Packing up every room of our homes is often more challenging than transporting our belongings during the move. Working with professionals saves you time, prevents injury from lifting heavy or awkward items, and reduces your overall stress.
Keep reading to learn about the top five best packing and moving companies in 2023, what you might expect to pay for these companies’ moving and packing services, and additional tips to ensure you’ve chosen the right packers and movers for your moving needs.
Compare the Top-Rated Packing and Moving Companies
If you’re interested in saving time, stress, and your back, these are our top recommended packing and moving companies to consider:
- International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
- American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing
- Safeway Moving: Best Flat-Rate Pricing
- Moving APT: Most Moving Partners
- JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience
| Company | Superlative | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Average Cost for Long-Distance Move and Packing Services (3 Bedrooms) |
| International Van Lines | Best Full-Service Mover | 89 / 100 | B | $3,000–$7,900 |
| American Van Lines | Most Transparent Pricing | 72 / 100 | A | $8,252 |
| Safeway Moving | Best Flat-Rate Pricing | 74 / 100 | NR | $4,000–$8,500 |
| Moving APT | Most Moving Partners | 85 / 100 | B | $3,400–$5,800 |
| JK Moving Services | Most Customizable Moving Experience | 80 / 100 | A+ | $4,500–$9,000 |
International Van Lines (IVL)
If you’re looking to reduce stress, IVL is our top choice for a full-service mover because it can help you avoid every hassle with moving, such as packing, loading, unloading, auto transport, home staging, and specialty, fragile item services. International Van Lines provides moving and packing services to all 50 states and can help you move to over 150 countries worldwide.
Why We Chose International Van Lines
What sets IVL apart from other top moving companies is its unmatched number of moving and add-on services, from furniture disassembly and reassembly to crating, moving boxes, packing tape, and storage services. Regardless of your needs, IVL likely has a service to simplify your move and life and is happy to help you mix and match packing services to suit your needs.
We also love that IVL has an excellent refund policy. If you cancel your move at least 48 hours in advance, you’ll receive a full refund, which is an excellent policy for homeowners still hammering out the details of their move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- First flight of stairs is free
- Awarded Best Customer Service award by Newsweek
- Comprehensive moving and add-on services available
Cons
- More expensive than some professional movers
- Moves are brokered out to partner moving companies, meaning service quality may vary
Cost and Services
IVL is an excellent company for packing services because of its mix-and-match custom packages, which allow you to combine a large number of its services:
- IVL Full-Pack (hands-free moving experience)
- IVL Partial-Pack (You pack most items, except delicates or oversized items like TVs, upholstered furniture, mirrors, china cabinets, etc.)
- Custom crating (ideal for antiques and artwork)
- Packing supplies
- Short-term and long-term storage options
- 30 days of free storage with moving
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Specialized packing services for fragile items
Packing and Moving Cost
| Home Size | Movers Suggested | Move With Packing Services |
| 2 BR | 3 | $1,900–$5,400 |
| 3 BR | 4 | $3,000–$7,900 |
| 4 BR | 4 | $5,100–$9,200 |
Learn more about International Van Lines in our full review.
Get a quote: International Van Lines.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is a leading full-service moving company because of its huge scope throughout the United States, top service offerings, and flat-rate pricing. Its flat-rate pricing benefits many homeowners interested in binding estimates for their moves, which adds a lot of peace of mind when setting your move budget.
Why We Chose American Van Lines
One of AVL’s standout features is its employees, who are often praised in customer reviews for their professionalism and knowledge and must undergo rigorous training, background checks, and drug testing. American also employs certified antique movers and piano moving experts who individually wrap your delicate items with bubble wrap or other protective materials. This makes American an excellent choice for your move if you have many fragile items you’re concerned about being damaged during the move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flat-rate pricing system (no hidden fees)
- Price-matching guarantee
- Certified packers for specialty items
Cons
- No moving or packing services to or from Hawaii or Alaska
- Doesn’t have an online moving quote process
Cost and Services
If you’re not interested in DIYing the bulk of the packing, this is one of the best moving companies for a white-glove experience where you can sit back and delegate the moving process.
- Packing and unpacking services
- Specialty packing services for antiques, pianos, and more
- Crating for huge items, like pianos
- Moving supplies
- Storage unit arrangement (climate controlled and secure)
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Office moving services and corporate relocation
Packing and Moving Cost
| Home Size | Move With Packing Services* |
| 2 BR | $5,534 |
| 3 BR | $8,252 |
| 4 BR | $11,018 |
*Based on a move with packing services from Los Angeles, CA, to Houston, TX
Read our full American Van Lines review to hear more about the company.
Get a quote: American Van Lines.
Safeway Moving
This veteran-owned company has years of experience in the moving industry and a big heart for charity as it partners with St. Jude’s Hospital and donates a portion of all moves’ profits to this organization. Safeway Moving is an excellent choice for long-distance or interstate moves because it is available in all 50 states, so location is never a problem if you opt for Safeway.
