Best Moving and Storage Companies (Updated April 2025)

Why Hire Professional Movers?

Packing up your life and moving to a new location can be both an exciting and stressful journey, and while it does offer a new opportunity for adventure, it also requires significant planning and organization in order for it to be successful. From figuring out what items you want to take with you, to physically packing, loading, and transporting the endless stack of boxes, moving is far from quick or easy, and most end up feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks involved. Thankfully, doing it all completely on your own isn’t the only option available, and while some people may feel tempted to save some money through a DIY move, the reality is that professional movers can provide invaluable support that often justifies the cost. With their years of experience, hands-on training, and access to industry-grade equipment, professional moving companies strive to turn your moving day struggles into a seamless process, allowing you to enjoy the experience, without any of the usual stress or hassle involved.

By entrusting your belongings to the professionals, you no longer need to worry about time-consuming tasks such as loading trucks or actually driving, and not only will they accomplish all of this for you, they will also ensure everything is completed quickly and efficiently. Forget weekend-long marathons of packing and lifting, your team will streamline every part of the process from start to finish, and they can help you meet your required timeline, whatever it may be. Whether you’re moving only a few streets over, or you’ve decided to relocate to the other side of the country, the right team will manage every detail with expertise and precision, and they thoroughly understand the intricacies involved, regardless of distance. Perfect for individuals who need to switch apartments, families upgrading to a bigger home, or even businesses opening up a new office, professional movers offer tailored solutions for each customer they work with, and they are equipped to tackle all types of jobs, while always ensuring disruptions and stress are kept to a minimum. 

Should You Choose a Carrier or Broker?

When it comes to hiring professional movers, there are a few options available to you, and it’s important that you understand exactly what you’re selecting so you can walk away satisfied with the services you pay for. Depending on where you’re located and the specifics of your move, you’ll most likely be choosing between either a direct carrier or a broker, and both have their own unique advantages and drawbacks for you to consider. The key difference between the two mainly comes down to who actually handles your belongings come moving day, with carriers taking on that responsibility themselves, and brokers facilitating a connection between you and one of their chosen carriers instead. Although both options ensure that your belongings get from Point A to Point B on the day of the relocation, who your main point of contact is, the level of service you receive, and how customizable your options are can vary significantly between the two, ultimately impacting your overall moving experience and satisfaction. 

Moving Company

If you’re someone who prefers having a direct line of communication with the team you’ve hired, opting for a moving carrier may be your best choice, as this option allows you to choose a company yourself, speak directly with them, and hold them accountable throughout the process. Boasting their own fleet of transport vehicles, and with their own in-house team of employees, a carrier will manage every aspect of your move on their own, from start to finish, and they will be available to answer any questions you have, or assist with a claim should that be necessary. The downside to carriers, however, is that hiring a team directly doesn’t guarantee you’re getting the lowest price possible, and unless you are requesting multiple quotes from different companies, you might miss out on potential savings. Additionally, carriers are only able to offer a set list of services for you to select from, which may limit how much you’re able to customize your move, and you may find they have less flexibility and availability when it comes to dates.

Moving Broker

Acting as middleman between you and the actual carrier, a broker works to find you the best moving company for your unique needs, and while they won’t be the one’s actually loading or transporting your belongings, they will coordinate the logistics of your relocation on your behalf. The main benefit of a moving broker is they will strive to find you the best deal possible when it comes to price, and not only can they instantly compare multiple carriers at once, they will leverage their industry connections to negotiate better rates and terms. On top of the lower pricing, brokers provide significantly greater flexibility, making them a smart choice for those with a tight deadline, or who want to add-on extra services such as packing or storage. With that said, a broker won’t actually be on site for your moving day, and if you have an issue or concern, it can be more challenging to have that addressed in a timely manner. This is why it’s important to select a reputable broker should you opt to go this route, as any breakdown in communication can be problematic and quite frustrating. 

Are Your Movers Licensed & Insured?

Regardless of whether you ultimately choose to go with a direct carrier or a broker, it’s essential that whoever you hire has the correct licensing and insurance for the job, as both of these things are necessary for ensuring a safe and reliable moving experience. Before you ever select a company or sign any contracts, you’ll want to do your due diligence to verify a company's credentials, and this includes looking up their DOT number, as well as reviewing their individual insurance policies. Although this part of the process can be a bit tedious, you absolutely do not want to skip this crucial step, as the correct licensing and insurance is your main safety net that protects you financially. Should something happen during transport that leads to your belongings being damaged, a robust insurance policy will help to cover the costs associated with repairs or replacements, giving you much-needed peace of mind and confidence throughout the process. 

