When moving to a new neighborhood nearby, relocating may seem simpler than long cross-country hauls. But don’t let the short drive fool you – a poor-quality mover can still damage your precious belongings or leave you with hidden costs. That’s why choosing the right short distance mover is critical, even for local moves.
Allow us to help steer you towards short haul movers praised by thousands of nearby neighbors for quality, care, and savings. We’ve already researched for you the top short distance movers highly reviewed by recent customers in your area.
1. International Van Lines
Best Overall
Pros
- Personal move coordinator assigned to your move
- Guaranteed & binding estimates
- Competitive pricing for quality service
- Crews trained & certified in specialized moving
- Computerized satellite package tracking
Cons
- On the pricier side
Known as one of the most reliable long-distance movers, International Van Lines easily translates that premier service to local moves as well. They assign you a dedicated move coordinator to handle everything from the first quote to the final delivery details. This single point of contact makes asking questions or adjusting plans a breeze.
A unique benefit of International Van Lines includes their binding estimates. Once given a quote, they guarantee to stay within that rate even if additional packing or transit time is needed. This assurance keeps planning predictable for those nervous about any last-minute costs creeping up.
Despite impressive reviews regarding their customer service and assurance perks, International Van Lines still offers competitive pricing in the market. They creatively seek ways to cut costs, such as planning the most direct transit routes. Then as a larger nationwide company, they can leverage buying power to minimize expenses that ultimately reflect in your quote.
You also receive top-level professionalism with International Van Lines. All movers complete extensive company training to master safe transport techniques for specialized items. So you can trust your flatscreen TV, or marble tabletop arrives without issue. Such skill and care justify the slightly elevated, albeit reasonable, fee.
2. PODS
Most Budget Friendly
Pros
- Convenient container lets you pack at your own pace
- Elements-protected storage between moving sites
- Low-cost liability coverage options
- Month-to-month rental plans are available
- Containers sized as small as 7 feet for limited items
Cons
- Delivery/pick-up scheduling can take multiple days
Among container moving companies, PODS stands out as the most budget-savvy choice. Their model of drop-off/pick-up moving containers cuts costs significantly over traditional short distance movers. Without paying for loading/unloading labor or truck transport times, you supply all packing labor while only covering minimal container rental rates.
The flexible nature of PODS also promotes saving money throughout your move. Have a few items you don’t trust a moving truck with? Choose the smallest 7-foot container at lowest rates. Or need more time to pack up an entire home office? Rent a container for months before your moving date without extra fees. Whether minimizing container size or maximizing pack times, you control the budget.
PODS also clearly outlines costs upfront without variables added later. When reserving a container online, you view daily rental rates and optional damage insurance immediately. Without fuel charges, hourly labor fees, or drive time variables skewing initial quotes, what you see is what you pay.
The main caveat with PODS budget model is the need for patience. Unlike a crew arriving to pack immediately, container delivery may take several days based on your area’s inventory. Plan at least five days ahead of wanting to start loading your container.
Then buffer a few days on the receiving end before the loaded unit gets retrieved as well. However, for an affordable DIY moving option, PODS works wonders.
3. JK Moving Services
Most Customizable
Pros
- Detailed pre-move property assessments
- Personalized moving packages based on assessments
- Option for full-packing or hybrid customer-packing services
- High-tech GPS tracking of your belongings
- Available add-ons like crating large mirrors
Cons
- Hybrid packing not ideal for moves under $2,000 value
What sets JK Moving Services apart is how they tailor moving plans based on client needs. Before suggesting any quotes, they first send a move expert who inventories all your household goods.
They assess the size, quantity, and type of items, gathering details many movers for short distances overlook. However, such details allow them to then curate a custom moving package not merely based on home square footage.
The inventory checklist also means that this short distance moving company can build you an ideal mix of short distance moving services—maybe you want the kitchen fully packed but would handle loading clothing yourself or have special family heirlooms needing professional crating while you pack general bedroom items. Whatever combo fits your priorities, time, and budget, JK can accommodate.
Once they prep a bespoke moving plan, you also stay fully informed on your belongings’ journey. JK outfits all trucks with high-tech GPS tracking so clients can check progress online. Rest assured your items safely follow the planned transit route.
For those with smaller moves under 2,000 pounds, however, JK’s custom hybrid packing services may push costs higher than expected. Sticking with their excellent full-packing options tends to offer more value in major metro regions. But when able to invest $2,000+, JK’s customizable moving expertise shines.
