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The Complete Movers Guide: 2026

Summary: 

If you’re preparing for a move this Summer, planning is key. Try to get quotes from at least two different companies, save money by packing before your movers arrive and don’t forget to pack a “day of” bag for items you will need immediately once you reach your new home.

Blog:

If you’re planning to move this summer, you’re not alone. In fact, 60-70% of all US residential moves take place during the summer! 

This makes summer a busy season for moving companies and can make moving more difficult for homeowners. 

This guide will give you everything you need for a successful move no matter the time of year.

 

Table of Contents:

 

How Much Does it Cost to Move in 2026?

Depending on where you live and the amount of rooms you have, the average local move can cost anywhere between $400 and $3,500. 

For long distance moves costs commonly range from $1,200 to as high as $15,000.

The biggest factors in deciding the end cost of your move are distance, weight of your property and the time it takes to complete your move. 

Other things to keep an eye out for might be fuel surcharges, long-carry fees, disassembly and reassembly and parking tickets. More on what a few of these are and how to avoid them a bit later on.

 

Options for Moving Services and How to Pick the Best One for You

While local and long distance moves are the most common kind, there are actually many other different options that you may not know even exist. This list will help you make sure you’re picking the right level of service for your budget and your actual needs. 

Full-service move: A full service is basically any move that requires at least two men and a truck to complete it. Depending on how much you need moved, you may not actually need a full service move to complete your job. 

Local Move: A local move is a “full-service” move that takes place within about 100 miles of your home. The other factor that separates a local move from a long distance move can also be the time it takes to complete the job. If it takes two days to complete, you may be charged a similar rate to what you would pay for a long-distance move even if you didn’t move over 100 miles.

Long-distance: This is a full service for customers moving over 100 miles to a new home but still to a location that is within the bounds of the state the move takes place in. Interstate-moves are the level above this but in order to perform an interstate move, a mover must be licensed by the FMCSA. 

Single Item: This is a partial moving service for single large or heavy items like hot tubs, televisions, pianos and gun safes. You can actually hire a moving company to help move a hot tub from a store to your home. Some moving companies also have certificates for jobs that require a lot of care like piano moves. 

Labor-only: This is another partial moving service that is good for customers who don’t need a moving truck to complete their job. Some companies may allow you to simply pay an hourly rate for two movers to come help you load a truck of your own or move items from one room to another.

International: This full service move is for customers moving out of or into the country. The company you choose should be able to help you with paperwork, help you prepare for customs and even set up your new home for you before you come into the country. 

Apartment: This kind of move can be either partial or full service depending on where you’re going. You may only need a partial move if you are going from one room to another in the same building. 

Your mover can help you reserve elevators, figure out regulations for moving within your building for you and of course take care of moving heavy items up and down stairs.

White-glove: This is a premium full service moving option used a lot by realtors and interior decorators who need extra care, cleanup and furniture setup in a home. Residential movers can select this option as well but a normal full service move will generally be cheaper and just as effective.

Commercial move: If you need to move your business or office there’s an option for you. If you’re moving within the same plaza or office building you may be able to save money by just hiring movers without a truck.

Emergency move: In the case of an emergency like a flooded basement or eviction, you can sometimes skip the queue and have a small team of movers sent to help you complete your job on the same day you call. 

One thing to know though, even with an emergency move, it’s actually not common that a mover will be able to help you the day of your call. It’s more common that they come a day or two later, so even this kind of move may require some planning or time waiting.

 

Common Moving Terms to Help You Understand the Language of Your Movers

Make sure you understand what your movers are talking about when they share plans for moving your property! Here are some key industry terms and definitions you should know.

Bill of Lading: This is just another term for the inventory of all of the property moved during your job. It also acts as a binding agreement of the services your mover will provide and as a receipt once your job is completed.

Fuel surcharges: Your moving company may charge you an adjustable fee to offset their own fuel cost of moving your items or the cost of driving their trucks to your home to start your move. 

Long-carry fees: This is a fee that you may be charged if movers need to carry property over a set distance to get from your home to their truck. The distance can vary so it’s a good idea to ask if this fee is something they charge, and if so, for what distance.

Disassembly and reassembly: If your movers need to disassemble any large pieces of furniture like desks or tables and put them back together at your new home you may be charged a bit extra for that time.

Released Value Protection: This is the basic level of moving insurance and you usually get this level of coverage at no extra cost for your move. Under this level of coverage your movers liability if your property is damaged is minimal. They will need to reimburse you for up to $0.60 per pound per item. This means you are reimbursed by weight instead of actual value of your property

Full Value Protection: This is the advanced level of moving insurance which says your mover is liable for repairing, replacing or reimbursing you for any property damaged or lost during your move. The amount they pay is based on the fair market value of your items.

 

How to Prepare for your Move

Generally you will need to submit a change of address to the United States Postal Service, transfer your utilities to your new address or set up new accounts for them and you may want to consider pre-packing your home before your movers arrive.

How to Change your Address

This step is actually one of the easier parts of the process as USPS has an easy step by step process for submitting a change of address request. They also have a helpful guide if you would like to do your change of address in person.

Moving Utilities

This can depend on the utility company you’re working with. Generally though you can relink an existing account to a new address or set up a new account from the utility companies website or by giving them a call. 

Usually electricity will work whether or not your account is set up. They will just backcharge you for the time before you created your account. For other utilities you may want to call the company to make sure things like gas or internet will be in working order before you arrive.

Packing your Home

Pre-packing your home and disassembling furniture is one of the best ways to save money on your move. Some moving companies may charge extra for packing your home or taking apart items like bedframes or chairs. Many moving companies also operate on an hourly rate so if you pack before they arrive you can save a lot of money since your move can be completed faster. 

Also while on the topic of packing, anything you don’t want to risk your movers mishandling, be sure to pack on your own and move it safely by yourself. You should also pack a “night-of” bag for the first night at your new home with whatever essentials you don’t want to have to go digging in boxes for.

 

The Most Common Sources of Cost Savings for Your Move

The three main factors that contribute to the end cost of your move are time, distance and weight. Any way you can decrease any of these will help you save money. Here are a few ideas.

Save on fuel surcharges by moving with local companies: National chain moving companies are the most guilty of charging fuel surcharges to send their movers longer distances to reach your home. Moving with local moving companies is one of the easiest ways to avoid this. Local movers also tend to be more familiar with the area and might be able to help you save money in other ways as well. Find a local moving company near you with our “Find a Mover” search tool.

Packing your home: We covered this one above but packing your own property is often cheaper than having a moving company do it for you. They may not only charge you for packing materials but also time spent packing as well. Some moving companies like Preferred Mover’s O’Neill Transfer and Storage in Portland and Lompoc Van And Storage in Lompoc both offer free packing boxes with every move.

Disassembly and reassembly of furniture: Taking apart large items before your movers arrive will cut the time spent on your move, which in turn saves you money. Preferred Mover Lincoln Moving and Storage in Seattle offers free disassembly and reassembly of furniture. 

Move bulky items to the curb: Some movers may charge you extra if they need to transport items a long distance down a driveway or down stairs. Before your movers arrive if you can move your large items closer to the curb you can save yourself this fee.

 

Walkthrough of What Your Moving Day Could Look Like

Here’s what your moving day could look like in three simple steps:

Step 1: Arrival & Pre-Move Walkthrough

Your moving crew arrives at the scheduled time and performs a walkthrough of your home. The team leader confirms what is being moved, identifies fragile or specialty items, reviews access points, and answers any last-minute questions before loading begins.

 

Step 2: Packing Protection & Loading

Movers protect floors, doorways, and furniture as needed. Large items are wrapped with moving blankets and stretch wrap, while boxes and furniture are carefully loaded onto the truck in a strategic order to maximize protection and prevent shifting during transport.

 

Step 3: Transportation & Unloading

Once everything is loaded, the crew transports your belongings to your new home. Upon arrival, movers unload items into the rooms you designate, reassemble furniture when requested, and perform a final walkthrough to ensure everything has arrived safely and is placed where you want it.

 

Additional Resources

Take a look at these moving resources from some of the movers in our network!

O’Neill Transfer and Storage: FREE moving inventory tool

Triangle Movers: Six Tips for Out of State Movers

Lincoln Moving and Storage: 3 Things to make your local move a success

3 tips for finding military moving companies

 

FAQ

Looking at Google Reviews or Yelp is a great way to get an idea for the safety record of a moving company. If you have any items you really value though, the best option is often moving it on your own though. Depending on the size of the item, that may not always be possible but for certain large items like pianos there are certificates some moving companies may have that prove they have proper training for handling and shipping.

Yes, try out our moving cost calculator. Keep in mind though that this calculator can not take the place of a quote. The price a mover gives you may be more or less depending on the season or the technicalities of your particular job.
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5 Reasons to Choose a Preferred Movers Network Verified Mover

Why Choose Our Preferred Movers?

