Between closing on your new home or choosing a new apartment and packing up your worldly belongings, a lot goes into a move. It’s easy to lose track of everything you need to accomplish. For those moving in or out of Alaska, long-distance moving adds another layer of complexity to the experience as there are port fees, transit costs, customs regulations, and more you need to know about to avoid legal concerns. By working with one of the best moving companies in Alaska, however, you can rest assured your property will get to your new destination safely and efficiently.
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
Moves to and from Alaska are treated as international moves, and many companies in the United States don’t offer services in the 49th state due to the hurdles associated with this. Shopping around for the best options can be exhausting as many companies say they operate in Alaska but actually don’t. I did the legwork for you.
I reached out to several moving companies in Alaska as a secret shopper, verified they worked in the state as of this writing, inquired about their quoting process, and learned about what to expect on a move from Anchorage, AK, to Seattle, WA so you don’t have to. Using Today’s Homeowner’s unique review criteria, each brand is scored on basic services and cost, customization, reputation, and transparency. If you’re looking for the best moving company in Alaska, I recommend starting with the five I recommend here.
Top 5 Alaska Moving Companies
- For those who are comfortable doing most of the heavy lifting for their moves, I recommend going with U-Pack if you’re moving within, to, or out of Alaska. The process of getting a quote was easy, the brand requires no deposit to book your container, and U-Pack also has a generous cancellation policy. However, this does take a bit of muscle as you’ll need to tackle the loading, packing, unloading, and unpacking yourself, so if you want to opt for a full-service mover that can tackle a majority of your moving needs, JK Moving Services is my choice. JK Moving has stellar reviews and a great quoting process.
- Moving out of or to Alaska is considered an international move, which means you have to work with a company familiar with international laws and regulations. Many companies don’t offer services in Alaska due to these hurdles, so finding the right brand is essential to a stress-free and cost-effective experience.
- Interstate and international moves are common targets for moving scams, so always double-check that the mover you work with is licensed and insured in Alaska and the state you are moving to or from. You’ll also want to verify that the company has the correct international certifications.
Read our full Moving Methodology for more details.
My Expert Recommendation
If you’re planning a move in Alaska, I’d recommend U-Pack if you’re capable of doing most of the loading and unloading yourself. U-Pack is a self-service company, meaning you’re going to be tackling the packing while they handle the transportation. If you need a bit of assistance packing up your container, though, they do offer moving labor through various partners. It was difficult tracking down companies that operated in Alaska and wanted to deliver quotes over the phone, but U-Pack’s customer representative was extremely helpful, broke down the quote, and explained how the service would work.
For those who don’t want to do it by themselves, I’d recommend JK Moving Services. It was very easy to get a quote and have my questions answered by the representative. The company as a whole is very well reviewed with customers highlighting exceptional customer service, delivery, and packing solutions. When you’re moving from the 49th state, you’re moving internationally, so it can be extremely helpful to have a crew on your side that’s going to properly protect your property.
Alaska Moving Companies I Didn’t Include
Many of the moving companies I didn’t include on this list simply don’t offer moving services in Alaska. American Van Lines is one brand that is up front about this. The company highlights right on its website that it only offers interstate moving within the continental United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
Another company I didn’t include was International Van Lines (IVL), though it’s less clear online that they don’t perform moves in Alaska. Often highlighted as a top moving option in that state, when I called, the representative let me know that it doesn’t actually operate in Alaska. This seems to be a recent change as other brands in Alaska were unaware that IVL no longer operates in the state. As a result, it gets a little confusing when you’re calling around for quotes, but IVL wasn’t the only moving company that didn’t make it clear on its website that it doesn’t serve Alaska.
Compare The Highest Rated Moving Companies In Alaska
| Company | Rating | BBB Rating | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A |
$1,400–$9,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
A+ |
$1,700–$13,800 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
B |
$1,250 – $8,500 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
C |
$3,000–$11,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$600–$5,100 |
VISIT SITE | |
 JK Moving Services |
A+ |
$3,000–$6,000 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Companies In Alaska
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
While many moving companies kept me on the phone for 30-plus minutes or simply didn’t give me a quote, talking with JK Moving Services was a breath of fresh air. I did call initially, but they responded through texts, making it perfect for people who hate talking on the phone. I was able to explain what I was looking for, and they directed me to their international team. Within a day, I had a ballpark quote in hand and a very helpful representative talking to me about the next steps.
