10 Best Moving Companies for Small Moves (2024)

International Van Lines (USDOT #: 2293832) is a great choice if you want full-service options for a small move. The company offers a range of moving services, such as packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, furniture assembly and disassembly, and storage solutions. The company’s specialty services can come in handy if you have difficult items to transport.

Additionally, International Van Lines (IVL) provides various options for contents coverage and third-party insurance plans. The company provides approximate hourly rates for local moving on its local moving service page, which can help you estimate the cost of a smaller-scale move with this provider.

IVL scored 4.9 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. IVL received our highest rating due to its comprehensive list of basic and add-on services and its wide service area. The company also received high marks for its excellent Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and its provision of moving services. However, it lost some points for not offering a rental truck option and financing.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): IVL offers one of the most comprehensive service selections for small moves, 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 high here because it offers more than three different insurance coverage options. You can pay top dollar for full-value protection or opt for less expensive partial-value release plans.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): IVL’s scheduling and quoting are simple and easy with multiple communication methods, including email and phone.
• Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): IVL lost some points in this area because it doesn’t provide financing or any do-it-yourself (DIY) moving methods, which would be ideal for a small-load relocation.
• Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): IVL holds a positive reputation across online review sites, and it has only featured one crash report in the past two years, with a majority of its trucks passing federal inspection and staying in service.

You can use IVL for full-service packing for smaller moves, and the company offers several add-on services ideal for difficult moves, including the following:

• Bulky item relocation
• Large vehicle shipping
• Motorcycle shipping
• Piano moving
• Temporary or permanent storage

A standard quote process with IVL involves an in-depth phone estimate or in-person consultation. We recommend you undergo an in-person consultation as it helps make the initial estimate more accurate and allows you to easily get any questions answered quickly.

We used IVL’s online moving cost calculator to generate the following sample quote. This quote is more generalized, and we would need to undergo an in-person consultation to get a more accurate, binding estimate.

• Sample quote: $825–$1,650 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: 25%
• Payment accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card (deposit only), money order

The quality of service IVL provides can vary depending on your location and the local agents operating in your area. IVL has an A rating on the BBB but isn’t accredited. Reviews mention prompt service, but some customers have reported inconsistent quality depending on the partner companies used.

American Van Lines (USDOT #: 614506) stands out for its top-notch movers. This provider thoroughly vets movers before hiring and trains them to handle your belongings carefully. Also, the company’s well-trained, certified staff members are particularly skilled at wrapping, packing, and handling all types of household goods. This and its expedited service options make it an excellent choice for small moves. American Van Lines offers expedited service between major cities, which could make your small move a quick process.

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

American Van Lines scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. It provides a complete range of services, including small-load moving options.

The company received positive marks for its service offerings and extensive moving valuation coverage options. It lost points for its lack of customer-oriented options and up-front transparent pricing.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): American Van Lines scored high due to its comprehensive service packages. You receive specialty services from highly trained moving professionals and can decide between a partial-pack or a full-pack small-load move.
• Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): The company scored high here because it offers multiple levels of insurance coverage to match your budget and needs.
• Scheduling (4 out of 8 points): American Van Lines lost some points in this area because it only offers scheduling via phone. Many other movers offer online scheduling and virtual consultations for smaller moves. 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 features fewer additional benefits than IVL and doesn’t offer any financing or DIY moving options. It also doesn’t provide an online cost calculator or up-front cost information. Up-front quotes typically help a small move occur quickly.
• Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): American Van Lines maintains a positive online reputation, but we found that some of its trucks fail federal inspections regularly. It also features a report of injury and five tows on its FMCSA profile.

American Van Lines provides full-service moves that include packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. The company can also accommodate partial-service requests, such as fragile-only packing and DIY moves. It also offers the following services for its smaller moves:

• Military relocation 
• Online shipment tracking
• Temporary and permanent storage
• White-glove relocation of artwork and antiques

American Van Lines doesn’t provide free moving quotes on its website or over the phone, but we called the company and worked with a representative to get a ballpark quote. The quote included loading and unloading services plus transportation. Packing and unpacking were available for an additional cost. The company representative was thorough when logging our inventory before they rendered pricing.