4. American Van Lines
Most Experienced
Pros
- Five-plus decades of local & long-distance moving
- Crews specialize in delicate item moving like pianos, safes
- Structural engineers evaluate home layouts
- Present exact route plans for approval beforehand
- Guaranteed pickup & delivery dates
Cons
- Full-service moves run higher than competitor quotes
In business over 50 years, American Van Lines leverages its extensive industry experience to expertly handle local relocations. Relying on seasoned staff and established workflows, crews execute moves systematically to avoid last-minute scrambling. Such steadfast processes explain their strong reputation despite higher price points.
Unlike some movers generalizing staff across all household items, American Van Lines designers specialized teams. For example, expert art packers handle all fragile decor and mirrors for safer transport prep.
Similarly, musical moving techs ensure tuneless pianos or harps stay in play through moves. With niche-focused crews, American mitigates the risks of having general movers handle atypical items.
For added assurance over your move’s handling, American also consults structural engineers to strategize home-specific maneuvers. If navigating tricky staircases or sharp corners, engineers map entry and exit plans to prevent damaging jams. Such preparedness gives clients confidence in American’s strategy.
Downsides to American’s attentive moving process mainly lie in expensive quotes. Yet by itemizing every packing supply needed, exact truck fuel usage, specialized tech crew wages, etc., they justify why base pricing sits 20%+ higher than other movers. Still, for delicate antiques or 500+ mile moves, American Van Lines’ expertise comforts.
5. U-Pack
Great Customer Service
Pros
- Single point-of-contact move consultant guides you
- Free shrink wrapping & heavy-duty tape for DIY packing
- Rollable storage containers convenient for upstairs moves
- Satellite tracking of container location & temperature
- Scheduled delivery windows keep you on a timeline
Cons
- Less full-service options than traditional movers
U-Pack makes moving stress-free thanks to dedicated move consultants assisting clients throughout. From first quotes to final payment, you correspond with one representative well-versed on your order specifics.
Compared to other DIY container services with boilerplate 800 numbers, U-Pack offers personalized guidance. They also proactively contact you if any delivery/transport delays arise so you can quickly pivot plans if needed.
On packing help, U-Pack ships free tape and wrap once you reserve a moving container. Even covering these basic materials keeps your supply costs lower when self-packing. They also opt for rollable storage containers, which are ideal for upstairs apartment moves.
Just tilt and wheel to sliding stair rails without heavy lifting. Such thoughtful complimentary touches enhance their supportive customer service focus.
Additionally, U-Pack offers GPS satellite tracking of your container for security. Monitoring everything from exact container location to internal temperature and humidity helps safeguard belongings in transit. Should any concerning metric arise, their team immediately contacts customers and facilities the nearest warehouses to handle issues promptly.
The flip side to stellar U-Pack service does mean fewer robust moving options. They cater more towards partial move container rentals rather than orchestrating full home relocations. So if needing significant loading/unloading aid or long-term storage, traditional movers accommodate better. But for straightforward local moves, U-Pack empowers DIYers with helpful resources.
Short Distance Moving Companies: FAQs
How much do local movers cost on average?
Local short distance movers (under 50 miles) average between $105 to $130 per hour depending on home size and services wanted.
What size truck is best for a local move?
It can be difficult to figure out which size moving truck you need, as you need to measure the amount of cubic space you need. One-bedroom homes usually need a 14-16 foot truck, while three bedrooms often fit into a 22-26 foot truck. Confirm household item totals with movers to finalize the best truck size.
Is it cheaper to rent a truck yourself for local moves?
Renting your own moving truck costs less than hiring movers but requires doing all loading/unloading solo. Also, consider the costs of renting moving equipment like dollies or furniture pads. Renting a dolly from Home Depot typically costs about $30 per day, but it can vary depending on your location.
Should you tip local moving crews?
Tipping movers between $4 and $5 per person for each hour they worked is customary for satisfactory service. Some moving companies that are short distance may also add general labor fees of around 10% to cover gratuity.
Final Thoughts
Moving locally still demands proper planning and support. While going an exit down the highway seems easier than crossing state lines, the same attention to detail matters. These top area movers offer local knowledge plus moving efficiencies tailored for regional travel.
Doing research to pick the right fit remains key, though—a customizable mover handles your grand piano better than a self-pack container rental. But align priorities around budget, specialty items, packing help needed, and customer service preferences to narrow your options.
The Agoyu moving app can help you find the best short distance moving companies for your move. Check out the Agoyu moving app today.
