Best Moving Companies in Alaska (February 2026)
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Royal Alaskan Movers | 4.4
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Colonial Van Lines | 5.0
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We created FreightWaves Checkpoint to be your go-to resource for honest, data-backed advice on moving and car shipping. Our team rates over 4,000 moving companies using key metrics like price, reliability, and customer experience.
We also sift through thousands of real reviews to find patterns that matter — so you get a full picture of what to expect. All our content is fact-checked and updated regularly, so it stays accurate and useful when you need it.
Top Local Movers in Alaska
Not all movers handle your goods with the same care and coordination. Our review of 8 companies in Alaska found Royal Alaskan Movers to be the top performer for transporting household goods.
Here’s our full list of top local movers in AK:
Royal Alaskan Movers
Royal Alaskan Movers offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocation, and specialized packing for fragile items and antiques. They also provide unpacking services and are equipped to handle piano transportation. Additionally, Royal Alaskan Movers supports payment by credit card, although they do not accept cryptocurrency payments, which could be a limitation for some customers.
"Best moving company experience I’ve had! Communication was excellent, and nothing was broken or damaged even with lots of antiques. Movers were so gentle and professional. They even moved our camper trailer. Pricing was better than others."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Lack of communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Golden North Van Lines
Golden North Van Lines (DOT: 163057) offers a variety of services including full-service moving, interstate and international relocations, and specialized handling for antiques, pianos, and safes. They cater to specific needs with packing and unpacking services, and also have storage solutions available. Seniors may find them appealing as they are considered in the services offered; however, there isn't a senior discount available. A potential downside for customers is that they do not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.
"Packed my entire home with fragile items in 2 days. Haven’t found a single thing broken. 10/10 recommend to anyone nervous about packing or first time movers."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Efficient service
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Inaccurate estimates
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Superman Moving & Storage Service
Superman Moving & Storage Service (DOT: 2949875) offers comprehensive moving solutions, providing full-service and interstate moving options, as well as specialized services for handling fragile items, antiques, and pianos. They also cater to senior citizens, although they do not offer any senior discounts. Additionally, customers may find the lack of climate-controlled storage to be a drawback, especially for items sensitive to temperature and humidity. Despite these limitations, they do not require a deposit and offer the convenience of paying by credit card.
"Superman Moving and Storage exceeded our expectations! The three movers handled our cubicles efficiently and were remarkably polite, maintaining a positive attitude. We’ll gladly use them again and highly recommend to anyone in need of reliable movers."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Sourdough Transfer Inc.
Sourdough Transfer Inc. (DOT: 1099784) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocations, as well as packing and unpacking. They provide specialized care for antiques, pianos, pool tables, and artwork, ensuring that delicate and valuable items are handled with expertise.
While they offer convenient payment options such as money orders and credit cards, they do not accept cryptocurrency, which might be a drawback for tech-savvy customers. Additionally, they provide climate-controlled storage options as part of their services.
"Wonderful company to work with! Both times we've moved with them, the crew handling our items has been beyond professional, helpful, and gone out of the way to make things easy. All items were well packed and handled."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Misplaced or lost items
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
World Wide Movers, Inc.
World Wide Movers, Inc. (DOT: 12093) offers a comprehensive selection of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocations, and packing and unpacking services. They are well-equipped to handle small moves and specialize in transporting delicate items such as antiques and art. A distinctive feature is their acceptance of various payment options, including cash, credit card, and money order.
A potential downside for some customers is the lack of climate-controlled storage and shipment tracking options. Despite these limitations, World Wide Movers, Inc. remains an active participant in the moving industry, continuously updating their offerings to meet customer needs.
"I am very pleased with the service we received when we relocated. The two men who packed up our house were careful and efficient. Not a thing was broken!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in AK?
Local movers typically charge by the hour, and your final price depends on how many people are on the crew and how long the move takes. Local moves cost an average of $0 in Alaska. The more items you have — and the more help you need — the more you’ll pay.
