Moving into a new home can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting, but with the right moving company, it can be as simple as booking the date and signing the check. If you’re looking for a way to take the stress out of moving day and leave the heavy lifting to professionals, you’re in the right place. We’ve narrowed down the best moving companies in Kentucky to help you start your stress-free moving process today.
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
4.1
Customizable moving packages
Flat-rate pricing
Short and long-term storage solutions
As a former mover, I know all the ins and outs of what to look for in a company. There are a lot of scams out there, but booking with a reputable moving company that employs trained professionals can make all the difference. We’ve ranked each company in this article using our detailed criteria to ensure we pick the best movers nationwide. If you’re ready to see what they have to offer, keep reading to learn more about the top movers in Kentucky.
What Are the Best Moving Companies in Kentucky?
My top 9 recommended national moving companies for 2023:
Compare the Best Moving Companies in Kentucky
We’ve reviewed the best moving companies in Kentucky and ranked them by their features, service options, customer satisfaction, nationwide availability, and other important factors. Using our detailed research, we’ve made an informative table that lets you compare each company at a glance.
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) comes in at number one on our list as the best full-service mover because of its unique combination of service variety and attention to detail. IVL has only been in business for around 20 years, but in that time, it’s gained a reputation as one of the best national moving companies. It performs more than 20,000 moves a year, making it one of the hardest-working companies on our list as well. With options for virtual tours and free 30-day storage with every move, International Van Lines has plenty to offer new customers.
For moves all across the country, IVL offers the following services:
- Assembly and disassembly
- Car transport
- Custom crating
- Debris removal
- Full-service moving
- Full-service packing
- Motorcycle handling
- Packing supplies
- Piano handling
- Shipment tracking
- Shuttle services
International Van Lines offers the following moving options for all Kentucky and United States residents:
- Auto transport
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- International moving
- Interstate moving
International Van Lines offers an online discount of 10% off your order, a 15% discount on auto transport, and a 15% discount for senior citizens, but you have to call 877-647-1336 to claim them. IVL also offers free storage for 30 days with every move.
For more information on international moves and what International Van Lines has to offer its customers, check out the video below.
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
Moving is typically expensive, and if you don’t want to get the rug pulled out from under you when it’s time for the bill, it helps to pick a company that’s upfront about its costs. Luckily for you, American Van Lines uses flat-rate pricing and lists promotional quotes on its site, making it the most straightforward company on our list for getting an estimate. If you decide to call a customer representative, the phone moving quote process is quicker and easier than most competitors. Aside from price, AVL has a long list of carriers worldwide, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers and international travelers alike.
American Van Lines (AVL) offers a varied list of move services, including the following:
- Antique and piano handling
- Contents coverage plan
- Discounted moving (no packing)
- Full-service moving
- Full-service packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Partial packing (fragile items only)
- Storage
- Vehicle shipping
American Van Lines offers the following moving options:
- Commercial moving
- Corporate employee relocation
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military moving
American Van Lines offers discounts for military members, disabled veterans, and seniors, but they’re not advertised on its site. In addition, AVL will price match any quote you receive from a carrier of a similar size. If you think you may be eligible for a discount or want to learn more about price matching, call an AVL customer representative at 888-296-5458.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
4.2
Our Rating
Brokers can have a bad reputation in the moving business, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) stands out as one of the most convenient and cost-effective movers in the country despite being a broker. IMRG caters to new customers who need information fast, offering plenty of helpful online tools to assist your research process. It even has an online cost calculator on its website, making it easy to get an instant quote in just a few clicks. If you want a user-friendly moving company, IMRG may be the right one for you.
IMRG offers the following practical services for potential customers:
- Auto shipping
- Disassembly and reassembly
- Full-service moving
- Full-service packing
- Furniture moving
- Loading and unloading
IMRG offers the following moving options in Kentucky:
- Corporate moves
- Long-distance moves
- Military moves
IMRG lists a $500 discount on the home page of its website and offers large discounts for military moves. Although the specifics aren’t publicized, you can call 866-922-5801 to learn more.
