Cheapest Moving Companies (2025)

• Budget Truck Rental: Budget often comes out cheapest thanks to frequent online discounts and competitive one-way pricing, especially in busy metro areas. Double-check the total with taxes, mileage, and add-ons so your “low rate” doesn’t sneak up on you.
• Penske: Penske’s newer trucks and reliable roadside assistance make it a great value for longer routes. The base rate might be a bit higher, but the well-maintained fleet helps reduce the risk of delays or breakdowns.
• U-Haul: With the biggest network and low daily rates, U-Haul is tough to beat for local moves. They’re also a good pick if you need flexibility — it’s easier to find last-minute availability or change your route.

Pro tip: Book weekday pickups, keep mileage tight, decline extras you won’t use, and return on time to avoid fees. A simple hand truck and a few moving blankets can prevent damage that ends up costing more than the rental.

• PODS: Transparent container sizes and frequent promotions help keep total spend low. Month-to-month storage at origin or destination is often cheaper than separate storage and a second move.
• Zippy Shell: Street-legal, trailer-style units fit urban curbside spaces where standard pods struggle. Short-haul and regional rates are competitive, especially for city-to-city hops.

Pro tip: Measure furniture to choose the right container size, load tightly from floor to ceiling, and ask about off-peak delivery windows. A well-packed container reduces the need for extra units or unused space you'd still have to pay for.

• Colonial Van Lines: Known for competitive long-distance pricing and dependable scheduling. A smart pick for budget-conscious households that still want full-service support.
• Safeway Moving: Flat-rate pricing and veteran-owned operations make Safeway a standout for reliability and value on interstate moves.
• Mayzlin Relocation: Transparent pricing and consistent long-haul timing make Mayzlin a solid choice for affordable cross-country moves.
• American Van Lines: Known for experienced crews and careful handling, especially for antiques and specialty items. Offers flat-rate quotes with no hidden fees.
• BLVD Moving: Strong budget option for coast-to-coast or regional long-distance moves. Flexible scheduling keeps costs manageable.
• Bravo Moving: Ideal for short or regional moves in the Western U.S. Competitive rates, hands-on management, and strong customer feedback.

• HireAHelper: A nationwide marketplace where you book vetted crews by the hour for loading, unloading, packing, and assembly. Pair it with a rental truck or container to cut total costs while keeping professional muscle for the tough parts.

Pro tip: Reserve elevators, secure parking or permits, and budget extra time for stairs and long carries. Clear your path and disassemble bulky furniture ahead of arrival to maximize the hours you pay for.

• Zippy Shell: Street-legal containers can park where standard pods or trucks struggle, reducing permit costs. Short load and unload windows keep your curb time efficient and budget friendly.
• Budget Truck + HireAHelper: For short local hops, a small truck and two movers for a few hours is often the lowest total. You control the timing while pros handle the heavy lifting.

• Local (less than 100 miles): Plan for around $400–$1,600 to move a one-bedroom apartment with a small crew. Bigger homes or tougher access points (like stairs or long walks) can add time and cost.
• Long-distance (100–1,000+ miles): A small apartment move usually runs between $2,000–$5,000 or more. Full-home, cross-country moves can easily climb into the five-figure range, depending on size and distance.
• Containers (long-distance): Moving containers are often cheaper than full-service movers for smaller loads. Pricing is based on the number of containers or trailer space you use, so packing efficiently can make a big difference.
• DIY truck: Renting a truck is usually the cheapest way to go upfront, but don’t forget to factor in fuel, mileage, tolls, insurance, and packing supplies. Good planning helps keep your DIY move affordable.

• Verify licenses & complaint history. Always confirm that your mover has an active USDOT number and, if applicable, MC authority. You can look up safety records and complaint history on the FMCSA’s SAFER website before booking to make sure you’re working with a legitimate company.
• Compare at least three written quotes. Start with realistic pricing using our moving cost calculator, then compare at least three binding or not-to-exceed quotes side by side. Send each mover the same inventory, access details, and timing so you’re comparing true apples to apples. Review each quote for line-haul costs, accessorials, valuation coverage, and storage fees before deciding.
• Be flexible with your move date & delivery window. Mid-week, mid-month, and off-season moves (especially fall or winter) are almost always cheaper than weekends or peak summer dates. If you can, accept a flexible delivery window instead of guaranteed dates — it helps movers consolidate loads and pass savings on to you.
• Downsize & self-pack smartly. The less you move, the less you’ll pay. Sell or donate bulky, low-value items, and pack what you can yourself. Use linens and towels as padding to save on packing supplies and materials.
• Ask about discounts & price matches. Movers often have special pricing for military, students, seniors, and AAA members, as well as off-peak or mid-week bookings. Once you’ve gathered multiple written quotes, don’t be afraid to ask your top pick to match a competitor’s price.
• Cross-check your quote against alternatives. Even if you’re leaning toward a full-service mover, get one container quote (like PODS) or a truck-plus-labor estimate (Budget Truck Rental & HireAHelper). Comparing across service types shows you where the real savings are for your route.

Pro tips:

• Flex pickup and delivery windows. Spreads are typically cheaper than guaranteed dates, especially during peak season.
• Purge and self-pack. Reducing volume and boxing items yourself lowers labor time and transportation costs, since fewer boxes usually means less time and space.
• Avoid non-binding lowballs. Vague, non-binding quotes often balloon on move day. Insist on binding or not-to-exceed terms in writing.

• Full-service: Best when one team handles packing, loading, transport, and basic setup
• Hybrid: You pack and pros drive or your shipment rides on a shared trailer
• DIY: Rent a truck and, if needed, add hourly help for heavy items

• No survey but a firm low price: A mover who won’t do a video or in-person inventory is a red flag. That “too good to be true” quote can easily double later when they claim you have more stuff than expected.
• Cash-only payments or big deposits: Reputable movers accept credit cards and small, refundable deposits. If someone asks for a large cash payment up front, there’s a good chance you’ll never see that money again if something goes wrong.
• No binding or not-to-exceed estimate: Non-binding quotes let movers raise your price on delivery day. Always get your estimate in writing and make sure it includes every possible fee — stairs, long carries, shuttles, and anything else that could add up.
• Different names on paperwork and trucks: If the company name on the truck doesn’t match what’s on your contract or website, that’s a big red flag. They could be operating under multiple names to dodge bad reviews or complaints.
• Vague contracts or pushy sales tactics: A legitimate mover will give you clear paperwork that spells out pricing, valuation coverage, and pickup/delivery terms. Anyone rushing you to sign or upgrade services is not the kind of mover you want to trust with your stuff.