Seniors move for a multitude of reasons. You may want a change of scenery, you’re downsizing, or you’re choosing to move into a senior living community. Working with one of these best moving companies for seniors can help ensure you’re working with the brand that fits what you’re looking for out of a mover.
Many of the movers I listed below have extensive experience in handling moves for older adults. We reviewed and scored each mover on basic services, customization, transparency, and reputation. I contacted each one to get a ballpark quote for a two-bedroom home moving roughly 550 miles away so you can get an idea of the price if you have a similar move. In addition, I researched all of the moving companies’ services, solutions, and reviews to deliver a well-rounded picture of what they have to offer seniors.
Moving furniture, all of your belongings, and even vehicles is no easy feat, even for younger generations. And many seniors have unique needs that need to be met during a move. Some may experience mobility issues and be unable to pack their items into boxes. Others might be on a strict budget. In some cases, older generations will have items, such as antiques, pianos, and fine art, that need special handling during a move. For these reasons and more, it’s important to work with a mover who understands the unique needs of older adults. My choices for top five best moving companies for seniors are all equipped to handle these challenges. I’ve outlined each one below and detailed how their solutions are able to tackle seniors’ moving needs, wants, budget, and more.
Top 5 Moving Companies for Seniors
Highlights
- JK Moving Services is my top recommendation for seniors who are looking to move. Whether you’re just changing homes, downsizing, or moving into a senior living community, this company has the experience behind them to handle the move with ease. In addition, they have teams that are a part of the National Association for Senior Move Managers.
- If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend going with American Van Lines, which is my second choice (JK Moving is very expensive compared to other companies I contacted). AVL has a fantastic reputation, offers deals when moving between specific cities, has senior discounts, and provides a majority of the services older adults look for in a move, such as full-service packing, antique moving, piano moving, and storage.
- Seniors should be on the lookout for scams when moving. Common signs of a fraudulent company include large deposit requirements, only accepting cash, frequent business name changes, too-good-to-be-true prices, and poorly written contracts.
Read our full Moving Methodology for more details.
My Expert Recommendation
For seniors who are looking to move, I’d suggest going with JK Moving Services. Although they’re on the expensive side, they have nearly three decades of experience working with older adults who are moving to senior living communities. In addition, they’re equipped to handle downsizing with robust storage services and junk removal, and they have moving teams that are members of the National Association for Senior Move Managers.
However, JK Moving Services is the most expensive mover on this list of the best moving companies for seniors. For those on a budget, I’d recommend American Van Lines. AVL is backed by a stellar reputation, with an A + and 4.1 on the BBB, a 4.3 on Trustpilot, and a 4.2 on Google as of this writing. In addition, they offer a majority of the services seniors are going to be looking for if they’re moving within the continental United States, such as short and long-term storage, antique moving, and piano moving.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
For seniors who are looking to move, I’d suggest going with JK Moving Services.
Senior Moving Companies I Didn’t Include
Although seniors can absolutely use U-Pack, I didn’t include them as they’re not going to fit a majority of older adults’ needs. Self-service companies require customers to do the heavy lifting themselves. Full-service movers are equipped to tackle the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, but U-Pack will only handle the transportation of belongings. For those with limited mobility, this can be an extremely limiting option.
Another moving company I didn’t include is Allied Van Lines. Allied does offer a senior discount, but they’re not up-front with their pricing structure. Calling won’t get you a quote or even a ballpark estimate. They require all customers to complete a virtual or in-home assessment in order to get a quote, which can be a very lengthy and even complicated process, especially for seniors.
Compare The Highest Rated Moving Companies for Seniors
| Company | Rating | BBB Rating | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
A |
$1,400–$9,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,700–$13,800 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,250 – $8,500 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
C |
$3,000–$11,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$600–$5,100 |
VISIT SITE | |
 JK Moving Services |
A+ |
$3,000–$6,000 |
View More
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Companies for Seniors
Most Customizable Moving Experience
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
Limited Time Offer:
No current offers available.
JK Moving Services is a company that offers information about their moving services for seniors on their website. However, instead of a blog article, they have an entire webpage dedicated to helping seniors transition and relocate. The page explains that customers will be paired with senior move specialists for a personalized experience.
As a whole, JK Moving has a very informative website. Recently revamped, it’s now more user-friendly than ever before with details about their various moving solutions. Emails from their representatives also come with informational PDFs, checklists, and videos about the brand.
JK Moving Services is expensive. They’re the most expensive mover on this list by far, nearly triple the price of other companies. And, while their website details their various services and expertise when helping seniors move homes, they’re not up-front about whether or not they offer senior discounts.
This brand also doesn’t perform local moves outside of the Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. area, so customers who are just moving a city over and don’t live in that part of the United States will have to choose another mover.
Bottom Line: 8.4/10
JK Moving Services, backed by a number of moving solutions and high reputation, received an 8.4/10 overall. Their website goes into detail about their services and expertise when helping seniors move. The brand will partner seniors with a senior move specialist who can offer personalized and knowledgeable assistance before, during, and after the move. JK Moving also explains that they have experience with helping customers downsize or move into senior living communities. In fact, some of their moving teams are members of the National Association for Senior Move Managers (NASMM). Members of the NASSM receive training to help deliver accurate estimates for senior moves, learn how to assist customers with unique medical issues during the quoting process and move, and better understand ethics, liability, safety, and risk.
The rest of their website is just as informative and goes above and beyond many competitors’ websites when it comes to information about their various services. It’s simple to navigate, so seniors can easily determine whether or not JK Moving Services will work for their needs.
It’s important to note that JK Moving is the most expensive mover on this list — many reviews even highlight the higher cost. When I contacted them, their estimates for a comparable move were nearly three times that of their competitors. If you’re on a budget for your move, I’d recommend going with a different company.
Basic Services and Cost: 10/10
JK Moving Services offers all of the basic solutions we look for in a mover, earning them a perfect score in basic services. They can handle local, long-distance, interstate, and international moves to over 170 countries. However, JK Moving only tackles local moves in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Customers looking to move under 400 miles outside of this area will have to go with a different mover. As with other full-service moving companies, JK Moving’s quotes include loading and unloading of your belongings. Packing and unpacking come with additional costs, and customers can choose between full-service packing or fragile-only packing. It isn’t clear if storage is included in their quotes (many brands offer storage for the first 30 days at no extra charge), but they note on their website that their facilities come with 24/7/365 video surveillance, climate-controlled storage options, motion sensors, and fire suppression systems.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
When it comes to cost, JK Moving Services is much more expensive than other brands. Competitors I contacted regarding comparable moves gave me quotes that were less than half of what JK Moving estimated the move would cost me. This could be due to a miscommunication, as I had to talk to two representatives before getting a quote, but many customers leaving reviews cited the high cost as well. For seniors on a budget, JK Moving Services may not be the best option for you. It’s important to note, too, that JK Moving does require customers to complete a virtual or in-person assessment of the home and belongings to be moved in order to get a binding estimate.
For a two-bedroom home move between Mobile, AL, and Dallas, TX, a distance of 588 miles, I was quoted:
- Self-service option: $7,522
- Full-service option: $9,388
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Mobile, AL, to Dallas, TX, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
JK Moving Services’s website, while informative, doesn’t mention much about any discounts they offer. It isn’t clear if they have deals for seniors. I recommend inquiring about them, however, as most movers do. Customers of Brookfield Residential can receive a 2% discount when working with JK Moving.
Customization: 9/10
JK Moving Services received a 9/10 in customization as they don’t include home staging in their list of services. Assembly and disassembly of furniture and basic valuation coverage are included in their prices, and customers can opt for more insurance if needed. Some packing materials are included in their full-service packing and fragile-only packing options, but customers who are packing their items themselves can purchase packing supplies through the brand thanks to their DIY kits. JK Moving not only provides car shipping through their partner, McCollister’s Auto Logistics, but also provides vehicle storage, something I haven’t seen offered by any other brand. Their climate-controlled vehicle storage facilities are equipped to care for antique and classic cars thanks to surveillance and a fire suppression system. JK Moving’s team even offers basic car maintenance and detailing for vehicles in their care. This brand is also able to tackle piano moving, custom crating, junk removal, antique moving, and special item moving.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Reputation: 9/10
JK Moving Services is backed by a decent reputation across trusted review sites. As of this writing, they have an A+ on the BBB and a 4.5 on their Google Business Profile. While the mover has a 3.6 on Trustpilot, they only have one review on the site, which is skewing the results. Their review score on Yelp is also the highest of any move on this list, at a 3.5. JK Moving’s representatives are responsive to positive and negative reviews on Yelp and Google, thanking customers for their time and inviting them to reach out to their Customer Care Team for further assistance. Those leaving positive reviews detailed extremely caring representatives who were able to answer all of their questions. They also had standout crews who were efficient and professional at every step of the move. Many negative reviews explained that items, including furniture, were heavily damaged or scratched upon delivery, often providing pictures of the damage.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+/3.89 | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | 3.6 | 1 |
| 4.5 | 1,343 | |
| Yelp | 3.5 | 378 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for JK Moving Services
Many positive reviews for JK Moving Services detailed excellent service from beginning to end from crews, representatives, and drivers of the brand. They stated that everyone they talked to was courteous, knowledgeable, and respectful, regularly checking in with them to make sure their move was going well.
Most Common Criticism for JK Moving Services
Many customers who left 1-star reviews for JK Moving Services provided pictures of damage to their property, including furniture and individual items. Others included pictures of smashed or wet boxes upon delivery, explaining the items inside were unusable.
Transparency: 6.3/10
JK Moving Services’s lowest score is in transparency, where they received only a 6.3/10, as online information about their pricing is lacking. Their website doesn’t highlight any information about their prices or fees that could be tacked onto a move, such as costs for long carry or shuttle use. They also don’t disclose their status as a broker/carrier. This means some jobs will be tackled by JK Moving, while the company will outsource some to their partners. Although JK Moving has a quoting tool, it doesn’t provide an estimate after you use it. Customers who enter their contact information will instead be contacted by a representative who will review their needs with them and start the quoting process. JK Moving did receive some points thanks to their GPS tracking option, online and over-the-phone booking options, posted customer service hours, and binding estimates.
Most Transparent Pricing
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
Limited Time Offer:
Price Matching Available
When you’re just starting to research movers, you can be overwhelmed by the amount of information movers have on their websites. Or, you might find that they have little to no details about what services they offer. But, with American Van Lines, the information about their services and solutions is front and center. They even have a blog article dedicated to tips for seniors who are planning a move.
American Van Lines also has stellar reviews. As of this writing, the brand has an A+ and 4.1 on the BBB, a 4.3 on Trustpilot, and a 4.2 on Google. No other mover on this list comes close to this consistency of high reviews on trusted review sites. Customers often state that AVL made the entire move hassle and stress-free.
If you’re retiring or moving outside of the United States, American Van Lines isn’t the brand for you. They only operate within the lower 48 states, and their customization services are limited. For example, they don’t offer junk removal or car shipping, two solutions that are often offered by competitors.
While AVL’s website is extremely informative, their emailed quotes are confusing. It’s difficult to find what you’re looking for. Information about additional fees during a move or details regarding their cancellation policy aren’t clear. Many other companies also break down how they arrived at your quote in these emails, but AVL’s left me with some questions.
Bottom Line: 8.5/10
Overall, American Van Lines earned an 8.5/10, as they offer a majority of the services seniors need for moves within the continental United States, such as full-service packing and antique moving. Their website also does an excellent job of breaking down what to expect from each of their solutions, going into vast detail about prices, their expertise, and their differentiators compared to the competition.
AVL also has some of the best review scores out of the movers on this list. The company currently has an A+ and 4.1 on the BBB, a 4.2 on Google, and a 4.3 on Trustpilot. Customers explained that their expertise made their moves easy and painless, crews were efficient, and representatives were responsive and professional.
However, AVL falls short in their selection of services. The company doesn’t operate outside of the continental U.S., so seniors looking to retire abroad will have to go with another brand. Junk removal and car shipping aren’t available through AVL, two services offered by their competitors on this list.
Basic Services and Cost: 9/10
When it comes to basic services, American Van Lines offers most solutions for seniors, like full-service (albeit at an additional cost) and storage, which resulted in them getting a 9/10 in this category. They’re experienced in handling local, long-distance, and interstate moves throughout the lower 48 United States. However, AVL doesn’t handle moves that take place outside of the country. Loading and unloading are included in all of their moving quotes, but full-service packing and unpacking services cost extra. Seniors who opt to use a self-service moving brand like U-Pack can also choose to hire AVL to simply handle the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking portions of their move. Storage is available through AVL, too, with centers located in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. Temporary, short-term, and long-term options are available, which can be a great asset if you need to move from your old home, but your brand new home in a senior living community is still under construction. Customers can also opt for extras that fit their needs, such as climate-controlled or temperature-controlled vaults to better care for items like fine art, pianos, and antiques.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
American Van Lines has several sample prices of moves available on their website as well as special offers. This can give you insight into how much it will cost to move your own belongings if your move distance is similar. According to the emailed quote the brand gave me, basic disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture, loading, unloading, furniture placement, basic valuation coverage, and wrapping protection for furniture are all included in their costs. Extra fees may be charged for stairs, elevators, long carry, shuttle use, and multiple stops.
For a two-bedroom home move between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC, a distance of 557 miles, AVL gave me the following quote:
- Self-packing option: $3,651.39
- Full-packing option: $4,251.39 to $4,451.39
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
American Van Lines’s website features several promotions. As of this writing, they’re currently running deals in Miami, Atlanta, New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Greensboro, Houston, San Francisco, Portland, and Boston. Their website also talks about senior citizen discount availability but doesn’t detail how much of a discount they offer customers.
Customization: 7/10
American Van Lines’s lowest score is in customization, as they simply don’t offer as many options as their competitors do. Car shipping, junk removal, and home staging aren’t offered by this brand. This resulted in them getting just a 7/10 in customization. However, for most seniors, AVL is fairly equipped to handle your move. Basic disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture are included in all of their moving quotes, and packing materials are included if you opt for their full-packing service. For pianos, antiques, and other special items, they’re well known for their white-glove treatment, and their storage facilities are equipped to care for these priceless items if needed. Custom crating is available as well for customers with bulky or unusually shaped items. Basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per pound per item) is included in all AVL quotes, as is federal law, but the company also offers full value protection (starting at $6 per pound per item) if you want further coverage for your property.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | No |
| Home Staging | No |
Reputation: 10/10
American Van Lines earns a standout, 10/10 reputation score thanks to strong BBB and Trustpilot profiles. As of this writing, the brand has an A+ and 4.1 on the BBB, a 4.2 on Google, and a 4.3 on Trustpilot. However, they’re lacking in responsiveness. While representatives of the brand respond to positive reviews on their Google Business Profile, they don’t respond to negative reviews. Additionally, they don’t respond to any, positive or negative, on Trustpilot, the BBB, or Yelp. Customers who had amazing experiences with AVL detailed excellent customer service from beginning to end, with responsive representatives and communicative crews. Those who had negative experiences explained that items were broken upon delivery and that AVL utilized third-party crews, even though they’re labeled as a carrier.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+/4.1 | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | 4.3 | 83 |
| 4.2 | 1,028 | |
| Yelp | 2.3 | 455 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for American Van Lines
Positive reviews for American Van Lines detailed seamless experiences from beginning to end. Customers were extremely happy with the entire move, stating that everyone was responsive, efficient, communicative, and kind. They also noted that crews were professional and properly cared for fragile items.
Most Common Criticism for American Van Lines
American Van Lines operates as a carrier and is listed as one with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). However, several customers state that AVL actually outsourced all or portions of the move to partner brands.
Transparency: 8.7/10
American Van Lines is one of the more transparent movers on this list, with an 8.7, and they’re our choice for “most transparent pricing.” The brand lists sample prices and special deals under “Move Cost” on its website, but it doesn’t list any additional fees during a move, such as costs for stairs, elevators, and long carry. If you live in a condominium or apartment or live on a road that’s difficult to access, it won’t be entirely clear how much the move is going to cost you without giving AVL a call. The website also discloses the company’s status as a carrier and has posted customer service hours. Although AVL has a quote feature on their website, it doesn’t return a fast estimate. Your information is passed onto a representative of the brand, who will reach out to you. AVL also received some points in transparency, thanks to their GPS tracking on some trailers and their online and over-the-phone booking options.
Best Cost Estimation Tools
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
4.2
Our Rating
Limited Time Offer:
No current offers available.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) offers some of the best discounts in the industry. The brand really does deliver when it comes to getting money off of your move. Their website offers a $500 discount simply for calling in for a quote, but IMRG also offered tariff discounts and availability deals when I reached out.
In addition, IMRG operates as a broker, which means they have a network of movers to whom they outsource the work. This positions them to partner you with agents that fit your unique needs and ones that offer senior discounts, which can lead to even further savings.
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group has an easy-to-navigate website, but they have no information on how their partners can actually aid seniors. Many competitors’ websites at least have tips on moving for seniors, but IMRG is lacking in this particular area. As a result, it’s not clear how their agents are equipped to handle the unique needs of older generations.
Reviews are also mixed for IMRG. They’re not currently on Trustpilot or Yelp, and as of this writing, they only have a B and 3.58 on the BBB and 3.5 on their Google Business Profile. These aren’t the lowest reviews I’ve seen for top moving companies, but they’re some of the lowest out of the brands on this list.
Bottom Line: 8.4/10
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) kicks off their deals right on their website. As of this writing, customers can receive a $500 discount simply for calling one of their representatives to get a moving quote. The day after I called to get a quote, the company also offered me two additional discounts, a 59.01% tariff discount and an availability discount after manager’s approval. Overall, this resulted in over $3,600 in savings.
IMRG is a broker, which can result in mixed experiences among customers. Moving brokers work with a network of companies to best serve their customers. This allows them to offer a wealth of services, but it also means that experiences among customers can vary quite a bit from one company to the next. However, this allows IMRG to offer unique discounts through their partners. Seniors may be able to work with an IMRG agent who offers senior discounts.
However, finding information on how IMRG aids seniors during their moves is difficult. Their website doesn’t highlight the unique services they could bring to the older generations and it doesn’t provide tips for seniors planning a move. In addition, IMRG’s reputation is lower than the other movers on this list, with only a B and 3.58 on the BBB and a 3.5 on Google as of this writing. Their lower reviews and transparency score resulted in the brand getting an 8.4/10 overall.
Basic Services and Cost: 9/10
IMRG and its partners are able to handle most seniors’ needs within the United States when it comes to moving. However, they don’t handle international moves, which resulted in them receiving a 9/10 in basic services. IMRG’s website goes into extensive detail about their agents’ services for local, long-distance, and interstate moves, highlighting the best moving companies for the job and their unique solutions. By calling IMRG and letting the representative know the details of your move, they can partner you with the best agent for the job. Customers should also let the representative know if they’re seniors or calling for a senior, as this could net the client some deep discounts. All of IMRG’s moves include loading and unloading, and several of their partners are able to tackle packing and unpacking as well. And while their agents offer storage solutions, IMRG doesn’t have any information online about what those facilities include. My moving quote from IMRG included 30 days of storage.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Quotes from IMRG can be difficult to access from your email at times. Some links provided simply take you to a breakdown of your inventory rather than your exact quote. Estimates can also expire. I’d recommend asking your representative to email you a detailed breakdown of your moving estimate or take a screenshot so you know what you were initially quoted and what’s included in the estimate. My quote included the tariff, basic estimate price, binding estimate fee, packing materials, a fuel surcharge, and basic valuation protection ($0.60 per pound per item), as well as two discounts, a 59.01% tariff discount and an availability discount.
When contacting IMRG, I asked for an estimate for a two-bedroom home move between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC. My quote stated:
- Self-packing option:$3,296
- Full-packing option: $3,946
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
IMRG’s website and initial contact emails advertise a $500 discount for all customers who call their representatives to receive a quote. My estimate also included a 59.01% tariff discount, and the day after I spoke with a representative, the brand gave me an additional deal known as an “availability discount/manager approval.” In total, I received more than $3,600 off my move. IMRG’s partners may deliver additional discounts for seniors. I recommend telling the representative you’re a senior or calling for a senior to improve your chances of being paired with one of the agents that offers these deals.
Customization: 9/10
My self-service quote from IMRG included assembly and disassembly of standard furniture and basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per pound per article). The full-service estimate included packing materials, but the company’s partners sell packing materials if you’d like to buy them separately. IMRG also has agents who can tackle piano moving, car shipping, antique moving, custom crating, junk removal, and special item moving for additional fees. Their services pages go into detail about their various partners, their customization options, reviews, and beyond, so you can learn more about the agent you’re partnered with. However, IMRG’s agents don’t offer home staging, which resulted in them getting a 9/10 in customization.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Reputation: 7.8/10
IMRG is on the lower side when it comes to reputation, earning only a 7.8. They lost some points as they’re currently not on Trustpilot and only have a B rating on the BBB. For reviews, responses from customers are mixed, with only a 3.58 on the BBB and a 3.5 on Google. As a broker, customers can have vastly different experiences with IMRG’s various agents, and this could be to blame for their lower scores. Customers who had a positive experience with the movers stated representatives were helpful, crews were timely and efficient, and everything was moved without a hitch. Negative reviews detailed broken belongings and issues getting reimbursement through coverage claims.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/3.58 | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | N/A | N/A |
| 3.5 | 1,129 | |
| Yelp | N/A | N/A |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Customers leaving positive reviews for IMRG stated that their experience was fantastic from start to finish, thanks to helpful representatives, careful and efficient crews, and professional drivers. Many others highlighted price as the reason they went with the brand.
Most Common Criticism for Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Many negative reviews highlighted broken items upon delivery and problems filing claims through the provided coverage policies. Other reviews explained that communication in the midst of issues was lackluster, with representatives not often providing assistance.
Transparency: 7.7/10
We scored IMRG a 7.7/10 for transparency, as their website does have sample pricing available for prospective customers, but they don’t list additional fees that could be incurred during a move. Seniors living in condominiums or apartments may have to pay extra for several flights of stairs or elevators, and IMRG isn’t clear about how much this will cost the customer. GPS tracking isn’t available on all of their partners’ trucks. IMRG did get points thanks to their quick quote feature on their website that doesn’t require your contact information, posted customer service hours, online and over-the-phone booking options, binding estimates, and disclosure of their status as a broker. Moving brokers will work with a network of movers to find the best company for the customer’s unique needs. Seniors could benefit from this, as IMRG will work to find the movers that offer senior discounts while also meeting the requirements of the move.
Best Quoting Experience
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Limited Time Offer:
Use Code APT23 For 20% Off
Like American Van Lines, Moving APT has a blog article dedicated to helping seniors with their move. It talks about calculating your move cost, the benefits of downsizing, how to downsize, planning for an efficient move day, and hiring the right movers for the job. Moving APT’s website also features a quick quote tool that will give you an estimate without requiring your contact information.
Moving APT, like IMRG, is a broker and discloses this status on their website. They actually have a network of 2,500 movers that they work with. This puts them in a great position to find the company that will work for seniors’ needs during a move and may even offer senior discounts.
Working with a moving broker can be a bit of a gamble. Not all 2,500 movers that Moving APT works with are going to be of the same quality. It’s entirely possible you may end up using a company that has more negative reviews than positive ones. Doing your research can help you avoid one of these less-than-ideal partners.
Moving APT also has an extremely low transparency rating, the lowest on this list. Their website doesn’t list sample pricing, additional fees, or customer service hours. In addition, not all of their partners offer GPS tracking. The lack of pricing information is likely due to the company’s status as a broker, but it doesn’t explain the lack of GPS tracking or customer service hours.
Bottom Line: 8.2/10
Moving APT is a moving broker, which means they work with a network of movers to find the best one that serves their customers needs. As of this writing, the brand works with over 2,500 movers and operates in 180 countries. This vast network allows them to be able to find the perfect mover for the job. For seniors, it may also mean working with a brand that offers senior discounts.
Customers need to be careful when working with moving brokers. Not all movers will offer the same solutions or deliver the same quality of service. Customers should be up-front about what they need during their move, such as storage, antique moving, or piano moving, so Moving APT can find them the right partner for the job. If possible, I recommend asking what mover they’ll pair you with before signing a contract so you can look up their reputation.
Moving APT’s informative website does earn them some points in my book, complete with tips, checklists, and articles that can help homeowners prepare for their moves. Their quick quote tool is also helpful as it doesn’t require contact information (something many other movers require) and even offers you a 15% discount after you use it if you choose to give them your email address. However, Moving APT’s website does have limited information about pricing beyond this quote tool. Overall, due to high scores in basic services and customization and lower scores in reputation and transparency, Moving APT earned an 8.2/10.
Basic Services and Cost: 10/10
Operating as a broker, Moving APT is in a position to offer a wealth of services to their senior customers. They earned a perfect 10/10 in basic services as they’re able to help seniors during their local, interstate, international, and long-distance moves. In fact, they operate in the most countries on this list at 180. All of Moving APT’s quotes include loading and unloading, but packing and unpacking do cost extra. They have two levels of service available to customers: Standard Full Service Move and Platinum Full Packing Service. Standard Full Service includes all of the basics including loading, unloading, and disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture pieces. Platinum, however, also includes packing materials, crating, and packing. One month of free storage is included in both of their service packages.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Moving APT offers two different service packages to their customers, known as Standard Full Service Move and Platinum Full Packing Service. Standard includes loading, unloading, disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture pieces, blanket wrapping of furniture pieces, basic limited liability protection, furniture placement, and one month of free storage if required. Platinum includes all of the services that Standard offers, but also includes packing materials, cardboard creating for items that are too large to fit into a box, crating for breakable items, and packing. Unpacking does cost extra and isn’t included in their Standard or Platinum packages. For seniors with limited mobility, I’d recommend going with the Platinum Full Packing Service, as the moving crews will handle all of the heavy lifting.
I requested a moving estimate for a move between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC. I was quoted:
- Self-service option: $2,700
- Full-service option (without unpacking): $3,700
- Full-service option with full value protection (without unpacking): $4,522.64
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
Moving APT offered me two discounts without me asking: a coupon discount and a three-day pickup window flexibility coupon. The coupon discount was for 5% off of the basic estimate price and fuel surcharge. The three-day pickup window flexibility coupon is also available if your moving date isn’t written in stone, which may benefit seniors who have flexibility due to retirement — they’re not held to just weekend moves dates! In addition, Moving APT offers a 15% discount if you use their quote tool and enter your contact information. As a broker, they’re also in a position to pair you with a mover that offers senior discounts.
Customization: 10/10
Moving APT is the only mover on this list of best moving companies for seniors that earned a perfect 10/10 in customization because, unlike other brands, they offer home staging. This can be a fantastic service for seniors who are looking to sell their homes quickly, as it can attract more buyers and even help the house command a higher price. Home staging can be exhausting, too, so having the option to add this one is helpful for older adults. Disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture pieces are included in all of their moving packages, and customers can choose to purchase packing materials through Moving APT’s website or by opting for the Platinum Full Service Move option. Basic valuation coverage, at $0.60 per pound per article, is included in all of their quotes, but full value protection, which is a more comprehensive coverage option, is available through their partners. Their agents also offer piano moving, car shipping, antique moving, custom crating, and special item moving. Customers should be up-front about the services they require when talking with Moving APT, as this will help ensure they’re partnered with an agent that meets their unique needs.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | Yes |
Today’s Homeowner Tips
When contacting a mover for a quote, it’s important to be up-front about the services you need. This will help you receive an accurate quote. When working with moving brokers, this will also ensure they pair you with the right company for your needs. If your moving requirements change, let your representative know immediately.
Reputation: 7.8/10
Moving APT received a 7.8/10 for their reputation, thanks to varying customer opinions. They lost some points due to their lack of presence on Trustpilot and their lower BBB rating of B+. Reviews across Google and the BBB are mixed, as of this writing, with a 3.7 and a 3.53, respectively. Moving APT also has a very low rating on Yelp. This vast range of experiences is likely due to the fact that Moving APT operates as a moving broker. Customers working with different movers within Moving APT’s network are having different experiences. Positive reviews highlighted friendly representatives and professional, caring, and efficient crews that met the customers’ unique needs. Negative reviews talked about damaged furniture, lost items, and a lack of customer service when the move ran into problems. Moving APT is responsive to positive and negative reviews on Google, but they tend to argue with customers about negative reviews rather than offering any apologies or further assistance.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B+/3.53 | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| 3.7 | 261 | |
| Yelp | 1.3 | 172 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Moving APT
Those who had positive experiences with Moving APT detailed excellent experiences. One reviewer stated, “Moving APT has a terrific team of people who follow your job from beginning to end.” Many of these customers talked about courteous and efficient crews who delivered stress and hassle-free moves as well as exceptional customer service.
Most Common Criticism for Moving APT
A common criticism of Moving APT among negative reviews was broken items. Several customers detailed damaged furniture, smashed belongings, and even missing items in their reviews. When asking the representatives for assistance, they were unable to get help.
Transparency: 5.3/10
Moving APT is the lowest on this list for transparency (a 5.3/10) because, outside of their quick quote too, the brand doesn’t list any sample pricing or additional fees on their website. These sample prices often work as a starting point for customers who have comparable moves. I do recommend using their quick quote tool, as it doesn’t require your contact information. Seniors can put in details about their move to receive a ballpark estimate. In addition, if you supply the company with your email at this point, you should get a 15% discount on your move. Most other movers either require your contact information to use their quick quote tool or simply collect your information so a representative can contact you. Moving APT also lost some points as many of their movers don’t offer GPS tracking on their trucks and their website doesn’t have any information about their customer service hours. On the other hand, the moving broker received some points for their online and over-the-phone booking availability, binding estimates, and disclosure of their status as a broker.
Best Full-Service Mover
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
Limited Time Offer:
Get 10% Off Your Next Move
Many movers offer discounts to customers, but not all of them advertise the available deals. International Van Lines is up-front about the discounts they offer seniors. As of this writing, their website and blog advertise a 15% discount to senior citizens, which can be a good chunk of change.
Full-service is also included in a majority of IVL’s long-distance moves (though not with short-distance moves). This means they’ll tackle the packing for you, so you don’t have to spend extra time locating packing materials, wrapping your fragile items, and putting all of your items in boxes. This can be a valuable resource for seniors who aren’t capable of doing it all on their own. Since it’s included in IVL’s quotes, it cuts the cost of the move, too.
However, full-service from IVL, while helpful, doesn’t include unpacking. For seniors with physical limitations, this service costs extra. The company charges an hourly rate, and customers are required to pay for a minimum of four hours. Unpacking also doesn’t include debris removal, so homeowners are on the hook for getting rid of all the packing trash after IVL’s crew is done unpacking unless they want to pay an additional fee.
And, while International Van Lines’s website is extremely informative, full of advice for moving and information about its services, it’s not easy to find where the company actually operates, domestically or internationally. Although they have a blog post about moving to or from Alaska, for instance, the mover doesn’t actually work within the 49th state.
Bottom Line: 9.3/10
International Van Lines scored the highest out of any mover on this list according to our criteria, coming in at a 9.3/10 overall, thanks to their perfect scores in basic services and reputation. Our choice for “best full-service mover,” packing is included in a majority of their long-distance quotes. As a result, their quotes tend to be lower compared to other movers’ full-service estimates. Packing services can also be great for those with physical limitations, as they’ll be handling the heavy lifting.
However, most full-service movers don’t include unpacking in their quotes, and IVL is no exception. Homeowners who want to opt for this service need to let their IVL representative know ahead of time. The company charges an hourly rate of $175 per hour, with a minimum of four hours. That’s $700 extra — and this extra service also doesn’t include debris removal, which helps customers throw out their packing supplies after a move. Seniors opting for IVL will have to either pay extra for the debris removal or do it themselves.
On the upside, seniors can benefit from International Van Lines’s generous senior discount. Many movers don’t advertise their deals, but IVL’s blog and website explain that the brand offers a 15% discount to senior citizens.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
Moving companies define full-service differently. Quotes often include packing the customers’ belongings, but different brands may charge extra for crating, packing materials, and fragile packing. Full-service rarely includes unpacking. Always inquire what the full-service option includes before signing a contract, especially if you lack the mobility to do heavy lifting or unpacking on your own.
Basic Services and Cost: 10/10
For basic services, International Van Lines received a 10, as they’re equipped to handle local, interstate, international, and long-distance moves for seniors, serving over 150 countries. However, I recommend double-checking with the company to ensure that they service your area. For example, their blog talks about moves to Alaska, but they no longer service the 49th state. Loading, unloading, and packing are included in a majority of their long-distance moving quotes, but full-service packing costs extra if you’re only moving locally. Unpacking is also an additional hourly charge. The first 30 days of storage are available for moves, but customers need to request this service ahead of pickup. The price for storage ranges from $0.50 to $0.65 cubic foot per month with a minimum of $300.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Most moves with International Van Lines include full-service packing. For seniors, this is a cost-effective and effort-saving perk, as the crews will handle all of the heavy lifting, wrapping, bending, and crating. However, some homeowners may still prefer to do their own packing, and this could make IVL more expensive than the competition as their representatives state that opting out of the service for long-distance moves won’t cut the price by much. For local moves, though, the cost savings could make more sense.
I contacted IVL for a free quote for a two-bedroom home. I stated I was moving between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC, a distance of 573 miles. I was quoted:
- Full-service option with packing: $4,000.52
- Bulky item (each): $150
- Unpacking service: $175.00/hour at a minimum of four hours
- Piano handling: $150 to $350
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
International Van Lines offers a 15% discount to seniors. In addition, they have military and veterans discounts available, ranging between 10% and 15%. I suggest always asking for additional money off — even their blog advises to do so. This could net you savings up to $500.
Customization: 9/10
For customization, IVL received a 9/10 as disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture, most packing materials, and valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb per article) are included in all of their long-distance quotes. However, they lost a point because their unpacking service doesn’t include debris removal, and prices for this service and availability depend on the size of the shipment and the available space within their trailer. Piano moving, antique moving, and custom crating also cost extra with this brand through their specialty packing services, but their crews will wrap your furniture and fragile items with blankets and protective pads at no extra charge. Additionally, International Van Lines offers national and international car shipping with enclosed trailers, open trailers, and container services for ocean freight available. IVL doesn’t offer home staging at this time, which cost them a point in customization.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Reputation: 10/10
International Van Lines received a perfect 10/10 in reputation thanks to their A rating on the BBB and claimed Trustpilot profile, where they have a 4.1 as of this writing. The brand is responsive to positive and negative reviews on both Google and Trustpilot, thanking customers for their time and asking them to reach out to the company if they have further concerns. Positive reviews regularly highlighted customer service as top-notch from everyone associated with the company, including drivers, crews, and representatives. On the other hand, negative reviews often cited that IVL wasn’t forthcoming regarding their status as a broker/carrier. Customers were surprised when they were dealing with an outsourced mover on moving day and stated they had less than stellar experiences with the partner brand.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A/3.44 | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | 4.1 | 60 |
| 3.9 | 872 | |
| Yelp | 1.7 | 542 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for International Van Lines
One of the common themes among positive reviews for International Van Lines is “great customer service.” Customers leaving 5-star reviews explained that crews, representatives, and drivers were all courteous, knowledgeable, experienced, efficient, and professional at every point of the move.
Most Common Criticism for International Van Lines
Low, 1-star reviews often detailed poor experiences with IVL’s partner brands. IVL operates as a broker/carrier and outsources some of their work to their agents. Customers claimed they were unaware of this fact and had poor experiences with the movers they worked with, although IVL discloses their broker status on their website.
Transparency: 8.7/10
For transparency, we gave International Van Lines an 8.7/10, as their website highlights sample pricing as well as additional fees, though you may have to dig a bit to find the costs that are relevant to your move. The website also features a quick quote tool, but it requires your contact information in order to use it. We gave the company points for their GPS tracking availability on some of their trucks, posted customer service hours, binding estimates, and online and over-the-phone booking solutions. IVL does explain they’re a broker/carrier on their website, too. This means they will sometimes outsource jobs to their third-party partners. For example, custom crating is often done through third-party experts, but IVL also operates through agents in Washington, Utah, Oregon, and Montana.
What To Look for in a Reputable Company for Seniors
Seniors looking to move should look for movers who have experience in helping seniors. This will help ensure they’re prepared to navigate any issues that could arise from downsizing or from moving into a senior living community. Customers should also look into:
- Discounts
- Many moving companies offer senior discounts. Moving can get expensive, so every little bit helps. Even if a company doesn’t advertise a senior discount on their website, it never hurts to ask.
- Licensing and insurance
- Strong reviews and testimonials
- I recommend that seniors (and all customers) look into the reviews of a mover before signing a contract. By reading reviews on trusted review sites, customers can get a good idea of the experience they can expect from the brand.
- Offered services
- Homeowners should ensure that the mover they’re working with offers the services they need. Not all movers will offer the same options. It’s important to be up-front with the representative about your moving needs so they can provide you with an accurate quote.
How Seniors Can Avoid Moving Scams
Older adults are at a higher risk of scams, so use due diligence at every step when hiring a mover. All reputable movers should be registered with the FMCSA, have a USDOT number, and show up on moving day with an appropriately branded truck.
Common signs of a moving scam include:
- Requiring all cash or requiring a large deposit
- While many movers accept cash, if the company only accepts cash, it’s likely a sign of a scam. Most reputable movers also won’t ask for more than 50% down to secure your move date. In some states, like Florida, moving brands can’t ask for more than 20% down.
- Frequent business name changes
- If a mover has frequently changed their brand name, they’re likely conducting shady business practices. Fraudulent moving companies will change their name in order to hide past lawsuits or claims.
- Lowball prices
- If a price is too good to be true, it probably is. Some companies will also offer a low price but tack on fees and extra costs on moving day that are required before they will move your items.
- Holding items hostage
- It’s illegal for moving companies to hold items hostage after they’ve been loaded onto a truck. If a mover demands more money in order to deliver your items, it’s likely a scam, and they should be reported to the FMCSA and the state’s Attorney General’s office.
- Poorly written contracts
- Legitimate moving contracts will be detailed, explaining the expected costs, delivery timeframe, and fees for additional services. If a contract has blank spots, is incomplete, or is confusingly written, don’t sign it and find another company.
FAQs
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost for Seniors?
The average cost of a moving company for seniors is $4,233, but the price can vary by move distance, the amount of belongings to move, and the services you need to complete the move. Many companies offer senior discounts, and you may be able to negotiate a lower price.
Do Seniors Need a Moving Company?
Seniors do need a moving company as some moves require a lot of heavy lifting, packing, and bending, which could be difficult for those with limited mobility.
Are Moving Companies for Seniors Worth It?
A moving company is worth it for seniors because moving is complex and a lot of work. While some homeowners can do it themselves, I don’t recommend older adults tackle the move themselves, as it can be dangerous to do the heavy lifting, packing, and other work a move requires.
