Are you the proud owner of a new house but require assistance in settling in? Moving companies are the ideal choice in this case. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the top types of moving companies and so much more.
Moving companies
A government-registered, licensed, and insured moving firm is much easier to locate. It will be more difficult for a moving firm to close and restart under a different name because they normally own their own trucks.
Moving companies have not only relocation specialists on call to assist you with the procedure, but also an office that you can visit and, more significantly, a regular staff. This is significant since the real moving procedure takes place at your home, not over the phone. You should be able to see who you’re letting into your home and who has access to your possessions.
Men who are “labor ready,” meaning they can paint, clean, cut, and build, will most certainly have a far easier time than men who are “labor ready,” meaning they can paint, clean, cut, and build. Because a moving company is always in your neighborhood, you can choose the exact day they will arrive. After all, this is what they specialize in. This is their profession. Because no third-party was ever involved in the process, you will be able to contact back and speak with the same firm that has taken care of you since the beginning, even years after the relocation is completed.
Top moving companies
#1. DB Schenker (Germany)
DB Schenker is the most sought-after worldwide moving company and relocation firm on the internet. Its main line of business, however, is logistics. It is a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, the second-largest transportation corporation in the world.
DB Schenker provides:
- Private relocations
- Company relocations
- Consulting and cooperation with other companies to provide a seamless move
- Services to pack all your goods
- Storage where needed
- All they own all their own vehicles
Although they may be able to assist with relocation between nations, their core international moving market is to and from Germany and within Europe. If you’re moving to or from Europe, this is a good place to start.
#2. Agility (Kuwait)
Another worldwide logistics firm that provides international relocation services is Agility. They are based in Kuwait and operate in over 100 countries around the world. They provide a wide range of freight services, including air, sea, and road transportation.
Every year, they undertake tens of thousands of household goods relocation. However, this covers things like door-to-door assistance, customs and brokerage information management, storage, and insurance. Everyone from huge American corporations to African ambassadors uses them.
They specialize in moving to and from the Persian Gulf, the Middle East, and many emerging markets around the world because they are based in Kuwait. If you’re moving to or from somewhere off the beaten road, this is a nice choice to consider.
#3. Aires (USA)
Aires, situated in the United States, is a specialized corporate relocation specialist. American International Relocation Solutions is their name. They provide a wide range of services in addition to simply transporting your products from one country to another.
Some of these services include:
- Real estate services
- Inspections
- Cost of living guides
- Insurance
- Move management
They specialize in international moves to and from the United States because they are an American corporation. They are the most popular American moving companies providing these services based on search volume.
#4. Nippon Express (Japan)
Nippon Express is a Japanese international logistics firm that specializes in air, sea, truck, and train transportation. They do, however, offer international moving services in addition to the aforementioned.
With the tagline “with the Japanese mentality,” they give high-quality, well-thought-out services. More so, their employees have a plethora of knowledge and may provide business support to HR specialists within firms to assist with relocations.
Nippon Express is a fantastic choice for anyone moving to or from Japan because of its Japanese base. You can be confident that they have a lot of experience because they handle over 500,000 moves every year (both local and international).
#5. United Van Lines (USA)
United Van Lines is the most popular international moving company in the United States. It has been in operation since 1928 and is a subsidiary of Unigroup, a $1.7 billion transportation and relocation corporation.
Its international movers’ service may assist with relocations to more than 180 countries worldwide.
Services offered include:
- Planning and preparation
- Management
- Visa and immigration help
- Housing and family assistance
- Property protection
Despite the fact that they serve consumers in over 180 countries across the world, they are an American firm with a particular focus on serving and meeting the requirements of Americans. If you’re moving to or from the United States, this is definitely worth a look.
#6. SIRVA (USA)
In 1998, Allied and North American Van Lines merged to establish SIRVA (previously Allied Worldwide). It offers services to businesses, the government, and individual customers.
It handles around a quarter-million relocations each year, with offices in over 1,400 sites throughout 170 countries.
