Best Cheap Moving Companies (May 2024)

U-Pack (USDOT #: 2946400) is our pick for the most affordable mover. This self-service mover offers a pay-for-what-you-use space policy on its moving trailers. This option allows customers to pay per foot on a moving trailer for pricing flexibility. U-Pack also provides adjustable contents protection plans and reliable delivery windows to ensure your long-distance move goes smoothly.

U-Pack earned 3.5 out of 5 stars according to our rating scale. The company is a great option for inexpensive moves, but it scored low because it lacks additional service options and has a minimum distance requirement of 150 miles. However, U-Pack offers excellent pricing and quick scheduling, making it a good choice for those on a tight budget.

• Moving Services (40 out of 59 points): U-Pack lost points here because it doesn’t offer local moving services. You can’t use it for a small move if the overall relocation distance is less than 150 miles.
• Insurance Coverage (5 out of 8 points): The company keeps its protection plans simple with one partial-value protection plan, which federal law requires, and one full-value plan.
• Scheduling (4 out of 8 points): U-Pack lacks convenience and lost points in this area because it only lets you finalize scheduling over the phone.
• Additional Benefits (11 out of 13 points): U-Pack provides an excellent selection of extra benefits, given it’s tailored to more self-service and cheaper moves. It also offers packing supplies and GPS tracking, but it doesn’t provide any financing. 
• Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): U-Pack has generally received positive reviews on popular review sites. However, we found that many of its trucks have failed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) inspections. This is partly because the company works with ABF Freight, a large freight transportation company.

U-Pack mainly focuses on self-service portable storage container moves. The process is simple: the company delivers one of its container options to your home, and you can load your belongings at your leisure within three days. You notify the company to pick up and deliver the container to your new home once you’re done loading it. You can unload your belongings at your own pace.

U-Pack offers two container options: the ReloCube moving container or a large moving trailer from ABF Freight. You only pay for the square footage you use if you choose the moving trailer.

Here are some of the other services U-Pack provides:

• Climate-controlled storage 
• Loading and unloading (via third-party)
• Packing and unpacking (via third-party)
• Military moves 
• Senior moves
• Student moves

U-Pack’s pay-for-what-you-use service model keeps costs low. This means you’ll only pay for the space you use when you rent a trailer from U-Pack. Its pricing model makes it easy to downsize to cut costs. You can also hire moving labor to help with more difficult tasks directly through U-Pack.

U-Pack charges tiered cancellation fees; you’ll pay $50 for canceling within a week of your move and $150 for same-day cancellations. All move fees are due before the delivery of your goods.

• Sample Quote: $3,256–$4,679 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: None
• Payment Accepted: Credit card, debit card, or PayPal

U-Pack has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site. According to positive reviews, its drivers and containers are high quality. Some negative reviews mention billing disputes and delivery date discrepancies. We also found mixed customer feedback on Trustpilot and read dozens of recent customer testimonials. We found that poor customer service was a common theme in many negative Trustpilot reviews, leading the company to hold 2.6 out of 5 stars* on the site.

*All Trustpilot scores in this review are accurate as of April 2024.

Consider International Van Lines (USDOT #: 2293832) if you want a company to handle almost every part of your move but still want affordable rates. The company offers one of the most comprehensive service selections, including packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, furniture assembly, storage, and car transportation. International Van Lines’ (IVL) local and long-distance moving pricing is fairly low compared to other full-service movers, and its deposit requirements are well within industry norms.

IVL offers quick quotes and reasonable rates for local and long-distance moving needs. As a broker, it can search for the lowest rates possible to facilitate a more affordable move.

