Best Last-Minute Moving Companies (2024)
Written by
Shane Sentelle
+ 1 other
Reviewed by
Kent Sisneros
Updated 04/19/2024
Shane Sentelle is a content writer with more than six years of experience producing content about home services. A main area of focus is the moving industry, but Shane has also written for home inspectors and published articles to inform readers about pest control, lawn care, and gutter servicesโฆ
Kent Sisneros is a seasoned leader in the moving, transportation, and warehouse management industries. He has more than 17 years of experience in operations management, fleet management, and compliance with the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Occupaโฆ
Moving is one of the most stressful life events that any homeowner or renter will endure. The moving process becomes even more taxing when you have to plan it in a week or less. A huge component of a successful move is selecting the best moving company for the job. Moving to a new home on short notice will be difficult, but the best movers can help simplify this transition.
Here, weโve listed the best last-minute moving companies in the industry, along with each providerโs service offerings and average costs. Learn more about each company and see which is the best fit for your move.
7 Best Last-Minute Moving Companies
These are are top choices if you need to book a moving company at the last minute:
- International Van Lines: Best Service Offerings
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Reliable Pricing
- American Van Lines: Best Overall Moving Labor
- Moving APT: Best Customer Service
- JK Moving Services: Best Specialized Packing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
Star Rating | BBB Rating | Sample Quote | Deposit Required | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
International Van Lines | ![]() |
4.9/5
| A+ | $2,519โ$4,306 | 25% | VISIT SITE |
American Van Lines | ![]() |
4.4/5
| A+ | $4,544 | Up to 50% up-front | VISIT SITE |
Safeway Moving Inc. | ![]() |
4.2/5
| B- | $4,000โ$5,000 | Up to 40% | VISIT SITE |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | ![]() |
4.4/5
| B | $3,823โ$4,824 | Up to 33% | VISIT SITE |
Moving APT | ![]() |
4.4/5
| B | $3,566โ$6,266 | Varies between partners | VISIT SITE |
JK Moving Services | ![]() |
4.7/5
| A+ | $5,600โ$6,622 | $250 up-front | VISIT SITE |
North American Van Lines | ![]() |
4.5/5
| A+ | $4,700โ$5,540 | None | VISIT SITE |
Allied Van Lines | ![]() |
4.8/5
| A+ | $5,442 โ $6,312 | None | VISIT SITE |
United Van Lines | ![]() |
4.8/5
| A+ | Call for quote | None | VISIT SITE |
Mayflower | ![]() |
4.8/5
| A+ | $3,500โ$4,500 | None | VISIT SITE |
International Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.9/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $2,519โ$4,306 |
Deposit Required | 25% |
American Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.4/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $4,544 |
Deposit Required | Up to 50% up-front |
Safeway Moving Inc. | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.2/5
|
BBB Rating | B- |
Sample Quote | $4,000โ$5,000 |
Deposit Required | Up to 40% |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.4/5
|
BBB Rating | B |
Sample Quote | $3,823โ$4,824 |
Deposit Required | Up to 33% |
Moving APT | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.4/5
|
BBB Rating | B |
Sample Quote | $3,566โ$6,266 |
Deposit Required | Varies between partners |
JK Moving Services | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.7/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $5,600โ$6,622 |
Deposit Required | $250 up-front |
North American Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.5/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $4,700โ$5,540 |
Deposit Required | None |
Allied Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $5,442 โ $6,312 |
Deposit Required | None |
United Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | Call for quote |
Deposit Required | None |
Mayflower | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $3,500โ$4,500 |
Deposit Required | None |
Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Estimate Info | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
4.9
|
A+ | $2,500โ$4,300 | VISIT SITE | |
4.4
|
A+ | $3,200โ$3,500 | VISIT SITE | |
4.2
|
B- | $6,300โ$7,500 | VISIT SITE | |
4.4
|
B | $2,800โ$4,000 | VISIT SITE | |
4.4
|
B | $2,968โ$5,668 | VISIT SITE | |
4.7
|
A+ | $7,550 | VISIT SITE | |
4.5
|
A+ | $4,700โ$5,350 | VISIT SITE | |
4.8
|
A+ | $4,730โ$5,380 | VISIT SITE | |
4.8
|
A+ | $5,169โ$7,003 | VISIT SITE | |
4.8
|
A+ | Contact for Pricing | VISIT SITE |
International Van Lines (IVL) began handling domestic relocations in 2004 and operates throughout all 50 states. It works as a broker and carrier and can provide local and long-distance service.
