Homeowners who live in larger properties often dread the moving process. When you own a larger home, you’ll need to schedule more time for everything from transportation to packing up your home and from taking apart furniture to arranging your new home. If you’re moving more things or you’re moving on a shorter timeline, you might want to consider working with a full-service moving company.
Full-service moving companies provide more services than you would expect from a standard team of movers. Depending on the moving company you choose, your full-service moving team might be able to help you:
- Pack your household goods
- Unpack your things upon arrival
- Disassemble furniture to prevent damage during the move
- Unpack your belongings at your new property
- Arrange storage facilities for items in transit
- And much more
We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you learn more about full-service moving in your area and some of the best movers offering streamlined moving assistance.
The 7 Best Full-Service Moving Companies
Our top recommended full-service moving companies for 2023:
- International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
- American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing
- Moving APT: Most Moving Partners
- JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience
- Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options
- U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service
- North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options
Compare The Best Cheap Moving Companies
| Company | Website | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost |
| International Van Lines | Site | Best Full-Service Mover | 9.8 | B | $600 – $1,200 |
| American Van Lines | Site | Most Transparent Pricing | 9.7 | N/A | $500 – $1,000 |
| Moving APT | Site | Most Moving Partners | 9.6 | B | |
| JK Moving Services | Site | Most Customizable Moving Experience | 9.5 | A+ | Call for a quote |
| Allied Van Lines | Site | Most Vehicle Shipping Options | 9.4 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 |
| U-Pack | Site | Most Widely-Available Container Service | 9.3 | A+ | N/A |
| North American Van Lines | Site | Best Pricing Options | 9.2 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 |
International Van Lines
Why We Recommend International Van Lines
International Van Lines is one of the best-known and well respected full-service moving companies in the country. They offer full-service moving plans to all fifty states as well as to over 150 countries worldwide. IVL offers long-distance moves to anywhere in the country and they can ship items over land, air, and sea. International Van Lines also provides storage solutions at your destination should you need them. Because IVL is a full-service mover, you can sign up for a package that is specific to your moving needs, as simple or as detailed as you need. You can opt to have IVL movers handle your move from start to finish, including furniture disassembly and reassembly at your destination, fragile-only packing, or simply providing packing supplies such as tape, padding, and boxes.
International Van Lines has its own software called MoveOne so that you can get a free quote right from your cell phone. Developed during the pandemic, this software allows you to give a virtual walkthrough of your home to an IVL representative so that they can give you a quick and accurate quote, all through simply using your cell phone. Of course, you can also have a traditional in-person walkthrough to determine your moving requirements and the quote as well.
Pros & Cons of International Van Lines
Pros
- Free storage included on some select long-distance moves
- Newsweek awarded IVL their Best Customer Service Award for 2022
- Helpful guide to extra fees on website
- First flight of stairs is free
- Offers international moves
Cons
- Only a few local branches throughout several states, so IVL contracts a good portion of services out to other long-distance moving companies
Services Offered
IVL is a full-service moving company. This means that IVL offers services above and beyond what you’d typically find with standard local movers. IVL currently allows its customers to book the following services and special moving processes:
- Packing services
- Unpacking services
- Loading and unloading services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Crating
- Specialized packing services for fragile items
- Storage solutions for both short-term and long-term periods
- Packing supplies
- Auto transportation services
- Military moving services
- Commercial moving services
How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?
Like most long-distance movers, IVL uses a combination of factors to determine the pricing of your move. To help you get a better idea of what you might expect to pay for services from IVL, we’ve collected pricing information from previous customers and summarized what we’ve found. Take a look at the chart below to learn more about IVL’s pricing before you get your free quote with the link below.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,400 to $4,400 | $1,900 to $4,900 | $2,100 to $5,100 | $2,400 to $5,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,200 to $6,200 | $5,100 to $8,100 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $6,200 to $9,200 |
State Availability: All 50 states
Get a quote from IVL here.
American Van Lines
Why We Recommend American Van Lines
American Van Lines is a full-service mover that has predictable flat-rate pricing. This is fairly uncommon in the moving industry and one thing that sets American Van Lines apart from its competitors. Along with your full-service moving plan, you can also count on American Van Lines to provide an accurate inventory of each individual item that they pack up. They also individually wrap and pack everything to prevent damage during transit. Along with flat-rate pricing, American Van Lines handpicks movers who have special packing certifications.
Afraid of finding a more affordable quote with another moving company? American Van Lines also offers a price matching policy to its customers. If you can find a more affordable local moving quote with a competing, reputable moving company, American’s team will match it and provide you with the most advantageous price. This helps you get top-quality services at the best prices available.