IVL received a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company is highly rated because of its extensive range of basic and add-on services and broad service area. Additionally, IVL has been praised for its exceptional BBB rating and the quality of its moving services. However, we deducted some points in areas because it doesn’t provide a rental truck option and financing, which are important if you’re on a tight moving budget.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): IVL offers some of the most comprehensive service selections, including all options for full-pack, partial-pack, and specialty services such as crating for artwork and antiques. 
• Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): IVL scored perfectly in this area because it offers more than three different insurance coverage options. You can pay for full-value protection or use a more budget-friendly partial-value release plan. 
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): We found IVL’s scheduling and quote process to be simple and easy. The company provides multiple communication methods, including email and phone. 
• Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): IVL lost points here because it doesn’t provide financing or any do-it-yourself (DIY) moving methods, and DIY moving options are better suited for cheaper moves.
• Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): IVL has maintained a positive reputation on online review platforms and has had only one crash report in the past two years. The majority of its trucks have passed federal inspections and remain in service.

IVL’s basic full-service offerings include released liability coverage, loading and unloading, and in-transit furniture protection. It also provides 30 days of free storage at your destination for long-distance moves. You can add other services if they’re in your budget, including the following:

• Assembly and disassembly
• Crating
• Full packing
• Storage
• Vehicle shipping

We found the quote process with IVL to be efficient. The quote we received included all basic labor, transportation, and furniture protection. Long-distance moves come with 30 days of free storage, although our selected move route didn’t qualify for this. As a bonus, there was a 15% discount for senior citizens and free cancellation within 48 hours’ notice for local moves.

The quote we received below is for a basic move, and we had to handle all packing on our own. The price range includes loading, unloading, and transportation with few add-ons or special offerings.

• Sample Quote: $2,519–$4,306 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: 25%
• Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card (deposit only), money order, cashier’s check

The quality of service offered by this company can differ according to your location and the local agents working in the area. IVL has an A rating from the BBB but is not presently accredited. Some customers have reported inconsistent quality depending on the partner companies used, but most reviews suggest superior moving services. IVL features an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars on its Trustpilot page, with many positive reviews mentioning how it simplified customers’ long-distance moves.

Allied Van Lines (USDOT #: 076235) is a full-service moving company that offers customizable local, long-distance, and international relocation plans. Allied provides you with a guaranteed flat rate after a home review. You can pick and choose from additional services to create customized packages that fit your budget.

The company owns its fleet of car carriers so that you can work directly with Allied for your vehicle transportation needs, not with a third-party agent. This helps you avoid booking fees associated with third-party carriers and makes for an all-around smooth and budget-friendly move.

Allied Van Lines’ comprehensive service options make it a top choice for moving customers. It offers local, long-distance, and international moving services, as well as vehicle shipping and expedited small move services via Allied Express. These services aren’t available at low rates, but we still consider the company one of the best one-stop destinations for all moving needs.

We rated Allied 4.8 out of 5 stars for its robust and affordable local, long-distance, and international moving services. However, it lost some points for not offering self-service moving options and financing.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): Allied provides a complete range of moving services, including vehicle shipping and piano moving.
• Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): The company provides various coverage options that can be customized to fit your budget.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): You can contact Allied via phone, online chat, or email, and we found the company’s website easy to navigate and use.
• Additional Benefits (8 out of 13 points): Unfortunately, Allied doesn’t offer financing or moving truck rentals, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for the cheapest moving option.
• Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): Based on our research, Allied has a predominantly positive online reputation and handles more than 90% of the complaints it receives on the BBB. The FMCSA reports that Allied has fewer failed inspections than the industry average, but it has also reported more incidents of injuries, crashes, and required tows than other companies. It’s important to note that this may be attributed to the company’s large size.

Allied Van Lines provides basic loading and unloading services with any moving package, along with basic moving coverage. The following services cost extra:

• Assembly and disassembly
• Crating
• Installation of appliances
• Packing and unpacking
• Small moves via its Allied Express program
• Vehicle shipping for cars, boats, trucks, and RVs

Allied Van Lines doesn’t require deposits, and its discount offerings vary between locations. The basic move price we received includes loading and unloading, as well as transportation of goods. Full-service packing for a one-bedroom home could add hundreds of dollars to your move cost, if not double it. Allied typically provides nonbinding estimates. This means your quoted price is subject to change between getting your quote and signing a moving contract.