Why We Chose Safeway Moving
The two aspects that set Safeway Moving apart from its competitors are its moving support for senior citizens and people moving to or from neighborhoods with strict HOA and COA regulations.
Safeway has extensive experience navigating strict HOA and COA regulations, which are often a headache for homeowners. We also love that Safeway provides extra staff support, resources, and excellent flat-rate pricing, which is great for all customers on fixed incomes or tight budgets.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pricing guarantees and binding estimates to prevent surprise prices or hidden fees
- Years of experience handling moves that need to meet rigid HOA and COA regulations
- Provides extra resources and staff support for senior citizen relocation
Cons
- Large deposit costs
- Services vary based on local providers
Cost and Services
Safeway Moving is a moving broker, meaning that the company reaches out to local professional packers and movers on your behalf to secure the services you need. This can make the moving process more stress-free and streamlined for you, as you don’t need to worry about contacting many companies to find the services you need for your type of move.
However, since Safeway Moving brokers out moving services, its offerings can vary based on what is available through companies in your area:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Storage unit arrangements
- Junk removal
- Custom crating for large, oversized items
- Loading and unloading services
- Specialty item transport for things like antiques or pianos
- Packing supplies
- Auto transport
- Corporate moving services
Packing and Moving Cost
| Home Size | Move With Packing Services* |
| 2 BR | $3,000–$5,900 |
| 3 BR | $4,000–$8,500 |
| 4 BR | $4,100–$11,200 |
*Prices vary greatly based on local providers. These are estimates for a multi-state move.
Check out our comprehensive review of Safeway Moving to hear more.
Moving APT
Moving APT offers some of the best movers for those on a tight budget because of its large number of moving partners. As a moving broker, Moving APT secures moving and packing services for you within its huge network of over 2,500 partners, allowing it to help you get the best deal on your move.
Why We Chose Moving APT
During our research, we found that Moving APT’s partners are often genuine full-service movers who can provide nearly any moving add-on service you could imagine. We like that the company emphasizes specialty services, like custom crating, auto transport, and specialty item moving, which not all companies offer, especially to the same degree.
In addition, the company offers some of the best price-matching guarantees and discounts within the industry, helping you secure a better deal for your move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Binding price estimates
- Brokers out moves so it can help you find unique moving services
- Offers a huge number of discounts, including price-matching
Cons
- Confusing customer service call center
- As a moving broker, its service quality will depend on the service partner used
Cost and Services
Moving APT is a moving broker with an extensive network of over 2,500 moving partners throughout the United States. As a result, its service offerings are dependent on local partners and may vary:
- Delivery of packing materials
- Packing and unpacking services
- Custom crating for specialized items
- Car shipping
- Full-service packing
- Appliance connection services
- Limited furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Home staging
- Delicate item transportation for items like hot tubs, pianos, and electronics
Our research found that Moving APT shares that the packing service cost alone is up to $1,000, depending on how big your home is.
Packing and Moving Cost
| Home Size | Move With Packing Services Cost |
| 2 BR | $2,400–$4,600 |
| 3 BR | $3,400–$5,800 |
| 4 BR | $5,000+ |
Learn more by reading our full Moving APT review.
JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services is available throughout the entire United States, making it well-equipped to handle most moves. This company acts as a moving broker and has an extensive network of moving partners with which it works to provide custom moving packages, including specialty services like archive services which protect you and your client’s sensitive information.
Why We Chose JK Moving Services
After over 40 years in business, JK Moving Services truly stands out for its excellent customer service ratings and customizable moving packages.
If you’re concerned about paying for services you don’t need, overpaying for space on a moving truck, or not finding a package that meets your needs, JK Moving Services is the company for you. For any move with JK Moving Services, you are connected with a personal moving coordinator who can customize and even create special moving services and packages.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent coverage and value protection for your personal belongings
- Unique financing option through Enhancify for all moves
- GPS tracking for all shipments
Cons
- Not transparent with its pricing
- No local moves outside of Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland
Cost and Services
JK Moving Services offers very few local moving options, so the company is not ideal for anyone looking to make a local move. However, its impressive network of moving partners allows it to offer many specialty moving services that will benefit most homeowners making a bigger move.
- Packing and unpacking services
- Loading and unloading services
- Transportation and delivery
- Short-term and long-term storage unit arrangement
- Freighting
- Crating
- Specialty moving and packing for commercial moves for hospitals, law firms, and other sensitive workplaces
- Government moving services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Delicate item transport for items like antiques and pianos
- Archive services
- Auto relocation services
Long-Distance Moving Cost
| Home Size | Move With Packing Services* |
| 2 BR | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 3 BR | $4,500–$9,000 |
| 4 BR | $6,000–$11,000 |
*Based on a 500+ mile move with a custom moving package and specialty services
Learn more in our JK Moving Services review.