Pros & Cons of American Van Lines
Pros
- Uses fuel-efficient vehicles and green company facilities
- Price-matching guarantee
- Binding estimates
- Climate-controlled storage units offered
Cons
- No quotes or ballpark estimates available
- More expensive than competitors (so take advantage of price matching)
Services Offered
American Van Lines currently allows its customers to book the following services and special moving processes:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Storage unit arrangement
- Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Crating for large items (like pianos)
- Moving supplies
- Office moving services and corporate relocation
- Military moves
How Much Does American Van Lines Cost?
Take a look at the chart below to learn more about American Van Lines’ pricing before you get your free quote with the link below.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,700 to $4,700 | $2,300 to $5,300 | $2,600 to $5,600 | $4,200 to $7,200 |
| Four-bedroom home | $4,800 to $7,800 | $5,600 to $8,600 | $7,400 to $10,400 | $10,800 to $13,800 |
State Availability: 48 States
Get a quote from American Van Lines here.
Moving APT
Why We Recommend Moving APT
Moving APT is not a full-service moving company itself, but as a broker, it can connect you with the perfect full-service mover for your needs. Whether you’re in New York or San Francisco, Phoenix, or Atlanta — Moving APT has 2,500 partners all over the country and they can find you a full-service moving company that will work for you and your family.
Moving APT’s team prides itself on retaining a comprehensive rolodex of partner companies around the country. They use these connections to pair you with the perfect moving company for your needs depending on the type of services you’re looking for. This helps you find the right movers and score a discount on your moving process without spending hours online comparing quotes and speaking with representatives.
Pros & Cons of Moving APT
Pros
- Facilitated over half a million moves
- Discounts for seniors and short-distance moves
- Offers binding estimates
- Price matching available
Cons
- Sometimes the cost of the move is as same as going with a moving company directly
- Services available will vary by location
Services Offered
Moving APT currently allows its customers to book the following services and special moving processes:
- Commercial and residential moving
- Piano moving
- Auto shipping
- Packing services
- Packing supplies (included for some moves)
- Appliance connection services
- Limited furniture disassembly and reassembly
Keep in mind that Moving APT does not actually provide the moving services that it schedules. This means that available services will vary depending on your move route and the company you’re partnered with. Additional services may be found upon request.
How Much Does Moving APT Cost?
Moving APT does not currently provide online quotes due to its highly personalized quote process. As a general example of Moving APT’s pricing, a recent 1,000-mile move for a four-bedroom home was quoted at a price of $7,800 from Moving APT, which is about in line with competitors. Click the link below to get your free quote from Moving APT.
State Availability: All 50 States
Get a quote from Moving APT here.
JK Moving Services
Why We Recommend JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services is one of our top picks for full-service moves because they offer truly every type of moving service you might need. JK Moving Services has the most customizable types of moves out there, including traditional full-service moves, fragile-only moves, and vehicle transportation. They offer long-term storage services complete with video surveillance, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your items are safe in transit. When you sign up for an online quote, you are matched with a personal moving coordinator from JK who will help you execute every step of your move. The process begins with preliminary online quotes, and then the personal moving coordinator will do an in-person walkthrough at your home to give you the final accurate quote.
JK Moving Services is one of the best moving companies for local moving, long-distance moving, corporate relocation services, and commercial moving. You name it and the company offers stress-free service options for any kind of move you need. Although JK Moving Services is typically more expensive than other full-service movers, they offer financing on each and every move so you can turn your total cost into easy monthly payments.
Pros & Cons of JK Moving Services
Pros
- GPS tracking on all shipments
- 24/7 customer service on JK’s mobile app
- Fully electric truck fleet
- Supports wildlife sanctuary and community gardens
Cons
- Quoting process is more intense than other moving companies; must be in-person to be completely accurate
- Pricier than competitors
Services Offered
JK Moving Services currently allows its customers to book the following services and special moving processes:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Loading and unloading services
- Long-term and short-term storage unit arrangement
- Transportation and delivery
- Freighting
- Crating
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly services
- Specialty services for items like antiques and pianos
- Specialized services for commercial moves for law firms, hospitals and other specialized workplaces
- Government moving services
- Archive services
- Auto relocation services
Don’t see a service that you know you’ll need? In many cases, a representative will be able to offer or source the services on your behalf, so don’t be afraid to ask when you get your quote.
How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost?
