7 Best Moving And Storage Companies [2023]

Best Moving and Storage Companies

1. Best Overall Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
2. Best for Extended Storage: Allied Van Lines
3. Best Customer Service: North American Van Lines
4. Best Moving Add-Ons: American Van Lines
5. Best for Military Moves: Safeway Moving Systems
6. Most Competitive Pricing: U-Pack
7. Best Long-Distance Moving Container: 1-800-PACK-RAT

Quick Overview

Before we go into more detail on each provider, here’s a quick look at our top-five providers of both moving and storage services. Before booking with any moving company, we recommend getting free quotes from as many companies as you can. Comparing quotes can maximize your chances of booking with a mover whose prices and service offerings best match your needs:

* Long-distance average cost is based on aggregate data from customer reviews for a two-bedroom home, moving 250 miles. Cost can vary significantly based on move weight and distance. Be sure to request a free quote to get an accurate estimate for your move.

1. International Van Lines

International Van Lines is a full-service carrier and broker that currently handles more than 10,000 relocations per year. With over 20 years of experience, they have become one of the most widely recognized and trusted names in the industry. In addition to a full range of add-on services, IVL provides both short-term and long-term storage options.

IVL Services

International Van Lines can provide virtually any moving service you can think of. Here are some of their most popular services:

• Local moving
• Long-distance moving
• International moving services
• Storage (short-term and long-term)
• Packing and unpacking
• Custom crating
• Piano moving
• Debris removal
• Auto transport

IVL Storage Options

For long-distance moves, up to one month of storage is included for free. Your items will be stored in a secure IVL facility local to your move origin. For long-term storage, your belongings will be stored in crates in a climate-controlled facility. You will have access to your belongings should you need it, which is a nice perk.

IVL also offers a Storage in Transit (SIT) service. Rather than storing your items in a local facility near your move origin, you can request that IVL move and store your items in a facility near your move destination. This can be especially useful if you’re moving a long way but have some time between your move out and move in dates.

IVL Cost

We were able to collect pricing information from past customer reviews as well as the moving cost estimator on IVL’s site:

IVL Sample Pricing (Local)

IVL Sample Pricing (Long-Distance)

Request a free quote from International Van Lines to get an accurate estimate for your specific needs.

Storage Costs

For long-distance moves, IVL provides up to one month of storage for free. Otherwise, your move size is the main factor in determining cost. IVL charges $0.50 per cubic foot.

IVL Availability

International Van Lines is one of the best moving and storage companies, serving all 50 US states and 180 countries around the world.

Why We Like International Van Lines

International Van Lines has won several awards for their customer service. Their long list of add-ons and storage options means they can meet virtually any moving needs. When you book with this mover, you will be given access to one of the largest moving provider networks in the country—and the world.

2. Allied Van Lines

Operating since the 1930’s and serving an average of 50,000 moves each year, AVL provides high quality local, long-distance, and international relocation services. Allied can assist with local and long-distance moves to all U.S. states as well as international moves around the world. Offering a variety of service options like packing and storage, Allied allows you to completely customize your moving experience. Allied Van Lines also has a phenomenal reputation, having won Newsweek’s Best Customer Service 2021 award and boasting a 96% customer satisfaction rating.

Allied Services

Customize your move with a wide variety of add-on services, including:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Auto shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• And more

Allied Cost

As with most full-service moving companies, local and long-distance moves are priced differently. Local moves are priced by the hour, with rates ranging from $30-$60 per hour depending on where you’re moving. Long-distance moves, however, are priced at a flat rate, with your home size and how far you’re moving as the primary cost factors.

Allied Van Lines Sample Pricing

Allied Availability

Allied Van Lines offers local and long-distance services to the entire U.S. They can also assist with international relocations to over 120 countries globally.

Why We Like Allied Van Lines

Over the last 15 years, Allied Van Lines has assisted more than 750,000 clients with moves of all sizes. You can count on Allied’s highly trained team to provide outstanding service throughout the entire process.

3. North American Van Lines

With operations dating all the way back to the 1930’s, North American Van Lines has one of the strongest reputations in the moving industry. They are an excellent choice whether you’re moving just a few miles or thousands of miles away. Along with their extensive add-on services, they provide extra insurance options to protect your goods.