• Sample quote: $2,000 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: Up to 50% up-front
• Payment accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card, money order, and traveler’s check

The company has an A+ rating on the BBB, and its customer reviews score of 4.04 out of 5 stars indicates that it provides great service. Customers of American Van Lines have praised its pricing structure, but there have been some negative reviews mentioning price hikes and difficulties communicating with the moving crews.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (USDOT #: 3034100) partners with moving professionals to provide full-service or self-service relocation help for smaller moves. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) offers a range of moving resources on its website, including checklists and tips. We found its online moving guides for popular cities particularly useful, as it provided information on average moving costs and carrier partners in those areas.

You should be able to find the exact service profile you need if you’re planning a simple or small move. However, the services available may vary depending on your location, as they’re entirely dependent on the carrier partners in your area.

We scored IMRG 4.4 out of 5-stars. The company stands out for its service profile and flexibility, offering assistance with small-load moves. It also allows booking online or over the phone and provides moving checklists and guides for each stage of the moving process. However, it lost a few points because it doesn’t offer storage, truck rental, and financing options.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): IMRG is a broker that connects you with movers who can provide any moving service you want. The company offers full-packing, partial-packing, crating, and specialty services, and we also noticed that you can tailor these options for small moves.
• Insurance Coverage (5 out of 8 points): IMRG only provides two protection plans: a partial-value protection plan and a full-value protection plan.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): IMRG schedules through both the phone and online. We like that the company provides clear communication between you and your connected movers during the moving process.
• Additional Benefits (6 out of 13 points): The company provides a decent selection of extra benefits, but we did notice it doesn’t offer any DIY moving options, financing, and storage services. It’s surprising IMRG doesn’t help with storage services since it’s becoming a standard add-on in the moving industry and significantly helps during apartment relocation. 
• Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): IMRG maintains an overall positive reputation online. Our research also showed that its trucks routinely pass inspections and that there haven’t been any accidents on its FMCSA profile in the last two years.

IMRG’s service provisions are as extensive as its partners in a given area. Aside from packing, crating, and similar common services, it can provide container delivery and shipping for smaller moves. This type of move is ideal for packing smaller spaces. You’ll also have the option to hire third-party movers to help with associated labor if you book with one of its container movers.

Here are the other services you can book if you have an apartment or single-bedroom home:

• Cleaning
• Junk removal 
• Piano moving
• Vehicle shipping

You must complete a contact form online to get your fully optimized quote from IMRG. You’ll enter your contact information and basic information about your move. This will include your point of origin, destination, and home size.

We got a quick quote using IMRG’s online moving calculator to get a cost range. IMRG’s representatives later confirmed its price-matching capabilities and were able to log our inventory quickly.

• Sample quote: $1,500–$3,500 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: Up to 33%
• Payment accepted: Credit card and check

IMRG is a moving broker that relies on the quality of its partner companies to provide good service. The company isn’t accredited by the BBB and only holds a B rating. Customers have praised the professionalism of the crews, but some have given negative feedback about bait-and-switch pricing tactics.

U-Pack (USDOT #: 2946400) is a great option for smaller moves with its affordable pricing. U-Pack offers a unique pay-as-you-go policy for its moving trailer service. This option is perfect for small moves, as you can pay per footage for the moving trailer. This way, you only pay for the actual space your belongings take up. Note that U-Pack may not assist with any in-state moves (if it’s less than 150 miles), but it’s an excellent option for long-distance moves.

You can also opt for the company’s moving container services. This lets you pack and load a portable storage container, which provides a cost-effective solution for small apartment or condo moves.

U-Pack earned 3.8 out of 5 stars according to our rating scale. We see it as an ideal option for smaller moves, but it also scored lower compared to competitors because of its lack of additional service options and 150-mile minimum. However, it offers some of the best pricing and quickest scheduling we’ve seen.

• Moving Services (40 out of 59 points): U-Pack lost points here compared to other providers on this list because it doesn’t offer local moving services. This means you can’t use it for your 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 and one full-value plan.
• Scheduling (4 out of 8 points): U-Pack lacks a bit of convenience as it only lets you finalize any scheduling over the phone rather than an online portal or email.
• Additional Benefits (11 out of 13 points): The company does provide an excellent selection of extra benefits, given it’s tailored to more DIY and smaller moves. It also provides packing supplies and GPS tracking, but it doesn’t provide any financing options. 
• Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): Though U-Pack has a positive online reputation across popular review sites, we noticed a fair amount of its trucks fail FMCSA inspections. However, this issue is due in part to the company working with ABF Transportation, a massive freighting company.