JK Moving Services is also a highly reviewed brand. With an A+ and 4.45/5 for customer reviews on BBB and a 4.5 rating on Google, customers rave about the efficient and easy move experience they had with this service.
However, this particular brand is a carrier/broker which means, in some areas of the country, it will outsource its services. I wasn’t informed of this over the phone and it’s not clear on the website either. This could result in you getting a less-than-stellar moving service showing up. JK Moving also doesn’t clearly outline what you can expect when it comes to cost, and its website is a bit lacking in details about what it actually offers.
JK Moving Services was very easy to get a quote from. Although I had to wait a day to talk to someone from the international team, the process was one of the simplest I ran into. I explained what I was moving, when I was moving, and where to (Anchorage, AK, to Seattle, WA) and they were happy to give me a ballpark quote over text.
In addition, JK Moving has some of the best reviews out of the five moving companies I’ve chosen. Customers talk about the simple processes, clearly stated expectations, and smooth moving experiences — all the things you want when you’re completing an interstate or international move.
One area where JK Moving Services falls short is transparency. The company isn’t forthcoming about its status as a broker as well as a carrier. I was not informed when I called either. As a carrier, JK Moving will move your items for you, but in locations the company doesn’t operate trucks, it operates as a broker. This means the company outsources the move to other moving companies. By not being forthcoming about this status, you might be confused if another brand shows up at your doorstep on moving day.
In addition, its website doesn’t list any sample pricing information or fees associated with any customizable services. Getting details, especially when it comes to cost expectations, without calling (or texting in my case) can be a bit difficult.
While many moving companies kept me on the phone for 30-plus minutes or simply didn’t give me a quote, talking with JK Moving Services was a breath of fresh air. I did call initially, but they responded through texts, making it perfect for people who hate talking on the phone. I was able to explain what I was looking for, and they directed me to their international team. Within a day, I had a ballpark quote in hand and a very helpful representative talking to me about the next steps.
JK Moving Services is also a highly reviewed brand. With an A+ and 4.45/5 for customer reviews on BBB and a 4.5 rating on Google, customers rave about the efficient and easy move experience they had with this service.
However, this particular brand is a carrier/broker which means, in some areas of the country, it will outsource its services. I wasn’t informed of this over the phone and it’s not clear on the website either. This could result in you getting a less-than-stellar moving service showing up. JK Moving also doesn’t clearly outline what you can expect when it comes to cost, and its website is a bit lacking in details about what it actually offers. Due to this, they came in at 8.9/10.
Available Discounts
JK Moving Services is our pick for most customizable moving experience, giving customers ways to save money. You don’t have to opt for all the bells and whistles — you can choose what services best fit your wants and needs. Maybe you don’t need the climate-controlled storage facilities or the full packing service if you’re not moving interstate. Opting out of these can potentially save you thousands of dollars.
JK Moving Services offers a wide variety of customization options to make your move as simple as possible. The company can handle furniture assembly/disassembly, piano moving, car shipping through its partners, antique shipments, and more. The only place the brand fell short was home staging, which resulted in a 9/10 for customization. To get an accurate quote on these services, you’ll have to reach out to the company as it doesn’t list costs on its website.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
JK Moving Services’s reputation is another area the brand shines through, coming in at 9 out of 10. JK is highly rated with the BBB and Google, with customers noting the professionalism, efficiency of the crew, and excellent packing. With many companies falling short on the packing services side of things, this is definitely worth noting. But the brand only has a single review on Trustpilot and hasn’t claimed the profile. One complaint that seems repeated, too, is that the company underestimated how much space was needed, adding to the costs.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | 3.6 | 1 |
| 4.5 | 1,320 | |
| Yelp | 3.5 | 373 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for JK Moving Services
Many customers on trusted review sites praise JK Moving Services for their entire experience with the company. Customers found that coordinators checked in with them regularly and that move day was a simple, straightforward process without the normal stress that comes with moving.
