Top Cheap Moving Companies of 2024
Ready to learn more about the best moving companies for affordable pricing? Explore our top choices for the cheapest moving companies in the U.S. below.
- International Van Lines: Our top pick
- American Van Lines: Best for customer service
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Best for seniors and retirees
- International Moving and Relocation Group: Best for long-distance moves
- Moving APT: Best for flexible payments
Compare The Best Cheap Movers
Learn more about our picks for cheap moving companies, including an estimated cost and deposit amount, plus if a company is certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
| Company | Estimated Cost | Deposit | FMCSA Certified | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick
| $1,000–$3,000 | 25% of cost | Yes | GET ESTIMATE |
| $3,000–$5,000 | 10%–50% of cost | Yes | GET ESTIMATE |
| $1,000–$3,000 | 15%–40% of cost | Yes | GET ESTIMATE |
| $3,000–$5,000 | Up to 33% of cost | Yes | GET ESTIMATE | |
| $1,000–$3,000 | Varies by partner | Yes | GET ESTIMATE |
| Company | FMCSA Certified | Deposit | Estimated Cost | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick
| Yes | 25% of cost | $1,000–$3,000 | GET ESTIMATE |
| Yes | 10%–50% of cost | $3,000–$5,000 | GET ESTIMATE |
| Yes | 15%–40% of cost | $1,000–$3,000 | GET ESTIMATE |
| Yes | Up to 33% of cost | $3,000–$5,000 | GET ESTIMATE | |
| Yes | Varies by partner | $1,000–$3,000 | GET ESTIMATE |
No results were found.
Our team determined cheap moving prices by requesting quotes from each of our top providers. We based our rates on a sample two-bedroom move across varying distances representing local, interstate and cross-country routes. Since some moving companies do not offer online estimates, we also factored responses to our February 2024 survey of 1,000 people who have moved nationwide. Learn more about our methodology for ranking moving companies.
Best Affordable Moving Companies Reviewed:
International Van Lines
Our top pick
4.5
Our Review
USDOT statusCertified as a carrier and broker (#2293832)DepositUp to 25% State availability50
Why We Chose IVL
International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice for an affordable moving company — and our survey respondents agreed. In our poll of 1,000 people who have moved nationwide, 60% chose IVL because it offered the most affordable quote, with most movers paying between $1,000 and $3,000 for a complete transportation package. Only a small percentage of survey respondents who used IVL needed to file a damage claim — but of those who did, 98% received reimbursem*nt. This can offer peace of mind for movers on a tight budget or those with concerns about transporting their belongings.
Pros and Cons
Pros Most IVL customers paid between $1,000 and $3,000 for a complete move, based on our survey Services all 50 U.S. states and international moves Includes one month of free storage with all moves Requires an initial deposit of up to 25% of the total move balance Cons Requires customer to pay 50% of their balance upon moving pickup
Pricing Information
International Van Lines customizes pricing for each homeowner but does not currently offer online estimates. In our survey of movers nationwide, we found that the majority of IVL customers paid between $1,000 and $3,000 each. However, the second most popular pricing was between $5,000 and $7,000. Customer reviews indicate that the overall average price paid for an IVL move is $4,321, which is below the national average of $4,800 to $7,000.
The table below summarizes average pricing from International Van Lines customers based on distance. Note that personal pricing will vary based on what you’re moving and when, including both the time of year and day of the week.
| Distance | Average Moving Costs |
| < 1,000 miles | $3,800 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $5,200 |
| 1,500–2,000+ miles | $5,800 |
Note: Cost figures represent sample quotes our team collected for two-bedroom home moves across varying distances.
Services Offered
International Van Lines currently offers the following special types of moves and add-on services:
- Auto transportation
- Commercial moving services
- Crating
- Fragile item transportation
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- International moving services
- Military moving services
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing supplies
- Short-term and long-term storage
American Van Lines
Best for customer service
4.4
Our Review
USDOT statusCertified as a carrier (#614506)Deposit10%–50%State availability48
Why We Chose AVL
If you’re looking for a company focused on customer care, American Van Lines (AVL) could offer the right choice for you. While the cost data we collected for AVL is on the higher end, it was the most affordable option for about 32% of our survey respondents. Respondents also chose AVL because of its reputation and enhanced customer service. About 76% of movers in our survey who worked with AVL were “very satisfied” with the service received, with about 79% saying they were “very likely” to recommend the company to friends and family.