Relocating comes with a long list of challenges, but hiring a mover that delivers quality service can relieve a lot of the stress. In the moving industry, quality service means reliability, honesty, and efficiency. It shows in timely and thorough service, honest and open communication, smooth transportation, and respectful customer interactions. Every step should be seamless, ensuring a hassle-free experience for homeowners and businesses alike.

Not every moving company meets these standards, which is why doing your research matters. Research, however, takes up valuable time. Preferred Movers Network does all the digging so you don’t have to. The screening process for our verified movers includes thorough background checks, licensing verification, and reviews of customer satisfaction. All Preferred Movers are held to high standards and must demonstrate a track record of excellence, uphold industry best practices, and commit to continuous improvement. 

Only those who meet our strict criteria earn membership, ensuring customers work with movers who deliver the best service every time. This guide walks you through what sets our movers apart from the rest. 

 

Legitimate and Insured Moving Companies

 

Strict Verification for Reliable Moving Companies

Preferred Movers Network does not partner with just any moving company. Every mover undergoes a thorough verification process to ensure legitimacy and compliance with industry regulations. Only licensed and insured movers meet the strict criteria set by the network.

The verification process includes checks on business licensing, years of industry experience, and adherence to ethical business practices. Movers must provide proof of federal and state authorization, ensuring they operate legally within required areas.

 

Why Moving Valuation Matters

Moving homes involves risks—items may get lost, damaged, or unexpectedly delayed. Partnering with an insured moving company means protections are in place if anything occurs. Without the right coverage, homeowners face possible financial losses. “Under Federal law, interstate movers must offer two different liability options referred to as valuation coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value,” states the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Movers in the Preferred Movers Network maintain active insurance policies and offer moving valuation coverage to cover potential damages to property or belongings. This ensures accountability and financial protection for the homeowners and business owners trusting them with valuable belongings.

 

Types of Moving Valuation Coverage

Several types of moving insurance options provide varying levels of protection. Understanding them helps in making informed decisions:

  • Released Value Protection: This basic coverage comes at no extra cost but offers minimal compensation—typically $0.60 per pound per item.
  • Full Value Protection: A comprehensive option that requires movers to repair, replace, or compensate for damaged items based on their actual value.
  • Third-Party Insurance: If additional coverage is needed beyond what the moving company provides, homeowners can purchase separate moving insurance from third-party providers.

Choosing a Preferred Movers Network verified mover guarantees that the company carries the required insurance. This safeguards belongings and adds an extra layer of financial protection during the move.

 

Customer Satisfaction and Service Guarantees

Moving can feel unpredictable, but Preferred Movers Network makes it easy. We focus on customer satisfaction and support every service with guarantees you can trust. Our movers follow clear policies to reduce stress and give you peace of mind every step of the way.

 

Commitment to a Positive Moving Experience

Every Preferred Movers Network member lives up to high standards in customer care. Movers quickly resolve homeowner concerns, keep open communication, and provide clear timelines for pickups and deliveries. Customer satisfaction policies guide movers to keep homeowners informed and assured that their move is going according to plan.

 

Guaranteed Service Quality

Preferred Movers Network isn’t just about connecting customers with movers; it’s about guaranteeing a reliable moving experience. Verified movers commit to:

  • On-time pickups and deliveries: Schedules are set with timelines in mind, reducing unexpected delays.
  • Safe handling of belongings: Movers use proven packing techniques and industry-grade materials to prevent damage.
  • Professional conduct: Each moving crew is courteous, efficient, and closely follows ethical business practices.

 

Why Service Guarantees Matter

Service guarantees encourage confidence and trust. When a mover commits to professional handling, timely project completion, and customer-centered policies, the homeowner gains peace of mind. Preferred Movers Network verifies that every move is backed by professionalism and accountability.

 

Locally Owned & Operated: A Move with Community Roots

Hiring a locally owned and operated moving company keeps your move in the hands of people who care about their community. Every mover in the Preferred Movers Network operates independently, with no chains or franchises. Locally-owned companies give direct, accountable service—no corporate red tape, just professionals who stand by their work.

 

Independence Means Accountability

A mover that owns its trucks and equipment and employs its own teams will have control of the entire moving process. Preferred Movers Network verifies that every member meets this standard. No third-party brokers are involved, meaning no middlemen who might introduce unforeseen issues. The company that gives you a quote is the company that carries out the move.

This Old House explains, “[N]ot all brokerages properly vet the moving companies in their networks. At best, this results in inconsistent quality of service. At worst, it can lead to customers being scammed by disreputable movers. Another common issue we see is brokers providing low estimates that increase drastically when the moving company that picks up your contract sees your inventory.”

