Best Local Moving Companies of 2024: Full-service, Hybrid, and DIY

We've researched the best local moving companies in the business to help you find the right full-service mover, moving container company, or moving truck rental company for your local move. 

Best full-service mover
collegehunks
College Hunks Hauling Junk
4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1
  • pro
    Great customer service
  • pro
    Junk removal and hourly labor
  • con
    Limited claims information available
Best moving storage containers
pods
PODS
3.4 out of 5 stars
3.4
  • pro
    Wide availability
  • pro
    Multiple container sizes
  • con
    Must call to finalize moves over 50 miles
Best moving van rentals
uhaul
U-Haul
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
  • pro
    Nationwide availability
  • pro
    Easy online reservations
  • con
    Last-minute reservation changes
Colin Holmes
Feb 14, 2023
bullet9 min read

There are literally thousands of local moving companies across the country. We compared the best local movers and broke them into three separate categories: full-service moving, moving and storage containers, and rental trucks.

Read on to see the best local moving company we chose for each category and why you might want to choose one category over another.



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Comparing the best local moving companies

Company
They load and unload
They drive
Visit website
collegehunksCollege Hunks Hauling Junk
bulletYes
bulletYes
podsPODS
bulletProvided by partners and costs extra
bulletYes
uhaulPODS
bulletProvided by partners and costs extra
bulletNo
bullet
Move.org Moving Grants: The 411

At Move.org, we offer financial assistance to individuals and families who are moving in exchange for details about their experience. Their candid reviews help us provide unique, real-life perspectives about the moving process.

Visit our Moving Grant hub to find out which companies we’ve worked with and to apply for funding for your next move!


Full-service local moving companies

Full-service moving companies offer the most stress-free and customizable moving experience. However, full-service moves are also the most costly options.

Move.org’s pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving

Best full-service mover
collegehunks
Our Rating
4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving is the only national full-service mover that also specializes in junk and donation removal, giving it a leg up over other standard full-service movers.

In addition to offering a comprehensive list of packing and moving services, it offers what we think is the best solution if you need to dispose of some junk or donate any unwanted belongings during your move.

pro
Pros
pro Great customer service
pro Over-the-phone estimates for small moves
pro Junk removal and recycling services
pro Donation pickup
pro Wide variety of hourly labor services
con
Cons
con Fewer locations than TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
con Limited information online about moving coverage and claims

Why College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving is the best full-service mover

Reason #1: It offers everything you’d expect from a full-service mover (and more)

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving isn’t just a one-trick pony. Although its junk-hauling service takes top billing in the company name, it’s no slouch when it comes to moving.

From providing moving supplies to packing and transporting your belongings to your new home, College Hunks offers a wide range of moving services that would cover almost any movers’ needs.

We like College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving because it also fills a need that many don’t think of when planning a move: taking care of all the unwanted stuff you find while packing.

Whether you need miscellaneous junk to be thrown out or recycled, or you have belongings that you’d like to donate, College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving is the only mover on our list that can professionally remove junk and move you to your new home.

Reason #2: Its hourly labor services can lighten the load of your move

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving truly is a one-stop shop when it comes to moving. In addition to moving and junk removal, it also offers hourly labor services to give you an extra hand during any phase of your move.

Here are a few the hourly labor services available through College Hunks:

  • Home staging
  • Furniture rearranging
  • Light demolition
  • Storm recovery and debris removal

Investing in a little extra help to stage your home or finish some light demolition for a final renovation can pay off in the long run when it comes time to sell your home. Be sure to request an estimate to get a better idea of the hourly labor rates in your area.

Want to learn more about College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving?


Other full-service movers you should consider

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Two Men
Our Rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a full-service mover with over 380 locations worldwide. Although it started as an after-school business by two high school students in the 1980s, it has become one of the most well-respected and customer-focused movers in the country.

pro
Pros
pro Over 380 locations worldwide
pro Excellent customer service
pro Wide range of moving services
pro Hourly labor services
pro Pickup and delivery service
con
Cons
con Limited information online about moving coverage and claims

Why we recommend TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Customer service is important when you’re dealing with any moving company, but it’s especially important during a full-service move.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK understands this, so it has “THE GRANDMA RULE.” Put simply, this means every employee is told to treat you the way they would want their grandma to be treated.

Although this might just seem like a marketing gimmick to make you feel better about choosing TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for your move, our research finds it generally lives up to high customer service standards—while other professional movers may fall a bit short in this area.

We also like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s pickup and delivery service. It’s especially helpful if you’re turning to the classifieds to replace an appliance or two in your new home and the seller doesn’t offer delivery.

On top of all of this, we have found that TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the perfect company if you're looking for a full-service apartment moving company.

