Looking for the best moving companies in your city? Moving is one of the biggest expenses you’ll face, whether you’re relocating to the next town over or starting a new chapter across the country. Fortunately, we’ve put the legwork into finding the best full-service moving companies of 2025, so you don’t overspend, get bad service, or make the wrong pick for your needs.
Based on our research, a few national moving companies consistently stand out, including one that’s great for international moves and another that’s perfect for DIYers. But picking the right one isn’t always simple. You have to consider a few factors, like the type of move you need, how much money you can spend, and how much help you need.
To help you get the biggest bang for your buck, we’ve put together this review of several top companies to consider. We guide you through the services you can get from each company, highlight up-to-date pricing, and give a run-down of the features that make each one stand out.
The Best Moving Companies at a Glance
After reviewing some of the best national moving companies, here are the three that stood out as our top picks:
- Mayflower Transit is the best overall pick
- North American Van Lines is the best for international moves
- Penske is the best for DIYers
Each of these companies has clear offerings that make them best for a variety of situations, such as storage solutions, flexible services, and lower pricing. If your move is local — 50 miles or less — it can be worth considering small, locally owned moving companies. These businesses often give you more personalized service, flexible scheduling, and a moving team that really knows the area. At HireAHelper, we can help you find the best movers for your needs in your area.
How We Chose the Best Moving Companies for All Move Types
According to some recent stats from Consumer Affairs, the United States has nearly 17,000 moving companies. So how do you know which one to choose for your move?
For this guide, we narrowed the list down to national moving companies and stand-out DIY solutions, including:
- Mayflower Transit
- North American Van Lines
- Penske
- PODS
- Allied Van Lines
- American Van Lines
- U-Pack
- Safeway Moving
- Atlas Van Lines
We chose these companies based on a few important factors:
- Typical prices: for local and long-distance moves
- Services provided: what each company offers
- Reputation: according to consumer reviews and trusted websites
- Value: including discounts and overall customer experience
Our guide looks at the big-name moving companies that operate nationwide. But if you’re planning a local move, you can easily compare vetted companies on the HireAHelper marketplace. Just enter your ZIP code into our online tool to instantly see local movers. From there, you can:
- Compare movers side by side
- Check out verified reviews
- See accurate pricing and available services
- Book your mover directly through our site with our best-price guarantee
You don’t even need to give us your contact information. Just take a look around, compare movers in our network, and lock in the right moving company when you’re ready.
Reviewing the Best Moving Companies in 2025
Now that we’ve shared how we selected the best moving companies, it’s time to take a closer look at the top picks for 2025. In this section, we break down each company’s services, estimated costs, and reputation so you know what to expect. These detailed reviews will give you the clarity you need to decide which mover matches your budget, timeline, and level of support.
Mayflower Transit — Best Overall Pick
Overview
Mayflower handles all types of moves, from local to international relocations. It’s a van line, meaning it has local affiliates and agents who help coordinate moving services.
Currently, this company operates in 46 states (the exceptions being Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and West Virginia). It can also help you move to 150 countries through its parent company and network of international partners.
Estimated costs
A long-distance move with a two- to three-bedroom home starts at about $8,000 and can surpass $10,000.
Pricing overviews aren’t available for local or international moves, but their quote tool can help you decide whether their services are within your budget.
Services offered
- Local, long-distance, and international moves
- Military relocations
- Auto transport
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Storage solutions
- Trash and debris removal
- Move protection plans
What surprised us
We’re impressed by just how many services this company provides. Beyond the basics, Mayflower can even ship your car directly to your new place and help remove any trash your move generates.
Discounts available
None listed.
Reputation
Overall, Mayflower Transit gets some solid feedback from its customers. For example, the local office in Fenton, MI, is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars based on over 150 reviews. The Chicago-area affiliate in Carol Stream, IL, gets a similar score of 4.4, with over 160 reviews on Google.
One reviewer noted, “We have moved cross country 4 times in the last 7 years and have to say that this was the best move we’ve ever experienced.” Another said, “From the moment the crew arrived, I was impressed with their professionalism… I would recommend Mayflower without reservation.”