U-Pack offers its ReloCube moving container or a large moving trailer used by ABF Freights. You can pay for only the footage you use in the moving trailer, which is perfect for a small move that requires limited space. U-Pack offers less time to load and unload than 1-800-PACK-RAT, but careful planning can save you money when it comes to using U-Pack.

Here are some of the other service options you receive with U-Pack for small moves:

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

U-Pack quoted us for one of its ReloCube moving containers at $1,358. The company claimed this ReloCube provided enough space for items in a small apartment. We also got a quote for 5 feet in a moving trailer that cost $2,002, which the company suggested was ideal for a one-bedroom home.

U-Pack states that its prices are all-inclusive and contain no hidden fees. We also found that its ReloCubes and trailers are comparable in price, but that the ReloCube was usually cheaper.

• Sample quote: $1,358 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: None
• Payment accepted: Credit card, check, and PayPal

U-Pack has an A+ BBB rating with a 4.25 out of 5-star customer rating. Positive reviews mention quality drivers and containers. Negative reviews detail billing disputes and delivery date discrepancies. U-Pack has mixed customer feedback on Trustpilot, and we noted poor customer service as a common theme in many negative reviews.

Safeway Moving Inc. (USDOT #: 3756000) works mainly as a moving broker throughout all 50 states. It operates primarily as a long-distance mover, but it does offer some options for smaller, local moves. Safeway’s flat-rate pricing makes it a favorite among budget-conscious customers who want full-service moving help. However, its deposit amount and that it brokers out some moves could be deterrents to some. Safeway’s flat-rate pricing and comprehensive offerings with all basic moving packages should interest those moving a smaller home over a long distance.

Safeway earned 4.1 out of 5 stars. It offers a complete range of small-load moving services, including packing and storage, and provides online and over-the-phone quotes for your convenience. However, Safeway doesn’t offer additional benefits such as moving calculators or financing options.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): Safeway acts as a moving broker, so it can connect you with any service your small move requires, including options for partial and full packing and specialty services.
• Insurance Coverage (5 out of 8 points): Safeway limits its insurance coverage by offering a single released value protection plan and one full-value protection plan.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): We like that Safeway offers multiple ways to contact and communicate with its team. The company offers phone, email, and chat options. We found our interactions with Safeway easy and pleasurable and believe it can make your small move less stressful in terms of communication.
• Additional Benefits (4 out of 13 points): Safeway lost substantial points in this area because the company can’t guarantee you receive shipment tracking, financing, up-front quotes, and other benefits many other providers offer. It also doesn’t offer any DIY moving methods, such as moving truck rentals.
• Customer service (6 out of 12 points): Safeway falls into a pitfall many other brokers can fall into: a poor reputation due to the companies it brokers. We found that customers had mixed experiences with the company once connected with movers, and it also features higher-than-average issues on its FMCSA profile.

Safeway offers a typical range of services that aligns with most full-service movers of its size. You’ll be able to arrange for packing, crating, antique moving, and more through this broker. Your small move will be in good hands, as the movers provided will be able to assist with furniture assembly and disassembly, junk removal, and more. You can receive the following additional services for smaller moves:

• 24/7 customer service
• Custom crating for fragile items
• Moving assistance for senior citizens 
• Temporary and permanent storage

You’ll have to call Safeway or fill out a quote form on its site to schedule an in-depth consultation. You’ll be quoted a flat rate for all services that you need. However, you’ll have to pay a hefty deposit to book your move. We noted that our moving representative was incredibly thorough when we got our quote. This provider can’t offer last-minute moving service, but you can be assured that your inventory will be fully logged and your service needs accounted for.

Here is a breakdown of the quote we received:

• Sample quote: $4,570 (one-bedroom move from Austin, Texas, to Denver, Colorado)
• Deposit: Up to 40%
• Payment accepted: Cash, credit card, certified check, and money order

Safeway has a B- BBB rating, and some customer reviews state that the carriers it uses will use bait-and-switch pricing tactics. Nevertheless, most reviews are positive and commend Safeway for its high-quality service, detailed quote process, and extensive insurance coverage.

Moving APT (USDOT #: 2247863) offers speedy service, which can greatly assist small-move customers. It partners with more than 2,500 licensed carriers to handle an array of moving needs. Moving APT can help you with anything from local to cross-country relocation for your small move, including last-minute assistance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free move.