Most Common Criticism for JK Moving Services
Customers often say JK’s moving estimate processes fall short, citing unreliable quotes and space estimates that required the sudden need for a second trailer on the day of the move. One customer even stated that the moving truck arrived half-full with another client’s items. Poor quoting practices can cause moving costs to skyrocket, especially for international moves.
The primary area in which JK Moving Services falls short is transparency, coming in at 6.3 out of a possible 10. While the company offers a lot in the way of customization, it isn’t forthcoming about the costs for its various services. The website doesn’t list tools such as sample pricing or potential additional fees that will help you estimate costs without contacting a representative. The company also doesn’t state that it’s a carrier/broker, sometimes outsourcing moves to partner companies. JK Moving does, though, earn some points for its posted customer service hours, easy booking online and on the phone, an optional GPS tracking feature, and quick quote tool which allows you to input some personal information to get the quoting process started.
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
Allied Van Lines is one of the few major moving companies that operate in Alaska at the moment. With a wide variety of basic services and customization options thanks to its status as a broker/carrier, the company is in a position to offer Alaskans everything they could need in order to move.
One aspect that was particularly comforting is Allied’s extensively detailed web page on car shipping. If you’re worried about your vehicle, especially if it’s a luxury car or an antique, the company walks you through the entire process from cost to shipping methods to put your mind at ease. For those who don’t want to make the drive down through Canada to the lower 48, this can be a real benefit of using Allied for your moving.
However, the reviews for general moving services do give me pause when recommending this company. Almost all the reviews on Trustpilot are negative with many customers citing broken items, terrible packaging, damaged furniture, missing property, poor service, and delays. As a result, while Allied does offer full-service packing, which can be a huge time and energy saver, you might just want to pack your own property and keep a detailed inventory list if you opt to go with this brand. It’s also worth noting that you may find it difficult or impossible to get a quote over the phone from Allied Van Lines. At the moment, they seem to require walkthroughs in order to get an estimate. Even though they offer a wealth of services, we took some points off for their concerning reviews.
Allied Van Lines offers everything you could possibly need when you’re moving in Alaska. From local moving to home staging, it’s one of the few companies in the country that actually offers every basic and customizable service Today’s Homeowner looks for in a brand. With service to over 130 countries and several partners as carriers/brokers, the company can deliver your items no matter where you happen to move to.
As our choice for Best Vehicle Shipping Options, Allied clearly details what you can expect when it comes to moving your vehicle and the costs associated with it. The brand’s website explains how your car will be moved, what types of car carriers are recommended based on your vehicle, and the factors that go into determining a car shipping quote.
One major concern I have when it comes to working with Allied is the poor reviews. In fact, it is one of the lowest-reviewed companies on this list. Although the BBB gives the brand a B grade, customer reviews give it only 1.09 out of 5 stars. On Trustpilot, 92% of the reviews are 1-star, and the brand doesn’t take the time to respond. Since Allied is a broker/carrier, the poor reviews could be due to poor partners, but they’re concerning nonetheless.
Another issue I ran into is that Allied Van Lines won’t offer a quote for a move in Alaska over the phone. This can be frustrating for consumers looking to shop around, especially since your moving options in the 49th state are already limited. The company requires that an agent walk around the home or apartment in order to deliver a quote, though this walk-around is free of charge.
For basic services and cost, Allied Van Lines earned a 10 out of 10. Whether you’re moving in state from Anchorage to Fairbanks, across the country, or internationally, Allied has you covered. They can assist with packing and unpacking, storage needs if your new home isn’t quite ready to move into just yet, and all of the loading and unloading. But I do want to note here — even though Allied offers packing and unpacking, you might want to skip this particular service. The packing service is one of the biggest complaints among past customers.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
When I called Allied Van Lines, I stated I was planning a move from Anchorage, AK, to Seattle, WA, a distance of roughly 2,263 miles through Canada. I was informed that this would be considered an international move as Allied would actually move the items over water. The representative was helpful but explained that Allied doesn’t offer quotes over the phone and requires home walkthroughs in order to give an accurate estimate. This walkthrough is free and no obligation. Customers can expect the given estimate and their final charges to be based on weight and distance. I did manage to learn that the minimum cost for international moves through Allied is $2,000, but this cost is well below Alaska move averages I saw during my research.