Want a full breakdown of costs? Read our complete guide on how much Alaska movers cost. Here’s a quick look at average crew sizes and hours based on the size of your home to help you plan your local move in AK:| Home Size | Crew Size | Move Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 BR | 2 movers | 3–4 hours | $0 – $0 |
| 2 BR | 3 movers | 4–5 hours | $0 – $0 |
| 3 BR | 4 movers | 6–7 hours | $0 – $0 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 4–5 movers | 8+ hours | $0 – $0 |
Best Long-Distance Movers in Alaska
After comparing hundreds of moving companies across Alaska, Colonial Van Lines emerged as the top choice. They strike the right balance between affordability, quality of service, and proven customer experience, making them a smart pick for interstate moves.
Here are the best long-distance movers serving AK residents:
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Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, that handles long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years in the business and over 12,000 moves completed each year, they know their way around an interstate move. Colonial offers packing, storage, and long-distance transport throughout the continental US, all handled by highly trained crews. Their easy-to-use mobile app makes getting a quote quick, and customers often highlight the company’s friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expert in-house crews
- Home electronics setup
- Trash & debris removal
Cons
- No local or international moves
- Not available in AK or HI
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
- Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
- Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
- Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
- Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
- Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
- Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
- Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
- Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving (USDOT: 3756000) is a veteran-owned moving company built around the idea of military-level precision. Thanks to its nationwide network of truck capacity, Safeway is able to offer very competitive pricing without cutting corners. The company also uses a multi-stage quality assurance process to keep moves on track from pickup through delivery. That combination of accurate pricing and consistent quality is a big reason Safeway earned a spot on our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Long distance and cross country moves only
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
Cons
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
Services
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
- Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
- Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
- Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
- International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
- 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) is a long-distance moving company known for its hands-on approach and experienced crews. Based in Florida, the company handles interstate moves nationwide and stands out for using full-time, background-checked movers rather than temporary labor. American Van Lines offers packing, storage, and specialty services for items like antiques and pianos, with a strong focus on careful handling. Customers often point to the company’s professionalism and attention to detail as key reasons it earns high marks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Last-minute moves
- Private storage options
- Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
- Flat-rate pricing
Cons
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Services
- Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
- Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
- Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines (USDOT: 076235) is one of the most recognizable names in the moving industry, with a nationwide and global network backed by more than 80 years of experience. Alongside full-service local, long-distance, and international moves, Allied offers Allied Express, a portable container option that includes professional loading and unloading. With packing, storage, and specialty services also available, Allied provides flexible solutions for a wide range of moving needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Specialty packing services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- International shipping
Cons
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days
Services
- Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
- Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
- International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
- Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
- Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
- Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
- Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation (USDOT: 2513600) is a long-distance moving company that focuses on transparent pricing and a more hands-on customer experience. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers from booking through delivery. With professional packing, storage options, and consistent communication throughout the process, Mayzlin Relocation is a solid choice for customers who want clarity, support, and fewer surprises on moving day.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- 24/7 customer support
- Residential, corporate & military moves
Cons
- Only service moves originating on the east coast
- Deposit required at booking
Services
- Local moves (residential service with professional teams and packing assistance)
- Long-distance & out-of-state moves (nationwide across all contiguous states with online quotes, price-match guarantee, and real-time GPS tracking)
- Corporate moves (commercial & office relocation, employee moves, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Military moves (compliant with regulations, trained crews, full-service support)
- Packing & unpacking services (trained packers, durable materials, wrapping for fragile items like antiques, pianos, fine arts)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units, 30 days free storage included)
- Small moves (efficient handling of smaller load requirements)
- Price match guarantee (ensures competitive pricing)
- Deposit & cancellation policy (25% deposit, full refund if canceled within 7 days)
- Online estimates & booking (virtual inventory, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly (handled by crew as part of full-service)
- Dedicated move coordinator & customer support (personalized planning, 24/7 assistance throughout)
How Alaska Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,180 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 8 are located in AK.