Safeway Moving
4.1
Our Rating
If you’ve done any moving in the past, you know that the same move could get wildly different quotes from every company you ask. Prices fluctuate a lot, and if you’re looking for a little more security when it comes to your finances, Safeway Moving’s binding estimates can be a major help. With Safeway, as long as you don’t make any changes to your move, the quote you get is the price you pay. For over-the-phone estimates, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Safeway’s sales reps are friendly and informative, going above and beyond to make sure I knew the ins and outs of my moving quote. With 24/7 customer service and some of the most secure estimates in the moving business, Safeway Moving is one of our top moving contenders.
Safeway only offers a few services, but if you just need the basics, the following options should be more than enough:
- Crating services
- Full-service moving
- Packing and unpacking
- Storage services
Safeway offers the following basic moving options:
- International moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military relocation
- Office moving
Safeway doesn’t advertise any deals on its site, but it does offer discounts for early reservations, veterans, students, seniors, and other groups. Safeway also offers price matching, but you have to call 844-728-6899 to learn more.
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Using a moving broker has its perks, and if you’re looking to get the most out of your move, Moving APT should be at the top of your list. Since it functions like a booking agent, Moving APT connects you to the right carriers for your move instead of performing it themselves. This can give you better rates, more availability, and more access to remote locations throughout the country. I recommend Moving APT, with more than 2,500 carriers worldwide, to anyone who wants plenty of options for different carriers with everyday low prices.
Moving APT has an impressive list of services available to customers, including the following:
- Cleaning
- Contents coverage plan
- Custom crating
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Furniture repair
- Loading
- Packing
- Packing supplies
- Paper shredding
- Specialty moving (pianos, antiques, etc.)
- Storage
- Unloading
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Moving APT offers the following moving options to customers:
- International moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Office moving
Moving APT offers deals for military, senior citizens, disabled citizens, short-distance moves, and early reservations. Be sure to call a customer representative at 800-360-0037 to see if you qualify.
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
While some customers value cost over quality, some prefer movers who will provide the utmost care for their items. If you identify with the latter, JK Moving Services may be the right company for you. With more luxury services than other companies and a reputation for impeccable performance, JK Moving Services stands out as one of the best companies on our list. Its prices may not be the cheapest, but the cost is worth every penny. JK even offers options like archive services and facility management, so whether you’re planning a residential or commercial move, JK Moving Services excels at providing some of the best services in the moving industry.
JK Moving Services offers the following selection of premium features:
- Archive services
- Climate-controlled storage
- Concierge services
- Data center services
- Facility management
- Financing options
- Flight charters
- Full-service packing
- Full-service moving
- Full-valuation coverage
- GPS tracking
- Office IT services
- Pet relocation
JK Moving Services offers a range of different moving options in Kentucky, including the following:
- Commercial moving
- Employee relocation
- Government moving
- International moving
- Long-distance moving
JK Moving Services offers a 2% discount on moves to Brookfield Residential properties. You must call a customer representative at 855-339-1691 and qualify for the deal to get the discounted rate.
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
Allied has been in business for almost a century, making for more years of experience than most other companies on our list. Although Allied offers a set of standard services, its auto transportation services are what set it apart from competitors. Allied uses fleets of its own trucks to transport cars, trucks, boats, jet skis, motorcycles, golf carts, and all kinds of other vehicles rather than outsourcing jobs to third-party carriers. If you have a lot of vehicles in your garage and you want a moving company that can actually handle moving them itself, I recommend that Allied be your first call.
Allied has a list of convenient services to choose from, including the following:
- Fragile item packing
- Full-service moving
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Portable storage containers
- Shipment GPS tracking
- Storage services
- Vehicle transport
Allied offers the following moving options for customers:
- Corporate relocation
- International moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military moving
- Office moving
Allied offers unpublicized discounts for senior citizens. Call a customer representative at 877- 483-9424 to learn more.
Mayflower Moving
4.1
Our Rating
In today’s digital age, most of us have become accustomed to a certain level of technological convenience that many moving companies simply can’t provide. However, if you’re looking to find a company that’s chock full of modern features like GPS tracking and app functionality, Mayflower may be right for you. You can use the tools on the MyMayflower app to schedule your pickup, track your belongings, and even complete moving checklists ahead of time. Better yet, Mayflower can even help you get cash back when selling your home through its partnership with CityPointe Real Estate Services, making your transition to a new home even easier. Whether you want top-notch tech or convenient booking, I recommend Mayflower as your best option.