Like Moving APT, JK Moving Services does not offer pricing before consulting with a moving professional. As a general statement on pricing, you can usually expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,500 when you move a two-bedroom home a total distance of 500 miles. Be sure to click on the link below to get your free quote before you book your move date with JK Moving Services or a competitor.
State Availability: All lower-48 states.
Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.
Allied Van Lines
Why We Recommend Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines is another full-service mover with a great reputation for providing fast, quality services. Allied Van Lines provides a full collection of moving services, including packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking services as well as appliance disconnection and reinstallation. If you’re doing a DIY move, they can even help you coordinate and execute that by helping you come up with a plan and providing you with packing supplies and a moving checklist. They also provide services for custom crating for items like electronics and motorcycles that don’t fit into traditional ready-made boxes or totes.
Allied also has awesome storage options — they provide 90 days of free storage at your destination, and you can extend this timeframe if you need to. Allied is one of the best long-distance moving companies to hire because of its extensive list of service options as well as its 85 years of experience. They will even cover the cost of a rental vehicle if your shipment arrives late.
Pros & Cons of Allied Van Lines
Pros
- Moves available in all fifty states and 130 countries
- Loading and unloading included in all moves
- Shuttle services that can move your stuff to an Allied moving truck if your house is inaccessible for a large vehicle
- Service to donate unwanted items to Salvation Army
Cons
- No affordable options for short-term service
- Online quoting process is inaccurate; it’s best to schedule an over-the-phone or in-person walkthrough to get a quote.
Services Offered
Allied Van Lines currently allows its customers to book the following services and special moving processes:
- Packing services and unpacking services
- Fragile-only packing
- Storage for in-transit items
- Arrangement of long-term storage units
- Shipment tracking
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Auto and boat transport
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-value coverage
How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?
Take a look at the chart below to learn more about Allied Van Lines’ pricing before you get your free quote with the link below.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
State Availability: All 50 states
Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.
U-Pack
Why We Recommend U-Pack
U-Pack is not a full-service mover itself; it is a moving container service. First, determine how large your shipment of household goods will be and decide when you want to move. You can then check out U-Pack’s container and moving options. You have the option of using ReloCubes, which are U-Pack’s aluminum-framed containers the size of a small parking space, or a moving trailer. Once you order your preferred container or containers, a U-Pack driver will drop it or them off at your house. You then pack up your items yourself and load them into the container. Once you’re finished, the driver will return, pick up your moving containers, and whisk them away to your destination.
Although this is a DIY packing and loading moving container service, U-Pack does have a forum called Moving Staffers. This is a network of professionals offering their services and labor in exchange for payment, and you can use this resource to hire packers and movers if you choose. This combination of individually sourced moving labor and affordable online bookings can make U-Pack a great choice for anyone looking for an easier move.
Pros & Cons of U-Pack
Pros
- Affordable moving option
- You have control over packing and loading your belongings
- You only pay for the square footage you use
- Transparent fees, easy quoting process online
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Cons
- You only have three days to pack and load, and three days to unload
- All moves must be over 200 miles
Services Offered
U-Pack currently allows its customers to book the following services and special moving processes:
- Long distance moving container services (200-mile distance or more)
- Storage solutions
How Much Does U-Pack Cost?
Take a look at the chart below to learn more about U-Pack’s’ pricing before you get your free quote with the link below.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $600 to $1,600 | $1,200 to $2,200 | $1,600 to $2,600 | $2,100 to $3,100 |
| Four-bedroom home | $800 to $1,800 | $1,800 to $2,800 | $2,800 to $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
State Availability: All 50 States
Get a quote from U-Pack here.
North American Van Lines
Why We Recommend North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines is a full-service mover that has been moving companies and households across the country and the world since 1933. They have over 500 locations across the U.S., and they offer local moving services as well as cross-country and long-distance moves. In fact, they specialize in long-distance moves, offering fragile-only packing and storage services if you need them.
North American Van Lines offers appliance installation and even simply packing consultations if you’d like to do a DIY move. They also offer a moving container service called BlueExpress, as well as vehicle transport. Another comprehensive option for full-service moving, you’ll find flexible pricing and all the services you need through North American Van Lines’ team.
Pros & Cons of North American Van Lines
Pros
- Developed driver simulator to train in driving safety and protocol
- WorldTrac GPS technology can track your shipment
- A+ BBB rating
- Donates to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and to Move for Hunger
Cons
- Many customers have reported damage to their items
- Storage options are limited and vary based on each local office and its facilities.
Services Offered
North American Van Lines currently allows its customers to book the following services and special moving processes:
- Full-service packing
- Fragile-only packing
- Boxes and moving supplies
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Custom crates
- Loading and unloading
- Crane vans for large items
- Storage
- Auto transport
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-valuation coverage
How Much Does North American Van Lines Cost?