- Average rating: 4.29 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.31 stars.
- Mover associations: Alaska has 2 in-state mover associations — a strong indicator of quality standards and coordination in the local moving industry.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | AK Movers | AK % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 7 | 87.5% | 1,465 | 46.07% |
| Art | 6 | 75.0% | 1,449 | 45.57% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 0 | 0.0% | 1,035 | 32.55% |
| Debris Removal | 1 | 12.5% | 822 | 25.85% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 3 | 37.5% | 749 | 23.55% |
| Labor-Only | 5 | 62.5% | 1,728 | 54.34% |
| Office Moving | 8 | 100.0% | 2,711 | 85.25% |
| Small Moves | 3 | 37.5% | 1,555 | 48.9% |
| Total Movers | 8 | 100% | 3,180 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | AK Movers | AK % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 36 | 1.13% |
| Military Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 130 | 4.09% |
| Senior Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 141 | 4.43% |
| Student Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 37 | 1.16% |
| Teacher Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 11 | 0.35% |
| Total Movers | 8 | 100% | 3,180 | 100% |
What Impacts the Cost of Alaska Long-Distance Moves?
- Optional add-ons: Want help with packing? In Alaska, 100.0% of movers offer it. Need storage? 7 providers can help. These extras will be reflected in your final quote.
- Moving destination: The farther the shipment, the more you’ll pay for fuel, labor, and wear-and-tear on the truck.
- Home size: A larger home means more goods to load and haul and higher pricing for both labor and transport.
- The season: Moving during peak season — especially summer — can significantly increase your costs due to tight trucking availability.
How To Choose the Right Alaska Mover
When you’re planning a move in Alaska, it’s not just about loading boxes — it’s about choosing a reliable partner to manage your shipment. A little research can help you avoid major headaches.
Make sure your mover checks these boxes:
- Licensing and credentials: Ensure they’re fully licensed for household goods shipments and insured through the FMCSA.
- Pricing and estimates: Request walkthrough-based estimates, as they’re more accurate and often binding. Aim for three quotes to compare.
- Discounts and price matching: Ask about special pricing — 0 movers in AK offer military discounts and 0 give breaks for seniors.
- Service and reviews: Movers with a proven record of reliable service tend to have strong customer ratings.
- Booking and flexibility: Check their policy for changes or cancellations in case your timeline shifts.
FAQs
How are long-distance moves scheduled?
Movers schedule long-distance routes based on geography, demand, and truck availability. Once your window is set, they'll coordinate pickup and delivery accordingly.
Can I ship a vehicle with my household items?
Some full-service movers offer auto transport alongside household goods, but it’s often a separate service with its own carrier and delivery timeline.
What kind of moving truck will transport my items?
Most long-distance moves use 26-foot box trucks or tractor-trailers. Smaller moves may be loaded onto shared trucks or containerized for efficiency.
Is there a weight limit on my move?
Technically, yes. Residential moves must comply with federal weight limits for trucks. Large or heavy moves may require multiple trips or special permits.
Thinking About Moving to Alaska?
Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a change of scenery, Alaska has a lot to offer. From cost of living considerations to entertainment, career options, and climate, here's a quick overview of how to prepare for your AK relocation and what to expect once you arrive.
Life in Alaska: What To Expect
- Alaska's cost of living is 22% above the national average, with average rent around $1,345 and homes valued at $362,098.
- The job market in Alaska is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. Top industries include Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction ($9.3 billion), Transportation and warehousing ($7.4 billion), and Real estate and rental and leasing ($5.2 billion).
- Recreation options in Alaska include attractions like Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park, outdoor escapes such as Mendenhall Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, and museums like University of Alaska Museum of the North and Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum.
- Sports lovers can cheer on teams like Anchorage Wolverines and Anchorage Bucs (Alaskan Baseball League), which draw fans from across the state.
Alaska Relocation Resources