Mayflower offers more premium add-ons than most, including the following services available for its moving packages:
- Auto/vehicle transport
- Debris removal
- Electronics disassembly/reassembly
- Full-service packing
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Move-out cleaning
- Partial packing
- Piano and antique moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
Mayflower covers all the basics with its moving options, including the following:
- Commercial moving
- International moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military moving
Mayflower offers a 63% discount for members of the United Methodist Church through GCFA. You can fill out this form and email GCFAmoves@guardianmoving.com to see if you qualify.
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
Cost can be a major factor in determining what moving company you hire, but many companies have limited options when it comes to pricing. If you’re looking for a company with more choices, North American Moving Services is your best bet. With options for bottom-line pricing, not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing, North American can give you plenty of flexibility before the big move, making it easier to plan and finance your purchase. As for the cherry on top, North American Moving Services also boasts an impressive list of services, like junk removal and GPS tracking, that other companies don’t offer. For extra services and accurate pricing options, North American is a great choice.
North American Moving Services offers a variety of services in Kentucky, including the following:
- Debris removal
- Fragile-only packing
- Full-service moving
- Full-service packing
- Installation and assembly
- Packing supplies
- Storage
- Vehicle transport
North American Moving Services has a large network of movers that offer the following moving options:
- Corporate relocation
- International moving
- Interstate moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Office moves
North American Moving Services offers a 40–65% discount to members of The Senior Citizens League, more than 50% off interstate moves for Alliance members, and undisclosed discounts for VetRewards members. Call 513-401-8337 and mention that you’re a member to learn more about the discounted rates.
How Much Do Top Moving Companies Typically Charge in Kentucky?
Moving prices can change based on distance, inventory, weight, and even the season, but if you want to get a general estimate of your move’s cost, looking at the average price is a good starting point. I’ve listed the average cost for moving a two- to three-bedroom apartment in a variety of different moving options below.
| Move Type | Average Price (Two to Three Bedrooms) |
| International Moves | $1,500 – $12,000+ |
| Local Moves | $966 – $1,733 |
| Long-distance Moves (250+ Miles) | $2,272 – $4,343 |
| Long-distance Moves (1000+ Miles) | $3,145 – $5,958 |
| Packing Services Only | $300 – $800 |
However, getting a moving quote for yourself is far more accurate than looking at the national averages. I contacted several of our top moving companies and got quotes for a variety of different moves to see how the best companies compare.
- Moving a three-bedroom apartment from Chicago, Illinois, to Louisville, Kentucky (almost 300 miles), would cost around $2,400, according to the quote we got from Moving APT.
- For the same medium-distance three-bedroom apartment move (roughly 300 miles), Mayflower gave us an estimate of around $2,097.
- In terms of long-distance moves, moving a small one-bedroom apartment across the country from Lexington, KY, to Los Angeles, CA (more than 2,000 miles) would cost $2,864 to $3,819, according to our estimate from Allied.
- However, for moving the same distance with a large four-bedroom house, Allied gave us a quote of $15,349 to $17,215.
As you can see, the prices can vary by thousands of dollars. Be sure to consider all the factors that go into the moving process before deciding on a company based solely on price.
How Can You Negotiate With the Top Moving Companies and Get Discounts?
Negotiation is a two-way street, but most customers aren’t sure how to gain leverage so they can get a better price with their movers. If you want the upper hand in your moving deal, you can start by doing the following:
- Asking about available discounts
- Seeing if your company will price match competitors’ moving costs
- Offering a flexible date and time for your move
- Minimizing extra services
Most companies have some flexibility when it comes to making a deal, so you can be direct and honest about your expectations. Make sure to get several moving quotes from competitors before you narrow down your options, as this gives you more leverage to ask for price matching. You don’t need to play hardball — just be polite and come prepared.
How Can You Avoid Moving Scams From Bad Moving Companies?