“Based on HireAHelper’s latest data, a local full-service move costs an average of $935, while labor-only help comes in at about $415. A long-distance move might cost anywhere from $840 to $6,700 or more”
To be fair, the company doesn’t have perfect feedback. Some customers mention damaged belongings, while others reported inconsistent communication and missing items. Some local affiliates have spectacular reviews, while others get poor feedback. Also, because Mayflower doesn’t have an account on consumer sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, it tends to get only negative feedback on those sites.
As always, it’s definitely a good idea to research your local Mayflower affiliate. If they consistently get positive feedback, you can trust that your stuff is in good hands. If not, you might want to continue your search.
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American Van Lines — Best for International Moves
Overview
American Van Lines came on the scene in 1995 and has since expanded operations to the entire continental United States. It’s won several awards, including #1 Mover of the Year for Prudential and Cartus Commitment to Excellence Gold Award, and it’s been ranked by Newsweek Magazine as one of America’s Best Customer Service companies.
This company mainly focuses on long-distance moves. In fact, you can’t even book a local move unless you live in Texas, Florida, South Carolina, or North Carolina. But if you need to get your stuff from the East Coast to the West Coast (or anywhere in between), they’ve got you covered.
Estimated costs
Costs vary depending on your origin and destination cities, and how big your home is. Your best bet is to use their online booking tool to price your move.
Services offered
- Packing and unpacking
- Long-distance moves
- Limited availability for local moves
- Storage solutions
What surprised us
We were surprised to find out that American Van Lines gives location-specific specials and a referral program — two perks we haven’t seen with other companies.
Discounts available
- Regional promotions
- Referral program for additional savings
Reputation
American Van Lines generally gets great reviews. Unlike some of the other companies, this is a centralized company that doesn’t have location-based review scores. But overall, it gets a score of 4.2 based on over 2,000 Google reviews.
Even so, the company got its share of complaints through the BBB. The good news is that it consistently addresses those complaints, and customers are typically happy with the outcomes. Last year alone, it resolved over 150 complaints.
The company has a Trustpilot subscription and has mostly positive reviews on that site. One person found that the “driver and crew worked very good together getting the truck loaded and unloaded,” while another said, “The office staff and driver were reliable, knowledgeable and professional.”
Most of the negative reviews had to do with inconsistent communication, and a few didn’t like that the job was outsourced to third parties.
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Penske — Best for DIYers
Overview
Want to save money and stay in full control of your move? Penske is a strong choice. Granted, it’s not a moving company — they’re not going to load and unload your boxes (we can help with that), and you’ll handle the driving.
But they’ve got several vehicle sizes to choose from, along with packing supplies, moving tools, and towing equipment. That means you don’t have to figure out who’s going to drive your car.
Estimated costs
Costs vary depending on the truck size you need, how long you keep the truck, and how far you travel.
Services offered
- Truck rentals in five sizes
- Packing supplies and moving tools
- Towing equipment
- 24/7 roadside assistance
What surprised us
Penske has some great perks for DIY movers, including free unlimited miles on one-way rentals and a slew of discounts.
Discounts available
- AAA members
- College students
- Active duty and veteran military personnel
Reputation
Penske has a solid reputation for the quality of its trucks. Most people find that the trucks are easy to drive (a must-have if you’re going the DIY route), and they get good gas mileage. One happy customer said, “Everything turned out the way I expected, I got a AAA discount, and they bought back the unused boxes.”
Each branch is responsible for maintaining its trucks. For that reason, you can expect local reviews to range. For example, the Los Angeles location gets a Google score of 4.0 based on 127 reviews, while the Byron Center, Michigan, location has 27 reviews and a score of 4.6.
Penske has never claimed its Trustpilot profile, but it is BBB Accredited. On both sites, some reviewers had complaints regarding billing errors. One reviewer was unhappy that they left their car at a Penske site and couldn’t access it because the location was closed, and several people complained about the conduct of individuals they saw driving Penske trucks. Fortunately, the company addresses complaints pretty consistently.
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PODS — Best for Convenience and Flexibility
Overview
PODS moving containers give you a uniquely flexible moving solution. Here’s how it works: you order the container(s), they get delivered to your home, and you fill them at your own pace. Then, PODS either stores the containers or transports them to your new home, whichever fits your needs.
Estimated costs
- Local move (under 50 miles): $300-$800
- Long-distance move (100+ miles): $1,000-$5,000+
- Monthly storage fee: $150-$300
For a detailed breakdown, see our PODS user review.