Its ability to provide last-minute service will depend on the partner companies it works with in your area. We recommend you get a quote from IVL before deciding whether to book.
Pros and Cons
Services
Along with its basic local and long-distance moving plans, which include all loading, unloading, and packing options, IVL provides a range of add-on services as its clients need. Piano moving, custom crating, long-term storage, vehicle shipping, and more are available when you book through this provider. Learn more about IVLโs services.
Cost
IVL lists average costs for local movers on its local moving page. A two- or three-bedroom home will cost between $150 and $200 per hour, assuming a crew of three or four movers. A move with loading, unloading, and transportation totaling nine hours put local moving costs with IVL at $1,350โ$1,800.
We requested a quote for a long-distance move between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, for a two-bedroom residential move. With no packing services included, we were given a price range of $2,015โ$3,445. The move date selected was five days from the quote date and included an offer of a further 15%โ20% discount since our move would be included in a larger IVL shipment. Get your free IVL quote started now.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a nationwide moving broker that handles moves in all 50 states. Like many brokers, it offers price matching for all quotes. This means that if you can obtain a competitor quote for a lower price, IMRG will match it.
IMRGโs moving partners can provide a full range of add-on services, such as auto transport and packing services. If youโre planning a move with little or no notice, this may interest you, as packing a full home at the last minute is difficult to manage.
Pros and Cons
Services
IMRGโs many partners offer local and long-distance service within all 50 states. These partners can provide full-service moves with pickup and delivery or container service for a DIY moving experience. This will depend on your exact needs for your move. If you require full packing or unpacking during your relocation, IMRG will work to connect you with a mover who can help. Learn more about IMRGโs services.
Cost
We requested a quote from IMRG for a move within a week of our quote date. Our quote for a two-bedroom move between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, yielded a price range of $3,900โ$7,000.
When you get a quote from this broker, youโll have to fill out a lengthy inventory form online to get an accurate quote from an appropriate mover. Your method of payment and deposit amount will depend on the moving partner booked for your relocation. Start your free IMRG quote.
Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving broker based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a presence in New Jersey and Indiana. Its partner companies and a newly acquired fleet of moving trucks can offer long-distance service across all 50 states.
If youโre planning to move to or from an apartment complex or new housing development, Safewayโs insurance protection may interest you. It carries a $1,000,000 liability coverage policy, which complies with most homeowners association (HOA) standards and exceeds moving industry norms.
Pros and Cons
Services
Safeway provides 30 days of free storage and packing with every moving quote it provides its clients. It also provides a range of insurance options beyond the $0.60 per pound per item required in the moving industry. Learn more about Safewayโs services.
Cost
Safeway yields flat rates for all estimates it provides. This means youโll be quoted a transparent bottom-line estimate including the cost of all services you need. Fill out a quote form on Safewayโs website to get a transparent pricing estimate today.
American Van Lines has been in business since the mid-1990s and provides service throughout the lower 48 states as a carrier. It operates major hubs in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, with service options throughout all states except Alaska and Hawaii. For an emergency move, clients would be better served by American Van Lines if their point of origin is within these areas.
This carrierโs key strength, which customers praise in reviews, is its flat-rate pricing. Youโll be given a transparent bottom-line price with no hidden fees during the quote process.
Pros and Cons
Services
American Van Lines offers a full suite of moving services. According to its website, last-minute long-distance movers can be obtained from this carrier with no added fees attached. Its experienced crews have the know-how to cater to numerous moving needs, including full-service packing, piano moving, and crating. Read our full review to learn about AVLโs services.
Cost
When you get a cost estimate for a local or cross-country move from American Van Lines, youโll be quoted an easy-to-understand flat rate, which wonโt shift unless your moving options and services do. We recommend calling AVL at 877-960-3186 to schedule a quote. As stated, last-minute moving services will not cost extra when you book with this provider.
