5 Best Moving Companies in 2024

Moving is a big life event, whether you're relocating to a new city or simply to a new apartment in your neighborhood. It's an exciting time, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. One way to reduce the stress is by hiring a professional moving company to help you with the transition. However, it’s important to be aware of the scams that are out there and to know how to avoid them. We'll take a look at the most common scam to avoid when choosing a long-distance moving company, and we'll also provide tips for saving money and choosing a reputable moving company. 

Advice For Choosing The Best Moving Companies

When choosing a moving company, it's important to do your research and ask the right questions. Here are some tips to help you choose the right moving company for your needs:

1. Check For Licensing And Insurance: Make sure that the moving company you choose is licensed and insured. This will help protect your belongings in case of damage or loss during the move.
2. Check For Experience: ​​Ask how long the company has been around and how many years of experience the movers have.
3. Get Multiple Quotes: Get quotes from several different moving companies to compare prices and services. Keep in mind, if a company's pricing is significantly cheaper, it could be a red flag. They might be trying to win your business and throw in some surprises when it's too late to book elsewhere.
4. Check For Hidden Fees: Make sure to ask about any potential hidden fees, such as fees for stairs or long carries. 
5. Get A Written Agreement: Make sure to get a written agreement that includes all the costs and services that the moving company will provide.
6. Consider The Services Available: Figure out if you want to pack items yourself, or if you prefer to leave it to the professionals. It may cost more, but it could save a massive headache. This is especially true if you have an entire house or multi-bedroom apartment. Even if you decide to hire packers, it's suggested that you purchase your own TV box since it'll be cheaper at a local store.

Reputable Moving Companies: Out Of State Moves

These companies have all been in business for several years and have a proven track record of providing excellent moving services. They are licensed, insured, and have a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

Allegiance Moving And Storage

Allegiance Moving And Storage collaborates with a network of FMCSA-authorized carriers to provide a wide range of services. These include local and long-distance moves, auto transport, and storage solutions. Allegiance prides itself on offering competitive pricing by leveraging its extensive database of moving companies, which allows them to negotiate discounts on behalf of their clients.

Allegiance actively participates in charitable giving, including donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. This organization is dedicated to providing support and services to injured veterans and their families. By partnering with the Wounded Warrior Project, Allegiance contributes to efforts that empower and assist veterans in their post-service lives. This charitable involvement aligns with their commitment to community support and reflects their dedication to honoring those who have served​.

Midland Van Lines

Midland Van Lines is a family-owned and operated moving company that specializes in long-distance relocations. Based in Miami, FL, they offer a range of services including residential and commercial moves, packing and unpacking, and storage solutions. The company owns and operates its fleet of trucks and trailers, which allows for more control over scheduling and logistics without relying on subcontractors.

They pride themselves on providing high-quality, stress-free moving experiences, with a focus on professionalism and customer satisfaction. The company is known for its flexibility in scheduling and transparent pricing, offering free quotes and competitive rates based on the volume of items and distance of the move. Midland Van Lines also provides eco-friendly solutions and advanced technology to ensure efficiency and reliability in their services.

Eagle Moving Group

Eagle Moving Group offers residential, long-distance, commercial, and interstate moves through FMCSA-licensed carriers. Their services include packing and unpacking, storage solutions, and specialty moving for items like pianos and fine art. They offer a tailored moving experience, ensuring that customers receive services suited to their specific needs. Customers start by filling out an online form or calling for a quote, after which they receive a personalized moving plan from a representative. Eagle Moving Group is known for its competitive pricing and responsive customer service.

AmeriSafe Moving

AmeriSafe Moving, a full-service moving broker, was founded to simplify relocations and reduce the stress associated with moving. They have strong relationships with licensed and insured motor carriers across the United States, enabling them to handle moves of any distance. Specializing in long-distance moves, their team meticulously plans and organizes relocations while staying within budget constraints. AmeriSafe offers top-notch packing services, ensuring the safety of your belongings during transit. They connect you with professional movers for various needs, including residential and commercial moves, storage, and specialty services like piano and pool table moving. With access to quality packing materials, AmeriSafe prioritizes the safety and protection of your items. Their mission is to provide efficient, affordable, and hassle-free moving solutions, allowing you to focus on what matters most during your move.