NAVL Services

Enhance your move with extra services, or just stick to the basic service of loading/unloading and transport. The choice is up to you. NAVL makes it easy to customize your move with:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

NAVL Cost

The further away your new home and the more add-on services you select, the more expensive your move will be. Pricing is in line with or slightly better than other top companies. Here is some sample pricing from the company to help you plan your move:

NAVL Sample Pricing

NAVL Availability

No matter how far you’re moving, North American Van Lines can help. They currently serve all points in the US. They also provide global relocations to over 100 countries around the world.

Why We Like North American Van Lines

With an A+ BBB rating and strong client reviews over its 80 years of experience, North American Van Lines is one of the top full-service movers operating today. The company goes the extra mile to protect your property with carpet covers for your flooring and pads for doors, railings, and walls. With close attention to detail, extensive service options, and deep experience, NAVL is one of the best options in the moving industry today.

4. American Van Lines

American Van Lines is one of the largest moving carriers in the country. They have been in operation since the mid-1990s and have a strong reputation in the industry. Along with their lengthy track record of excellent service, they have some of the most experienced moving crews in the business. AVL proudly advertises that its workers average 10 years on the job, which strengthens the range of services offered. The company also owns private, state-of-the-art storage facilities across the country, where it provides both short-term and long-term storage to its moving clients.

AVL Services

Unlike some companies that broker out moving services, American Van Lines is a carrier everywhere they operate. This allows them to provide services directly to all points in the US. Enhance your move with:

• Local moving services
• Long-distance moving
• International moving
• Military and commercial moving
• Climate-controlled storage
• Antique moving
• Piano moving
• Full-service packing
• Custom crating

AVL Storage Options

American Van Lines promotes itself as both a moving and storage company. They own all their storage facilities, providing both short-term and long-term storage to meet your needs. Some nice perks about their facilities include the availability of personal storage vaults, climate-controlled units, high-value storage units, and 24-hour video surveillance.

AVL Cost

American Van Lines prides itself on its flat-rate pricing. This isn’t industry standard, but it is often a far more economical option for long-distance or cross-country moves. This carrier also provides frequent moving shuttles between major cities. If your move falls along one of these routes, it could save you money.

AVL Sample Pricing (Local)

AVL Sample Pricing (Long-Distance)

Pricing can vary by move distance, weight, and specialty services. To get a personalized estimate, request a free quote with AVL today.

AVL Availability

American Van Lines provides moving and storage services to all 48 continental states. Simply go to their website to find their nearest location to you.

Why We Like American Van Lines

American Van Lines has an impressive breadth of service options, including state-of-the-art storage facilities. Their flat-rate pricing and status as a nationwide carrier also help to separate them from the pack in the moving industry. When you book with AVL, you will get flat rates and will be moved by a highly experienced crew.

5. Safeway Moving Systems

Safeway is one of the largest moving brokers in the industry. Focusing exclusively on long-distance moves, they are equally able to handle residential and commercial relocations. As a veteran-owned and operated company, they are also a great choice for military moves. Their commitment to transparency and flat-rate pricing are what keep customers coming back. As a final perk, one month of storage and packing services are included with every move.

Safeway Services

As a broker with a highly-qualified network of partner companies, Safeway provides moving services throughout the US. These include:

• Long-distance moving
• Residential moving
• Commercial moving
• Military relocations
• Storage
• Full-service packing
• Piano moving
• Auto-shipping
• Furniture assembly and disassembly

Safeway Cost

Safeway offers all its moving services at flat rates. While they don’t provide sample pricing on their website, we were able to get reliable cost data from past customer reviews.

Safeway Sample Pricing (Long-Distance)

Getting a quote from this provider is easy. Just fill out a quote request form online, and a customer service representative will reach out to schedule an estimate.

Safeway Availability

Safeway is available for moves throughout the lower 48 states, operating as a broker. Keep in mind that they only provide long-distance moving services and are not available for local moves. Their partner companies are all thoroughly vetted and insured beyond industry minimums. You can rest assured that your move with this provider will always be in capable hands.

Why We Like Safeway

Safeway’s commitment to transparent pricing (with price matching) and quality service are above and beyond what many movers will provide. Though they earn our superlative as the most reliable military movers, they are one of the most reliable movers overall. To back this claim, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all moves. If you need storage, you’ll also be pleased to know that packing and 30 days of storage are included in all moves.