One of this broker’s strengths is its informative website, which offers company bios for its main partners, helpful moving resources, and quick cost-calculation tools to help customers get personalized quotes. We found several blog posts on the website particularly helpful, especially those related to moving to or from specific cities. These pages provide information on average moving costs and comparisons among Moving APT’s available partners.

We scored Moving APT 4.4 out of 5 stars. The company lost points due to its lack of online booking and insurance options, which vary between its partner companies. We awarded the company more points due to its local and long-distance moving services, as well as its moving calculator and other online moving resources.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): Moving APT is a broker that can connect you with movers that fulfill all standard small-load services, as well as specialty services like vehicle relocation.
• 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): Moving APT features a user-friendly and stylish website that you would think provides online quotes and scheduling, but you can only get in touch with the company over the phone.
• Additional Benefits (8 out of 13 points): For smaller moves, Moving APT offers moving truck rentals, but surprisingly, it doesn’t offer packing supplies to help with a self-service move. The company also lost points here for not providing financing.
• Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): Moving APT has a higher customer review score and response rate on the BBB than many others on this list, despite having no accreditation and only a B rating. Furthermore, the company’s FMCSA profile is spotless.

Moving APT’s partners provide full- and self-service moving assistance for small-load relocations. You can customize your small move with the following specialty options, such as crating and antique packing services. Here are the service options Moving APT provides:

• Crating
• Commercial moving
• Piano moving
• Specialty packing for antiques
• Storage services

We used Moving APT’s cost calculator tool to get the sample quote below. You can complete its form in a few minutes. However, for accurate pricing, Moving APT must schedule a phone or in-person consultation with you. You should expect to receive calls from several interested movers after completing the form.

• Sample quote: $1,500–$3,500 (one-bedroom apartment from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: Varies between partners
• Payment accepted: Cash, check, and money order

Moving APT’s BBB page has a B rating without any accreditation, but it has earned an impressive customer review score of 3.53 out of 5 stars. Several customers have praised the company’s resources and quick quotes. However, it’s worth mentioning that some reviewers have expressed dissatisfaction with their customer service after booking.

JK Moving Services (USDOT #: 1065394) provides a full-service moving experience that you can customize with the company’s add-on options. JK Moving has a mobile app that makes it easy for you to customize your move, book appointments, make payments, and track shipments. It’s great for coordinating multiple moves and storing all documentation in one place. JK Moving is slightly pricier than other companies but perfect for smaller long-distance moves. It offers in-house financing, subject to credit approval, and provides personalized service packages for all relocation sizes.

JK Moving earned 4.7 out of 5 stars. The company’s financing options and long-distance moving offerings stand out. Its lack of DIY moving offerings or a moving cost calculator knocked its final rating down slightly, but it remains a standout company for long-distance small moves.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): JK Moving provides comprehensive moving services that can be customized to fit your specific needs. It offers standard small-load full-pack and partial-pack options, as well as crating and specialty services for antiques and artwork.
• Insurance Coverage (5 out of 8 points): The company only offers two contents protection plans, despite providing more detailed financing options. It offers one partial-value protection plan and one full-value protection plan.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): JK Moving offers both phone and online scheduling for a more in-depth virtual or in-person estimate process. Though this makes the company provide some of the most accurate estimates, it might be a lot for your small move depending on your needs.
• Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): JK Moving stands out from other service providers due to its numerous additional benefits, such as financing programs, storage services, GPS tracking, and more. However, it doesn’t offer any online tools to help you understand its pricing.
• Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): The company has received positive customer reviews online. Its FMCSA profile holds one injury and two tows, and it’s known to provide exceptional customer service and support.

JK Moving provides traditional full-service moving support for long-distance, cross-country, and international moves. You can select from JK Moving’s optional services and choose only those that fit your specific needs if you prefer a more tailored approach to your relocation. This feature also allows you to create a moving package that stays within your budget.

It also offers these services:

• Government moves
• International moves 
• Information technology removal services
• Shipment tracking 
• Temporary and permanent storage

JK Moving won’t provide any pricing information over the phone and has no cost calculators on its website. We analyzed online customer reviews and found that JK Moving charges about $1,600 for one-bedroom moves of roughly 145 miles. We also called the company and got in touch with a JK Moving sales representative who shared that we could only get a binding estimate if we conducted a virtual or in-person survey. The company’s quote process is long, but it yields a more accurate and detailed quote. We confirmed the following quote is accurate:

• Sample quote: $1,600 (one-bedroom home from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: $250 up-front
• Payment accepted: Cash and credit card

JK Moving holds an A+ rating with the BBB and has received high ratings on various review platforms. JK Moving is known for providing excellent training to its movers and offering financing options. However, there have been some quality issues that have impacted the overall customer experience.

