A gun safe is an obstructive and heavy item that can be difficult to move on your own. The average small gun safe weighs around 600 pounds, and some commercial-grade gun safes can even weigh more than 5,000 pounds. If you aren’t trained in proper lifting techniques, attempting to move a gun safe that’s too heavy for your frame can result in everything from mild hernias to serious, lifelong back injuries.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
Professional movers know how to move exceptionally heavy items like gun safes without damage to the safe or injuries. If you’re moving with a gun safe, you may want to consider hiring a gun safe mover so you don’t have any accidents on moving day. Explore a few of the best companies for moving a gun safe and learn more about pricing using our comprehensive guide below.
The 9 Best Gun Safe Movers
Our top recommended gun-safe movers for 2023:
Compare The Best Gun Safe Movers
Company | Best For | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-distance Cost |
 | Best Full-Service | B | $650–$1350 | $2,100–$5,400 | |
 | Most Transparent Pricing | B- | $550–$1,100 | $2,550–$5,700 | |
 | Best Cost Estimation Tools | B | $700 - $1,250 | $1,800 - $4980 | |
 | Best Flat-Rate | Not Rated | Not available for local moves | $2,200–$5,500 | |
 | Most Moving | B | Call for a quote | $2,750–$5,200 | |
 | Most Customizable | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750–$6,000 | |
 | Best Vehicle | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Pricing | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Technology | A+ | Call for quote | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Container Service | A+ | Not available for local moves | $1,350–$2,400 | |
 | Best Valuation Coverage Options | A+ | $1,200-$2,750 | $3,100-$8,400 |
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
International Van Lines (IVL) can help you with your long-distance move, local move, or even an overseas relocation. IVL is one of the best-known moving companies in the world, as they facilitate an average of 20,000 moves each year. IVL has received Forbes’ Best Moving Company Award in 2022 and 2021, and IVL is proud of its reputation for great customer service. When you move with IVL, you can also schedule a wide range of full-service a la carte options, such as heavy item moving, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and short-term storage.
International Van Lines can use their professional know-how to transport your heavy gun safe safely and correctly wherever it needs to go. If you’re ready to move to your new destination but your new home isn’t quite ready yet, IVL has free storage options available for most long-distance moves. Overall, IVL can be a strong choice if you’re looking for convenience and experience first on the day of your move.
IVL operates as a full-service moving company. This means that you can expect more services from IVL’s team than you would from a standard moving company. International Van Lines can currently schedule the following services for its customers:
- Packing and 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
Most moving companies take two major factors into consideration when pricing your move:
- The distance you’re traveling (longer moves are more expensive)
- The size of the home that you’re moving (larger homes cost more to move)
To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from IVL, we’ve summarized past customer pricing data using the chart 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 |
50 states
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
American Van Lines (AVL) has over thirty years of experience relocating families and corporations across the country. One of the things that set American Van Lines apart from other full-service movers is their flat-rate pricing system. You will not be surprised by hidden fees or costs that “pop up” during the moving process — you will always know exactly what you’re paying. The only way your moving quote will change is if you add new services to your moving plan.
American Van Lines has moving teams that can move your gun safe to its new location efficiently. American Van Lines movers are certified in packing nearly everything for ordinary moves as well as specialty moves. Because of American Van Lines’ flat-rate moving costs, they are motivated to provide quick and excellent service meaning that you can expect a high level of efficiency and speed when you move with AVL.
American Van Lines can currently schedule the following services for its customers:
- 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
To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from AVL, we’ve collected and summarized past customer pricing data using the chart 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 |
48 states
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
4.2
Our Rating
As a brokerage company with a wide selection of vetted, licensed, and pre-screened partners, Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) provides some of the best long-distance moving options. If you’re a military service member looking for a Personally Procured Move (PPM), IMRG is an optimal choice, as it offers packing services that stand up to military inspection and transportation for military equipment and vehicles.