In addition to Allied and North American brand lines it also operates:
- Allied
- Allied International
- DJK Residential
- NorthAmerican
- northAmerican International
- SIRVA Mortgage
- SIRVA Relocation
- Move Management
- SIRVA Global Relocation
- SIRVA Settlement
Additionally, SIRVA provides integrated relocation services and solutions from start to finish. This makes it much easier to manage an overseas move, whether you’re doing it yourself or on behalf of your staff.
#7. Atlas Van Lines (USA)
Atlas Van Lines is the second-largest interstate mover in the United States, and it is part of the Atlas World Group, which operates globally. They have 500 agents operating in 140 countries throughout the world.
Also, they provide international relocation services for individuals, businesses, governments, and military personnel. In addition, apart from the United States, their second-largest market in Canada, where they have 150 agents and operate under the Atlas Van Lines brand (Canada).
Other subsidiary companies operated by them include:
- Atlas Van Lines International
- Atlas Terminal Company
- World Class Travel Alas
- Avail Move Management
- Cornerstone Relocation Group
- Titan Global Distribution
- Atlas Logistics
#8. Crown Relocations (Hong Kong)
Crown Worldwide Group’s most well-known brand is Crown Relocations. They are based in Hong Kong and provide moving and relocation services to 265 locations in 58 countries across the world.
Besides Crown Relocations the group also operates:
- Crown World Mobility
- Crown Records Management
- Fine Art crown
- Crown Logistics
- Crown Wine Cellars
Here are a few more interesting facts about Crown Worldwide: Their 3,100 employees represent 70 different countries and speak 53 different languages. Thus, they have a warehouse with 316,000 square meters of space and handle 120,000 transfers every year. The relocation of the Mona Lisa in 2005 was their most well-known maneuver.
#9. Shipco Transport (Denmark)
Shipco Transport is a significant Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier and a subsidiary of the Danish Scan-Group (NVOCC). They have 75 offices in 30 countries with 2,200 employees.
They provide FCL (full container load) and LCL (limited container load) international container transportation services. Also, provide air freight services if you need your move completed soon.
Finally, they can assist you in ensuring that your move complies with all local rules, which can alleviate some of the stress associated with an international relocation.
#10. Graebel Van Lines (USA)
Graebel Van Lines claims to be the largest privately-owned moving company in the United States. They specialize in household and corporate relocations both domestically and abroad.
Also, they provide: Internationally qualified and licensed packers and loaders who handle your items with the utmost care, coordination with major worldwide carriers, and customs clearance processes for foreign removals. In addition, they also hire international moving coordinators who will oversee all elements of your move and keep in touch with you throughout. Graebel Van Lines has handled tens of thousands of international removals over the past 65 years and is worth considering if you’re moving to or from the United States.
#11. Leo Packers and Movers (India)
Leo Packers & Movers is one of India’s top moving firms, and they’re worth considering if you’re planning a move to or from the country.
They provide business and household relocation services, as well as lorry rental and storage. Many Indian and worldwide corporations, like Google, Pepsi, LG, Tata Motors, Bank of Punjab Limited, and others, are among our corporate clients.
With its own fleet of tight container trucks, they employ over 500 workers across India. Finally, while they are members of the International Association of Movers, they largely specialize in intra-India movements.
#12. VIP Transport (USA)
VIP Transport provides a wide range of one-of-a-kind moving services both internationally and within the United States. They offer services for moving wine, high-value collectibles, specialized crating, and professional athletes and sports teams, in addition to ordinary home relocations.
In terms of logistics, some of their more unique services include:
- Laboratory relocations
- Frozen biological transport
- Fine art and museum exhibit moves
- Musical and entertainment moves
- Aerospace companies (including NASA)
With 1,300 service agents in 180 countries, VIP can assist with worldwide moves. If you have a tough or complicated move, they are worth considering because of their specific skills.
