How do I choose a relocation company?

When you’re moving, the right moving company can make your move less stressful. The best movers have plenty of experience, are licensed and insured, and offer a variety of add-on services like appliance installation and unpacking. When selecting a moving company, shop around and read reviews. Then compare quotes from several companies to find the best value. And don’t be afraid to ask for discounts, such as a lower initial rate or additional storage space.

If you’re moving across the country, you’ll want to choose a full-service mover that can do it all—packing and loading, transporting, and furniture assembly. Some national movers are direct carriers, while others are brokers that handle the logistics of your move but usually hand you off to third-party carriers for the actual transport. In either case, be sure the company is registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and adheres to strict insurance minimums.

Local moves are the bread and butter of many moving companies, so it’s important to choose a well-established company with plenty of references in your area. Check out online review platforms and reach out to your friends, family members, and neighbors. Doormen and superintendents of apartment buildings in cities such as New York can also be good resources for recommending movers they’ve worked with.

Unlike long-distance movers, local movers tend to offer a wide range of service options for any size of move. For example, some offer free packing services to ensure your items are safe for the trip and protect you from extra charges on moving day. Other companies offer specialized services for high-value items, such as antiques and artwork.

The most popular moving companies include Allied Van Lines and Atlas Van Lines. They offer a wide range of moving options and are backed by excellent BBB ratings. Allied offers competitive pricing and transparent pricing for logistical challenges such as stair climbing and bulky item moving, while Atlas has an A+ rating with the BBB and is one of few local movers that offer free storage and vehicle transport.

Another top pick is Interstate International, a full-service mover that specializes in global relocations. Its customer reviews rave about the company’s flexibility, transparency, and communication. Its streamlined process makes it easy to get a ballpark estimate through an online calculator or a phone call, and you can schedule an in-home survey for more accurate pricing.

Interstate International is also the only mover we analyzed that provides a complete international moving package. Its experienced staff and dedicated account managers can take care of the paperwork for moves to or from any country, including customs clearance. They can even assist with obtaining visas for family members and pets. The company is licensed and insured to transport in-bound and out-of-state shipments, and it boasts both FAIM quality certification from the FIDI and membership in the International Association of Movers. Beware, however, that a move to or from a different country requires additional paperwork and can incur fees.