6 Best Alaska Moving Companies 2022

1. Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
2. Best for Extended Storage: Allied Van Lines
3. Best Customer Service: North American Van Lines
4. Best for Military Moves: Safeway Moving Systems
5. Most Competitive Pricing: U-Pack
6. Best for Single-Item Shipping: uShip

Take a look at the table below for a quick comparison of the top movers in Alaska. We tried to present a variety of options, from full-service providers to more DIY solutions. No matter your specific needs or price point, you should be able to find a reliable team in our guide:

* 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.

The Best Movers in Alaska

Moves of any size can be complicated. But they don’t have to be. Below, we’ve listed the top moving companies in Alaska. They are all fully licensed to operate within the state and nationally, ready to handle a wide range of moving needs.

1. International Van Lines

International Van Lines (IVL) is our number one choice when it comes to a full-service move. Their experienced team offers one of the widest service menus in the industry, backed by award-winning customer service. They can assist with both local and long-distance moves in the state, across the country, and even worldwide.

IVL Services

No matter where your move is taking you or how complex your service needs, IVL is an excellent choice. Their ability to provide both air and ocean freight can be particularly useful for those moving from Alaska. Here’s a quick look at some of their most popular service options:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing and unpacking
• Storage (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating
• Debris removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight
• And more

IVL Cost

While full-service moves can be the most expensive option, IVL is among the most affordable. You can always choose not to include add-on services like packing or crating to help reduce your cost as well. Here is what you can expect to pay when you hire them:

• Request a free estimate
• Read our full International Van Lines guide

2. Allied Van Lines

With a rich history spanning more than 85 years, Allied Van Lines is one of the best full-service movers available today. The company can assist with local and long-distance moves across the country as well as international moves around the world. Beyond their basic services, packing, storage, and vehicle transport are just a few of the add-on services you can add to your moving package. Plus, 24/7 customer service is available to help ensure your move goes smoothly and answer any questions you may have.

Allied Services

With a variety of unique services, you can optimize your moving experience to fit your exact needs. Perks like instant online quotes, virtual home surveys, and dedicated moving coordinators help to ensure a fast and easy relocation.

• 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

Local moves with Allied are billed by the hour, which varies by location. 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.

• Request a free estimate
• Read our full Allied Van Lines guide

3. North American Van Lines

Few companies can match the service options and rich history of North American Van Lines. Benefits like extensive insurance options and instant online quotes help to simplify the moving process. Many reviews praise the company’s attention to detail on move-in day, which includes the use of pads and carpet covers to prevent damage. The booking process is also quick to complete—and 24/7 customer service means an agent is always ready to answer your questions.

NAVL Services

North American has more than 500 locations in the US, allowing them to provide both local and long-distance moving services to and from every state. They also provide international moving services to 130 countries around the world.

• 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

For long distance moves, the distance you’re traveling and how much you’re moving will have the largest impact on cost. Pricing is in line with or slightly better than other top companies. Here is some more pricing data to help you plan your move:

• Request a free estimate
• Read our full North American Van Lines guide

4. Safeway Moving Systems

Safeway Moving Systems operates exclusively as a broker. Through their network of vetted partner companies, they contract out long-distance moving services to all points in the US. Their partner companies are carefully selected and must uphold strict training and insurance standards. Thanks to the deals Safeway has with their partners, they can often help you to move more cheaply than if you were to hire a mover directly.

Safeway Services

As a veteran-owned moving company, Safeway is one of the best movers for military relocations. If you need to move to or from one of Alaska’s Air Force or Army bases, Safeway could be a great option. Of course, they’re also available for general residential moves as well, providing long-distance moving services across the entire U.S.

• Long-distance moves only
• Commercial and residential moves
• Military moving
• Storage (Up to 30 days free)
• Packing (free)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• And more

Safeway Cost

Safeway provides flat rates for all their moves, promising no hidden fees or upcharges on moving day. Considering that free packing and storage is available to every customer, they are among the cheapest full-service movers for lengthier relocations.

• Request a free estimate
• Read our full Safeway Moving Systems guide

5. U-Pack

U-Pack is a well-known moving container provider for semi-DIY moves. They offer containers ranging from 8 ft to 27 ft, which enables them to handle moves of most sizes. Their ability to ship to all points in the US also makes them ideal for any of your Alaska moving needs. Just note that they can only assist with moves of at least 100 miles.

U-Pack Services

U-Pack is not currently available for short-distance moves, but they are a great option if you need to move away from Alaska to another state. Here’s how it works:

• Book: You can rent multiple containers, with sizes ranging from 8-27 feet.
• Delivery & Packing: A driver will deliver your container(s) to your property, which you will be responsible for packing.
• Shipment: One packed, your driver will pick up your container and ship it to your new home.
• Unpacking: Once your container has arrived, you’ll be given three days to unpack it.
• Storage: If you need storage between your move out and move in dates, you can keep your container at a U-Pack facility.