Of customers who submitted a damage claim, 100% received approval and reimbursem*nt. This could offer people peace of mind in the event their belongings get damaged en route.
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers several customer service features such as moving cost estimates by route Holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Does not broker moving services to other providers after your initial purchase Cons May require up to 50% of the move cost as a deposit Thirty percent of customers surveyed submitted a claim for damage, which may worry some movers
Pricing Information
AVL is not the most affordable mover on our list of the cheapest moving companies, but it provides pricing within our average range. Customers can access a large catalog of pricing information to estimate moving costs based on their route and home size. AVL also advertises rates competitive with local movers, so you can try requesting a lower price if you secure a more affordable rate with a competing service provider.
After analyzing AVL’s pricing, our team found that you’re likely to pay the following prices based on the length of your route.
| Distance | Average Moving Costs |
| < 1,000 miles | $3,000 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $3,800 |
| 1,500–2,000+ miles | $4,700 |
Note: Cost figures represent sample quotes our team collected for two-bedroom home moves across varying distances.
Services Offered
American Van Lines currently offers the following services and specialized types of moving processes:
- Commercial moving service
- Corporate moving service
- Crating
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- International moving service
- Military moving service
- Moving supplies
- Packing and unpacking services
- Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
- Storage services
Safeway Moving Inc.
Best for seniors and retirees
4.4
Our Review
USDOT statusCertified as a carrier (#3756000)Deposit15%–40%State availability50 states
Why We Chose Safeway
Safeway Moving is another top-rated choice in terms of affordability, with 29% of customers in our survey citing it as the most affordable choice offered. About 40% of respondents who worked with Safeway paid less than $3,000 in total for a moving package, which can make it an appealing choice for budget shoppers. Our team also named Safeway the best choice for senior moves thanks to the company’s specific focus on helping retirees move safely and effectively.
Pros and Cons
Pros Forty percent of movers paid between $1,000 and $3,000 for their Safeway Moving package, based on our survey Offers special lower rates for small senior moves Can provide partial packing services, allowing customers to better balance cost and convenience Cons Unclear deposit policies could require up to 40% of the total cost down No financing available
Pricing Information
Safeway Moving does not disclose its pricing online — but it does offer special rates for senior citizens. In our survey, 29% of customers who chose Safeway said it was because the company provided the most affordable moving route. Eighty-one percent of customers who moved with Safeway Moving paid $5,000 or less for their moving packages.
After analyzing previous customer price data, our team found that you’re likely to pay the following prices based on route length.
| Distance | Average Moving Costs |
| < 1,000 miles | $3,200 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $4,500 |
| 1,500–2,000+ miles | $7,900 |
Note: Cost figures represent sample quotes our team collected for two-bedroom home moves across varying distances.
Services Offered
Safeway Moving Services currently offers the following moving services and types of specialty moves:
- Advocated senior moves
- Crating
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military moves
- Packing and unpacking services
- Short-term and long-term climate-controlled storage facilities
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Best for long-distance moves
4.0
USDOT statusCertified as a broker (#3034100)DepositUp to 33%State availability50
Why We Chose IMRG
Interstate Moving and Relocation Group (IMRG) is a moving broker. While the company does not provide moving services itself, it can help you find a more affordable price using a partner from its network. About half of our survey respondents who chose IMRG did so because the broker was able to offer them the best rate. For this reason, we named the company best for long-distance moves. Most customers in our survey paid between $3,000 to $5,000 for a moving service brokered by IMRG, which is a bit higher than average, but still within a competitive range for a long-distance move.
Pros and Cons
Pros Many customers in our survey reported that IMRG provided the most affordable pricing for their move Every survey respondent who filed a claim for reimbursem*nt saw a resolution with the company Offers moving tips and guides for optimizing routes on its website Cons Brokers moves to other companies rather than handling the services itself, which can affect available services Does not offer storage services
Pricing Information
Interstate Moving and Relocation Group does not offer online pricing so you’ll need to connect with a representative to confirm exact rates. However, it does offer several resources to help you estimate costs based on home size and distance. While our survey respondents reported paying a bit more compared to companies such as Safeway and International Van Lines, you may receive a lower-than-average rate — especially if you live near one of the company’s primary service centers.