Want to hire TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for your local move?


All My Sons Moving and Storage

allmysons
Our Rating
3.2 out of 5 stars
3.2

All My Sons Moving and Storage is a family-owned-and-operated moving company with more than four generations of moving know-how at its disposal. Although its locations are limited, we feel that its comprehensive list of moving services, commitment to customer service, and long history in the moving business make it a good option to consider for your local move.

pro
Pros
pro Excellent customer service
pro High-quality packing services
pro Full-featured list of services
pro Professionally licensed piano moving
con
Cons
con Fewest locations out of our recommended movers
con Less informative website than the competition

Why we recommend All My Sons Moving and Storage

We like All My Sons Moving and Storage because it has the full-service options that you might find with a much larger moving company, but it maintains the customer service of a family-owned business.

If your move includes a piano or if you’d rather not empty your dresser drawers before moving day, consider requesting an estimate from All My Sons.

Ready to see what All My Sons Moving and Storage can do for you?


Moving and storage container companies

If you’re considering a hybrid move, renting a moving and storage container is the way to go.

You’ll find renting a moving and storage container is less expensive than a full-service move but will cost you more than renting a moving truck.

Move.org's pick: PODS (Portable On Demand Storage)

Best moving storage containers
pods
Our Rating
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2

PODS, short for Portable On Demand Storage, is one of the largest and most popular storage container companies in the business. We like PODS because it offers some of the highest-quality containers in the industry and has plenty of container options to suit any sized local move.

Compare PODS containers

PODS containers
8 foot
12 foot
16 foot

Dimensions

8 ft. x 7 ft. 6 in. x 8 ft.

12 ft. x 8 ft. x 8 ft.

16 ft. x 8 ft. x 8 ft.

Construction

Metal

Metal

Metal

Capacity (rooms of furniture)

1

2–3

3–4

Weight limit (lbs.)

5,200

4,700

4,200

Interior space (cu. ft.)

385

689

835

pro
Pros
pro Availability in almost every state with additional locations abroad
pro Multiple container sizes
pro Weather-resistant, metal-constructed moving containers
con
Cons
con No instant online quotes for moves over 50 miles

Why PODS is the best local moving and storage container company

Reason #1: It has multiple container sizes to fit your local move

Whether you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment or a small villa, PODS has container options to meet your needs. It offers three different container sizes to accommodate most average household moves:

  • An eight-foot container
  • A twelve-foot container
  • A sixteen-foot container

Larger homes may require multiple containers, but we like the fact that you can order multiple PODS containers if you find you can’t fit all of your belongings into just one.

Reason #2: PODS is available nationwide

Back in 1998, PODS introduced the concept of portable storage containers. Although several other movers replicated the idea over the years, PODS still remains one of the most popular and widely available moving container providers in the nation.

PODS is available in 44 states across the US (Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming didn’t make the cut), as well as several locations throughout Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Other moving and storage container companies don’t offer nearly as many locations. So for some, PODS may be the best and only option.

Want to get a PODS quote or learn more about the company first?


Other moving and storage containers you should consider

1-800-PACK-RAT

1800packrat
Our Rating
4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4

1-800-PACK-RAT is a moving and storage container company with well-constructed metal containers and good availability throughout the US and Canada. It doesn’t offer as many locations as PODS, but its steel containers offer more interior space than PODS’ offerings.

1-800-PACK-RAT containers
8 foot
12 foot
16 foot

Dimensions

8.5 ft. x 7.2 ft. x 7.8 ft.

12 ft. x 7.8 ft. x 7.5 ft.

16 ft. x 7.8 ft. x 7.5 ft.

Construction

Metal

Metal

Metal

Capacity (rooms of furniture)

1–2

2–3

3–4

Weight limits (lbs.)

4,000

6,000

6,000

Interior space (cu. ft.)

404

620

830

pro
Pros
pro Multiple container sizes
pro Weatherproof moving containers
pro More interior container space than PODS
con
Cons
con Requirement for a phone call to finalize quotes
con Limited availability compared to PODS

Why we recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT

One of the best reasons to choose 1-800-PACK-RAT for your local move is for the moving containers themselves. Their steel construction and barn-style doors offer solid protection for your belongings while offering you more interior space than a container with roll-up doors (like those offered by PODS).

If you have a 1-800-PACK-RAT location near you, be sure to look at its containers in person and compare them with PODS’ before you make your final decision.

Ready to get the ball rolling on your local move?


U-Box by U-Haul

uhaul
Our Rating
3.3 out of 5 stars
3.3

U-Haul is no stranger to the moving industry, but you may be surprised to learn it offers moving and storage containers as well. U-Haul’s U-Boxes are made of construction-grade plywood rather than metal, meaning they aren’t quite as sturdy as their metal counterparts—but nationwide availability means it’s one of the most accessible options for your move.

