Consumer Reports Moving Companies Comparison Guide

Choosing the right moving company can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. According to Consumer Reports, the average cost of hiring a moving company can range from $2,000 to $10,000.

Many consumers rely on online reviews to make their decision, but it's essential to read beyond the headlines and look for red flags. Consumer Reports found that nearly 25% of moving companies have a lower rating than their competitors.

Before hiring a moving company, it's crucial to research their reputation and check for any complaints filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Consumer Reports suggests verifying a company's license and insurance status to ensure they are legitimate.

Ultimately, the key to a successful move is finding a reputable and reliable moving company that meets your specific needs and budget.

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If you're looking for a reliable moving company, you'll want to check out the top picks in our list. Allied Van Lines is one of the top contenders, with a 4.9/5 star rating and A+ BBB accreditation. It's worth noting that its main BBB page has a 1.14 out of 5-star rating, but other branches score better.

Allied's virtual quoting process through its mobile app is a major plus, and its more highly rated branches get props from customers for their quality moving crews. However, some customers have reported limited customer service hours and slowness in resolving claims for damaged items.

JK Moving Services is another top pick, with a 4.6/5 star rating and A+ BBB accreditation. It requires a $250 deposit, but its customers rave about its quality moving crews and helpful customer service. International Van Lines also makes the cut, with a 4.7/5 star rating and A+ BBB accreditation.

If you're looking for a long-distance mover, International Van Lines is a great option, offering full-service moving services in all 50 states and 180 countries worldwide. It also offers vehicle transport and short and long-term storage.

Here's a quick rundown of the top picks:

When choosing a moving company, it's essential to look for a company with a long track record of providing excellent service, as some of the best moving companies have been in business for a long time and have a reputation for getting the job done right.

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Professional movers can handle everything from loading trucks to driving, saving you time and effort and ensuring your move is completed quickly.

To get an accurate estimate, it's recommended to reach out to different carriers or a broker for a personalized quote, as prices can range anywhere from $800 to $5,000+, depending on your specific needs.

Some of the best moving companies, such as International Van Lines (IVL), offer full-service moving services, including vehicle transport and short and long-term storage, making them a great option for individuals, families, and businesses alike.

By choosing a reputable moving company, you can reduce the stress and disruptions typically associated with moving, allowing you to focus on settling into your new space.

Choosing a carrier for your move can be a great option, but it's essential to understand the pros and cons. Direct management is a key benefit, as carriers handle your belongings themselves, giving you direct communication with the team responsible.

Carriers offer full accountability, with a single point of responsibility if anything goes wrong. This can be a significant advantage, as you'll know exactly who to contact in case of an issue.

However, carriers may have a fixed set of services, which can limit flexibility in terms of date availability. Additionally, hiring directly may mean missing out on competitive pricing unless you obtain multiple quotes.

Here are some key services offered by top carriers, including professional loading, packing, and unpacking, as well as specialized services for large items and add-on options like storage.

These top carriers provide a range of services, including professional packing and loading, which can be a significant advantage for a smooth move.

Brokers can be a great option for those looking for flexibility and cost savings in their move. They act as intermediaries, coordinating with various carriers to find the best match for your moving needs.

Brokers have the ability to compare multiple carriers quickly and can negotiate better deals using their industry leverage, often resulting in cost savings. This is especially helpful for those with specific requirements like additional packing or storage.

One of the key benefits of working with a broker is their ability to provide customizable and flexible service options. They can accommodate tight schedules and tailor services to meet your specific requirements.

Here are some of the benefits of working with a broker:

However, it's worth noting that brokers may not be on-site during your move, which might complicate issue resolution. This is why it's essential to select a reputable broker to ensure a smooth moving experience.

Customer service is a top priority when choosing a moving company. A responsive and attentive service can make a huge difference in a potentially stressful experience.

NAVL, Allied, and JK Moving stand out for their excellent customer service. They maintain A+ BBB ratings with complaint response rates above 90%, and their customer service representatives are professional, friendly, and responsive.

These companies are transparent about hiring background-checked and insured moving crews, which gives customers peace of mind. They also display useful tools, such as calculators, on their websites.

