10 best movers in Phoenix, Arizona

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of Arizona. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move around Phoenix.

Long-distance movers in Phoenix

A long-distance move is when you relocate over 50 miles away or move from one state to another. If you're crossing state boundaries, you should be especially careful that the moving company you hire has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To look up a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

GET ESTIMATE

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

GET ESTIMATE

3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

Moving within or out of Phoenix is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Phoenix is higher than 86.6% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast based on what services you need. Here are some typical moving costs:

• Fuel
• Supplies
• Packing
• Storage
• Junk removal
• Professional labor

Your final moving bill may also be affected by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, breakable or oversized items. These items often cost more to move:

• Pianos
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Artwork and sculptures
• Safes

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as a lack of supplies, transportation emergencies, inclement weather and traffic. These can add to your moving costs and extend your timeline. There’s no way to prevent unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Phoenix.

Be communicative

To prevent unexpected charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, especially about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While small items can typically be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed beforehand. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these additions and get your consent to these fees before starting the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, affordable movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still book your preferred moving company.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cheap moving service that meets your needs.

You can handle the move by yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system required for a DIY move, hiring movers is worth it.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be less expensive, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Phoenix

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers manage all aspects of the moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking the official FMCSA website. Arizona does not mandate licensure for moving companies at the state level, but federal regulations still are in effect.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to learn about your mover’s insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to ask about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include high-worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the best time to move in the U.S., which results in substantially increased demand and notably higher rates across the country for moves of all kinds. With good reason, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials that moving services aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

• Batteries
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Plants
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Fertilizers
• Perishable foods and produce
• Aerosols
• Fuel sources
• Compressed tanks or gas

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.