Available Discounts
Since I was unable to get a quote over the phone, I couldn’t inquire about potential discounts from Allied directly. It never hurts to ask, though, and the company actually recommends, on its website, that you ask about discounts for “veterans, members of professional or social organizations, and… seniors.” In addition, you might be able to save some extra money by paying cash rather than putting the move on your credit card.
Allied Van Lines also earned a 10/10 for customization. It’s actually one of the few moving companies that offer home staging as a service — and the only one in Alaska on this list. This service could actually help you get thousands more for your home when you go to sell. For those who need packing assistance, Allied can sell you packing materials if you realize you ran out, assist with the actual packing, assembly, disassembly, crating, and junk removal. Customers can opt for valuation coverage if they want to better protect their property in the event of damages.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | Yes |
Reputation is the major area where Allied Van Lines falls behind the competition. Although the company has taken steps to show concern about customer testimonials, such as signing up for Trustpilot and claiming its individual Google Business Profiles for local branches, a majority of the reviews Allied receives have been 1 star. It’s worth noting though that as Allied is a broker/carrier, these could be experiences with outsourced companies rather than Allied itself. The company does respond to reviews on BBB, but less so on other review sites such as Google and Trustpilot.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | 2.3 | 12 |
| 1 | 2 | |
| Yelp | 3.2 | 19 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Allied Van Lines
Even though a majority of reviews for Allied Van Lines fall into the 1-star category, the company does have some stellar testimonials featured on its website. Customers point to the professionalism of the process, standout communication, a stress-free moving experience, and friendly staff and crew members.
Most Common Criticism for Allied Van Lines
Most customers who left 1-star reviews detail broken items, missing property, and poor packing services. One customer on Trustpilot even stated their father’s ashes went missing and couldn’t be located. Others explain there were lengthy delays, a lack of accurate documentation regarding inventory lists, and massive jumps in estimates just a day after they received their initial quote when they didn’t book right away.
Allied Van Lines earned a 6.3 for its approach to transparency. The company’s website is extremely helpful and details a lot of its various services, including what customers can expect working with Allied. However, we did take some points off in this category as the brand is not wholly transparent about its pricing. As informative as the website is, it’s lacking information about sample pricing and other fees and its status as a broker/carrier. But Allied does succeed when it comes to other areas as it offers an easy way to start the quoting process on its website, details customer service hours, and offers binding estimates.
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
With limited moving company options in Alaska, homeowners may be left feeling like they should just DIY their move. And for those customers there is U-Pack. Our pick for best overall container service, U-Pack is a self-service option which means, unless you’re willing to pay more, you do a lot of the work yourself. The company will drop the container at your home or apartment, you load it up, and they take it where you need it to be.
Talking with the brand over the phone was simple and easy. In less than 10 minutes, I walked away with a quote — something that didn’t happen with any of the other Alaska moving companies on this list. They explained what type of trailer I would need and offered helpful advice about actually booking the service.
However, this service really isn’t for everyone. If you can’t move your couches or don’t have friends who can (or want to) help, it might not work for you unless you are willing to pay on top of the initial quote for moving labor. It also is lacking in the customization department and you might have to work with other companies if you need to move things like a piano, antiques, fine art, or your car.
U-Pack was one of the easiest companies on this list to get a quote from. The customer service was extremely helpful and informative. The representative I talked to was straightforward about what to expect, explained what I would need for a stress-free move, and detailed how the quoting process worked. It was already a less stressful experience than with some moving companies whose quoting processes can top 30 minutes on the phone.
This container brand also has some standout reviews on third-party sites, with many customers highlighting exactly what I mentioned above — a great quoting process. The estimates they received were on point, and the transportation of their property was easy.
U-Pack is the only self-service brand on this list, which can mean it’s not a good fit for a lot of people moving into or out of Alaska. Customers will have to pack and load their own items unless they want to pay additional fees for loading and unloading. This means getting your own packing supplies, too. The company also falls short of other brands when it comes to customization options as it’s limited in its ability to move antiques and pianos. In addition, U-Pack doesn’t ship vehicles.