• Sample Quote: $5,442 – $6,312 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: None required
• Payment Accepted: Cash, check, money order, or certified check

Allied’s headquarters BBB page has a poor rating of 1.09 out of 5 stars but an A+ rating. We found other locations that score better. We recommend you find your local Allied branch on the BBB to get a better understanding of its services. The company also features a 2.3 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. Many customers report delays in the moving process and confusion over quotes changing, but others mention that Allied provides friendly and helpful customer service.

North American Van Lines (USDOT #: 070851) is a large national mover with more than a thousand moving trucks in operation and more than 500 agent locations nationwide. The company brings customer support to the front and center, providing numerous online resources, including convenient claims forms for reimbursement due to issues occurring during a move. North American Van Lines (NAVL) has customer service representatives available 24/7, and it offers online shipment tracking with status updates 24 hours a day.

NAVL offers binding and “not-to-exceed” estimates. This means you can have a bottom-line price for any local or long-distance move. NAVL provides a streamlined process for damage claims, assuring that your goods will be protected. Its moving crews can handle almost any type of household goods.

NAVL scored 4.5 out of 5 stars, according to our scoring system. The company offers a wide range of cost-friendly, full-service moving options, including packing and storage assistance, for different distances. Points were deducted due to its limited booking procedures, which require you to speak with a representative over the phone.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): The company provides all possible standard moving services, including partial- and full-pack services.
• Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): NAVL earned all points in this area because of its comprehensive protection plans and insurance. The company provides a basic carrier liability protection program called “No-Cost Released Value Protection,” which is included in its full-valuation protection program. This guarantees a minimum shipment value of $6,000 and provides a value of $6 per pound, which is calculated by multiplying the shipment’s total weight by $6. This coverage is significantly greater than the standard 60 cents per pound mandated by law.
• Scheduling (4 out of 8 points): Unfortunately, NAVL only offers phone communication.
• Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): The company offers many extra benefits for which we award more points, such as storage options and shipment tracking. On the downside, it provides no cheaper self-service options, such as moving truck rentals or financing.
• Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): NAVL has a high rate of responsiveness to complaints on its BBB profile. However, the company’s FMCSA profile presents alarming figures. Its failed inspection rate is 27.3%, with reports of 29 crashes in the past two years.

NAVL offers basic loading and unloading services and transportation of your goods in all basic move packages. It also provides moving supplies for DIY packing to make your move less expensive. Added services cost extra and include the following:

• Appliance installation
• Crating
• Furniture assembly
• Packing and unpacking
• Valuation coverage
• Vehicle shipping

We like that NAVL doesn’t require deposits to book. The pricing we received below accounts for loading, unloading, and transporting goods. Insurance protection, storage, crating, and packing all cost extra. NAVL has previously advertised discounts for senior citizens and other groups, but these offerings vary by location. NAVL provides the option to receive binding estimates when you book, so you should ask about this if you want to move forward with a moving contract.

• Sample Quote: $4,700–$5,540 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: None required
• Payment Accepted: Cash, check, money order, or certified check

NAVL is known for offering excellent moving options. However, it’s important to remember that the service quality may differ depending on your location. Although the company’s headquarters has an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB, its overall customer rating on the same page is only 1.13 out of 5 stars. The same goes for its Trustpilot profile, which only has 2.3 out of 5 stars. Therefore, we recommend carefully examining customer feedback for your local NAVL branch before booking services. This will help you make an informed decision.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (USDOT #: 3034100) is a moving broker that finds a provider in its network to fulfill your requested services. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) works with full-service moving companies to customize your move plan, offering packing assistance and numerous add-on options. We noted IMRG’s efficiency in providing quotes; the company returned a binding estimate to our team within 10 minutes of an inventory survey. As a broker, IMRG can compare rates among its partners and negotiate for you to lock in an affordable rate. However, this price-matching option may be limited in certain locations.

