Best Moving Companies in Montana

Montana, affectionately known as the Treasure State or Big Sky Country, is one of the least-densely populated states in the country. Despite the lack of people in the largest landlocked state, however, the cost of living in Montana is still higher than average. 

However, that hasn’t stopped people from moving to Montana, as twice as many people moved in to Montana than those who left the state in 2022. If you’re looking for well-established Montana movers, we recommend any of the movers on this page, but our top moving choice is International Van Lines.

• International Van Lines—Best long-distance moving company
• First National Van Lines—Best local moving company
• PODS—Best moving container company
• Penske—Best moving truck company
• HireAHelper—Best hourly moving labor company

A little over 1.06 million people are currently living in Montana. Ethnic diversity in Montana is below average compared to other states in the US. While the majority of the population is White (85%), the next largest ethnic group living in Montana are of American Indian or Alaskan Native descent (about 6%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4%, while those of Black/African American or Asian descent make up less than 1%. A little over 2% of the population was born in another country, and about 4% of households speak another language aside from English, the most common being Spanish, Other Native Languages of North American, and German.¹

Other noteworthy demographics:

• 89% of residents under the age of 65 have health insurance.²
• 21% of the population is under the age of 18.²
• Roughly 94% of the population has a high school diploma or higher.²

A little over 1.06 million people are currently living in Montana. Ethnic diversity in Montana is below average compared to other states in the US. While the majority of the population is White (85%), the next largest ethnic group living in Montana are of American Indian or Alaskan Native descent (about 6%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4%, while those of Black/African American or Asian descent make up less than 1%. A little over 2% of the population was born in another country, and about 4% of households speak another language aside from English, the most common being Spanish, Other Native Languages of North American, and German.¹

Other noteworthy demographics:

• 89% of residents under the age of 65 have health insurance.²
• 21% of the population is under the age of 18.²
• Roughly 94% of the population has a high school diploma or higher.²

Cost of living in Montana is higher than average, ranking 30th in terms of affordability. You can expect to pay around $42,310 per year on living expenses, including the costs for housing and utilities, healthcare, and groceries, among other expenses. Most residents pay around $3,525 on expenses on a monthly basis.⁵

Montana voted Republican in the most recent presidential election. Jon Tester and Steve Daines are the two senators representing Montana, and Greg Gianforte is the governor. Since 1900, Montana has voted for the Republican candidate in nearly 70% of presidential elections, and chosen the Republican candidate in 100% of presidential elections since 2000.⁶ However, Jon Tester, the states’ senior US senator, is a Democrat.

Currently, decision makers seek to address economic growth and business development post-COVID, water and sewer infrastructure, education, and the behavioral health system.⁷

We conducted intensive research to identify the best moving companies for long-distance moves and local moves, in addition to container moves, truck rentals, and hourly moving labor. During our searches, we:

• 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.
• Review accreditation. We check every company’s records in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database to confirm companies are properly authorized to transport household goods.
• Go 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.
• Perform 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.
• Set up regular reviews. 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.

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• Best Moving Container Companies
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• What Should Go on a Moving Checklist?
• Where Should I Donate Items I Don’t Need?
• Should I Hire a Professional Mover?
• How Do I Update My License and Registration in Montana?
• When Is the Best Time to Move?