional full-service movers also have various helpful add-on options like storage, vehicle shipping and contents protection plans. However, you will pay more for that peace of mind than a self-service move. Additionally, full-service movers often require a lengthy home review for pricing quotes and will charge you a deposit to reserve your moving date.

Self-Service Movers

Self-service moves are typically cheaper than the full-service route, but you must be willing to do most of the heavy lifting yourself. Some self-service movers will provide moving crews, but these come at an additional cost. One upside to self-service moving is a tight schedule does not bind you as you would be with a self-service mover. However, DIY moving may only be the most cost-effective option if you have a relatively small number of belongings — paying for additional containers can add up fast. 


What is the Cheapest Day to Hire a Moving Company?

The cheapest days to hire a moving company are mid-week since most people opt to move on the weekends. Due to the high demand, Saturdays are generally the most expensive day to hire a mover. Choosing to go with a Tuesday or Wednesday for your moving date could save you money as companies are often not as busy.

Keep an eye on moving companies’ websites for special deals and discounts offered around holidays, such as Memorial Day Weekend specials.


Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Moving Companies

The most popular time to move in the United States is from May through August, based on 2020 U.S. Census data. This is likely due to milder weather and the fact that kids are out of school. If you are able to plan your relocation outside of the May-to-August peak season, you will likely save money on your move because companies are much less in demand.

According to the Moving and Storage Conference, an interstate move — one that crosses state lines — typically costs about $4,300. That is based on moving a typical two-bedroom home approximately 1,200 miles. The average cost is $2,300 to move in-state using the same criteria. 

Keep in mind that these are just averages. The exact cost of your move will depend on the size of your home and its contents and the exact distance of your move, among other factors.

Moving on a weekday will typically be cheaper than the cost to move on a Saturday or Sunday since those days are in high demand. If you move on a Saturday, you may pay slightly more, but you may avoid having to take time off of work. 

A Friday move may be ideal because it is technically a weekday — meaning rates will likely be lower — but it only requires you to take one day off and gives you Saturday and Sunday to focus on unpacking.

The short answer is, it’s up to you. Tipping movers is not required, but it is customary. However, the decision to tip — and how much — should undoubtedly depend on your moving experience. If you are pleased with your move and want to show it with a tip, the guideline is $5 per hour per moving crew member. So, for example, your tip would be $160, or $40 per crew member, for an eight-hour job provided by a four-member crew.


Other Home Service Resources From MarketWatch Guides

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.

Bradford Cuthrell is a meticulous researcher and writer specializing in pet and home finance topics. He’s surveyed thousands of pet owners and homeowners, listened to hundreds of customer service calls and spoken with dozens of industry experts to understand homeowners’ common pain points and needs.

Tori Addison Editor

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

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