Reputable Moving Companies: In State Moves

When it comes to local, in-state moves, finding a reputable moving company is crucial. Whether you're relocating to a nearby city or miles away, you want a company that will handle your belongings with care and ensure a smooth transition. The companies below are known for their excellent service and reliability.

College HUNKS Hauling Junk And Moving

College HUNKS Hauling Junk And Moving offers hourly moving services designed for local and in-state moves. In addition to their top-notch moving services, they also provide junk removal to help you declutter before or after your move. With over 200 locations and 15+ years in business, they have served over 10 million happy clients.

Furthermore, College HUNKS is committed to giving back to the community by donating or recycling up to 70% of the items they haul away and supporting food security through their partnership with US Hunger.

Allegiance Moving And Storage

Allegiance Moving And Storage is known for their long-distance, out-of-state moves, however, they do offer moves within the same state. They partner with trusted FMCSA-authorized carriers that support trustworthy relocation in your area.

How To Avoid “Lowball Estimates”

Moving companies may add on additional charges for various services or situations that were not included in the initial estimate. In order to avoid these surprises, you’ll want to ask the right questions upfront. Here are a few fees to consider:

1. Packing and Unpacking Fees: If you request packing or unpacking services, the moving company may charge additional fees for these services.
2. Long Carries: If the distance between the moving truck and your front door is long, the moving company may charge extra fees for the additional distance.
3. Stair Charges: If there are stairs in your home or building, the moving company may charge extra fees for carrying your belongings up or down the stairs.
4. Elevator Fees: If the moving company needs to use an elevator to move your belongings, they may charge additional fees for the elevator use.
5. Shuttle Service Fees: If your home or building is not accessible by the moving truck, the moving company may need to use a shuttle service to transport your belongings. This can add significant additional costs to your move. In some cities there may be local regulations that affect the cost of your move. For example, in New York City, there is a requirement for a shuttle service for moves that require more than 75 feet of distance between the moving truck and the front door of your building. Make sure to ask about any local regulations that may affect your move.
6. Storage Fees: If you need to store your belongings for a period of time during the move, the moving company may charge additional fees for storage.
7. Expedited Service Fees: If you need your belongings to be moved quickly, the moving company may charge additional fees for expedited service.
8. Fuel Surcharges: If the cost of fuel increases significantly during your move, the moving company may charge additional fees for fuel surcharges.
9. Accessorial Charges: These are additional charges for services or situations that were not included in the initial estimate, such as crating fragile items, disassembling and reassembling furniture, or providing additional packing materials.

It's important to ask the moving company about any potential additional charges and to get a written estimate that includes all costs associated with the move. By doing so, you can avoid any surprises later on and ensure that you have budgeted appropriately for your move.

Understanding Your Inventory

Properly quoting all of your items is crucial for receiving an accurate moving quote. Reputable moving companies typically schedule a call and ask you to walk through each room, but it's important to take responsibility for knowing the full inventory of what you have. Consider the following items when preparing for your move (although this list is not exhaustive):

• Furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, dressers, bookcases, entertainment centers, desks, cat trees, mattresses, bed frames)
• Appliances (refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers)
• Vehicles (if you don’t plan on driving your car, you’ll need a company that can ship it)
• Exercise equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines)
• Large electronics (televisions, sound systems)
• Outdoor equipment (patio furniture, lawn mowers, snow blowers, bicycles)
• Other large or fragile items (artwork, antiques, pianos, wine collections, garbage cans, floor lamps, dishes, mirrors, vacuums)

Proper Box Labeling

If you are going to be packing on your own, you’ll want to make sure boxes are clearly labeled and sealed. Consider the following:

1. Packing Supplies: Make sure that you have all the packing supplies that you need, including boxes, tape, packing paper, and bubble wrap.
2. Labeling: Label all of your boxes clearly so that you know exactly what's in each one.
3. Fragile Items: Make sure to pack fragile items carefully and label them as "fragile" or "delicate" so that the moving company knows to handle them with extra care.
4. Electronics: Make sure to pack all of your electronics carefully and to label all of the cords and accessories so that you can easily set them up in your new home. Ask the moving companies which items may need special boxes, such as televisions.
5. Personal Items: Make sure to pack all of your personal items, such as jewelry and important documents, in a separate box that you keep with you during the move.

Following these tips will help ensure that your belongings arrive safely and efficiently at your new home.