Moving Guide: How to Move

Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, this moving guide covers what you need to know, from planning your move to choosing the right moving company.

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Cost of moving
Best moving companies

Planning your move

Get organized early with tools, checklists and tips to make sure your move stays on track from start to finish.

Cost of moving

Understand what goes into moving costs, how to budget and where you can save along the way.

How Much Does It Cost to Move?

by Abby Badach Doyle

Most local moves cost less than $2,500. You’ll pay more for longer distances or heavier loads.

Moving Assistance: 6 Ways to Find Help with Relocation Costs

by Roberta Pescow

Government programs and nonprofit organizations can help cover your moving costs.

How to Move Across the Country Cheaply

by Roberta Pescow

Here are 10 ways to make the cost of a long-distance move more affordable.

Are Moving Expenses Tax-Deductible in 2025?

by Tina Orem

In most cases, it's just for people in the military, but some people may get a break on their state tax returns.

How Much to Tip Movers

by Roberta Pescow

Tipping between 10% and 20% of the total moving cost is common, though several factors can affect the final tip.

Best moving companies

Explore our expert reviews and rankings of the top moving companies to help you find the right fit for your needs.

Best Full-Service Long Distance Moving Companies of 2025

by Dalia Ramirez, Tina Orem

Best Container Moving Companies

by Tina Orem

Moving company reviews

Here's a closer look at some of our top moving company picks.

Full-service long distance movers

Self-service long distance movers

Moving FAQs

What's the difference between full-service and self-service movers?

Full-service movers: Can handle packing, loading, transport and unloading for maximum convenience (at a higher cost).

Self-service movers: Provide containers or trailers you load yourself; the company handles transport.

DIY truck rental: The cheapest option, but you do the packing, loading and driving.

Choose based on your budget, schedule and how much effort you’re willing to take on.

Should I hire a moving company or do it myself?

Hiring a mover makes sense if you’re relocating a long distance, have large or fragile items, or want to save time and stress. For smaller, local moves, a DIY option may be cheaper if you’re comfortable with the labor. Think about your budget, timeline and whether you're able to handle packing and heavy lifting.

When is the best time to book movers?

Mid-month, mid-week and off-season moves (fall or winter) are typically cheaper and less stressful than peak times like summer, weekends or end-of-month periods.

Moving companies have different recommendations concerning how far in advance to book, but here are some general timeframes.

Local moves - 2 to 8 weeks in advance.
Long-distance moves - 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
Cross-country moves (more than 1,000 miles) - 8 to 12 weeks in advance.

Book earlier if you’re moving during peak times like summer, weekends or the end of the month.

How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?

Always check that a mover is registered, licensed and insured. For interstate movers, confirm the company’s U.S. DOT number and other information through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

If you’re hiring for an in-state move, licensing can vary. Check with your state’s Department of Transportation to find the best source for researching a moving company.

Red flags include companies that refuse to provide a contract, lack a physical address on their website, ask for full cash payment upfront or don’t do an on-site inspection of your items.

Also check online ratings and reviews, and ask friends and family for recommendations.

What are the different types of moving companies?

Local movers: Best for short moves within the same city or under 100 miles.
Long-distance movers: Handle interstate or cross-country moves.
International movers: Manage customs and overseas relocations.
Specialty movers: Focus on oversized or valuable items like antiques or pianos. Some companies are brokers who subcontract, so confirm who will handle your move.