Get a quote: JK Moving Services.
What Should You Look For in the Best Packers and Movers?
Experience and Reputation
To ensure a smooth move, check the company’s credentials and verify its license, insurance, and accreditation through respected third-party companies like the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Some of the most reputable moving and packing companies with the best customer ratings, accreditations, and reputations include Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and United Van Lines.
Services and Pricing
Movers vary significantly in the services they offer. For example, some companies provide full-service options like packing, unpacking, home staging, loading, unloading, and appliance disconnection and reconnection. In contrast, other companies only offer basic services, like loading and unloading and basic packing. If you need specialty services, like auto transport or fragile item transport, this will also affect which company you want to go with.
Compare the prices and quality of at least three moving providers before making your final decision by gathering multiple quotes, reading the fine print of your moving estimate and contract, and asking your moving representative about hidden fees and add-on costs.
You can also look into alternative moving companies like moving container companies, such as U-Pack and PODS, which offer cheaper rates. However, these companies are best suited for people only interested in hiring a company to move their belongings because it won’t provide extra services like packing or home staging.
Customer Service and Transparency
Should you run into any issues, it’s critical that you can turn to a friendly, professional, and responsive staff that will sort out any of your concerns during your move.
Assess each company’s customer service team and ratings by reading real online reviews, asking friends and family for references, and reaching out to its support team for a holistic view of how the company treats its customers.
Our research found that International Van Lines, Moving APT, and JK Moving Services had some of the best testimonials from customers and trusted third-party organizations. In particular, JK Moving Services is a standout because you’re matched with a personalized moving coordinator to help you plan and organize your move.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Packer and Mover?
If you’re planning a small move or local move, you may be especially curious about why you should even bother hiring a packer and mover in the first place. However, there are many benefits.
Moving professionals will be far more efficient as they pack your belongings and secure and pack more fragile items. Movers use quality packing materials and proper loading techniques, and many moving companies even offer specialty add-on packing services for packing oversized items, like hot tubs, or delicate items, like artwork or pianos.
The peace of mind and lower stress levels of having your move handled by experts who are more than prepared to address any issues that arise is reason enough for many homeowners.
You’ll also find that many moving companies, especially full-service carriers, can create custom and flexible packages with different options to suit your needs and budget. Lastly, consider the satisfaction and feedback of previous customers of these companies and read what they have to say about how this process simplified their move.
So, What Is the Best Moving and Packing Company?
We stand by the five moving providers we reviewed as they have excellent customer service ratings, a good variety of service offerings, and the experience and reputation that offers peace of mind for you and your family. Remember to always ask about hidden fees, upcharges, and other things that could affect your moving quote so you’re not surprised by the final bill.
Click on the provider links below for our top three moving and packing companies to gather free quotes customized to your new home, moving needs, and desired services.
FAQs About Packing and Moving Companies
What are partial packing services?
Partial packing services are a type of move service where you hire professional movers to pack some of your items. This often includes the movers being responsible for packing oversized, fragile, or hard-to-move items like your couch or china cabinet and high-value items like electronics or delicate artwork.
Do movers pack your clothes for you?
Yes, a full-service moving company hired for a full-service move will pack up almost everything in your home, including clothing. Standard exceptions for what full-service movers will pack include sensitive information, like personal documents, client information, or delicate electronics, unless the company specializes in these packing services.
What is the cost of packing a house?
The cost of packing a house will vary dramatically based on your location, home size, any specialty items you have, the moving company, and much more. On average, you can expect to pay at least $250 to $1,000 for a two-bedroom home and upwards of $1,000 for a three or four-bedroom home for packing services alone.
Do movers move furniture?
Most moving services will include loading services, which involve moving heavy furniture into the moving truck. However, if you don’t opt for a full-service move or additional services like furniture disassembly and reassembly, you may need to first break down your furniture.
Methodology: How We Ranked Our Packing and Moving Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our moving company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — reputable, affordable companies able to tackle a wide range of packing and moving tasks.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with former and current professional movers.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across four categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and developed the following formula:
]- Transparency (30 Points): We awarded top points to companies that supplied quotes quickly and provided easy-to-read moving contracts. We used the availability of sample pricing and quick quote features, GPS tracking, and clear customer service hours to determine this metric. Points were also awarded for upfront communication regarding policies, licensing, insurance, and the clear listing of added fees.
- Basic Service Options (20 Points): While this may seem like a given for most movers, a strong basic service profile is not guaranteed when you book your move. Movers that offer local, long-distance, and international moving, while providing packing and loading with their basic service packages rate highly here.
- Customization Options (30 Points): Aside from basic services, a comprehensive list of added services indicates a mover’s quality. Assembly and disassembly, valuation coverage, piano moving, car shipping, and similar add-ons indicate a mover that puts customer service first.
- Reputation (20 Points): We assessed each mover’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. We weighed BBB ratings and the company’s complaint response rate to calculate this metric.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