IMRG possesses a wide selection of partners that provide the following services:
- Packing
- Disassembly and reassembly
- Vehicle transportation
- Furniture moving
- Piano and antique moving
- GPS tracking
- Junk removal
When working with IMRG, it can connect you with moving companies that offer:
- Local moves larger than 50 miles
- Self-service moves (such as PODS)
- Interstate moves
- Military moves
- Corporate and commercial moves
- Cross-country moves
- Long-distance moves
When hiring a moving company, several key factors impact the price of your final bill. The most important is your trip’s distance and the cargo amount. According to IMRG’s pricing, you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,500 to move a one-bedroom house worth of goods about 1,000 miles. This price jumps to between $3,500 and $4,200 for a two-bedroom home.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group has branches in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver, Boston, Chicago, and New York. Thanks to its extensive network of partners, it can connect customers to moving companies in all 50 states.
Safeway Moving
4.1
Our Rating
If you’re in the market for a relocation with somewhat diverse service requirements, then Safeway may be one of your best choices. This provider partners with numerous moving companies in each state, meaning that its service offerings are as diverse as those of its partners in any given area. This can include gun safe moves, outdoor furniture, playscape disassembly, piano moving, car shipping, and more.
We love that Safeway is a partner of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Not only will you be treated to a flat fee for your move, but you’re also assured that a portion of this bill will be donated to St. Jude to fund its mission.
Safeway’s qualified moving partners offer a range of services across all locations. If you’re in the market for more specialty add-ons, then a thorough visual estimate will be needed to assess your exact needs. Safeway can provide you with this and facilitate the following relocation services:
- Long-distance relocations
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Packing materials (as a retailer)
- Short and long-term storage
- Piano moving
- Gun safe moving
- Car shipping
- Commercial relocations
- Liability insurance
- Full valuation coverage
- And more
Your rate with Safeway Moving Systems will depend on your move distance, shipping weight and inventory, and add-on service requirements. Gun safe moving costs will vary with the size of the safe itself. You can expect added fees if special equipment is required to remove your safe from a garage or basement.
| 250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,100 – $5,100 | $2,200 – $5,200 | $2,700 – $5,700 |
| 4 BR | $3,200 – $6,200 | $4,700 – $6,700 | $5,500 – $7,500 | $7,800 – $10,800 |
50 states
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Moving APT, unlike the other companies on this list, is a moving services broker rather than a moving company itself. If you need someone to move your gun safe competently and for a great price, you can count on Moving APT to connect you with the movers in your area who have the right credentials.
Because Moving APT is a broker, it uses its rolodex of moving industry connections to leverage services at your origin and destination. In other words, they do the work of finding the companies that best fit your needs and they get a percentage of the moving cost paid by the moving company. This model is convenient if you would like to entrust the process of vetting and examining long-distance movers and gun safe moving services to professionals. Moving APT’s goal is to get you the best price on the moving services you need; however, they do offer price matching if you happen to find an offer that is lower than the plan they’ve quoted for you.
Some of the most popular services booked through Moving APT include:
- Commercial and residential moving
- Piano moving
- Auto shipping
- Packing services
- Packing supplies (included for some moves)
- Appliance connection services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Because Moving APT operates as a moving broker, they can find and schedule a number of additional services depending on your carrier and location. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Moving APT to connect with a representative if you have special moving needs.
Moving APT prefers to speak directly with customers before issuing its estimates. 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 other moving companies based on national price data. However, you won’t know exactly what you’ll pay until you get a personalized quote.
50 states
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
Each and every staff member at JK Moving Services received a background check and regular drug tests, allowing you to rest with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your things are in good hands. They also receive annual training to keep on the cutting edge of new developments and techniques in the moving industry. Although JK Moving Services may cost a bit more than its competitors, they are known as the full-service moving company with the most customizable moving plans available. On the off chance that one of their JK staff doesn’t have the special skills needed to execute a part of your move, JK will find someone who can from a mover near you.
JK Moving Services has coordinated over 500,000 moves over the course of the past forty years. They are savvy, experienced, and prepared to move you to your new location with GPS tracking. They even have an option for you to finance your move so that your budget doesn’t stop you from creating the perfect move for you.
JK Moving Services can currently schedule the following services for its customers:
- 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 likes antiques and pianos
- Specialized services for commercial moves for law firms, hospitals and other specialized workplaces
- Government moving services
- Archive services
- Auto relocation services
Like Moving APT, JK Moving Services prefers to consult directly with its customers before issuing a moving estimate. Get in touch with JK Moving Services using the link below to connect with a personal moving coordinator. JK Moving Services assigns a personal moving coordinator to all its potential customers – so you don’t need to make multiple calls to get the right service.