Allied Van Lines (USDOT #: 076235) could be a good fit for you if your small move includes shipping a car, boat, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle. Allied stands out from other movers because it operates its own fleet of car carriers instead of outsourcing vehicle transport. This means that you have direct access to the company that is shipping your vehicle, allowing you to track its progress along with the rest of your small moving load.

Allied Express mobile containers may be the way to go if you’re looking for an affordable option for your small move. They come with complimentary labor, which is usually an add-on cost with other self-service companies.

We gave Allied 4.8 out of 5 stars. It provides excellent small-load services for local, long-distance, and international moves. Allied lost a few points in our rating criteria because it doesn’t offer self-service moving options and financing.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): Allied offers every moving service, including local moves, long-distance moves, international moves, vehicle shipping, and piano moving. Allied is an excellent option if you require a more comprehensive small-move service. 
• Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): The company provides various coverage options that can be customized to fit your budget and security needs.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): Allied contacts you through either phone, online chat, or email. We found the company’s website to be one of the more user-friendly ones we encountered.
• Additional Benefits (8 out of 13 points): Allied doesn’t offer financing or moving truck rentals, losing some points for small moves. Additionally, its website doesn’t provide a moving calculator despite being well-designed.
• Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): We found that Allied has a largely positive reputation online and it responds to over 90% of the complaints it receives on the BBB. The company’s FMCSA profile indicates fewer failed inspections than competitors, but it has reported more incidents of injuries, crashes, and required tows than other companies, with a total of 39 such occurrences as of January 2023. However, it’s worth noting that this might be due to the company’s large size.

Allied provides various services to simplify your small move. In addition to expert packing and vehicle transportation, it offers several customized options to suit your needs. One of these options is Allied Express, which is a moving container service with expedited shipping for smaller moves. With Allied Express, you have the flexibility to either pack and load yourself or request professional moving labor.

Allied also offers these services:

• Corporate relocation
• Crating for fragile items 
• Packing supplies for sale 
• Temporary and permanent storage
• Third-party cleaning services

Allied Van Lines doesn’t provide any detailed estimates through its website or over the phone. However, we got a general starting price by speaking to a customer service representative. Our AVL representative also mentioned that they could only give us a ballpark estimate without a walkthrough of our home.

• Sample quote: $1,000 (one-bedroom from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: None
• Payment accepted: Cash, certified check, check, and money order

Allied has more than 500 locations, but each location’s quality can differ significantly. You should scrutinize the local reviews of the specific location you’re interested in rather than relying on the nationwide consensus. The company’s headquarters BBB page has a poor rating of 1.1 out of 5 stars, but other Allied locations have better scores.

North American Van Lines (USDOT #: 070851) is one of the oldest and most trusted moving companies in the U.S. today, with many of its local agents providing efficient small move assistance. North American Van Lines (NAVL) is an excellent choice for moves of any size. Its network of 500 local agents is highly skilled in providing relocation assistance for local, long-distance, and even international moves.

NAVL offers variable pricing structures, which make booking and final payments stress-free. Its pricing plans, including “not-to-exceed” and “bottom-line” options, are popular among those who are more budget-conscious or who want to avoid added fees. The professional movers at NAVL can help you with your local, long-distance, and international moves, no matter how small it might be.

NAVL received 4.5 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company earned points for its wide range of full-service small-load moving options, including packing and storage assistance, across various distances. It lost some points because it only allows you to book services over the phone.

• Moving Services (59 out of 59 points): You can receive all possible standard moving services with NAVL, including a combination of partial- and full-pack options. 
• Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): We like NAVL for its protection plans and insurance, so it scored high here. It offers a basic carrier liability protection program called No-Cost Released Value Protection as part of its full-valuation protection program. This option provides a minimum shipment value of $6,000 and a value of $6 per pound. Your shipment’s total weight is multiplied by $6 to calculate the coverage amount. This is significantly more coverage than the standard 60 cents per pound required by law.
• Scheduling (4 out of 8 points): Some points were lost here because NAVL only offers phone communication. 
• Additional Benefits (10 out of 13 points): NAVL provides many of the additional benefits other movers offer, such as storage services and GPS tracking. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t offer any self-service options, such as moving truck rental or financing.
• Customer Service (9 out of 12 points): NAVL is more than 90% responsive to complaints on its BBB profile, but the company has an alarming FMCSA profile. Its failed inspection rate sits at 27.3%, and it features 29 total crashes in the past two years.