IMRG earned a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. The company stands out for its excellent service profile and flexibility. It offers assistance with all types of moves, and you can book online or over the phone. Additionally, IMRG provides useful moving checklists and guides for each stage of the moving process. Its main drawbacks are that it doesn’t offer storage, truck rental, or financing options.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): During our research, we found that IMRG offers a wide range of services, including full packing, partial packing, crating, and specialty services. We also noticed that these services can be customized to suit your specific needs and budget, making it easier and more affordable for you to move.
• Insurance Coverage (5 out of 8 points): The company only offers two insurance plans: a partial-value protection plan and a full-value protection plan. 
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): IMRG schedules moves via phone and online. We found that IMRG provides clear communication during the entire moving process.
• Additional Benefits (6 out of 13 points): The company offers several additional benefits, but we noticed that it doesn’t provide any options for DIY moving, financing, or storage services. It’s surprising that IMRG doesn’t assist with storage services, as it has become a standard add-on in the moving industry and can significantly help with relocations.
• Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): According to our research, IMRG has a positive online reputation and has passed all inspections in the last two years without any accidents on its FMCSA profile.

IMRG’s basic move packages vary, depending on the partner you book. Container rentals include transportation and container delivery at either end of your move. Full-service move packages come with loading and unloading, while the following services cost extra:

• Added coverage plans
• Crating
• Disassembly/reassembly
• Packing/unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

One of IMRG’s partner companies will handle your move. Many offer military discounts and fair pricing. However, the company requires a full week’s notice for all cancellations.

Our free quote from IMRG was for a basic move with no packing or unpacking assistance and one flight of stairs. The quote process was straightforward and quick, although we noted that this provider doesn’t offer binding rates. The price range below accounts for the possibility of added services such as packing, crating, and storage.

• Sample Quote: $3,823–$4,824 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: Up to 33%
• Payment Accepted: Credit card and check

IMRG is a moving broker that depends on the performance of its partner companies to deliver top-notch service. The company has no BBB accreditation and currently holds a B rating. Many customers have praised the professionalism of IMRG’s crews, but some have reported negative experiences and bait-and-switch pricing tactics. We found the company to hold an overall positive reputation on other sites, such as Google Reviews, with a score of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on thousands of reviews.  

Moving APT (USDOT #: 2247863) is a moving broker that partners with movers nationwide. This business model provides a full range of moving services with price-matching guarantees and rates you can adjust to fit your budget. We like that many of its partner companies offer long-distance relocation services and that it provides a helpful moving calculator and checklists.

Moving APT scored 4.4 out of 5 stars via our rating methodology. We deducted points for it not offering online booking and for having inconsistent insurance options among its partner companies. However, we gave the company credit for providing high-quality local and long-distance moving services and helpful resources such as a moving calculator and other online tools.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): The company is a broker that connects you with movers who fulfill all standard services within your budget, as well as specialty services like crating.
• Insurance Coverage (5 out of 8 points): Moving APT offers a released value protection plan. It also offers full-value options, but we found that your specific coverage options vary according to what carrier you receive.
• Scheduling (4 out of 8 points): The company features a user-friendly website, but it only offers final scheduling via phone.
• Additional Benefits (8 out of 13 points): Moving APT offers moving truck rentals that are ideal for cheap moves, but it doesn’t offer packing supplies. The company also lost points for not providing financing.
• Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): Moving APT has a B rating and isn’t accredited but has a higher customer review score and response rate on the BBB than many others on our list of cheap moving companies. Additionally, Moving APT’s FMCSA profile is spotless.