U-Pack does offer a variety of services beyond dropping a container at your former doorstep and current doorstep, whether local or interstate, but options beyond this basic service are limited. For instance, it does have services to help you pack, unpack, load, and unload, but they’re limited. For loading and unloading, in particular, you’ll have to add on an additional service it refers to as “moving labor.” We also took some points off due to the fact that they only operate within the United States, but they received some additional points for having storage services for up to 120 days. This landed them at 7 out of 10.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
U-Pack was very helpful in getting me a quote over the phone, and quickly. I was informed that, unlike other moving companies, it actually doesn’t require a deposit, and you can cancel up to one business day before you’re scheduled to move. This can be an enticing option for customers who are dealing with closing issues on their new home or aren’t positive what day they will want to move but want to lock in that good deal.
As a secret shopper, I let the representative know I was moving a two-bedroom home from Anchorage, AK, to Seattle, WA, a roughly 2,263-mile move. I was recommended and quoted $3,944 for a 9-ft. trailer.
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Anchorage, AK, to Seattle, WA, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication.
Available Discounts
The U-Pack representative I spoke with let me know that the earlier you book the better. I was informed that two months out is generally a good time to call. The longer you wait, the higher the price you could be paying. And since this company doesn’t require a deposit, it’s better to book as soon as possible to save yourself from big expenses down the line.
Customization is where U-Pack really falls short, earning only a 5/10. As a self-service container option, it really doesn’t offer a lot of extras. If you want specialty services like piano moving, car shipping, antique moving, custom crating, junk removal, and home staging, you’ll have to go elsewhere. U-Pack does, however, offer outside services for assembly/disassembly and packing material purchases. To get a quote for these services, ask over the phone, and you’ll be referred to local moving crews.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | No |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
U-Pack has a much stronger reputation than many of the brands on this list. With an A+ on the BBB (And 4.32/5 for BBB customer reviews), it’s lauded for its strong value, helpful team, and on-time delivery. Customers also highlighted the accurate quotes and absence of hidden fees (often a complaint when dealing with moving companies across the United States). In addition, U-Pack is extremely responsive to negative as well as positive reviews on various trusted review sites.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | 2.6 | 221 |
| 4.7 | 22 | |
| Yelp | 4.7 | 6 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for U-Pack
A common complaint among customers when it comes to moving companies is the accurate quoting process. This is one area customers talk about again and again with U-Pack and how the price they were quoted when they booked was the price they paid on moving day.
Most Common Criticism for U-Pack
Although most customers state their containers were delivered on time, a majority of the negative reviews explain that this was not the case for them. These clients had trouble scheduling delivery times, getting their containers picked up, and receiving information on when exactly their containers would be delivered to their doorsteps.
U-Pack also excels when it comes to transparency, landing squarely at 8/10. The brand details exactly what customers can expect when working with it online, has a free moving quote feature, offers sample pricing, and discloses its status as a carrier. Although it doesn’t post its customer service hours, the company actually has a helpful tool on its website that lets customers know how many representatives are available at any given time. The only place they fall short is the lack of clearly identifiable additional fees that could be associated with things like moving labor add-ons.
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
North American Van Lines offers customers great information right out of the gate. The company’s website is detailed, easy to explore, and provides a lot of answers to many questions homeowners may have when moving in Alaska. The tools featured on the site can be a fantastic resource for homeowners who are moving for the first time or are stressed out about what to expect. NAVL has been in business for over 90 years, so the brand and its representatives are experienced in helping customers overcome moving hurdles and concerns. And with a wide range of services and customization options, NAVL is definitely a top choice among moving companies in Alaska.
However, we’d be remiss in not highlighting the reasons North American falls short of a perfect score. Its online reviews leave something to be desired, and getting more detailed information, like a quote over the phone, can be impossible. One customer on Trustpilot even discussed not being able to get a quote because their items were already in storage and, therefore, unavailable for a home walkthrough. Hurdles like these can make it feel like a struggle to find a mover, especially in a state where you already have limited options.