NAVL offers numerous basic and add-on services. You can procure full-service packing or purchase packing supplies and handle this part of the move yourself. It also offers antique and specialty moving options if your small move includes specific valuables. Installation assistance for appliances and debris removal are also available.

Here are some of NAVL’s additional services:

• Appliance installation
• Debris removal
• Packing supplies
• Temporary and permanent storage 
• Vehicle shipping

NAVL provides binding quotes via virtual surveys or in-person consultations. The company won’t provide ballpark estimates over the phone without setting up an appointment. You can call to start the quote process, and you’ll be able to add a protection plan for your small move if desired. We spoke with an agent and received an average price that NAVL expects you to pay for a one-bedroom move.

• Sample quote: $1,000 (one-bedroom move from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: None
• Payment accepted: Cash, certified check, money order, check

NAVL’s quality of service may vary depending on your location. The company’s headquarters has an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB, but its overall customer rating is only 1.13 out of 5 stars. We suggest you review customer feedback for your local NAVL branch before booking services to ensure you make an informed decision.

Self-service movers may be better suited for smaller moves, and we find 1-800-PACK-RAT (USDOT #: 1534531) to be the best overall self-service mover. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers three different sizes of portable storage containers, which are designed for small moves and are highly efficient. The largest container offered by the company can easily accommodate the belongings of a small two-bedroom apartment, making it possible for 1-800-PACK-RAT to deliver single-container service for your goods. The company has also partnered with HireAHelper to offer services such as loading and unloading, which can be really helpful for those who need assistance with their move.

Note: 1-800-PACK-RAT is available in 30 states and Washington, D.C.

1-800-PACK-RAT scored 4.7 stars out of 5 via our scoring system. The company scored higher for a self-service moving container company because of its additional labor services and large coverage area. It lost some points due to its overall lack of extra benefits like GPS tracking, online resources, and a moving calculator.

• Moving Services (50 out of 59 points): 1-800-PACK-RAT offers local moving options, unlike U-Pack, which makes it the ideal self-service option for small, local moves. You can also receive packing and loading services through third-party partnerships with PACK-RAT.
• Insurance Coverage (8 out of 8 points): The company offers multiple levels of insurance coverage other than the standard two options, so you can tailor coverage to match your budget and belongings’ value.
• Scheduling (8 out of 8 points): 1-800-PACK-RAT allows you to schedule your move over the phone or online through its website, which earned it more points here.
• Additional Benefits (7 out of 13 points): It offers some of the best self-service moving options, but 1-800-PACK-RAT doesn’t offer GPS tracking, an online calculator, and other extra benefits you receive with many other moving companies.
• Customer Service (12 out of 12 points): 1-800-PACK-RAT has an overall positive online reputation and its FMCSA profile features few issues compared to other providers.

1-800-PACK-RAT offers a comprehensive selection of self-service moving options that can be paired with moving services from HireAHelper for a partial-service move. The company delivers a moving container to your residence that you can load with your belongings at your own pace. You then notify the company of when to pick up and deliver your container to your new home. You can unload the container at your own pace. This adds a layer of flexibility to your move.

The company also offers the following services:

• Packing and unpacking (via third-party)
• Loading and unloading (via third-party)
• Short-term and long-term storage

We obtained a moving quote from 1-800-PACK-RAT using the company’s website to transport one of its 8-foot containers from Dallas to Austin, Texas, in about three months. This quote includes all transportation, delivery and pickup, a no-cut security lock, and $10,000 in contents protection. We found the online quote process to be easy and intuitive when we received this pricing figure.

• Sample quote: $1,553 (one-bedroom from Dallas to Austin, Texas)
• Deposit: $500
• Payment accepted: Cash and credit

1-800-PACK-RAT maintains an A+ rating on the BBB site. Negative reviews mention longer transit times than expected. So, if you decide to choose 1-800-PACK-RAT, it’s advisable to be flexible. On the other hand, many customers appreciate the company for providing a cost-effective solution for relocation. Additionally, the company’s containers are praised for their high quality.