Moving APT’s partners provide full- and self-service moving assistance for all long-distance relocations. You can customize your move with the following options:

• Crating
• Commercial moving
• Loading/unloading
• Packing/unpacking
• Piano moving
• Specialty packing for antiques
• Storage services

Moving APT provides a cost estimator tool to give quick quotes. However, you’ll have to call for your final estimate. One benefit of Moving APT is that it offers price matching if you get a lower quote from a competitor.

That said, you should take price-matching guarantees with a grain of salt. Such guarantees could violate your statewide tariff regulations. This could be the underlying reason for many “price switching” and “bait-and-switch” remarks in negative reviews, as movers may have their hands tied by local moving regulations.

• Sample quote: $3,566–$6,266 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: Varies between partners
• Payment accepted: Cash, check, and money order

Moving APT’s BBB page has a B+ rating without accreditation but a customer review score of 3.53 out of 5 stars. Former customers have appreciated the company’s resources and quick quotes. However, it’s worth noting that a few reviewers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the poor customer service they received after booking. This specific complaint seems to be one of the largest patterns on Moving APT’s Yelp page, earning it 1.3 out of 5 stars.

JK Moving Services (USDOT #: 1065394) is one of the more expensive options on this list, but it remains one of our top picks due to its specialized packing services. The company operates as a carrier and broker, providing a la carte services to long-distance moving customers in all 50 states. JK Moving trains its employees on-site in a live training environment, which includes a furnished two-story home. This specialized training improves the company’s add-on offerings.

Additionally, JK Moving offers financing as low as 0% to help customers afford full-service moves. We also found that the company maintains a high rating for its customer service.

JK Moving Services received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. The company scored high because of its financing options and long-distance moving services. However, due to the absence of DIY moving options or a moving cost calculator, its final rating was slightly reduced. Nevertheless, it’s still a great option to consider for long-distance moves.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): JK Moving provides comprehensive moving services that can be customized to fit your budget. It offers basic full-pack and partial-pack options, as well as specialty services for antiques and artwork.
• Insurance Coverage (5 out of 8 points): The company only offers two contents protection plans. It offers a partial-value protection plan and a full-value protection plan.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): JK Moving offers phone and online scheduling for a more in-depth virtual or in-person estimate process. 
• Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): JK Moving stands out from other providers by offering various additional benefits, such as financing programs, storage solutions, and GPS tracking. However, it doesn’t provide any online tools to help you understand its pricing.
• Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): The company has a strong online reputation with positive customer reviews. According to its FMCSA profile, it has had one injury and two tow incidents.

JK Moving provides premium long-distance moving services, which typically cost more than some of the services other providers offer in this guide. Its services include:

• Antique moving
• Crating
• GPS tracking
• Loading/unloading
• Packing/unpacking
• Piano moving
• Storage services

JK Moving gives nonbinding estimates, which means your initial quote is subject to change. Move size and distance will be the key determining factors for cost. We researched the company to obtain a quote for moving services. Our analysis of online customer reviews found that JK Moving charges approximately $1,600 for moving a one-bedroom apartment over a distance of roughly 145 miles.

We also contacted the company and spoke with a sales representative who informed us that we could only receive a binding estimate after completing a virtual or in-person survey. While obtaining a quote from JK Moving may be lengthy, it results in a more precise and detailed estimate.

• Sample quote: $5,600–$6,622 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: $250 up-front
• Payment accepted: Cash and credit card

JK Moving has an A+ rating with the BBB and an impressive customer review score of 4.38 out of 5 stars. JK Moving is renowned for providing excellent training to its movers and offering financing options. However, some quality issues have affected the overall customer experience. The company also has a positive reputation on its Yelp page, with 3.5 out of 5 stars, and it appears responsive to most of the reviews on the site.

American Van Lines (USDOT #: 614506) might be worth checking out if you’re an art or antique collector, a fitness enthusiast, or a musician. American Van Lines (AVL) is a long-standing full-service moving company that carefully handles large, fragile, and high-value or rare items, such as treadmills, pianos, and antiques. Moving crews are routinely trained in packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking best practices.