The first thing you notice when you go to the North American Van Lines (NAVL) website is how informative it is. Although the company doesn’t offer a pricing calculator, it does have resources to help you determine how much you can expect to pack based on your home’s size, how many supplies you’ll need, and an estimate of how many boxes you’ll have on moving day. This information can be invaluable when you go to get a quote. The site also contains tips to make your move stress-free, moving checklists, FAQs, and more.
In addition, NAVL does offer most of what the average homeowner would need service-wise when moving from Alaska including vehicle shipping, storage, packing services, furniture disassembly, packing supplies, and contents coverage plans.
Like Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines doesn’t do over-the-phone quotes when moving to or from Alaska. The representative advised me that they would need an agent to tour my home, either in-person or virtually, to get a quote. Even when I asked for a ballpark, it was no dice. This could make shopping around a bit more complicated and time-consuming.
North American is also lacking in the quantity of reviews department, and the reviews that are available are poor. Customers claim that packages were poorly transported, items were missing upon delivery, and there was difficulty getting answers from customer service.
Whether you’re moving in-state in Alaska, moving to the lower 48 (or Hawaii), or moving out of the country, North American Van Lines has you covered. As a carrier/broker, the brand operates its own moving trucks and partners with other companies to help its customers move within the United States and to over 130 countries. It uses a full-service model, so it can tackle everything from packing your belongings to storing your boxes. That’s why we gave North American a 10 out of 10 in this category.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
North American Van Lines requires customers to undergo a walkthrough, either virtually or in-person, to get a quote. The representative would not give me a ballpark figure or even a baseline for a move from Anchorage, AK, to Seattle, WA. The company’s website states that a 1,500-mile move for a two-bedroom home between states can vary between $4,000 and $10,000. However, it’s important to note that many companies consider moving out of Alaska an international process, which could bump the price up considerably.
Available Discounts
According to the Disabled American Veterans’s (DAV) website, North American Van Lines does offer discounts to veterans for packing, moving, and storage. This may not include Alaska moves, though, as it seems reserved for interstate moves, not international ones. Customers should absolutely ask the agent who does the home walkthrough if they might be eligible for some of North American’s other discounts.
North American Van Lines received a 9 out of 10 for its customization offerings. Most moving companies don’t offer home staging, and North American doesn’t either. It does offer just about everything else you’d need, though, including assembly/disassembly, piano moving, auto shipments, custom crates, boxes and packing supplies (including specialty boxes for things like dishes and mattresses), and antique moving. Many of these services are clearly detailed on the website so you know exactly what to expect when you’re ready to move.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Although North American’s ratings are not the highest, the brand does seem to try to take action to rectify customers’ concerns. It’s responsive to complaints on the BBB, where they have an A+, have signed up for Trustpilot, and have claimed its offices’ Google Business Profiles throughout the country. However, customers often cite the fact that North American is not upfront about its services as a broker/carrier and are surprised when a different company shows up at their door for their move. As a result, we felt this brand deserved an 8 out of 10 for its reputation.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | 2.3 | 7 |
| 1.0 | 1 | |
| Yelp | N/A | N/A |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for North American Van Lines
A majority of the reviews North American Van Lines has on sites like Trustpilot, Google, and the BBB are negative, but the site does highlight some testimonials right on its website. Here, customers talk about friendly and professional customer service, strong communications, and an efficient crew.
Most Common Criticism for North American Van Lines
Many reviews on third-party sites paint a different picture. Previous clients highlighted difficulty getting a quote, unexpected moving fees, and denied insurance claims. Several of these issues are the result of North American being a part carrier, part broker, and, as a part broker, hiring out services to other moving companies.
Transparency is North American Van Lines’s weakest department, coming in at a 5.3. Even on an extensive, informative website, the brand does not offer much information in the way of pricing and fees and isn’t forthcoming about its status as a broker/carrier or customer service hours. But the company does get some points as it offers customers a way to get in contact (and get a quote) through its website, has binding estimates, and has technology like GPS tracking for its moving services.