Here's how each provider did in the customer service category:

It's worth noting that some customers have reported issues with Allied's limited customer service hours and slowness in resolving claims for damaged items. However, its higher-rated locations suggest that Allied can deliver a smooth move if you get paired with the right crew.

Hiring professional movers can be a significant investment, but understanding the factors that affect the cost can help you make an informed decision.

The cost of hiring movers varies greatly depending on the distance of the move. Local moves typically cost less than long-distance ones, with prices starting around $800 for a local move.

The size of your move also plays a significant role in determining the cost. A studio apartment will generally incur lower costs than a 3 or 4-bedroom house. Consider the amount of stuff you have and the services you need to determine the best estimate for your move.

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Timing is another factor to consider. Moving during peak seasons, such as summer, can increase costs. Weekends and month-ends might also come with premium pricing. Be sure to factor these costs into your estimate.

Additional services like packing, unpacking, and special item handling can add to the bill. Be sure to ask about these services and their associated costs when getting a quote from a moving company.

Here are some estimated price ranges to consider:

To get an accurate estimate, it's crucial to solicit personalized quotes from multiple moving companies or brokers. This approach ensures you can make a well-informed decision that best suits your specific circumstances.

When selecting a moving company, customer service, reputation, value, service offerings, item protection, and scheduling are key factors to consider. These factors can make a huge difference in your moving experience.

To ensure you're getting the best service, look for companies with high customer service ratings, such as Allied Van Lines with a 4.9/5 star rating and North American Van Lines with a 4.5/5 star rating.

Here are some key differences between moving carriers and brokers to consider:

Ultimately, the choice between a carrier and a broker depends on your priorities: direct involvement and accountability with carriers, or the potential for cost savings and flexibility with brokers.

To select a top-notch moving company, we look for six key factors: customer service, reputation, value, service offerings, item protection, and scheduling. These factors help us determine which companies truly stand out from the rest.

We give extra points to providers that offer a wide range of services, as this ensures they can meet your unique needs. For example, NAVL and Allied offer everything from pre-move planning and packing to loading, unloading, and post-move setup.

Professional loading, packing, and unpacking are crucial services that all our top recommendations provide with top-of-the-line labor. We also check to ensure their movers have the specialized skills and tools needed to handle large items like beds and entertainment centers.

NAVL and Allied shine with their add-on options, such as temporary or long-term storage services and specialized services for transporting vehicles and valuable items. They're also one-stop shops that sell high-quality packing materials, saving you time and effort.

Our top picks score high on their services offered, with NAVL and Allied earning a perfect 5 out of 5. Here's a breakdown of our top recommendations' services offered scores:

By considering these factors and services, you can find a moving company that meets your unique needs and provides a smooth, stress-free relocation experience.

Brokers act as intermediaries, coordinating with various carriers to find the best match for your moving needs.

They can negotiate better rates due to their industry connections, often resulting in cost savings. This is because brokers have the ability to compare multiple carriers quickly and can negotiate better deals using their industry leverage.

Brokers offer more flexibility, allowing you to customize your move and accommodate tight schedules. They can also tailor services like packing and storage to meet your specific requirements.

One of the main benefits of using a broker is that they can provide multiple options quickly, aiding in finding the right balance of service and price. This can save you time and effort, which is essential when planning a move.

However, it's worth noting that brokers may not be physically present during the move, which can make addressing immediate concerns more challenging. This highlights the importance of selecting a reputable broker.

Here are some key benefits and drawbacks of using a broker:

A good moving company should have a seamless scheduling process to avoid any last-minute stress. A well-organized scheduling process can make a huge difference in your moving experience.

A professional mover should offer multiple communication channels, not just a phone number, to ensure you can get in touch with them easily. This could be email, online chat, or even a mobile app.

JK Moving Services stands out for its mobile app and online portal, which allows you to access move details, track shipments, communicate with coordinators, and adjust schedules. These tools provide real-time updates, keeping you informed of any delays or changes.

Having a customized schedule that fits your needs is crucial, especially when moving on a tight deadline. Companies like NAVL, Allied, and JK Moving Services work closely with you to understand your preferences, such as moving dates and special considerations.

A good scheduling process ensures that all aspects of the move are thoughtfully planned, from packing to unloading. This includes allocating resources like trucks, equipment, and personnel efficiently.