You’ll be treated to flat-rate pricing to help ensure you don’t pay more for your move than you planned. While AVL’s rates are often above industry averages, it provides expedited service between major cities. This service option offers lower rates for some long-distance moves.

Note: American Van Lines is not available in Alaska or Hawaii

AVL scored 4.4 out of 5 stars. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, which includes cheaper moving options. It received more points for its service offerings and extensive moving valuation coverage options. However, it lost some because of its lack of customer-oriented options and up-front transparent cost information.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): AVL scored high due to its comprehensive service packages. You can receive specialty services from highly trained moving professionals in addition to all basic moving services for packing and loading.
• Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): The company scored high in this area because you can tailor your insurance coverage to match your budget. 
• Scheduling (4 out of 8 points): AVL lost points because it only offers scheduling via phone. The company also limits its customer service hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST on Saturdays. The company is closed on Sundays. 
• Additional Benefits (8 out of 13 points): The company provides fewer benefits than competitors, no financing or DIY moving options, no online cost calculator, and no up-front cost information. Up-front quotes are crucial for quick, small moves.
• Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): AVL has a positive online reputation, but its trucks fail federal inspections regularly. Its FMCSA profile also reports an injury and five tows.

AVL provides loading and unloading services and basic furniture protection in its basic moving package. Its focus on specially trained movers and premium services makes it one of the most expensive movers on this list, though. Plan to factor additional services into your budget as needed, which can include the following:

• Antique packing and moving
• Custom crating
• Loading and unloading
• Packing and unpacking
• Piano moving
• Special item moving
• Vehicle shipping

AVL offers flat-rate pricing for all moves it carries out. This pricing model is one of its strong points because you won’t have to pay any hidden fees when you book. That said, it has a high deposit requirement and requires seven days’ notice for refunds if you need to cancel your move.

• Sample Quote: $4,544 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: Up to 50%
• Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card, money order, cashier’s check, traveler’s check

The company has an A rating with the BBB. Its customer review score is 4.03 out of 5 stars, which suggests that it provides better service than other companies on our list of cheap moving companies. The same remains true for its impressive 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. Former customers have praised AVL for its affordable pricing structure. However, there have been some negative reviews about the company’s price hikes and difficulties communicating with the moving crews.

Safeway Moving Inc. (USDOT #: 3756000) offers nationwide long-distance moving, packing, unpacking, and loading and unloading services. The company offers flat-rate pricing, which is beneficial if you have a fixed budget.

We don’t like that Safeway’s website isn’t user-friendly and doesn’t provide instant quotes. Nevertheless, the company’s flat-rate pricing and comprehensive offerings, including all basic moving packages, should attract you if you plan to move over a long distance and have a low budget in mind.

Safeway received a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including packing and storage, and provides the convenience of online and over-the-phone quotes. However, it’s important to note that Safeway doesn’t provide additional benefits such as a moving calculator or financing options.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): Safeway can connect you with any service your move requires with a focus on affordability, including options for partial and full packing and specialty services.
• Insurance Coverage (5 out of 8 points): Safeway limits its insurance coverage to one released value protection plan and one full-value protection plan.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): We like that Safeway provides various means of contacting and communicating with its team, including phone, email, and chat options. During our research, our interactions with Safeway were effortless and enjoyable, and we believe that this can alleviate some of the stress involved in communication during your small move.
• Additional Benefits (4 out of 13 points): Safeway can’t provide shipment tracking, financing, up-front quotes, or offer DIY moving methods such as truck rentals, so it lost many points in this area.
• Customer service (6 out of 12 points): Safeway, like many moving brokers, can sometimes suffer from a bad reputation as a result of the companies it represents. Several customers have had mixed experiences with Safeway when they have been connected to movers, and the company has higher-than-average issues recorded on its FMCSA profile.