Services offered
- Portable moving containers delivered to your home
- Transportation and storage solutions
- Flexible billing
What surprised us
We were impressed by the convenience of having a secure container delivered right to your home and the flexibility of being able to load and unload at your own pace. PODS also lets you store your container(s), which can be great if there’s a gap between moving out of your old place and into your new one.
Discounts available
None listed.
Reputation
PODS is BBB Accredited and has claimed its Trustpilot account, and it actively connects with customers on both sites. Overall, people talk about the convenient service and excellent communication with PODS representatives.
People also love that they can track their container and set up everything online. Several reviewers mentioned how easy it is to change their delivery or pickup dates. One person said, “My items had been in storage for over 3 years. All items were still in good condition and no mold or mildew was spotted anywhere. All of my items smell fresh,” and another simply said, “Good product. Expedited handling. Courteous staff.”
Like most nationwide companies, PODS’ ratings vary depending on the location. However, the company has solid Google review scores throughout the country. In Indianapolis, IN, the company gets a rating of 3.9 based on over 200 reviews. Its Fort Worth, TX, location has over 670 reviews and an even higher rating of 4.4.
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North American Van Lines — Runner-Up
Overview
North American Van Lines has over 90 years of moving experience. It serves all 50 states, plus Canada, and it lets you customize the services you get to help you stay within your budget. The company specializes in international moves, giving you guidance on clearing customs and even providing special forms for the United Kingdom and Australia.
Estimated costs
- Local move: $800-$2,500
- Long-distance move: $2,200-$10,500
- Cross-country move: $4,400-$17,000
For a detailed breakdown, see our North American Van Lines review.
Services offered
- Local and long-distance moves
- International moves with customs guidance
- Packing/unpacking
- Loading/unloading
- Transport
- Customizable service levels
What surprised us
North American Van Lines goes above and beyond by providing customs guidance for international moves, which can help you avoid delays.
Discounts available
While the company doesn’t advertise specials or discounts, it does give you the option to customize your service.
Reputation
North American Van Lines hasn’t claimed its Trustpilot profile, meaning it’s likely to only receive negative feedback on that site. It’s also not BBB Accredited. While it only had 5 complaints filed against it on the BBB in the past 3 years, it hasn’t addressed any of those (at least, not through the website). This earns it a low BBB rating.
“If your move is local — 50 miles or less — it can be worth considering small, locally owned moving companies. These businesses often give you more personalized service, flexible scheduling, and a moving team that really knows the area.”
Don’t write this one off just yet, though. Of the consumer reviews on the BBB, the vast majority are positive. In fact, it scores 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 40 BBB reviews. The common compliments? Punctual service, friendly moving teams, and great communication. As one reviewer said, “My movers were absolutely phenomenal. Two of the most personable and professional individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”
So what should you watch for? Some reviews mentioned that the company subcontracts out the work. Others stated that they had missing or broken items. Check with your local affiliate to see what you can expect from their service quality.
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Allied Van Lines — Runner Up
Overview
Allied Van Lines is a well-established moving company with almost a century of experience in the industry. With this company, you get the typical moving services, along with the ability to adjust your move package according to your budget.
Estimated costs
- Long-distance moves: $2,200-$10,500
- Local moves: $800-$2,500
- Cross-country moves: $4,400-$17,000
For a detailed breakdown, see Allied’s moving costs overview.
Services offered
- Packing and unpacking
- Appliance hook-ups
- Storage solutions
- Insurance options
- Long-distance and interstate moves
What surprised us
We were surprised by how much you can customize the level of service you get with Allied. This flexibility lets you get the help you need while sticking to a budget.
Discounts available
None listed.
Reputation
In general, Allied gets a nod for its simple reservation process and clear communication with the sales team. Unfortunately, many customers complained about broken items and delayed deliveries. Several people complained that the company didn’t intervene on their behalf when resolving issues with the local affiliates.
According to one person, “They contract out to other packers and movers, and these people don’t always know what they’re doing.” Another reviewer advises, “Make sure the local agent is good because that’s who you are dependent on for loading.”
To their credit, Allied is very responsive to negative customer complaints. But it’s still a good idea to research your local affiliate before committing.
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U-Pack — Runner Up
Overview
While it’s technically not a moving company, U-Pack can be a solid option if you want to move without blowing your budget. With U-Pack, you get two options: trailers and ReloCube containers. If you choose a trailer, you load your belongings into it, and whether you fill it completely or only take up a few square feet, you’ll only pay for the space you use.