All lower 48 states
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
Allied Van Lines is another full-service moving company with a wealth of features we find impressive, such as its free quote offered virtually or in person. Another great service Allied offers is their vehicle guarantee – if your vehicle shipment is late, they will provide you with a rental car free of charge until your vehicle arrives. Because Allied is a full-service mover, you can select a plan that is as detailed or as simple as you need. You can schedule a true full-service move or maybe you only need bulky items like your heavy safe moved; you decide, and Allied professionals will work with you to provide the moving plan that works for you.
Loading and unloading are included in each and every move with Allied Van Lines. Allied has an option for moves where they will take your unneeded items to the Salvation Army for you, allowing you to donate while you lighten your moving shipment. Allied Van Lines can also disconnect, move, and reconnect any appliances you’re taking with you.
Allied Van Lines can currently schedule the following services for its customers:
- 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
To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from Allied’s team, we’ve collected and summarized past customer pricing data using the chart 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 |
All 50 states
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
Unlike most of the contenders on our list, U-Pack isn’t a traditional moving service. As the name suggests, U-Pack is a moving container company that provides you with the freedom to pack and load your items on your own terms while also enjoying professional transportation. This is one of the most affordable ways to move, no matter if your relocation is a few hundred miles away or across the country. All you do is check out U-Pack’s website, choose the container that’s best for your needs, and a U-Pack driver will drop it or them off at your home.
You then have three days to pack and load up the moving container. U-Pack’s ReloCubes are about the size of a small parking space, while rentable moving trailers measure between 10 to 26 feet. You have another three days to unpack and unload once your driver reaches your new home. Keep in mind that attempting to move your gun safe without professional gun safe movers is risky. However, U-Pack has a directory called Moving Staffers that you can peruse and hire professionals with the right training and tools to load your gun safe.
U-Pack can currently schedule the following services for its customers:
- Long-distance moving services
- Storage services
Your move must cover at least 150 miles in distance to use U-Pack’s services.
To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from U-Pack, we’ve collected and summarized past customer pricing data using the chart 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 |
All 50 states
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
North American Van Lines has been a full-service mover for over 80 years. They are dedicated to providing tailored moving plans for each customer’s needs, and they also prioritize driver training and safety. In fact, North American has even created its own driver simulator so drivers can practice safe driving under simulated hazardous road conditions.
North American Van Lines ensures that whatever service you need for your move is provided to you, from packing to appliance installation and from heavy object moving to fragile-only packing. They pride themselves on being a reliable and safe moving company to take your belongings anywhere in the United States or to 175 countries worldwide without breaking the bank. North American Van Lines offers “not to exceed” pricing that helps you closely control what you pay on moving day.
North American Van Lines can currently schedule the following services for its customers:
- 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
To help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services from North American Van Lines, we’ve collected and summarized past customer pricing data from the company using the chart 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 |
All 50 States
What To Look for In Gun Safe Movers
How can you know which company is right for your move and for moving your gun safe? There are several factors you should check out when comparing and contrasting different moving companies, some of which you can read about below.
- Reputation: Although online reviews must be carefully combed through and taken with a grain of salt, reputation is an important factor when choosing a gun safe mover. What do the reviews from customers say? Were the movers competent, punctual, and efficient? Do they have a reputation for damaging walls or floors? What about their costs? Do customers write about unexpected fees or charges regularly?
- Standard practices and protocol: Any experienced gun safe mover will have a checklist on best practices for moving large, heavy objects. Do they have a specific plan for getting the safe out of your old home and into the new one? Do they have a cost breakdown for each charge on your moving quote? Do the staff have the proper certifications and equipment for doing this kind of work? This protocol also includes wrapping up and binding the safe for the transportation process.
- Cost: You have to make sure your gun safe moving company of choice fits within your moving budget. However, it’s best to be aware that if a price seems inordinately low and too good to be true, it probably is. Look for middle-of-the-road pricing for gun safe movers. Compare the range of costs from company to company to see what’s normal for the industry and for the distance you’re moving, and go with the mover whose cost seems to fit within the range that also offers what you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to get multiple quotes before selecting a mover.