With AVL, a two-bedroom move between New York City and Miami, Florida, would cost around $3,900. Get your free customized AVL quote started.
Moving APT is another nationwide moving broker that partners with more than 2,500 individual carriers across all 50 states. These partners provide various services, including packing, delivery of packing supplies, storage, and furniture assembly and disassembly.
This moverโs next-day or same-day service abilities will depend on the movers it partners with in your area. When you contact Moving APT for a quote, youโll be put in quick contact with a moving partner near you.
Pros and Cons
Services
Moving APTโs service profile depends on the partners in your area. The professional movers employed by these partners can offer full-service assistance with packing, crating, storage, and more. To get the service package, you must disclose your moving needs during your quote. Read about Moving APTโs specific services.
Cost
Your cost with Moving APT will depend on your move size, service needs, move distance, and just how last-minute your move is. Using Moving APTโs cost calculator, we determined that a two-bedroom move between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, would cost $3,900โ$6,600.
Since Moving APT will match you with a third-party moving crew, the exact same-day moving policies will determine where your move falls in this price range. Your cost will also vary depending on whether you request packers or other added services. Start your free Moving APT quote.
JK Moving Services has been in business since 1982 and has provided moving services for more than half a million clients. It operates primarily as a broker but gains our recognition as the provider of the most customizable moving experience available. When you get a quote from this carrier and broker, youโll be able to customize the exact service package you need for a stress-free move.
Pros and Cons
Services
JK Moving Services operates as a local mover in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland but provides long-distance services to the rest of the lower 48 states. It offers packing, storage, furniture assembly and disassembly, and more as needed. Learn more about JK Moving Servicesโ add-ons. The company has a longer quote process than competitors because its representatives will ask for as many details as possible to create the best quote. Its longer quote process could make this mover less ideal for short-notice moves, but it provides a more accurate estimate.
Cost
JK Moving Services offers financing options for any move bill, whether youโre moving locally or across the country. Especially when hiring emergency or same-day movers, this can greatly help reduce the overall hassle of relocating. We couldnโt get a quote from JK Moving Services, but we still think it is worth contacting for an estimate for your upcoming move. When we contacted an agent, we were informed that the moving route we had chosen couldnโt be serviced on short notice. This will vary, depending on where youโre located, and how late you book your move. Fill out the quote form on JK Movingโs website, and a customer service representative will contact you to get more details.
Allied Van Lines is one of the more recognizable moving companies in operation in the United States. It has more than 94 years of experience and has handled 750,000 individual moves over the last 15 years alone. Its 1,000-plus trucks in operation service moves throughout all 50 states and enable this mover to provide services such as vehicle shipping and large-item moving in-house.
Pros and Cons
Services
Allied Van Lines owns and operates a fleet of more than 1,000 trucks throughout the United States. This enables the crews it employs to provide vehicle shipping and specialty services without contracting tasks out to third-party carriers. From packing and unpacking to crating and vehicle shipping, youโll be able to hire assistance directly from Allied. Learn more about Allied Van Lines services.
Cost
Allied Van Lines offers a fairly quick and easy quote process. When you fill out a quote form on its website, youโll be contacted by a customer service representative to set up an in-person or virtual quote, depending on your location. We were able to get a preliminary quote from Allied for a two-bedroom move between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, for five days after our quote date.
Our estimated price range was $6,603โ$7,556. This accounts for a one-floor home and the possibility of added services, such as packing. Get your free customized Allied quote.
Our Conclusion
The moving companies in this list represent the best options for emergency movers available today. Each provider listed can provide last-minute service, depending on availability.
Of the movers above, International Van Lines gets our vote for the best full-service mover due to its availability and reasonable pricing. If your service needs are more involved, and you need a quick full-service solution for your moving needs, we recommend Allied Van Lines due to its large fleet of trucks across the country. When moving with any professional moving company, we recommend getting visual estimates from multiple providers before booking.