Here's a rundown of the top performers in our scheduling assessment:

Companies with high scheduling scores, like Allied and NAVL, use the information you provide to create customized schedules that fit your needs.

A binding moving quote provides a solid estimate for your moving costs, ensuring you won't encounter unexpected charges once the move is complete. This option is ideal if you want financial certainty on moving day.

There are three main types of moving quotes: non-binding, binding, and not-to-exceed. A non-binding estimate is a rough estimate that can change on moving day, while a binding estimate guarantees the final cost. A not-to-exceed estimate sets a maximum price you won't surpass, even if circumstances change.

The cost of your move depends on several variables, including the distance you're moving, the weight of your items, and any specialty services your move will require. Weight is one of the biggest factors movers use to calculate costs, with many charging based on your shipment's weight or cubic feet for packing services on binding estimates.

Here are the key features of a binding quote:

Not-to-exceed estimates offer a mix of flexibility and security. They set a maximum price you won't surpass, even if circumstances change. If your move actually requires less effort or fewer resources, you could end up paying less than the original estimate.

Here's a comparison of the average costs for different types of moves:

Keep in mind that these costs are based on binding estimates, which provide a fixed price for your move.

Considering a DIY move might seem like a budget-friendly option, but the full picture is more nuanced. Cost often becomes the pivotal factor in relocating, and a DIY move can be more expensive than hiring professional movers when you account for various factors.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to over $5,000 for a move, depending on the size of your move and the distance. This is because local moves are generally less expensive than cross-country relocations.

To give you a better idea, here are some key differences between DIY and professional movers:

Ultimately, hiring professional movers can offer better value for your money, especially if you book early and take advantage of cost savings.

Choosing between a moving carrier and a broker can be a crucial decision when planning a move. A moving carrier is a company that performs the move itself, while a broker acts as an intermediary, connecting you with a moving carrier.

A broker's primary role is to find a moving carrier that fits your requirements, handling the logistics and providing flexibility in terms of services and timelines. They can save you time by researching multiple carriers and securing competitive rates.

One of the key benefits of working with a broker is access to multiple quotes for competitive pricing. They can also provide customizable and flexible service options, which is ideal for those needing additional services like packing or storage.

However, working with a broker means you'll have less direct involvement in the moving process. Be aware that there might be possible variations in quote accuracy, and you won't have a broker on-site during your move, which could complicate issue resolution.

Here's a comparison of the two options:

A DIY move might seem like a budget-friendly option, but the full picture is more nuanced. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Hiring professional movers can offer better value for your money when you account for various factors, including cost savings, availability, and flexibility. This is because professional movers have the experience and resources to handle complex moves efficiently.

However, booking professional movers requires planning ahead. Ideally, book your movers about 3 months in advance to ensure peace of mind and cost-effectiveness. Early booking can mean lower rates and better availability.

If you're on a tight timeline, don't worry – solutions are available. Consider working with a moving broker who can quickly locate available moving companies, potentially saving you time and stress.

The total cost of a move hinges on various aspects, including the size of the move and the distance. Moving a single-bedroom apartment is drastically different from moving a five-bedroom house, and local moves are generally less expensive than cross-country relocations.

Here are some estimated moving expenses to consider:

To get an accurate estimate, it's crucial to solicit personalized quotes from multiple moving companies or brokers. This approach ensures you can make a well-informed decision that best suits your specific circumstances.

The Cost of a DIY Move can be a bit deceiving at first. It's true that opting to move on your own can seem cheaper initially.

You're not paying a company for labor, service fees, or other overhead costs. This can make it seem like a no-brainer.

However, there are some hidden costs to consider. These can add up quickly and make your DIY move not so cost-effective after all.

Here are some of the hidden costs to watch out for:

These costs can quickly add up and make your DIY move more expensive than hiring a professional moving company.

Consider the importance of direct involvement and accountability versus flexibility and potential cost savings when making your decision.

If control and direct communication are paramount, carriers may be the better choice.

Prioritize flexibility, comprehensive service options, and competitive pricing if you want a broker.

Assessing your personal needs and preferences will guide you toward the right choice for your move.

Direct involvement can mean more control, but it may also mean less flexibility and potentially higher costs.

Flexibility, on the other hand, can offer more options and better pricing, but it may mean sacrificing some level of control.