Get Free Moving Quotes Online

Find Movers Near You

Whether you’re moving within a state or traveling across state lines, we’ve made it easy to find the best moving companies in your area:

Popular Moving Company Categories

Every move is unique. You can find the best company for your needs by browsing our reviews of movers in popular categories:

Understanding The Moving Quote Process

Booking a move is generally a straightforward process, but there are some important things you should know. Here is a quick guide to the booking process, so you can feel confident when you request moving quotes online. We’ll cover how booking usually works for local and long-distance moves, tips to make the process easy, and red flags to watch out for.

Where to Get Moving Company Quotes

Most moving companies make it easy to get free quotes by either filling out a form on their website or calling them. The best movers will offer a dedicated moving coordinator who will assist you all the way from the booking process to move-in day.

While you can get instant quotes for most local moves online, this is not usually the case for long-distance moves. Most movers will allow you to start the quote process online for long-distance moves, but you will likely need to speak with a company representative to get a final estimate. This is because there are many more factors that affect long-distance pricing compared to local pricing, and the estimate process is much more personalized.

How are Moves Typically Billed?

If you’re planning to move across town, the booking process will be slightly different than if you’re moving cross country. Local and long-distance moves are billed in different ways. Here’s what you need to know:

• Local Moving Estimates. Local moves are typically billed at an hourly rate per mover in your moving crew. Most local moving estimates will include a minimum charge of 2-4 hours.
• Long-Distance Moving Estimates. Long-distance moves are not quoted at an hourly rate. Instead, you will be charged a flat rate. Your moving estimate will be based on your move size, distance, and any add-on services you include.

Average Moving Costs

Pricing will vary depending on the type of move you’re planning, location, provider, seasonality, and other factors. Costs can vary even more significantly for long-distance moves than local moves. To help you plan, here are some national averages to keep in mind:

Local Moving Costs

Long-Distance Moving Costs

Check out our Moving Cost Guide to learn more.

Know Your Moving Options

If you want to save money or time on your move, it can help to understand your options. Here are some of the most popular moving options to consider:

• Full-Service Movers. Full-service movers provide a moving crew, truck, and many add-on services to make your move as easy as possible.
• Moving Labor Only. If you already have a truck and just need some assistance loading and unloading, some companies allow you to book moving crews by the hour.
• Moving Containers. Moving containers are one of the most affordable and flexible moving options available today. The company will deliver your container(s) to your property, allow you some time to load your belongings, then ship it to your new destination.
• Ship Your Items. If you’re only moving a small number of items, you can consider shipping them. Providers like uShip make it easy to ship everything from appliances and furniture to pianos and more.
• DIY Move. You can save the most money on your move by doing it yourself. This will typically involve renting a truck and doing all the labor yourself. While this can be the most affordable way to move, it can also be the most time-consuming. You will also expose yourself to injury and will have no recourse if your items are damaged during your move.

Binding vs Non-Binding Estimates

When requesting free moving quotes online or over the phone, you will receive either a binding or non-binding estimate. It’s important to understand the differences between the two:

• Binding estimates represent the final cost you will pay. The price you are provided should not change unless you add on new services or change your move size/distance.
• Non-binding estimates are subject to change. While the mover may quote you a low rate now, you could end up with a larger bill come move-in day.

When possible, we recommend selecting a moving company that offers a binding estimate. This will help you to plan your move without worrying about hidden fees or charges. With a binding estimate, what you are quoted should generally be the price you pay.

Common Add-On Services

Many add-on services are available to make your move as convenient as possible. When requesting a moving company quote, keep in mind that services like packing and storage will usually increase your cost. Keeping these services to a minimum can help you to save money. That said, they can be well worth it depending on your needs. Here are some of the most common add-on services:

• Packing & Unpacking. Need help packing your items? Most full-service movers will offer either full-service packing, partial packing for just fragile or valuable items, or DIY packing.
• Storage. Many movers provide both short-term and long-term storage to clients. When requesting a quote, be sure to ask where your items will be held, features of the storage facility, and whether you’ll be able to access your items while in storage.
• Crating. If you have unique items like a piano, hot tub, or exercise equipment, custom crating can be created to help protect them in transit.
• Debris Removal. Whether you’re downsizing to fit your new home or simply want to get rid of some things before you move, you’ll likely have some amount of garbage. Some movers will help you to remove these items from your property.
• Auto Shipping. Many movers can assist with moving vehicles like cars, boats, RVs and more to your new home. Your main options here include open or enclosed transport.

Moving Insurance Coverage

The federal requirement for insurance coverage that movers must provide is $0.60 per pound, per item. For example, a 100-pound couch would be covered for up to $60 ($0.60 x 100 pounds). Of course, the couch may be worth much more than that. While this is the minimum insurance requirement, the best movers will offer multiple coverage options that you can elect when booking.

The highest coverage option is full valuation coverage. As the name implies, this insurance covers the full value amount of your items. While somewhat rare in the industry, if you have valuable belongings, this is important coverage to look out for.

How to Choose a Moving Company

When choosing a moving company, look for the following:

• USDOT Number. All moving companies that operate across state lines are required to be licensed federally. Licensed moving companies will have a valid USDOT number, which you can look up in the FMCSA database.
• Local Credentials. In addition to federal licensing requirements, some states also regulate moves at the local level. Check your state governing body to see if local licensing is required and verify your mover’s licensing as needed.
• BBB Accreditation. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has strict standards for companies that are accredited under the organization. While moving companies that are not accredited may be able to provide you with quality service, accredited organizations are the most reliable.
• Services. Not all moving companies provide the same services, and some services may not be available in certain areas. If you need add-ons like storage, packing, or something more unique, be sure to ask the company directly about your options.
• Rates. Don’t overpay for your move! The best way to protect your wallet is to get multiple moving company quotes so you can compare rates.
• Insurance. Ensure the company you’re working with offers minimum required coverage of $0.60 per pound per item. If you have valuable items that you’re concerned about, ask about any other available coverage options.
• Reviews. Industry and customer reviews can be an invaluable resource when vetting professional movers. Star ratings can help you to quickly assess a company’s service quality, but be sure to read through some comments as well.

Helpful Moving Quote Tips

Here are some helpful tips to help you get through the online moving quote process:

• Start Planning Early. Start the quote process as early as possible. We recommend reaching out for estimates 8 weeks ahead of your move-in date. This will help to ensure availability while getting you the best rates.
• Get Multiple Estimates. Get estimates from as many providers as you can before booking—at least three. This will allow you to compare moving quotes and get the best rate for your needs.
• Do Some Prep Work. Prepare your itinerary and inventory prior to reaching out to a moving company to request a quote. Movers will want to know your intended move-in date as well as what items you plan to move. This information will help them to create the most accurate estimate possible.
• Get Estimates in Writing. Be sure to ask for your quote in writing. Don’t just accept a rate that is spoken to you over the phone. This will ensure you have a record in case there is a discrepancy when you are billed on move-in day.
• Consider Add-Ons. Decide what add-on services you’d like to include with your move (i.e. packing, storage, insurance). Ask providers if they offer the services you need and ensure associated rates are noted in your estimate.
• Discounts. Many moving companies offer discounts, so it doesn’t hurt to ask! Discounts are most commonly available for seniors, military moves, students, and more.

Start Planning Your Move Today

Pro Mover Reviews makes it easy to plan your move. To get started, read our comprehensive mover reviews, and request free moving company quotes from providers you’re interested in working with: