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Last Updated: Sep 17, 2023
Traveling under 100 miles? Fortunately, Moving Feedback did the research for you. Check out our list of the best short distance movers to get started.
BEST FOR LOCAL
4.5
BEST OVERALL
4.9
BEST MOVING CREWS
4.7
A short distance or local move is defined as any move that’s below 100 miles, and within the same state. While they may be a relatively short distance, it’s still important to book the best movers possible. But how do you find the best short distance movers for the job?
The research team at Moving Feedback checked with hundreds of best moving companies across the US, asking questions and even posing as customers to get the inside scoop about the best in the business.
Read on to see our list of the top short-distance movers of 2023, and get started with your move today!
In this article
If you’re moving a 3-bedroom home or apartment, it’ll take between $1250 and $3000 to hire local movers – sometimes more, and sometimes less.
| Home Size | No. of Movers | # Hours | Ave Cost / Hr | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers | 2 – 4 hours | $80/hr | $278 – $599 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 3 – 6 hours | $80/hr | $389 – $750 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 movers | 4 – 8 hours | $125/hr | $750 – $1900 |
| 3 Bedroom | 4 movers | 6 – 12 hours | $165/hr | $1250 – $3500 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4 movers | 8 – 14 hours | $165/hr | $1,400 – $5100 |
| 5 Bedroom+ | 5 movers | 10 – 16 hours | $200/hr | $2500 – $8000 |
Every move is unique, so it’s a little difficult for us to calculate the exact cost of your short distance move. Depending on the services rendered to complete your move, you may end up paying a lot more or less than our average price.
Local movers charge for moving services by the hour. They calculate the time it takes to move your belongings from your old home to delivery at your new home, and they multiply that by the number of movers needed for the job.
If you’re moving to a studio apartment across town, you may not have to pay too much. But if you’re moving a five-bedroom house into the next county over, you’re going to have to prepare your wallet.
Aside from size and time, there are a few other fees that will drive up the price of your short distance move. Check out these factors, and decide whether these extra services are worth the price:
Remember, these are rough estimates. If you want a more accurate idea of how much you’ll spend on your move, check out our moving cost calculator.
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| 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.7 |
| Best Overall | Best for Long Distance | Best for Local | Best Customer Reviews | Best for Long Distance |
| 15% Seniors & Military Discounts | 18% Flexibility Discount | Not Disclosed | 20% Seasonal Discount | 20% Seasonal Discount |
| $750 - $3500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $850 - $3700 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $700 - $3400 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $780 - $3800 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $770 - $3700 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
At Moving Feedback, we want your move to be a success. That’s why we spent the time to research the best short distance moving companies in the business. Take a look at our top 5 picks:
BEST FOR LOCAL
4.5
Licenses
DOT#: N/A
MC#: N/A
Type: Local, Long distance, International Moves
iMoving.com may not do the heavy lifting for you, but they’re our top choice for a reason: When you use iMoving, you’re getting access to an entire marketplace of reliable and trusted moving companies.
Their platform simplifies the process of planning and booking moves, kind of like Kayak or Expedia (but for moving). Plus, since it’s all online, you won’t have to make any calls.
While not a physical moving carrier, iMoving earns our recommendation for its exceptional convenience.
When you use iMoving’s web utility, you don’t have to deal with any phone calls or in-home estimates – just provide an inventory of what you’re moving, choose the services you want, and shop through a huge network of vetted moving companies.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
Moving APT has over 20 years of experience in the industry.
They’re a reputable full-service mover, and ever since they started two decades ago, they’ve been committed to excellent service.
While they specialize in long-distance moves, they can also handle your short-distance moves with ease.
Moving APT is an excellent choice for moves of all sizes.
They offer 24/7 customer support to ensure customer satisfaction, and they offer competitive pricing and all sorts of additional services to make moving day even smoother.
They’re a great all-rounder company, and you won’t have to break the bank to book their services.
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
4.6
Adams Van Lines has a reputation for quality customer service and excellent premium moving options.
If you need to move artwork, antiques, or any large, bulky items like pianos or pool tables, they’ve got the know-how to get it all packed, hauled, and squared away safely.
While their premium moving services may cost a little more, the peace of mind is priceless.
We always appreciate Adams’ commitment to customer service, and their premium moving option is a great deal for the price.
We also appreciate their approach to keeping their customers in the loop – you get a single point of contact, so you don’t get bounced around between departments.
BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4.4
Another 20-year company, Native Van Lines is a highly-rated and highly-recommended moving company with over 500 agents and a nationwide reach.
They have a great reputation for customer care, and they’ve received numerous awards for their efforts. If you book with Native, you’ll get excellent moving and excellent customer service.