U-Haul Container
U-Box

Dimensions

7 ft. 11 in. x 4 ft. 8 in. x 6 ft. 11.5 in.

Construction

Wood

Capacity (rooms of furniture)

1

Weight limit (lbs.)

2,000

Interior space (cu. ft.)

257

pro
Pros
pro Nationwide availability
pro Online container reservation
pro Variable insurance options
con
Cons
con Wood-constructed containers
con Requirement of up-front payment—so if you don't use all the containers in your quote, you'll need a refund

Why we recommend U-Haul’s U-Box

U-Haul is the only local moving and storage container provider that’s available in all fifty states. Not only that, but U-Haul makes reserving a U-Box easy by allowing you to go through the whole process online—that’s something neither PODS nor 1-800-PACK-RAT can say.

Although the U-Box is available in only one size and we prefer the metal-constructed containers of other companies, its simple online reservation process and nationwide availability make it a solid option for small- to medium-sized local moves.

Want to get the full scoop on U-Haul's U-Box?


Moving van and truck rental companies

Renting a moving truck is definitely the most DIY approach to a local move. Truck rentals are the least expensive way to move to your new home, but they require you to be behind the wheel during every phase of your move—literally and figuratively.

Move.org's pick: U-Haul

Best moving van rentals
uhaul
Our Rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5

As we mentioned before, U-Haul is a household name in the moving industry—and for good reason. U-Haul is the oldest and most popular option for moving truck rentals and offers five box-truck sizes as well as moving vans and flatbed trucks to accommodate local moves of all sizes.

If you’re considering renting a truck for your local move, U-Haul should be the first company on your list.

Truck sizes
Pickup truck
Cargo van
10 foot
15 foot
17 foot
20 foot
26 foot

Internal dimensions

7 ft. 10 in. x 5 ft. 2 in. x 1 ft. 9 in.9 ft. 6 in. x 5 ft. 7 in. x 4 ft. 8 in.9 ft. 11 in. x 6 ft. 4 in. x 6 ft. 2 in. 15 ft. x 7 ft. 8 in. x 7 ft. 2 in. 16 ft. 9 in. x 7 ft. 8 in. x 7 ft. 2 in. 19 ft. 6 in. x 7 ft. 8 in. x 7 ft. 2 in. 26 ft. 2 in. x 8 ft. 2 in. x 8 ft. 3 in.

Capacity

Small jobsStudio apartmentStudio to 1-bedroom apartment 1-bedroom home to 2-bedroom apartmentUp to 2-bedroom home 2-bedroom home to 3-bedroom apartment 4-bedroom home

Weight limit (lbs.)

1,8973,8802,850 6,3856,1605,700 9,010

Interior space (cu. ft.)

N/A245402 764 865 1,016 1,682
pro
Pros
pro Nationwide availability
pro Easy online reservation process
pro 5 different truck sizes
pro Trucks with low decks and "EZ-Load" ramps
con
Cons
con Reservation changes if truck inventory is low

Why U-Haul is the best local van rental company

Reason #1: It has a wide variety of rental truck options with easy-to-load decks

Whether your in-town move is large or small, we’re sure U-Haul has a truck size that’ll fit your needs. U-Haul has the most variety of any moving truck rental company, offering five separate truck sizes:

  • A ten-foot truck
  • A fifteen-foot truck
  • A seventeen-foot truck
  • A twenty-foot truck
  • A twenty-six-foot truck

All of U-Haul’s trucks feature low-height loading decks, making it easier for you to load and unload your belongings. We love how this feature isn’t exclusive to its smaller moving trucks, so your lower back is safe no matter which size truck you choose.

Moving trucks from many other companies feature loading decks that are much higher than U-Haul’s. This puts the loading ramp at a steeper incline, making it that much more difficult to get large items like furniture into the truck (which are difficult to move to begin with).

U-Haul is also the place to go if you need to rent dollies and straps like the ones we recommend in our moving equipment guide.

bullet
COVID-19 got you on the move?

If you’re a college student that needs to move away from campus because of COVID-19, then you should see what U-Haul can do for you. Right now, the company is giving 30 days of free self-storage to people with current student IDs.

Reason #2: It has nationwide availability

If you’re looking to rent a moving truck, odds are that you’re near a U-Haul location. U-Haul truck rentals are available in all 50 states, and you’ll often find multiple U-Haul locations in populated areas.

We love the fact that you’ll almost never need to wonder if there’s a U-Haul location near you. Not only is this convenient, but it also ensures you can secure a truck in your preferred size without having to make your reservation too far in advance.

Let's get you moving in a U-Haul truck!