Mayflower Moving
4.1
Our Rating
Mayflower Moving has an excellent website. It’s user-friendly and provides a lot of information about what you can expect when moving with the company. Mayflower and its Alaska movers will also work with you to better understand the international moving process, how to clear customs, and create a game plan for your personal move. The same can be said about their agents’ websites. With service to over 150 countries, these personalized experiences can really make a stressful move in and out of Alaska a breeze.
The Mayflower representative explained to me over the phone that the company operates as a broker in Alaska and recommended two agents: World Wide Movers, Inc. Alaska, and Golden North Van Lines. Although these two brands are not BBB accredited (neither is Mayflower for that matter, but its parent company, UniGroup, is), both do have strong reviews on Google (3.8 and 4.6, respectively, as of this writing) with customers highlighting responsive customer service. Both also specialize in Alaska moves in and out of state.
Although these two companies come well reviewed, it was a bit surprising that Mayflower Moving wouldn’t simply connect me with the brand in question as it operates as a carrier/broker. Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website, “A moving broker is a company that arranges for the transportation of your cargo, utilizing for-hire carriers to provide the actual truck transportation.” Therefore, it seems odd that Mayflower wasn’t making that connection for me, but rather advising me to reach out to its agents myself. It’s in a broker’s job description to make that connection for you. The representative I talked to, however, did seem inexperienced, so it may have been a mistake and might not be the same experience you have if you decide to call.
Although Mayflower Moving couldn’t help me much on the phone, it was up front about its status as a carrier/broker. Mayflower was able to quickly inform me on which agents of the company I’d be working with, how to reach them, and how to receive a quote. And although Mayflower’s reviews are a bit on the low side, the partners the representative sent me to have stellar reviews.
Mayflower and its agents’ websites are all extremely user-friendly and explain exactly what you can expect when working with them. The partners’ sites in particular explain how the companies are local to Alaska and have expertise moving within or outside the state.
Getting a quote through Mayflower Moving didn’t work. I was instead directed to call one of its partners, which they refer to as agents. Although Mayflower has an entire page on moving in Alaska, it appears the brand doesn’t actually offer any personal assistance if you’re moving to or from the state. You’d solely be working with one of their partners. When I’ve previously called other moving broker/carriers, they would do the outsourcing for me rather than have me call the outsourced company myself. It seemed odd that Mayflower was having me do the legwork rather than contracting the agent on my behalf.
Like many of the moving companies on this list, Mayflower Moving covers all the bases when it comes to the basics. It’s a full-service mover, so its crews can handle packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading whether you’re moving across the state or overseas (the brand and its partners service more than 150 countries). By utilizing local partners, you can also rest assured that your moving needs are met for local moves. In addition, Mayflower can assist with short-term storage if your home isn’t quite ready for move-in just yet.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
As with Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines, Mayflower Moving’s agents in Alaska require prospective customers to schedule a tour of their homes in order to properly assess what needs to be moved and receive a quote. When working directly with Mayflower, you might also be given the option of using its Virtual Survey app. While these two walkaround options can be frustrating and time consuming, they’re in place so the brand can offer a more accurate estimate right off the bat.
Both companies do offer packing services if you’d like someone to pack your items for you for additional fees.
Available Discounts
Since Mayflower Moving and its two agents didn’t provide a quote, I couldn’t ask about potential discounts, but many moving companies do tend to offer lower prices for the military. With nine military bases in Alaska, many military families are looking to move into or out of state, and Mayflower and its agents do offer specialized services designed for these military families. When hiring a moving service, you should always ask about potential discounts for certain groups or if a deal can be reached if you hire them right then and there.