6. U-Pack

U-Pack is one of the most recognizable names in the moving container industry. Like other container companies, they don’t provide labor services. However, a moving container relocation is ideal for those who would like more freedom and reduced costs around moving day. It’s also easy to use the company’s containers for storage. Simply fill your container, and the company will store it at one of their 240 secure facilities across the country for as long as you need.

U-Pack Services

Moving containers offer one of the most affordable moving options in the industry. Using a moving container provides the independence of a DIY move without the liability assumed by renting a moving truck from a provider like U-Haul. Here’s what U-Pack provides:

• Container Options. U-Pack provides two container sizes, including the ReloCube (6’ x 7’ x 8’) and Trailer (27’ x 8’ x 9’). ReloCubes are graded to hold most average-sized studio apartments, while moving trailers can typically hold a three-bedroom home.

• Flexible Pick-Up: With three-day loading and unloading windows at each end of your move, you’ll never feel rushed.
• Storage:​​​​ U-Pack offers secure storage at each of its facilities. When getting a quote, you should speak with your customer service representative regarding storage location (at the origin or at your destination) and duration (short or long-term). Keep in mind that you will not be able to access your items while in storage.

U-Pack Cost

U-Pack’s service model keeps costs low relative to its competitors. With this container provider, you only pay for the space that you use. For example, if you rent a 27-foot trailer and only use 21 feet, your bill will be reduced accordingly. This means that you can save a substantial amount by downsizing ahead of your move.

U-Pack Sample Pricing (Long-Distance)

U-Pack is one of the most affordable moving options available today. To find out what your specific move will cost, request a free quote today.

U-Pack Availability

U-Pack has 240 locations throughout the US. They service long-distance moves (over 150 miles) to and from all 50 US states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. They do not currently provide local moving services (under 150 miles).

Why We Like U-Pack

U-Pack is one of the most flexible, affordable and transparent moving and storage companies operating today. Multiple container sizes and 3-day loading/unloading windows offer plenty of flexibility, while their “Pay for What You Use” policy helps to keep cost as low as possible.

7. 1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT may have a slightly more limited availability compared to the other providers on our list, but they are a great option if they are available in your area. Another leading moving container company, their all-steel portable storage containers present a quality option for any moving or storage needs. With both local and long-distance options, and secure storage facilities across the country, this is one of the top moving and storage companies available.

Pack Rat Services

Pack Rat provides both local and long-distance moving services with plenty of flexibility:

• Container Sizes: Pack Rat provides three container size options, including an 8’, 12’ and 16’ container. You can rent multiple containers as needed.
• Storage: You can store your items in your Pack Rat container on your own property or keep your container at a secure Pack Rat facility.
• Labor: You’re free to load the container yourself, but Pack Rat does provide moving assistance should you need it. You can hire assistance through their partner, Hire A Helper, do it on your own, or hire a third party.

Whether you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment across town, or relocating a larger home across state lines, they have container options to suit your move.

Pack Rat Cost

1-800-PACK-RAT provides some of the most comprehensive discount options across all moving container companies. This offsets their initial price points, which are often slightly higher than their major competitors.

Pack Rat Sample Pricing (Long-Distance)

Pack Rat Storage Cost

Storage at a Pack Rat facility after your first month will cost $280 – $290 per unit. Pack Rat offers discounts for storage services included with a move, military members, and others. They also offer a price matching policy claiming to meet any competitor’s storage price.

Pack Rat Availability

Pack Rat has 60 facilities across the country. They provide local and long-distance moving services within 50 to 100 miles of each service center they operate. You can store your belongings at any of these facilities or inside a container on your own property.

Why We Like 1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT’s discounts and all-steel containers are what set them apart from many of its competitors. Unlike U-Pack, which only provides storage at their facilities, the ability to store your Pack Rat container on your property for as long as you need is also a great perk. They have a somewhat limited service area, but they are an excellent option for any clients within that area.

Request a Quote

Hiring a moving company whose pricing and service offerings match your needs and budget is the best way to reduce stress throughout the moving process. Starting around eight weeks ahead of your move, you should take a thorough inventory of your home, while noting any services you may need. Then, do some research into the best movers in your area, and begin scheduling moving quotes. You should aim to have a mover booked between four and six weeks before the big day. If you plan adequately, you’ll have a far smoother moving experience.