IMRG provides some insights into its pricing on its blog, which also recommends that movers negotiate potential prices. Our team estimated the following costs for two-bedroom moves of varying route lengths with the company.
| Distance | Average Moving Cost |
| < 1,000 miles | $1,250 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $4,980 |
| 1,500–2,000+ miles | $5,000+ |
Note: Cost figures represent sample quotes our team collected for two-bedroom home moves across varying distances.
Services Offered
IMRG currently brokers the following services and special types of moving services:
- Auto transportation
- Corporate moving
- Furniture packing and moving
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Packing services
- Packing supplies
Moving APT
Best for flexible payments
4.5
USDOT statusCertified as a broker (#2247863)DepositVaries by providerState Availability50 states
Why We Chose Moving APT
Another moving broker, Moving APT was the most affordable option for 28% of customers who chose the company in our survey. Thirty-one percent of customers paid between $1,000 and $3,000 for their move, which is more affordable than the national average of $4,800 to $7,000. Over the phone, a Moving APT representative confirmed that the company offers financing options — a selling point if you’re planning an expensive cross-country move. For this reason, our team named Moving APT as our pick for the company with the most flexible payment choices.
Pros and Cons
Pros Majority of customers surveyed paid less than $5,000 to move Features financing options and accepts multiple forms of payment Offers affordable pricing on local moves less than 1,000 miles Cons Does not provide specific financing rates on its website Forty-two percent of Moving APT customers in our survey filed a claim for damage
Pricing Information
Overall, Moving APT’s pricing was consistently lower than most of its competitors, including companies such as American Van Lines. Thirty-one percent of movers paid between $1,000 and $3,000 for their Moving APT brokered move, with another 31% paying between $3,000 to $5,000. It is also one of the only moving companies with financing options, which can split the cost of your total move into more manageable monthly payments.
Moving APT offers a free instant moving cost calculator to help you get a rough estimate of what you’re likely to pay with one of its moving partners. We’ve analyzed the data and found the following price ranges as the most common.
| Distance | Average Moving Cost |
| < 1,000 miles | $1,200—$2,400 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $2,100—$6,900 |
| 1,500–2,000+ miles | $3,300—$7,800 |
Note: Cost figures represent sample quotes our team collected for two-bedroom home moves across varying distances.
Services Offered
Homeowners planning a move can book the following services through Moving APT’s brokerage network. Services will vary depending on the partner provider you work with — so if you want a special service, tell your representative when you get a quote.
- Appliance reconnection services
- Automobile shipping
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military moving
- Packing services
- Packing supplies
- Piano moving
How Much Does Moving Cost on Average?
We found the average cost of a self-packed, mid-distance move is between $4,800 and $7,000 based on data our team collected for hundreds of routes between 11 of the most commonly used moving companies in the U.S.. The distance you’re traveling, the total weight, and any add-on services you book will affect your moving price.
| Distance | Self Pack Cost | Full Pack Cost |
|---|---|---|
| < 1,000 miles | $3,350-$5,900 | $4,060-$7,150 |
| 1,000-1,500 miles | $4,800-$7,500 | $5,500-$8,750 |
| 1,500-2,000+ miles | $5,300-$7,500+ | $6,000-$8,750+ |
Project your anticipated moving costs with our calculator below.
Moving Cost Calculator
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Estimated Moving Cost: Estimates are based on your calculator inputs. This is an estimate, NOT an official quote.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Moving
Understanding the factors that impact the cost of moving can help you lower your final price, including the following.
- Distance: The distance you’re moving is one of the primary factors that influence moving price. If you’re moving out of state, movers will need to spend more money on employee wages, fuel costs and other added expenses. The more miles your move spans, the more you can expect to pay for your move.
- Home size: The FMCSA maintains strict rules related to the maximum weight that each moving truck can deliver. If you have a larger home —and a more expensive shipment —your mover might need to assign multiple trucks. This increases the total cost of your moving package. You can save money by downsizing as much as possible before claiming your quotes.
- Type of moving company: Full-service movers may provide quality services beyond basic loading and transportation, ranging from packing to custom furniture crating. These companies usually provide a more convenient move but charge higher rates when compared to partial movers, which only offer basic services.
- Time of year: Like other industries, movers have “on” and “off” seasons. Most people try to move in the summer, especially if they have children who are out of school on break. Due to increased demand, moves performed over the summer tend to cost more than those scheduled in other seasons.
- Day of the week: Can’t wait until winter to move? Moving companies also have individual days of the week that are less busy, which can improve your chances of getting a deal. As a general rule, Monday and Thursday are typically the cheapest days of the week to move.
