Indiana’s low housing costs and property taxes may attract movers seeking decreased living expenses — more than 149,000 new residents moved there in 2022 per Census data. Whether you’re a Hoosier State native moving to downtown Indianapolis or a newcomer entering the state’s fast-growing renewable energy field, our guide will help you find a reputable mover.
For interstate Indiana moves, Mayflower and Allied Van Lines operate numerous locations in the state that past clients rate highly on third-party review sites. Both offer expedited small move packages for two-bedroom or smaller homes and full-service options for large residences and businesses.
For local moving needs in the Hoosier State, MVM Moving & Storage and Busy Bee Moving offer quick quote processes and comprehensive intrastate relocation packages complete with packing, storage and more.
All movers below scored highly on our in-house grading scale for service range, coverage area, quote process and more. We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers for moves to, from or within Indiana.
Considerations when moving in Indiana
- Prepare for any weather: Indiana is a large state, so the climate will vary depending on where you settle. Weather conditions throughout the year range from tornadoes, heat and humidity in the warmer months to freezing temperatures and snowstorms in winter.
- Public transit and commuting: If you’re moving to the Indianapolis area, you’ll have access to public transportation via the IndyGo transit system. However, a rural or suburban residence will likely require that you own a car. Average commute times in the state are between 20 and 25 minutes.
Best moving companies
Based on our research and rating process, the following providers offer the best service to Indiana clients.
National:
Local:
Compare top long-distance movers for Indiana
See how our top overall providers compare according to our ratings and their deposit requirements.
Best national long-distance movers in Indiana
The following movers offer highly rated interstate service to clients throughout Indiana.
Mayflower
Allied Van Lines
International Van Lines
Best movers for a local Indiana move
The following local Indiana moving companies feature excellent customer reviews and comprehensive service profiles.
MVM Moving & Storage
Busy Bee Movers
Colt Moving
A guide to professional movers: Making an informed choice
When you get a quote from any professional moving company, keep the following factors in mind.
Moving services
Before calling for a quote, you should know which basic and add-on services you’ll need for your relocation. To determine these, conduct a full home walk-through and compile an inventory list of all goods you plan to take with you. Use this list to note any add-ons you may need. These can include the following:
- Packing services
- Crating for fine art and antiques
- Vehicle shipping
- Junk removal
- Packing supplies
- Storage solutions (short- and long-term)
- Home staging
- Assembly and disassembly
Carriers vs. brokers
When deciding on a mover, ensure you know the company’s service model before you book. Generally, movers are classified as either brokers or carriers. Some are primarily carriers but broker out certain services.
Moving carriers handle all moving services directly, providing their own staff and equipment. Brokers operate as middlemen between carriers and consumers, booking moving services for clients with third-party partner companies. They often collect a large upfront booking fee as a deposit.
Moving regulations
All moving companies must comply with federal or state laws to legally operate. Ensure your moving company has the necessary licensing and permits before signing a moving contract.
Regulations for interstate and long-distance movers
All moving companies that provide interstate service are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Use these numbers to check a moving company’s registration status before booking.
Regulations for intrastate and local movers
Movers offering only intrastate service within Indiana must apply for an Indiana Intrastate Household Goods Certificate and number to legally operate. Indiana movers should be able to provide proof of this when asked.
Moving costs
Before contacting movers for local or long-distance moving quotes, look into their pricing models. We’ve outlined the two basic estimate types here:
Long-distance moving costs
Long-distance moves are typically assigned all-inclusive or bottom-line rates based largely on move distance and overall shipment weight. Add-on services such as packing or vehicle shipping will also affect cost. Binding estimates will not shift or change unless your inventory or service needs do before moving day.
Local moving costs in Indiana
Local moves are priced based on hourly rates. Hourly rates for service are set by the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to your relocation. Such moves often have minimum charges of two to four hours at your hourly rate.
Moving insurance
All moves receive a basic level of protection according to federal regulations. This is called released-value protection, which offers 60 cents per pound per item for lost or damaged goods.
Beyond this, moving companies provide full-value protection, which offers your goods’ replacement value in the event of loss during your move. Rates differ for this coverage, so ask each mover you contact how their valuation coverage is priced.
Final take: Start your Indiana move plan with quotes from Mayflower or Colt Moving
After thoroughly researching moving companies across Indiana, we’ve determined that Mayflower and Allied Van Lines offer the best interstate service. MVM Moving & Storage is our pick for intrastate service due to its quick quotes and service range.
If possible, avoid moving in the summer. Rates will increase in response to higher demand from May through September, and you’ll find booking more difficult as movers’ calendars fill up quickly. Schedule your move between four and six weeks in advance and aim for a move date in the spring or fall.
Our rating methodology for moving companies
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
Google Reviews and BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2024.
Top local movers in Indiana
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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