Moving scams are any type of deceptive scheme to take money or withhold services from customers. Scammers can steal your peace of mind just like your money, ruining your moving experience and savings in the process. There are a slew of different moving scams to keep an eye out for, but they normally pop up in the following ways:
- Low-ball estimates
- Hostage shipments
- Hidden fees
- Rogue movers
The best way to avoid moving scams is to know the red flags to look for. Always be on the lookout for movers who demand a cash payment or upfront payment in full, as these are blatant signs that something unprofessional is afoot. You should also be wary of movers who don’t provide a written estimate, don’t provide detailed insurance information, or don’t ask many questions about your inventory before producing a moving quote. Providing a moving estimate takes time, and if a company rep makes it seem quick and easy, there’s a good chance they’re cutting corners. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so only book with reputable companies that have publicly available information on the USDOT company snapshot page.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Top Moving Company?
Choosing the best moving company for your move depends on several factors, such as:
- Your budget: This can make a big difference when it comes to choosing services and even deciding if you should hire professionals or rent a moving container to do the move yourself. Moving across the country can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s important to plan ahead and hire a company that’s within your means.
- Your timeline: If you have strict moving dates for pickup or dropoff, that can impact which companies are available for your move. For best results, you should book your move at least one month before your ideal moving date.
- Your distance: Some local moving companies only handle in-state moves for an hourly rate, and others can move you anywhere in the country, so that can have an effect on which movers can handle your move. If you’re making an out-of-state move, be sure to select a company that’s registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and has proper insurance qualifications.
- Your items: All interstate movers factor the size or weight of your items into their costs. If you have very large items or any specialty items like pianos, antiques, and certain vehicles, be sure to pick movers who are capable of handling those items with care.
- Your preferences: Moving is expensive, and you shouldn’t settle for less than what you expect. Depending on how niche your preferences are, you may have to search a bit before you find one company that can handle all your moving needs.
It can be hard to decide between moving companies, but the factors above can help narrow your search. Before you book, it’s important to look at customer reviews to get a better picture of how the companies operate. You should also do some research on the differences between brokers and carriers, your movers’ registration information with the FMCSA, and any negative reviews customers have left regarding your top pick. Once you sort through all the information, you’ll have a better idea of what moving company is right for you.
So, What Is the Best Moving Company in Kentucky?
There are plenty of moving companies in Kentucky for local and national moves, but we recommend International Van Lines as our top pick for most situations. With its detailed estimate process, virtual in-home surveys, and well-rounded selection of services, IVL is a great choice for just about any type of move. I was particularly impressed with its customer service and the detailed process for getting a free quote over the phone. However, every customer’s needs are different, so be sure to browse our whole list to find the movers that suit you best.
If you’re ready to start booking your move today, click below to get a free quote and learn more about some of our top moving companies.
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
4.1
Customizable moving packages
Flat-rate pricing
Short and long-term storage solutions
FAQs About the Best Moving Companies in Kentucky
Who is the largest moving company?
In terms of truck fleet size, United Van Lines is the largest moving company in the United States, with 7,510 trucks at its disposal. However, in terms of total carrier numbers, brokers like Moving APT could qualify for being the largest moving company for having over 2,500 moving partners. It can be difficult to quantify who the largest moving company is since there are plenty of variables to consider, but remember that the biggest isn’t always the best. It’s better to look at customer satisfaction than simple statistics.
What is the best moving company in Kentucky?
It can be difficult to narrow down which company is best when there are so many, both local and cross-country, to choose from. However, based on our research, we recommend International Van Lines as our pick for the best moving company in Kentucky. Its wide range of services, helpful customer representatives, and detailed estimate process make it a great blend of personable and practical.
What is the best way to get a free estimate from a moving company?
It’s always best to schedule an in-person evaluation to get a more accurate moving quote. However, if you don’t have the time or resources to schedule a tour, you can call the moving company and talk to a representative to get a quote. Some companies offer online quotes as well, which can be effective if you have a detailed list of your home inventory, but talking over the phone allows for more clarity during the estimate process.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies in Kentucky
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 in Kentucky that are 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.
Kentucky movers 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 up-front 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.