#13. Settelen (Switzerland)
Settelen is a Swiss moving company that specializes in both local and international removals. Both private individuals and companies can take advantage of these services.
They provide international moving services to neighboring European nations as well as intercontinental migrations. You will be assigned a contact person who will assist you throughout the process if you use them.
Settelen also provides storage services if you can’t relocate right away, as well as special transportation for extra-large, abnormally heavy, exceedingly complicated, and unusual items, as well as car, van, and truck rental.
#14. Conroy Removals (Australia)
Conroy Removals is a well-known Australian/New Zealand removal company that handles moves within and between Australia and New Zealand, as well as international moves to Australia and New Zealand from the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Ireland, Canada, and South Africa.
They have Australian offices in:
- Brisbane
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Townsville
They can help you move, as well as provide packing, foreign exchange, and insurance services, as well as motor vehicle shipment. As a result, if you’re planning a trip to Australia, they might be worth contacting.
#15. Bolliger (Italy/UK)
Bolliger has been in business for almost 100 years and is one of Italy’s major international movers. Also, London, Milan, Florence, Lugano, Madrid, and New York are among their offices.
Bolliger provides the following services for international moves: freight and shipping by air, sea, and/or land, direct or shared-load to any destination worldwide, customs procedures handling of all required regulations forms and documents, worldwide network affiliation with major moving organizations such as Allied International, FIDI, and OMNI, and relocation services to assist you in acclimating to your new location. If you’re going to or from Italy, Bolliger is a company you should look into.
#16. 1-800-Pack-Rat (USA)
Another large American storage and moving firm are 1-800-Pack-Rat. They have a presence in both the United States and Canada.
Their main distinction is that they transport your belongings in containers. Be warned, however, that their container sizes differ slightly from those of ordinary shipping containers. They are available in three sizes: 16 feet, 12 feet, and 8 feet.
Please keep in mind that 1-800-Pack-Rat only handles transfers within the United States and Canada; if you’re moving to or from another country, you may want to look into other firms that specialize in those types of relocations.
#17. Anglo Pacific (UK)
Anglo Pacific claims to be the UK’s largest internal removals company, having been in operation for over 30 years. With the support of Maersk Line, thus, they conduct over 200,000 removals and international luggage shipments each year.
They are experts in relocations to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, the United States, and Asia.
In addition to standard removals, they can help ship:
- baggage
- personal effects
- cars and vehicles
- fine art
- furniture
#18. Team Relocations (UK)
One of the world’s largest international relocation and move management organizations is Team Relocations.
They have 34 offices across the following 13 countries:
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Russia
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
To execute your transfer, we’ll collaborate with the global Allied International network. Also, they also provide services like packing, insurance, moving checklists, and relocation experts.
They provide more than just moving services; thus they also provide storage, commercial and office relocation, hospital moving, and document storage and archiving. Team Relocations may also assist you in locating property in your destination country and assisting your entire family in adjusting to life in that country.
#19. Island Movers (USA)
Island Movers, based in the Hawaiian state of the United States, has been in operation for more than 55 years. It specializes in migrations to and from the Hawaiian islands from the United States mainland, as well as international moves to and from the islands.
Services they offer include:
- Moving
- Trucking
- Freight forwarding
- Warehousing
- Business records storage and destruction
- Furniture and appliance home delivery
- Container storage
If you’re planning on moving to or from Hawaii, you should definitely give Island Movers a look since that’s their specialty.
#20. Mudanzas Gou (Mexico)
Mudanzas Gou is a well-known international moving company in Mexico. They have been in business since 1900 and currently collaborate with a global network of partners. Mudanzas can assist with everything from art to transportation.
They may provide services such as land, sea, and air shipments, professional packing by experienced employees, extensive insurance, and customs form handling to ensure that your items arrive in your nation without delay.
Mudanzas Gou has ten offices around Mexico, so if you’re thinking about moving to or from the nation, this is a company to look into.
How Much Should You Pay for Someone to Move?