What Costs Are Involved with Moving a Gun Safe?
Once you’ve found a gun safe moving company that fits your needs, you need to see if they fit your budget. The costs involved in moving a gun safe can range from just under $200 all the way up to $1,500 or more, and there are several reasons for these higher fees.
Origin and destination: This means several things when looking into the cost of moving a gun safe. The distance movers have to transport your gun safe is a factor because of their fuel and labor costs. There is always a starting fee, and each mile of the trip is added to your bill. It also matters where you want the gun safe in your home. If the movers must traverse extensive space with the safe (across a large yard or a long path) or if there are stairs involved, that’s where a number of extra costs originate.
Weight and dimensions: Of course, the smaller and lighter your gun safe is, the less it will cost for movers to transport it to its new location. For each pound your gun safe weighs, movers have to calculate the best angles to lift the safe and the safest way to load it onto the moving vehicle. They also have to plan how to execute the move into your new home — hallways, possible stairs, maybe an elevator, and be mindful of the floors. All of these considerations increase the price you pay for your moving services.
Qualifications: When you hire someone to provide gun safe moving services, you are also paying for their knowledge and certifications. You’re not only hiring help — you’re hiring people who have the right credentials for the job. A good mover will have up-to-date USDOT registration and gun safe moving experience, proper tools, and training.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, moving a gun safe is not an easy feat. Unfortunately, it’s also not usually a cheap service to schedule either. In order to get the lowest possible pricing on your move, we recommend securing a moving quote from at least three of our recommended moving providers above. Researching all of your options before deciding how and when to move your gun safe can ensure that your valuable safe stays in pristine condition during your moving process.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
Gun Safe Moving FAQs
What is the first step in the process of moving a gun safe?
The first thing you need to do when figuring out the process of moving your gun safe is to determine its weight. However, do not attempt to weigh the safe yourself. All you need to do is tell the gun safe movers the make and model of your gun safe and they can look up its weight. You can then remove the guns from the interior of the safe and continue on with the packing and moving process.
Do movers transport guns?
Yes, movers will transport guns and gun safes, but they do not transport ammunition. Ammunition is considered a hazardous item along with things like lighter fluid, fertilizer, cleaning chemicals, car batteries, and other items holding caustic chemicals. The moving company should alert you if you have something they cannot pack up and transport.
How many people does it take to move a gun safe?
This is valuable information if you do opt to use a service like U-Pack and you do not hire help from their Moving Staffers list. You will need at least three people, perhaps four, to move a gun safe, but don’t make the process crowded with too many people. There are several types of moving dollies you can use, including an appliance dolly or a hand truck. Once you carefully scoot the gun safe onto the dolly of your choice, you and your helpers will need a ramp to load the safe onto the moving trailer.
Can you haul a gun safe on its back?
Most gun safes can be transported on their backs without damage so long as they are professionally wrapped and loaded. If you aren’t sure how to safely pack and load your gun safe into your moving vehicle, it’s best to schedule assistance from professionals instead of doing this yourself.
How much do gun safes weigh?
The majority of entry-level gun safes weigh between 200 and 600 pounds. Commercial-grade gun safes may weigh up to 5,000 pounds or more depending on their model.
Do moving companies move safes?
Yes, most moving companies move safes. However, your moving company may charge an additional heavy item fee for safe moving depending on the weight and dimensions of the safe.
What can I use to move a gun safe?
You can use a heavy-duty appliance dolly to move a heavy gun safe. Be sure to completely empty your safe before attempting to move it in order to avoid damage or injury.
Is it safe to keep a gun safe in the garage?
Most firearms experts agree that installing a gun safe in a garage is unlikely to result in an unsafe situation. However, you should run a dehumidifier in the garage to prevent rust or mildew from forming in your safe or firearm components.
What is the best way to move a safe up and down stairs?
The best way to move a safe up and down stairs is with the help of a moving team and a heavy-duty appliance dolly. Begin by wrapping the safe in moving blankets, and securely fasten the safe to the dolly. Place the wheels of the dolly at the base of the first step, get behind the dolly, and grip the top handle. Instruct your helpers to grip the dolly on each side, and lift together in unison up the first step. Repeat until you reach the top of the stairs, and reverse the process when moving the safe down steps.
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.