Your other option is ReloCube containers, which are great for smaller moves or if you don’t have a ton of parking space. Each Cube only takes up a single parking space. However, you’ll probably need to reserve several containers if you’re packing up more than a room. In fact, U-Pack recommends planning to use a Cube for each room of your house.
Estimated costs
The company doesn’t provide an overview of prices on its website. However, it does have an online booking tool you can use to get an idea of costs and compare what you would pay with a trailer versus the ReloCubes. Fuel prices are built into the estimate, so what you see is what you pay.
For a broader look at affordable container options, see our guide to the cheapest moving container companies.
Services offered
- Two container sizes to choose from
- Container transport
- Online shipment tracking
- Optional insurance coverage
What surprised us
We were surprised that ReloCubes only take up a single parking spot. Also, transport costs are figured into your estimate, so you don’t have to budget for that separately.
Discounts available
Reputation
On the BBB, U-Pack has an average customer review rating of 4.65. The company gets positive reviews for its friendly, professional service, timely deliveries, and flexibility — everything you want to see from a moving container company.
One reviewer states, “They made it so easy and were very communicative throughout the process.” Another happy customer said, “Absolutely the best service ever. Showed up and picked up and delivered exactly when they said they would with no damage.”
The only negative feedback you’ll find here has to do with communication issues or difficulty scheduling service. Fortunately, the company’s customer service team responds to most complaints within a few days.
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Safeway Moving — Runner Up
Overview
Safeway Moving specializes in long-distance and cross-country moves, taking the hassle out of relocating to another state.This Fort Lauderdale-based moving company consistently rates among the top movers in the nation, earning nods from respected consumer sites such as Google Customer Reviews, MarketWatch, and Retirement Living.
What do we love about Safeway? For starters, it’s veteran-owned and has a clear commitment to making your move smooth, stress-free, and efficient. It offers all the typical services, including packing and unpacking. It also has storage areas that are elevated to prevent flood damage and monitored with CCTV equipment.
Estimated costs
Safeway doesn’t publish its prices and doesn’t have an online booking tool to help you get a quick estimate for your move. However, the company guarantees to meet or beat the lowest price you find. Our advice? Gather a few quotes, then give them a call to discuss their pricing.
Services offered
- Long-distance and cross-country moves
- Packing and unpacking services
- Secure storage solutions
- An inventory management system to track belongings
What surprised us
We’re impressed by the company’s commitment to philanthropy, which sets it apart from its competition. It’s a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, making it a company you can feel good about doing business with.
Discounts available
While Safeway doesn’t advertise discounts, it does have a referral program that could put some extra money into your pocket.
Reputation
All in all, customers love Safeway. They praise the professionalism of the staff, how carefully the moving teams handle their belongings, and how efficient the process is.
Several people mention how much they appreciate the company following up on communication and confirming the schedule. According to one person, “Today is moving day and they were early and are moving our stuff efficiently.”
Experiences weren’t the same across the board, though. While some were happy with the level of communication the company provided, others said they received little contact after the initial scheduling. Another person mentioned unexpected fees, stating, “The promised full-service support vanished, and I was blindsided with a 49% upcharge.”
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Atlas Van Lines — Runner Up
Overview
Atlas Van Lines goes the distance — literally. This company has over 75 years of experience and a network that spans all 50 states, plus over a dozen countries. It has a simple, user-friendly customer portal you can access from your computer or mobile device, making it easy to manage your move. Also, you can use its mobile app to get an accurate, transparent estimate for your move — no home walkthrough needed!
Estimated costs
Atlas doesn’t publish estimated rates, but you can contact the company to discuss the details of your move and receive a non binding moving quote.
Services offered
- Local and long-distance moves
- Storage solutions with over 300 nationwide locations
- Online shipment tracking
- Packing and unpacking
What surprised us
We were impressed with the company’s No Stranger in Your Home policy. Basically, this means they conduct a background check on every van operator and crew member to make sure they’re trustworthy. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s the first major carrier in the industry to follow this pledge.
Discounts available
- AAA member discounts for interstate moves
Reputation
Atlas Van Lines only has a couple of reviews on the BBB and four on Trustpilot, all of which are negative. The most common complaints relate to unexpected fees, late movers, and lost or damaged items.