Take a look at the chart below to learn more about North American Van Lines’ pricing before you get your free quote with the link below.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
State Availability: All 50 States
Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.
What To Look for In Full-Service Movers
We’ve given several suggestions for our favorite full-service moving companies, but how do you know which is the best for you? Here are several things you should consider when choosing the moving company to help you move to your new home.
- Proper license and registration: Companies that do residential moving or corporate relocations cross-country or across state lines need to have the approval of the FMCSA, or the “Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.” This is a government body that vets and inspects moving companies and freight transporters to make sure there are no red flags in their practices and policies, and so that consumers are protected from moving company scams and fraud. The moving company you choose should also have a current license, which you can verify by asking for the company’s USDOT number. If you need the company to move fragile items like pianos or antiques, their staff should also have the proper training and certification for packing and moving these items.
- Budget-friendly: The cost of your move is an important factor in which company you end up trusting with your moving experience. When choosing a local moving company or a long-distance moving company, you’ve got to compare them to each other to see which of them gives you the best value services for the quote they provide. One tip is that if they give you a quote that’s too good to be true, it most likely is. Do some research about the average price for your distance move so you can go into the quoting process with a more well-rounded idea of how much your move should reasonably cost.
- Customer satisfaction: Customer reviews aren’t everything, but they are certainly helpful and they can point you toward a reputable full-service mover or they can dissuade you from going with one whose reputation is questionable. Take bad reviews with a grain of salt, but do pay attention if they start to repeat themselves. Find third parties who give their two cents about the companies as well — don’t only use the reviews you’ll find on the moving company’s website.
What Costs Are Involved with Full-Service Movers?
There are upfront quotes that movers will give you, but then there are often extra costs for add-on services or sometimes there are even hidden fees that the mover may not let you know about until later. You definitely want to be aware of moving companies that try to add fees to your moving cost without letting you know, but some of these are unavoidable because moving is simply an expensive process. Here are a few costs you’ll need to consider when booking your long-distance move.
- Extra fees: These are costs like flights of stairs (some movers charge around $100 for every flight of stairs their staff needs to navigate), bulky items (think pianos, hot tubs), or appliance installation. This can also include other specialty items besides hot tubs and pianos such as pool tables or large electronics. Remember that every extra service you schedule with your moving process can increase the total price you pay to move.
- Insurance: Any professional movers that do cross-country moves or even interstate moves need to provide a minimum of sixty cents per pound per item of coverage upon damage or loss. This is the absolute bare necessity for companies to offer. However, you can opt for full valuation coverage for an extra fee. This is where insurance costs can raise the overall cost of your move.
- General quote: The average cost of a full-service move is around $3,000 to $4,500, and this cost is dependent upon several factors. What is the mileage of your move? How much square footage does your shipment occupy in the moving vehicle? How heavy is your stuff? Are there any other items like the ones mentioned above that would cause your moving cost to increase? Fuel costs, labor costs, vehicle maintenance, customer service representatives, insurance, tolls, and unforeseen delays (traffic, road work, schedule change) all add up to create the quote you’re given.
You’ve found a mover for your project and are ready to start signing contracts. Not so fast — before booking, watch this video to learn about common moving scams to look out for when choosing a moving company:
Final Thoughts
As you can see, booking a major moving process can be an expensive endeavor. Be sure to get a quote from at least three competing moving service providers before you lock in your final quote and book your moving date. Comparing estimates between companies helps ensure that you get the best deal possible on your full-service move while also locking down all of the services you need to move stress-free.
FAQs About Full-Service Movers
Should I just rent a moving truck?
If you’re considering a DIY move, renting a moving truck is one of the most affordable options. Bear in mind that you need to drive it yourself, so if you’re comfortable with driving a large vehicle or towing a moving trailer behind you, it’s a great option.
How much does a full-service move cost?
The average cost of moving a two-bedroom house 500 miles is $3,500. The average cost to move a two-bedroom house 1,000 miles is $4,300. If your house is larger, you can expect this average to increase. If you’re moving a studio, you can expect to pay much less, perhaps around $1,000 for a full-service move long distance.
What kind of insurance does a full-service mover have?
The minimum insurance moving companies use is released value, which simply covers sixty cents per pound per item that is lost or damaged. You can choose more expensive insurance if you want to add more protection. For example, full valuation coverage of all your belongings is typically around one to two percent of the overall moving cost.
Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
- Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
- Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
- Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
- Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
- Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.