 

Why Choose an Independent, Locally Operated Moving Company?

  • Direct communication: Independent movers manage their own schedules and policies, so you talk to decision-makers, not call centers.
  • Investment in quality: When a company owns its equipment, it maintains its trucks and tools to professional standards.
  • Accountable workforce: Preferred Movers Network requires its members to hire and train their own employees rather than relying on temporary third-party labor.
  • Personalized service: Local movers know the region, from traffic patterns to neighborhood regulations, ensuring smoother moves with fewer surprises.
  • Commitment to the community: Locally owned businesses build their reputation on service, not advertising dollars. Their success depends on doing right by their customers.

Choosing a Preferred Movers Network verified mover means working with professionals who own their moving business—not just a name on a truck. That ownership translates into greater care, better service, and more accountability with every move.

 

Access to a Full Range of Moving Services

Moving needs vary from one person to another. Some require a quick local relocation, while others need a full-scale interstate move. Verified movers in the Preferred Movers Network provide a wide range of services that allow for every type of move.

 

Moving Services Available Through Verified Movers

Every relocation comes with its own needs, but Preferred Movers Network ensures that customers have access to the right services for their relocation. Movers in the network offer:

  • Local Moving: Relocation within the same city or county.
  • Long-Distance Moving: Reliable service for interstate or cross-country moves..
  • Residential Moving: Assistance with home relocations, from small apartments to large houses.
  • Commercial Moving: Safe and organized transportation of office equipment, furniture, and documents.
  • Storage Solutions: Secure short-term or long-term storage options for those in transition.
  • International Moving: Specialized logistics for overseas relocations, including customs clearance.
  • Labor-Only Moving: Professional labor assistance for loading and unloading rental trucks or storage units.
  • Packing Services: Full and partial packing solutions to ensure items are safely prepared for transport.
  • Specialty Moving: Movers trained to handle delicate and high-value items such as fine art, antiques, and medical equipment.
  • Senior Moving Services: Personalized assistance with downsizing, packing, and settling into new residences for seniors.

“Full-service movers will do everything associated with your move, including furniture disassembly, truck loading and unloading, transporting your belongings, furniture reassembly, and placing your items where you want them in your new home,” notes Moving.com.

 

Easy Access to the Right Service

Preferred Movers Network connects customers with verified moving companies who specialize in the exact type of service required. Customers don’t have to waste time searching through endless lists of providers. The network ensures that no matter how complicated the move, one of our partners is available to handle the task.

Every verified mover undergoes an evaluation to confirm their ability to deliver these services efficiently. Whether the move involves heavy lifting, cross-country coordination, or specialized packing, the right professionals have the expertise to complete the job accurately and efficiently.

 

Transparent Pricing and No Hidden Fees

Preferred Movers Network verified movers uphold a clear and straightforward pricing structure. No last-minute surprises or unexplained fees appear on the final bill. Every cost is outlined upfront, ensuring a predictable moving experience.

 

Clear Breakdown of Moving Costs

The pricing structure includes all aspects of the move, such as:

    • Labor and Transportation: Charges for movers’ time and the distance covered.
    • Packing Materials: Clearly itemized costs for boxes, tape, and padding.
    • Specialty Item Handling: Transparent pricing for pianos, antiques, and bulky furniture.
    • Additional Services: If requested, unpacking, storage, or furniture assembly costs appear in the initial quote.
  • Item Valuation: While released value protection is often included, full value protection is typically offered at an additional cost.

Everything is detailed from the beginning, so there’s no guesswork about final expenses.

 

Upfront Quotes Without Surprises

Vetted movers from the network provide detailed quotes before the job begins. These estimates are based on calculations, not vague guesses. Contracts are clear and thorough, preventing unexpected costs on moving day.

To alleviate guesswork, movers conduct an in-home or virtual assessment to evaluate the volume and complexity of the move. This ensures a more accurate quote custom to specific needs.

 

Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run

Choosing a Preferred Movers Network verified mover often leads to long-term savings. Avoiding hidden fees eliminates the risk of going over budget. Additionally, working with a reputable mover reduces damage risks, cutting repair or replacement costs.

These professionals use fair and predictable pricing, unlike unverified movers who might trick customers with cheap initial quotes but later add unexpected fees. Investing in reliability prevents unnecessary expenses and frustration.

With pricing transparency at every step, making an informed decision about a move becomes effortless.