U-Pack Cost

U-Pack is the single most affordable option on our list. The catch is that you’ll be in charge of doing the packing and unpacking yourself. If you’re up to this task, you can enjoy significant savings:

• Request a free estimate
• Read our full U-Pack guide

6. uShip

uShip is slightly different than the other best moving companies in Alaska featured here. You might consider them to be more like a marketplace than a service provider. Their website allows you to post a moving job and get bids from shipping companies around the country. You can ship anything from a single piece of furniture to an entire home—and even the home itself. You’ll be able to see bids from different companies and can view reviews from other people who have worked with them as well.

uShip Services

Getting started with uShip is easy. Here’s how it works:

• Post a Job: Simply post what you need shipped on their site. Shipping companies will be able to see your job post and bid.
• Compare Providers: Compare proposed rates, view provider ratings, and ask questions to companies that have bid on your job.
• Hire a Provider: Select your preferred shipping company. Your payment will be held in an escrow account for security until your delivery is completed. You can also select insurance options as needed.

uShip can ship the following items:

• Full Moves: They can handle anything from apartments to large homes for both local and long-distance relocations.
• Vehicle Shipping: This includes cars, motorcycles, RVs and more.
• Furniture: If you just need a few pieces of furniture or appliances moved, they can help with that as well.
• Large Items: If you have large bulky items like hot tubs, playsets, pool tables, or heavy equipment, uShip is one of the only movers who can handle them.

uShip Cost

The price you will pay to move ship will vary significantly based on what exactly you’re moving and how far. Shipping companies will be bidding on your job, so you can often get a great rate. Some companies will even be willing to negotiate with you. The best way to find out what your move will cost is to simply post your job and start collecting bids for free:

• Request a free estimate
• Read our full uShip guide

Moving to Alaska

Moving to the Last Frontier can seem like an intimidating prospect. To help make your move easier, we’ve created a simple guide to moving and living in the state. Here’s everything you need to know about Alaska moving laws, typical costs, great places to live, and more.

Moving Regulations in Alaska

Alaska has no local governing body for moving companies. Instead, they simply require that each moving company carry an active federal USDOT number.

• FMCSA Registration: All interstate moving companies fall under the jurisdiction of the FMCSA. Per their regulations, movers must carry an active MC number and USDOT number. These can be used to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history through this link.
• Workers’ Compensation: All movers must be properly insured. Workers’ compensation protects you in the event of a work-related injury during your move. Without such coverage, you could be held liable for damages.
• Released Liability Coverage: This provides for a baseline level of coverage in case of loss or damage to your goods during a move. At just $0.60 per pound, per item, this won’t cover the full value of most goods. However, it is included in the base cost of your move. You may add valuation coverage from your mover or a third-party insurer if you choose.

Helpful Resources

We hope these resources will help to make your transition to your new home easy:

• Update Your Mailing Address: USPS Online Change of Address Form
• Update Your Drivers License: Alaska DMV Website
• Real Estate Trends: Alaska Housing Market Report
• State Government: State of Alaska
• Alaskan Tourism Guide: Travel Alaska

Alaska Moving Costs

We were able to gather average pricing for moves of varying sizes in Alaska by looking at hundreds of real moves. Please note that these figures should not be used as substitutes for getting your own personalized estimates. They should only be used as a baseline, so you can know what to expect from your mover of choice.

Best Places to Live in Alaska

If you’re still planning your move and looking for a place settle down, here are some of the best places to live in Alaska:

• College, AK: Located next to Fairbanks, with easy access to Anchorage, College is one of the more popular places to live in Alaska. The population has shrunk by a fair amount since the 2010 census, but this is still a great place to live in the state.
• Gateway, AK: Though it’s a 45-minute drive from Anchorage, Gateway is still considered a part of the city. The population of 7,000 here has access to good schools and low crime rates, along with affordable housing costs, which are consistent with state averages.
• Ester, AK: Located near Fairbanks and College, Ester’s low home costs could make it a bit of a hidden gem. With a small population of 2,000, its proximity to other locations is what makes it desirable to locals.
• Sitka, AK: This city and borough sits near Juneau in the southern tail of the state. Many residents here make their living from fishing. Rent is reasonable, and the weather here typically avoids extreme highs and lows during summer and winter.

Top Reasons to Move to Alaska

Many move to Alaska for solitude. But there are many more reasons to consider moving here:

• Subsidized: As a part of the Permanent Fund Dividend Program, permanent residents receive a yearly stipend. This benefit typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 annually and is a result of the state’s vast mineral resources.
• Wide-Open Spaces: Alaska’s relatively small population is largely concentrated in its few cities. Even close to those larger urban areas, land is fairly easy to come by. In Alaska, you can have the convenience of urban living, with a great amount of openness.
• No Income or Sales Tax: Alaska’s cost of living is around 25% above the US average. However, the lack of sales or state income tax is extremely enticing.
• Can Be Ideal for Remote Work: If you have a remote position lined up, but are looking for more space, then Alaska may be ideal for you. That said, moving to one of the state’s urban areas with a reliable internet connection may be your best bet.

Tips for Living in Alaska

Here are just a few things you may want to know before moving to the United States’ northernmost location.

• Hunting and Fishing: If you’re moving here, you likely already know this. Alaska has some of the best hunting and fishing available in the US. From salmon to caribou, you’ll be able to live off the land if you have the necessary know-how.
• Real Estate Can Be Pricey: Housing costs here are 34% above the national average. That said, if you were to buy your own plot of land and develop it yourself, the initial cost could be lower. Given its location, the cost of raw materials is usually what will set you back.
• Life on Your Terms: The open spaces in Alaska will allow you to effectively dictate your own life pace and path. Being away from the hustle and bustle of typical society lends itself to a certain amount of freedom.

How to Choose the Best Moving Company

Before you settle on a moving company, you’ll want to thoroughly evaluate how each mover fits your exact needs and budget. Here are a few of the chief factors you should review.

• Service Profile: When taking inventory of your home, you should make a list of any add-on services you may need. During the estimate process, you should review this list with your moving company representative. Doing so will help determine how easily a given mover can handle your service needs.
• Agreeable Pricing: Get multiple quotes from different providers prior to booking. Moving companies offer estimates for free and expect you to shop around. Doing so will ensure that you are able to book a move at an agreeable price.
• Well-Reviewed: Before you commit to a mover, you should investigate their past customer reviews. Be sure to look at reviews for the specific locations you’re moving from.