Compare the Top Last-Minute Moving Companies
See our quick comparison chart for more information on our top last-minute moving companies:
Star Rating | BBB Rating | Sample Quote | Deposit Required | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
International Van Lines | ![]() |
4.9/5
| A+ | $2,519โ$4,306 | 25% | VISIT SITE |
American Van Lines | ![]() |
4.4/5
| A+ | $4,544 | Up to 50% up-front | VISIT SITE |
Safeway Moving Inc. | ![]() |
4.2/5
| B- | $4,000โ$5,000 | Up to 40% | VISIT SITE |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | ![]() |
4.4/5
| B | $3,823โ$4,824 | Up to 33% | VISIT SITE |
Moving APT | ![]() |
4.4/5
| B | $3,566โ$6,266 | Varies between partners | VISIT SITE |
JK Moving Services | ![]() |
4.7/5
| A+ | $5,600โ$6,622 | $250 up-front | VISIT SITE |
North American Van Lines | ![]() |
4.5/5
| A+ | $4,700โ$5,540 | None | VISIT SITE |
Allied Van Lines | ![]() |
4.8/5
| A+ | $5,442 โ $6,312 | None | VISIT SITE |
United Van Lines | ![]() |
4.8/5
| A+ | Call for quote | None | VISIT SITE |
Mayflower | ![]() |
4.8/5
| A+ | $3,500โ$4,500 | None | VISIT SITE |
International Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.9/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $2,519โ$4,306 |
Deposit Required | 25% |
American Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.4/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $4,544 |
Deposit Required | Up to 50% up-front |
Safeway Moving Inc. | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.2/5
|
BBB Rating | B- |
Sample Quote | $4,000โ$5,000 |
Deposit Required | Up to 40% |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.4/5
|
BBB Rating | B |
Sample Quote | $3,823โ$4,824 |
Deposit Required | Up to 33% |
Moving APT | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.4/5
|
BBB Rating | B |
Sample Quote | $3,566โ$6,266 |
Deposit Required | Varies between partners |
JK Moving Services | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.7/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $5,600โ$6,622 |
Deposit Required | $250 up-front |
North American Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.5/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $4,700โ$5,540 |
Deposit Required | None |
Allied Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $5,442 โ $6,312 |
Deposit Required | None |
United Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | Call for quote |
Deposit Required | None |
Mayflower | |
---|---|
Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Sample Quote | $3,500โ$4,500 |
Deposit Required | None |
Last-Minute Moves
Planning an emergency move is going to come with its fair share of headaches. If your circumstances make a last-minute relocation necessary, consider the following:
Packing
Packing is an involved service. Whether youโd prefer to do your own packing under normal circumstances will likely not matter if youโre forced to move with a weekโs notice or less. Unless you have a small home, this wonโt be feasible to do on your own. Hiring packers from a moving company will typically involve movers coming to your home the day before your actual move.
They can bring packing supplies on request and pack as little or as much as you need them to. This type of add-on service will be expensive. Movers charge hourly rates for moving labor and added fees for packing materials.
Mover Availability
Mover availability makes booking last-minute moves difficult. Some moving companies advertise no added fees for same-week or same-day booking. However, booking any mover with little notice could be difficult due to availability, regardless of the season.
Special Services
The need for specialty added services could slow your booking process since moving companies can provide different ranges of services. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies before booking to gauge which movers will be your best fit.
FAQ About Last-Minute Moves
When is the most difficult time of year to schedule a last-minute move?
Summer is the most difficult time to schedule a last-minute move. The moving season peaks between May and September, and movers cope with heightened demand during these months. Booking a mover that likely has a full schedule will often be difficult when youโre doing so within a week of your preferred move date.
Do all movers offer free quotes?
All reputable movers offer free quotes. If a mover asks for payment after conducting a survey of your home or performing an estimate, you are under no obligation to pay. We recommend that you take your business elsewhere if this occurs.
What happens if my movers damage my furniture?
If your movers damage your furniture, youโre entitled to $0.60 per pound per item damaged. This coverage is included in the base price of any move and is called โreleased liability coverage.โ Note that this wonโt cover you for the value of most goods. However, you can supplement this with valuation coverage from most movers at an additional cost.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.