- Any special moving services: Additional services such as packing and storage assistance will also increase the final price of your move. Planning ahead and leaving yourself with enough time to arrange for these services can help lower your total moving costs.
Because so many factors can play a role in the price you’ll pay to move, our team recommends beginning to shop for moving quotes no later than one month before the date you need to leave. This will leave you with enough time to compare pricing between multiple moving companies before confirming your final rate.
MARKETWATCH GUIDES TIP
While tipping movers is optional, it’s customary to tip $5 per hour per moving crew member. So, for example, you could tip $160, or $40 per crew member, for an eight-hour job provided by a four-member crew. Consider this expense when calculating your total moving cost.
How To Make Moving Less Expensive
While moving can be a stressful and expensive process, there are a few methods you can use to lower the price you’ll pay to settle into your new home. We consulted a few experts in the moving industry to help identify ways to save that include planning in advance, looking for discounts, moving during the off-season and middle of the week, negotiating discounts, and downsizing your things.
Plan in Advance
By starting the moving planning process early, you leave yourself with plenty of time to get multiple quotes, compare pricing and take your time when selecting a mover. Booking early also provides a wider selection of cheap movers to choose from. We recommend beginning to shop for a moving company no later than one month before you need to leave your current space.
Look for Discounts
Ask for discounts when shopping for a move — even if you don’t see any listed on a mover’s website. According to Matt Graber, the co-owner of Cool Hand Movers, many movers have discounts they may not advertise.
“Companies often have partnerships that mean savings for organization members, but they’re not necessarily well publicized,” he said. “Examples would be the National Association of Professional Organizers or your local Chamber of Commerce.” You can also ask about discounts for members of the military, seniors and students if you’re in one of these groups.
Move In the Middle of the Week
Weekends are the most popular time of the week to move. You can often times save money when booking movers Monday – Thursday instead of Friday – Sunday because of decreased demand. When planning your move, ask companies if they offer reduced prices on certain days of the week.
Time Your Move
Like other major industries, movers have seasons that are busier than others. If you’re able to wait until the off-season to move, you could save more. According to Mark Scholl, the executive vice president of operations and retail sales at Montway Auto Transport, the slow season usually occurs when the weather gets colder.
“Peak moving season takes place during the summer when the weather is warm, the days are long and students are out of school,” he said. “An increased number of moves can be seen as early as April and as late as September, but the peak of the moving season is May through August. Any month outside of the peak season will be less expensive when it comes to booking moving services.”
There are also times of the year when you might not want to move.
“Avoid moving in April through early September if you want the best bargain on your move,” Scholl added. You can also often save money by avoiding moving during the holidays, when roadways get busier and more people book moves with time off work. To maximize your savings, aim to move on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, when business is slower for most moving companies.
Negotiate With a Representative
Moving rates are not always set in stone or based on a flat rate per mover per hour. It’s possible to negotiate a rate with potential movers, especially if you book during a time when movers are in less demand. Collect quotes from multiple cheap movers to use as leverage to help you get a better price from your company of choice — some providers will match competing quotes to secure your business.
Consider Downsizing
Since the total weight of your moving shipment plays a major role in your final price, you can save money by downsizing as much as possible before you leave.
“The less stuff you have to move, the less money you’ll have to spend on moving,” said Nick Valentino, the vice president of market operations at Bellhop. “One of the first steps you should take when preparing to move is to declutter as much as possible. If you’re trying to sell your home, it’s a smart move to declutter in anticipation of that process, since it will make your home more attractive for staging.”
Affordable Alternatives to Full-Service Moving Companies
While full-service movers offer a convenient option, this service is not the lowest-cost choice. If you’re willing to do a little more heavy lifting yourself to lower your total cost, consider the following alternatives to a professional moving team.
DIY Moving Companies
The cheapest way to execute a long-distance move is to do it yourself (DIY). DIY moving companies such as U-Haul, Penske and Budget allow you to rent a larger truck or cargo van to transport your own shipment. You will load and unload the truck before returning it to a local branch. Most nationwide moving truck providers offer locations in all 50 U.S. states for a more convenient return.
While this method of moving is affordable, it comes with a few limitations. You must do your own loading and heavy lifting, which can become dangerous with heavy items. This is especially true if you’re planning a senior or military move, which might require specialized loading. You must also have a license and insurance to qualify for and drive a moving truck rental, which is a Class D motor vehicle. If your license is expired or suspended, this option is not available to you.