If you’re unsure about how to verify credentials, there are a few simple steps you can follow, and the best way to double-check your carrier or broker’s legitimacy is to:

1. Look-up the DOT number: Most carriers prominently display their issued DOT number directly on their website, but if you’re not able to view it that way, you can always visit the FMCSA website to confirm a company’s registration and check for potential safety violations.
2. Request Insurance Documents: All moving companies and brokers should have proof of insurance that they can provide to you, and this will detail what’s covered, reimbursement limits, and even the process for filing a claim.
3. Review Customer Feedback: While it may not provide you with details about licensing and insurance, customer feedback can give you greater insight into legitimacy, reliability, and overall quality of service, so make sure you take the time to thoroughly research each carrier or broker to see what others are saying about their experience. 

What are the Different Types of Quotes?

Once you’ve settled on a potential company, the next stage of the process is going to be acquiring a personalized quote, which will take into consideration the size of your move, the distance, and any additional services you require. Since no two moves are exactly the same, a quote can give you a better understanding of the total cost you can expect to pay, and it will help reduce the risk of potential surprises or added fees come moving day. However, not all moving carriers or brokers issue the same type of quote, and some quotes can be significantly more accurate than others. Before agreeing to a price, you’ll want to ensure you fully understand the type of quote you're receiving, and this could include options such as:

• Non-Binding: A non-binding estimate is a general approximation based on the details you provide to the company, and it tends to be the least accurate, as well as the lowest. Although a non-binding quote can give you a rough idea of pricing, the final cost won’t be calculated until your actual moving day, which is when your belongings will be loaded and weighed. With non-binding quotes, you can typically expect to pay more than what you’re initially quoted, and you should be prepared for that if you go this route.

• Binding: If you’re looking to avoid any costly surprises on your moving day then a binding quote is one of the smartest choices, as this accurate estimation guarantees that you will not pay more than what you were initially told. In order to accomplish this accuracy, most moving carriers will complete an in-home evaluation prior to you signing your contract, and this will allow them to assess the volume and weight prior to actually loading and unloading your belongings. 

• Not-to-Exceed: Offering a bit of middle-ground between a binding and non-binding quote, a not-to-exceed estimate provides you with a maximum price that you are guaranteed not to pay more than, however, the cost could be lower come moving day. With a bit more flexibility, these popular quotes ensure you are only at risk for happy surprises once you receive your final bill, and should your belongings weigh less than expected, you’ll be able to take advantage of those savings.

How Far In Advance Should You Book?

When it comes to hiring professional movers, the more time you provide the better, and securing their services in advance can not only save you potential stress, it could save you some money as well. Last minute relocations are always going to be the most expensive as they often require more resources and limit your options, not to mention the fact that many carriers charge additional service fees for the convenience. In order to avoid this, it is recommended that you try and schedule your move about 3 months in advance if possible, as this timeframe will enable you to compare quotes, research different carriers, and secure your preferred moving dates without any unnecessary hassle. However, if you’re only learning about your move a few weeks before you need it completed, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options, and in those cases, it’s almost always best to work with a broker as they can find you available carriers quickly and easily. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Movers?

The main reason people choose to move on their own is cost, and while it can be significantly more stressful and time-consuming, a DIY move is almost always going to be less expensive upfront. However, once you start to factor in the time you’ll need to take off work, the supplies you’ll need to purchase, the gas, and the wear-and-tear on your vehicle, those initial savings aren’t always as significant as they might seem, making professional movers a much more appealing choice overall. But how much you ultimately spend will vary, and an individual moving into a 1-bedroom apartment will have very different costs than a large family relocating to a 5-bedroom home. On top of size, distance also plays a key role, and moving a few streets over won’t be nearly as expensive as moving across the country. Because of the range of factors involved, pricing can be anywhere from $800 up to around $5,000+, depending on the specifics of your unique situation. This is why it is always recommended that you reach out to different carriers, or a broker, in order to request a personalized quote, as this is the only way to know for sure how much your own move will cost. 

Ultimately, the choice between a DIY move and professional movers is a personal one, influenced primarily by your budget, your preferences, and your own circumstances. In order to make the right decision, the best thing you can do is to take your time, review your options, and ask questions at each stage, and by putting in the effort to research and gather information, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision that you feel confident about.