Other moving truck rental companies you should consider

Budget Truck Rental

budget
Our Rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5

True to its name, Budget Truck Rental is one of the most economical options for renting a moving truck. Budget offers several discount codes to help you save on your local move, which makes it a good option for local movers on a budget who don’t need too many extras with their truck rental.

Truck sizes
Cargo van
12 foot
16 foot
26

Internal dimensions

11 ft. x 4 ft. 5 in. x 6 ft.10 ft. x 6 ft. 3 in. x 6 ft. 16 ft. x 6 ft. 3 in. x 6 ft. 7 in. 26 ft. x 8 ft. 1 in. x 8 ft. 1 in.

Capacity

1 room or a studio apartment1–2 rooms 3–4 rooms 5–8 rooms

Weight limit (lbs.)

3,4003,610 4,460 10,000

Interior space (cu. ft.

357380 658 1,698
pro
Pros
pro Availability across the continental US
pro Low prices for local moves
pro Instant online quotes
pro Discounts for military members, students, and others
con
Cons
con Higher prices for add-ons than U-Haul
con Only 4 truck sizes
con Higher loading deck height than U-Haul

Why we recommend Budget Truck Rental

While Budget Truck Rental isn’t quite as widely available as U-Haul, you can still find a Budget rental location in the lower 48 states and Washington, D.C.

Availability aside, Budget is a great option if you’re hoping to save some money on your local move. Although you may have to pay more for add-ons like appliance dollies and furniture pads, you’ll likely pay less at Budget than another truck rental company if you forego these options.

Ready to learn more about Budget?


Penske Truck Rental

penske
Our Rating
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7

Penske Truck Rental is the third-largest truck rental company in the country and, coincidentally, it also lands at the third spot in our recommendations. Although its fleet of trucks is among the newest in the industry, we’ve found that local movers may end up paying a bit more with Penske than with either U-Haul or Budget Truck Rental.

Penske truck sizes
Cargo van
12 foot
16 foot
22 foot
26 foot

Internal dimensions

11 ft. 11 in. x 4 ft. 6 in. x 6 ft. 9 in.12 ft. x 6 ft. 6 in. x 6 ft. 1 in. 16 ft. x 7 ft. 7 in. x 6 ft. 6 in. 21 ft. 11 in. x 8 ft. 1 in. x 8 ft. 1 in. 25 ft. 11 in. x 8 ft. 1 in. x 8 ft. 1 in.

Capacity

Up to 1 room1–2 rooms 2–3 rooms 3–5 rooms 5–7 rooms

Weight limit (lbs.)

3,5003,100 4,30010,000 10,000

Interior space (cu. ft.)

404450 800 1,200 1,700
pro
Pros
pro Availability across the continental US and Canada
pro 5 different truck sizes
pro Multiple insurance options
con
Cons
con Higher prices than U-Haul and Budget for local moves
con Relatively expensive packing materials
con Higher loading deck height than U-Haul

Why we recommend Penske Truck Rental

If you’d rather not move with U-Haul and don’t mind paying a little extra for your rental, Penske’s trucks make it well worth considering.

Penske boasts one of the newest fleets in the truck rental industry, and its twelve- and sixteen-foot trucks offer better gas mileage than comparable trucks from U-Haul or Budget. Not only that, but Penske offers four truck size options compared to Budget’s three.

Penske is a good option for your local move if you care more about the quality of your moving truck than the cost of the reservation.

Are you ready to rent a Penske truck, or do you want to learn more first?

Let us know which local mover you choose!

Whether you seek out an estimate from a full-service local moving company or rent a moving truck, share your experience with us in the comments below! Our readers would love to hear how your move went and whether or not you’d nominate your mover for our best local movers list.


Methodology

Move.org evaluates and identifies the moving industry’s best full-service movers using a fivefold research approach:

  • Compare pricing transparency. We gather quotes, check for binding estimates, and read customer reviews about pricing to ensure each moving company’s prices are trustworthy. 
  • Mystery shopping. We review every company’s website, pose as customers in calls to companies, and read customer reviews to analyze every company’s moving services, transit protection, and customer service. We also interview actual customers to learn how their moves went from start to finish.
  • Site visits.  We invite moving companies to our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, to share data and expertise. We verify the information they provide by comparing it to data gathered through independent research and interviews with other movers.
  • Regular review. We routinely repeat this process to update our recommendations to reflect current data and trends. We also revise each review annually and make updates throughout the year.
Colin Holmes
Written by
Colin Holmes
Colin Holmes is no stranger to moving: he’s done so five times in the last five years, and he’s used his expertise to help over 185,000 readers plan their moves in the last year alone. As a former journalist and documentary interviewer, Colin brings a wealth of research experience to Move.org.