While Mayflower Moving and its moving partners in Alaska do cover the basics, the brand falls a bit short in customization, earning a 7.7. For example, while some partners sell packing materials and junk removal services should you need them, not all Mayflower’s agents will offer these. Mayflower does earn a lot of points, though, for its more advanced services — piano moving, car shipping, antique moving, custom crating, and assembly/disassembly of some furniture. A full-service move quote also includes “Full Value Protection” (unless waived) which is compensation should something happen to your belongings during the moving process under Mayflower. However, it’s not insurance as the company claims it will be responsible for your claims and you don’t have to prove its negligence caused the damages or items to be lost.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
We gave Mayflower Moving a 8/10 for reputation due to the fact that although it has an A+ on the BBB, it only has 1.29 stars for BBB customer reviews and its Trustpilot score is currently a 2.4. The brand isn’t accredited by the BBB, but its parent company, UniGroup, is (with an A+ rating). Finding reviews for working specifically with Mayflower Moving can be difficult. But I do want to mention that this moving company’s partners in Alaska do have better reviews even if they’re not on the BBB — as of this writing, World Wide Movers, Inc. Alaska and Golden North Van Lines have Google ratings of 3.8 and 4.6, respectively.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | 2.4 | 6 |
| Not available | Not available | |
| Yelp | Not available | Not available |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Mayflower Moving
My own communications with Mayflower were lacking, as I was directed to contact the partners myself, but others who directly used Mayflower as a carrier talk about its professionalism, efficiency, and responsiveness from team members. These points are also regularly raised in reviews for Mayflower’s two agents in Alaska — in addition to good quoting processes and moving experiences.
Most Common Criticism for Mayflower Moving
When it comes to moving with Mayflower and partners, customers highlight severely delayed deliveries and higher-than-expected costs. A major concern was also damaged property. Customers talk about poor packing services that resulted in damaged items and furniture when they arrived at their new home.
As our choice for “Best Technology,” Mayflower Moving and its agents do make technology a central point of their services. When working directly with Mayflower, you might be able to start with a Virtual Survey process. The company sends you an app to use through which you can show the rooms in your home, disclose any valuables, and detail what will be moved by the company. After this step, you’ll be given a quote and advice on moving services. It is unclear if all of Mayflower’s partners use this app at the moment, however, so your personal experience may be different. Mayflower also offers GPS tracking with some agents, quick quote features, binding estimates, and over-the-phone booking. While Mayflower did disclose its status as a carrier/broker, we took some points off due to its lack of sample pricing and fee breakdown on the website, which landed Mayflower at a 7.3 for Transparency.
What to Look for in a Reputable Moving Company in Alaska
Moving from and to Alaska gets a little tricky due to the fact that it is considered an international move. Any moving service you work with should have appropriate licenses and insurance, even if you’re simply moving from Anchorage to Fairbanks. But if you’re moving from Alaska to Washington, for example, you’re going to need a brand that has a freight forwarder permit or a Federal Maritime Commission number. To take it a step further, you can check just how professional the company is by seeing if they have certification from the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) or membership in another moving federation.
How To Avoid Moving Scams in Alaska
The BBB found in a study that interstate moves are particularly vulnerable to scams. Unprofessional movers could hold property at ransom or simply disappear with your items. It’s actually illegal for a company to charge you more after your belongings are loaded into the vehicle. To avoid these disasters, always properly vet the company you’re thinking of working with. A reputable moving service will:
- Have a physical address, not just a P.O. or UPS box
- Accept non-cash payment methods
- Have marked vehicles, including trucks with company logos
- Not lowball you to get your business
Alaska Moving Company News
Were you born in Alaska and thinking about moving away? You’re definitely not alone. In fact, a recent review of U.S. Census Bureau data found that more than half of Alaskans born in the state have left. This could point to concerns with its economic health and overall attractiveness as a place to live. There are only two other states that have a harder time retaining their residents: Wyoming and North Dakota.
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
FAQs
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost in Alaska?
The average cost of a moving company in Alaska is between $4,000 and $17,000 depending on where and what you are moving. This relatively high cost is partly due to the fact moving to or from Alaska and another state is considered an international move, but customers can work with moving companies to try to negotiate a lower price.
Should You Tip Movers in Alaska?
Yes, you should tip movers in Alaska between 10 and 20% of the total moving bill. If you aren’t comfortable with a percentage method, you might prefer tipping based on hours or days.
Are Moving Companies in Alaska Worth It?
A moving company is worth it in Alaska as there are a lot of concerns when moving into or out of the state due to customs and international laws. However, since few moving services operate in the state, finding a company can be difficult and you might want to weigh the pros and cons of DIYing your move.