The cost of moving can range anywhere from $800 to $2,500, with the national average cost being approximately $1,400. It is important to note, however, that this price range is for a local move of fewer than 100 miles completed by a moving crew consisting of two people. When moving a long distance, expect to pay between $2,200 to $5,700 for professional moving services on average.
What is the Cheapest Way to Move My Stuff?
Utilizing the services of one of the most reputable moving container companies is typically going to be the most cost-effective method of relocating. When compared to moving companies that provide full-service, it can save you thousands of dollars. If you’re relocating from coast to coast, you might be surprised to learn that the cost of moving containers is significantly lower than the cost of renting trucks.
How Much Do Local Movers Usually Cost?
- Based on the Cost of Movers Per Hour
For local moves, the cost of hiring a labor-only business normally ranges from $38 to $75 per mover, per hour. This pricing range is for labor-only companies alone. Therefore, the cost of hiring two movers to labor for a total of four hours will be approximately $424.
Types Of Moving Companies
Before you choose a moving company, you must first determine the sort of relocation you require.
Knowing the difference between a residential moving business and a commercial moving company is the first step in your search, whether you’re moving or for your work. Companies may then provide the following services:
Local: A local move is usually defined as one that is less than 50 miles away. Therefore, these specifications may vary depending on your state and the policies of the moving company you choose. It’s critical to double-check that your move falls within the company’s mileage restrictions.
Long-distance: When you need to go more than 50 miles (or the given company’s policy), your relocation is considered long-distance. A long-distance move is not always the same as an interstate move (below).
Interstate: Interstate moves include any moves that require crossing state lines.
International: An international move is one that necessitates travel outside of the United States (yes, this includes Canada). You’ll want to make sure that your selected moving company not only offers international services but also that they can help you with housing and immigration paperwork.
Moving containers: Moving container services offer containers of various sizes that, thus most of the time, homeowners have to pack themselves.
Specialty movers: Some movers offer specialty services for special items such as pianos, fine art, and even wine collections.
Auto movers: If you need to move a car long-distance or internationally, some companies offer auto moving services as an add-on cost.
What Should I Look for in a Moving Company
If you are in the process of selecting a moving company, your first step should be to read our reviews. Then, take into account the following: the company’s history, its dependability, its price, its licensing and insurance, and the services it provides. Before you sign up for anything, make sure you ask a customer care representative these and any other questions you have.
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost?
According to Realtor.com, the typical cost of moving is $1,250, however, this number can vary greatly depending on the specifics of each individual move. According to our research, the cost of moving household belongings a long distance of around 1,000 miles is approximately $5,000. However, the total cost might vary greatly based on where you are relocating to and how many belongings you have. Our figures are based on the relocation of a house with two to three bedrooms and belongings weighing around 7,500 pounds in total.
How Do I Find a Good Long-Distance Mover?
You should go online to the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and conduct a search for a moving company. This will allow you to verify that the moving company in question possesses the appropriate permits and insurance coverage to transport your belongings over long distances. You can obtain the moving company’s USDOT number in order to verify whether or not the moving company is a moving broker or carrier.
What is the Best Rated Long-Distance Moving Company?
After conducting an in-depth analysis of a large number of service providers, we determined that International Van Lines, American Van Lines, and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group were the long-distance moving firms that received the highest ratings.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to hire a moving company?
The bottom line Moving is always cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company. That’s indisputable. The savings may not always be substantial, though, and there are a lot of other factors to consider, like time, stress, and the required effort.
How do you estimate moving costs?
To calculate the cost of a local move, you’ll need to take the number of hours estimated to complete the move and multiply that by the hourly rate the moving company charges. You may also have to add on additional charges for things like travel time, packing materials, and tips for the movers if you so choose.
How many miles is considered long distance?
A move is considered a long-distance move when it is over 400 miles. Any moves that travel fewer miles say 100 miles or 50 miles, are considered local moves. Also referred to as a cross-country move, interstate move, or a long-haul move, depending on the distance of the move as well as its destination.