How to Choose a Moving And Storage Company

Moving and storage provider have fairly universal regulations that they must follow. Here are some of the most important things to look for as you look for the best moving and storage service providers:

• FMCSA Registration: All moving companies conducting interstate moves fall under the jurisdiction of the FMCSA. To maintain a valid license, movers must carry active USDOT and MC numbers through the FMCSA. These are to be displayed on all vehicles, on their website (if applicable), and on any written estimates they give to clients. You can also use these numbers to research a given carrier or broker’s complaint history through the FMCSA database.
• Local Governance: Some states only require federal registration for movers to do business. Most states, however, will have a local body that regulates movers within the state as well. If your state regulates movers at the local level, you should check to ensure that the mover you’re interested in is appropriately licensed.
• Insurance: All movers must maintain adequate insurance to legally conduct business. Aside from vehicle and cargo policies, the most important forms of insurance to have are workers’ compensation and released liability. Released liability coverage protects your goods in the event of loss or damage. The federal minimum coverage amount is $0.60 per pound, per item. The best movers will offer additional coverage options beyond this minimum.
• Storage Location: You’ll need to decide if you want to store your items near your move origin or final destination. There may be an extra fee for moving your items to a far away facility. You’ll also want to verify how far away the storage facility is from your home. Some companies like 1-800-PACK-RAT will even allow you to store your belongings in a container on your own property.
• Storage Facility Access: Some companies do not allow you to access your belongings while in storage, while others will. If access is a concern for you, be sure to clarify access levels with the company.
• Storage Features: Every storage facility is different. Some key features to look, depending on your needs, include: private units vs warehouse, climate-controlled units, own-lock units, and 24/7 video surveillance.
• Customer Reviews: Even when booking with a highly-regarded national moving company, you should look at customer reviews before signing any contracts. For providers with multiple locations, be sure to check out the reviews of the local branch near you. This can provide much-needed insight into how that company conducts business near you.

Our Rating Methodology

At Pro Mover Reviews, we are committed to providing our readers with comprehensive and unbiased information on each provider that we review. Our methodology is a step-by-step process that ensures we maintain your trust through transparency and data that is backed up through routine check-ins. Our staff has spent hundreds of hours reviewing dozens of local, long-distance, and international moving companies to bring you our recommendation for the best moving companies in the US. We then narrowed down our findings based on criteria that we find to be the most helpful for you to choose the best moving company for your needs.

Our Rating Categories:

• Company Transparency
• Pricing + Cost
• Services Offered
• Overall Reputation

While there are many sites out there that compare movers, we believe our rigorous standards give us more insights into company performance and better data to share with our community.  For each moving company we check for:

• Confirmed Licensing with the DOT
• Updated & Verified Business Registration
• Real & Recent Consumer Reviews
• Industry Ratings and BBB Complaints
• Accuracy of Online Quotes
• Services Provided & Total Service Area
• Pricing & Services vs. Competitors

From here we created a comprehensive, 100-point, rating scale based on the following factors:

• Moving services (25): Companies that offer more flexibility in their services are rated higher.
• Coverage of services (5): The more items a moving company can handle, the higher the score.
• Pricing (25): We compare this to the industry average when rating pricing.
• Trustworthiness (25): We comb through hundreds of reviews and check on BBB ratings to determine the trustworthiness of a company.
• State availability (5): Finding a moving company in your state can be a challenge depending on where you are located. The more states covered, the higher the score.
• Customer service (10): Is this moving company responsive? Do they respond quickly to issues that are brought to their attention? Are they helpful in answering questions? All of these factors are considered when rating customer service.
• Additional benefits (5): Moving companies can sometimes offer special promotions or deals when contracting them for a move. The companies with the most benefit scored higher.

Of the dozens of different moving companies that we’ve reviewed, we’ve broken down the top moving and storage companies in your area. To keep our ratings and data current, we have a full-time researcher who collects (and regularly updates) more than 100 specific data points from each company to help us compare them on key factors such as coverage, cost, service, and dependability. This list is ever-changing, as companies will update policies and procedures, and we will change our information accordingly.