To help you get an idea of how DIY move pricing varies from full-service moves, we requested rental truck pricing for a 20-inch or 22-inch truck from U-Haul and Penske. Both movers charge a flat rate per mile or day, meaning your price will directly relate to your home size and moving distance.
To give you an idea of pricing, we requested the following quotes for a move from Austin, Texas, to Salt Lake City, Utah, for a five-day rental period.
| Distance | U-Haul | Penske |
|---|---|---|
| 1,300 miles | $280 deposit plus $0.79 per mile | $2,700 for unlimited mileage |
Shipping Container Companies
There are some situations when you won’t be able to drive yourself to your new home, even if saving money is your priority. For example, if you don’t have a driver’s license and need to move at the last minute, you would have to rely on a friend or family member with a truck to help. In these instances, affordable shipping container companies such as PODS and U-Pack can provide affordable, convenient options.
After reviewing pricing and booking your move date, the company will deliver an empty moving container to your home. These containers are level to the ground, allowing you to load things such as boxes and furniture. When you’re finished, the moving company will pick up the container and transport it to your new home.
Shipping containers are a competitively priced moving option, allowing you to save on labor costs by loading your own shipment. We requested pricing on a few sample routes from U-Pack to give you an idea of what you might pay for container moving services.
| Sample Cities | Distance | U-Pack Moving Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock, Ark., to Austin, Texas | Less than 1,000 miles | $2,783 |
| Austin, Texas, to Salt Lake City, Utah | 1,000 -1,500 miles | $4,334 |
| Austin, Texas, to Cutchogue, N.Y. | 1,500-2,000 or more miles | $3,442 |
How To Select a Reputable Moving Company
Finding a reputable mover can seem like a daunting process — after all, you do not want to leave your possessions with an untrustworthy team. It’s important to review both federal licensure status and previous customer reviews to ensure you’re working with a reliable moving company. Paul Schepens, operations manager at Schepens Removals, recommends starting by verifying the mover you’re considering is legally able to provide interstate moves.
“Reputable movers should be licensed and insured,” he said. “Check this early on in your dealings with a company. For interstate moves, companies need a USDOT number. You can verify this number on the FMCSA website.”
Previous customer reviews can provide you with insight into the type of moving experience you might receive when booking with a particular mover. Schepens encourages movers to explore multiple third-party websites before booking their move.
“Check out review platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB),” he said. “Look for consistent positive feedback and watch out for how the company responds to negative reviews. A reputable company won’t yell at or argue with customers.”
Finally, watch out for obvious signs of moving scams, which are more common than many homeowners realize. A lack of FMCSA registration, pricing that seems too good to be true, and companies that offer moving estimates without seeing your shipment or connecting on the phone are common signs of moving scams.
“It’s a big red flag if a company demands a large deposit upfront,” said Schpens. “Likewise, if a company turns up with unmarked trucks or doesn’t have a physical address, these are all the warning signs of a scam.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Moving Companies
The cheapest option to move long-distance is usually to plan a DIY move, rent a moving truck by the hour or mile, and provide your own moving labor and packing services. If you aren’t able to drive your own truck, a moving container service can offer an affordable alternative to professional movers.
The average moving company charges $40 to $80 per hour per mover, based on our market research. The larger your home and the further you move, the more movers you may need for the job.
When you hire a moving company, you can enjoy a safer and more convenient move. Movers handle the tough task of loading items, which can put your back or muscles at risk if you’ve had a strain or hernia in the past. Movers can also pack your things, offering a faster process overall.
If you have a larger home, you may have trouble fitting all of your things into your personal vehicle. In these instances, you may want to hire a local moving company to help you get into your new location. Local movers are often more affordable than long-distance movers, with a cost between $40 and $80 per hour.
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Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Moving Companies
Our team created a comprehensive moving company methodology based on industry standards and customer experience to rank service providers. We called each moving company to speak with representatives, simulated the quote process online and over the phone as applicable, reviewed each company’s contents protection plans, and examined customer reviews. Based on a 100-point scale, we gave each provider a score out of five stars. We used 10 key factors to score providers, which included an analysis of Moving Services, Additional Services, Payment Process, Contents Protection Plans, Scheduling Process, Moving Trailer and Container Sizes, State Availability, Additional Benefits, Reputation, and Type of Mover.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.com.