One reviewer noted, “After unpack I noticed they LOST and severely damaged many items, totaling up into the thousands of dollars worth of repair and replacement.”
Another customer said, “Once they pick up your stuff you will not hear from them unless you call repeatedly and send multiple emails.”
However, the company follows up on complaints filed with the BBB and has answered or resolved all feedback.
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Red Flags: How to Avoid a Bad Moving Company in 2025
It might be a challenge to find the best moving companies in your city, but it sure is easy to find the bad ones. Between unethical movers that use bait-and-switch tactics (like holding your stuff hostage until you pay more money) to outright scammers, it’s not always easy to know who to trust.
What to Check Before You Book
The old saying about prevention being better than any cure has lasted so long for a reason. Before you book, check for the following and save yourself the headache of a bad mover:
Signs of a scammer
- No physical address
- No licensing or insurance
- Suspiciously low quotes
- Large upfront deposit
- Vague or inconsistently used company name
- Refusal to provide a written contract
- Limited contact info
- Fake and/or AI-generated reviews
Signs of a poor moving experience
- Frequent late arrivals
- Hidden fees and unexpected upcharges
- Inconsistent communication
- Negative customer feedback
- Limited equipment
- Lack of professionalism
Pro Tip: Use Reviews Wisely
When it comes to spotting the bad companies, reviews are your friend. Many companies have franchises or affiliates nationwide and provide an inconsistent experience. So while someone a thousand miles from you had a miserable experience, the company branch in your area might be much better. Find out what people say about them in your city to determine whether they’re a good company to work with.
Or, skip the hassle entirely by finding vetted movers on the HireAHelper marketplace.
How Much Do Moving Companies Cost?
Based on HireAHelper’s latest data, a local full-service move costs an average of $935, while labor-only help comes in at about $415. A long-distance move might cost anywhere from $840 to $6,700 or more. Ultimately, though, it all depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re going.
Obviously, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all move package, so your moving costs might run lower or higher than these averages. Moving companies use a variety of pricing structures to determine a fair rate. Some charge by the hour, others by the mile, and still others set a flat rate. Other factors impact the bottom line, like nonrefundable deposits, add-on packing/unpacking services, and insurance.
Why You Can Trust HireAHelper
HireAHelper has been helping people just like you find trusted movers since 2007. Since then, we’ve become the internet’s top-reviewed moving service provider, and our marketplace has grown to more than 2,000 moving companies. We’ve helped over 910,000 people move, with our customers giving us an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
What’s that mean for you? It means that when you find a mover through our platform, you can trust that you’re getting outstanding service, plus the support of our in-house customer service team.
The way our service works is simple. Movers list their services, and you get to see cost data you won’t find anywhere else, along with verified reviews, making it easy to compare movers side by side.
Every company in our network undergoes careful vetting. We check for licensing and insurance, and we consider how their customers rate them. In other words, if they’re in our network, you know you can trust them.
Moving Company FAQs
What is the best long-distance moving company?
The best long-distance moving company depends on factors unique to your move, such as your budget, the services you want, and the cities you’re moving to and from. This article gives you a great starting point by highlighting some top nationwide companies that do long-distance moves. HireAHelper can help compare local affiliates and franchises to find the right team for your move.
Which pod moving company is best?
When it comes to pod moving companies, PODS can’t be beat. Unlike similar companies that only give you a few days to pack and unpack, PODS builds 30 days into its pricing. On top of that, it has several sizing options and steel-framed units. This means you get the best pricing and peace of mind that your stuff is safe for the long haul.
How do I find the best moving company?
Finding the best moving company for your relocation is easy with the HireAHelper platform. Just put in your moving details, and instantly get transparent pricing, vetted reviews, and availability.
What is the best moving company according to Reddit?
Redditors consistently recommend well-known van lines such as Atlas and Mayflower, especially for interstate moves. U-Pack got some attention on the forum for providing the best prices in a user’s area. In another post, a user talked about renting a Penske truck that provided smooth, easy operation for their cross-country move.
Where can I find reviews for moving companies?
For reviews of the best full-service moving companies, HireAHelper has you covered. We publish verified reviews of all listed movers. This makes it easy to see how the companies in your area stack up, so you can make the best decision when it comes to spending your hard-earned money.