Native really stands out for their experience and their reputation. Booking a move as a first-timer can be a little nerve-wracking, so knowing your moving company is backed up by plenty of positive reviews (and awards!) is some much-needed peace of mind.
Whether it’s your first time moving with the pros or you’ve been through the motions before, they’re a great pick.
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
4.7
Out of State Moving Companies offers full service moves and minimal stress. In fact, their entire business model revolves around making your move as simple and smooth as possible.
Their movers go the extra mile to keep the whole process quick, painless, and efficient, and even their online booking process is nice and streamlined.
If you want a really hassle-free move, Out of State Moving Companies is an excellent choice.
With a strong focus on customer support and a commitment to stress-free relocations, we’re happy to recommend them to anyone who’s packing- and hauling-averse.
For a full-service, hands-off experience, Out of State Moving Company is your go-to pick.
There are a lot of moving companies out there claiming to offer top-notch moving services, but only a few actually live up to the hype. To get the best possible experience for your local move, we’ve highlighted a couple of tips to help you shop smarter and shop safer.
A license granted by a state or federal government is really useful when trying to determine whether a mover is the real deal. Your belongings will be at great risk if you hire a moving company that isn’t licensed or insured: If your shipment gets damaged or lost, you will be unable to sue.
Insurance is also a major factor when it comes to finding legitimate movers. Hiring a mover with insurance guarantees that even if your items get damaged or lost in transit, you’ll be compensated either partially or totally based on the coverage plan of your choice.
You can find more about a company’s licensing and insurance information on their website. Keep an eye out for a Department of Transportation (DOT) number and a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) number – those are the most important licenses for a moving company if they handle loading, hauling, and unloading.
Hiring an experienced mover increases the chances of having a successful move. A highly experienced mover understands the best ways to navigate the roads and how to handle your belongings to keep them safe and protected.
Additionally, experienced movers can address any concerns that you have, while also providing a fast, efficient and accountable move. When moving locally or long distances, make sure to go with a mover that has at least a decade of hard-earned experience in the moving business.
Online reviews are a trusted tool you can use to determine the quality of a moving company. No moving company can have a perfect track record, but what separates good movers from bad is how they respond to and address complaints.
Visit websites like Yelp, Google, the Better Business Bureau, or even Facebook to see what previous customers had to say about the company. Don’t forget to check in with your friends and family to hear about their firsthand experiences.
An order for service is an important document that you’ll receive from your short distance moving company. It’s a written confirmation of what services will be tendered during your move, and they’ll give it to you at the time of your move. A typical order for service includes pick-up and delivery dates as well as any charges that are due after shipment completion.
Tariff provisions prevent movers from unloading your shipment until the full payment has been received. Payments to moving companies can be made in various forms—by check, cash, credit card, or a money order.
Hiring a moving company for a local move is relatively cheap. Costs can be as low as $278, but if you’re moving a lot of stuff a longer distance, you may end up paying $3000 and more. Your final price depends on a variety of factors, such as the number of movers required and the total time it takes for the move.
The cheapest way to move a short distance is (usually) to DIY the whole thing. You can rent a truck and do all your loading and packing yourself, but it’s probably best to hire a local moving company instead.
Hiring a moving company will save you from the stress of packing your stuff, loading everything up into a truck, and driving it to your new home. Plus, after you pay for a truck rental, gas, packing supplies, food, lodging (if necessary), and factor in the price of missed paychecks, your DIY move may be almost as expensive as hiring the pros.
In the moving industry, anything with a claimed value of over $100 per pound is known as an item of extraordinary value. These items can be anything from antiques to jewels, and if you notify your movers ahead of time, they’ll handle them with extra care on a moving day.
A high-value inventory form should be filled out if you want to make sure you can claim your items in the event of loss or damage. However, certain valuables such as documents or sentimental heirlooms are best kept with you – either on your person, in your own secure vehicle, or otherwise close at hand and where you can see them.
We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.
We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s:
A short distance move may not be a long haul, but you should still take it seriously and book some professional help. Fortunately, the local moving companies on our list can help you manage your move with ease, and they offer plenty of extra services to make your move even easier.
If you’re ready to start packing your bags, get in touch with the movers on our list to compare quotes. And if you’re planning on moving long-distance, check out our article on the best long distance movers. Happy moving!
Lily is a skilled writer with over a decade of experience in the moving industry. Having worked for several moving companies and brokers, she has gained extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry. With her personal experience of moving several times, she understands the challenges that come with relocating and can provide invaluable insights to her readers. Her writing style is informative, engaging, and relatable, making her a go-to source for all things moving-related. Trust her to guide you through your next move with ease.