Safeway’s service options include packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking as part of the base package. The following services only apply to long-distance moves:

• Assembly and disassembly
• Crating
• Loading/unloading
• Packing/unpacking
• Storage services
• Vehicle shipping

Safeway provides personalized binding estimates, meaning your price shouldn’t change unless your move inventory does. However, when we read customer reviews for Safeway, we noticed that many negative ones reported pricing discrepancies. This is common among movers who operate primarily as brokers and is important to remember when signing a moving contract. We contacted the company and underwent a mock quote process, and we found our interactions with the company overall pleasant and thorough.

Here is a breakdown of the quote we received:

• Sample quote: $4,000–$5,000 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: Up to 40%
• Payment accepted: Cash, credit card, certified check, and money order

Safeway currently holds a B- rating with the BBB. Safeway sometimes operates as a moving broker, and some customer reviews suggest it engages in bait-and-switch pricing tactics. Despite this, most reviews praise Safeway for its top-notch service, detailed quote process, and comprehensive insurance coverage. The company features a more positive reputation on its Trustpilot profile with a 4.1 out of 5-star rating, and many reviews mention how professional and personable its customer support remains even in difficult situations.

Mayflower (USDOT #: 125563) is a nationwide moving company that was founded in 1927. It offers local and long-distance moving to 46 states and markets itself as “America’s Most Trusted Moving Company.” We like the breadth of services this company provides and its wealth of experience.

Mayflower is one of the best options for larger long-distance moving needs. Its tiered protection plans and full-value protection make it worth considering for relocations with high-value goods. Mayflower reviews vary between locations, but many local agents are highly rated and offer excellent service.

Note: Mayflower isn’t available in Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, or West Virginia.

Mayflower scored 4.8 out of 5 stars. It has a solid customer service reputation and offers tiered insurance options, setting it apart as a top choice for residential or commercial moves.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): Mayflower provides all the standard moving services for loading and packing, as well as the extra services of vehicle shipping, crating, and piano moving. 
• Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): The company offers multiple insurance plans, customizing the coverage to match your budget.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): You can contact Mayflower either online or over the phone to schedule a move. 
• Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): Mayflower offers a decent selection of additional benefits, such as tracking and moving supplies. The company lost a few points in this area because it doesn’t offer some ideal options for cheaper moves, such as financing or moving truck rentals. 
• Customer Service (10 out of 12 points): According to UniGroup’s (Mayflower’s parent company) BBB page, Mayflower is responsive to over 90% of its complaints. The company currently has a failed vehicle inspection rate of 24% on its FMCSA profile, which is in line with the national average. Additionally, there have been reports of 29 crashes in the last two years.

Mayflower offers excellent long-distance and interstate moving services. This includes its Snapmoves plan that expedites smaller relocations to all points in the U.S. Its moves come with full-value protection unless you choose to waive this coverage. Additional services offered include the following:

• Crating
• GPS tracking
• Packing supplies
• Storage
• Vehicle shipping

Mayflower’s quote process is similar to that of other large movers. You can either submit a quote request form online or call to speak with a move coordinator. You should have a comprehensive inventory list of all major items to move. Mayflower will provide you with a binding estimate for your move without requiring any deposit for booking.

We tried to get a quote from Mayflower but couldn’t proceed further as the company asked for more details, including a virtual consultation. This is not a criticism of the company, as a more detailed quote process can help you avoid unforeseen costs. It’s an excellent way to be fully prepared for your move.

• Sample quote: $3,500–$4,500 (two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco)
• Deposit: None required
• Payment accepted: Cash, traveler’s check, cashier’s check, and money order

Mayflower’s expedited service options and efficiency were commonly cited in positive reviews on UniGroup’s BBB page. However, negative feedback mentioned rushed estimates or altered pricing when the bill was due. Though it only has six reviews, Mayflower has a mixed reputation on Trustpilot and a 2.4 out of 5-star rating. The reviews on the site mention the same issue with altered pricing and certain items being moved around carelessly by its crews.