‘Best’ is always subjective; it is not often that a list of ‘the best’ meets everyone’s needs.
But when it comes to getting a quote for your home move, then nearly everybody’s wish list would include:
- A quick call or easy quote form to complete
- Only receiving quotes from licensed, insured, and reputable movers
- The quotes are genuinely competitive
- Not having your contact information shared with dozens of movers
- Not being spammed with 3rd-party calls and emails
Most people would say the goal is to get a competitive quote from movers you can trust, without your phone ringing off the hook for the next week or your inbox ending up full of spam.
So to compile this list of the best websites to get a quote for your home move, we used those criteria.
Additionally, we included only quote platforms with a long history in the business and a good reputation.
The bottom line is that we would only include quote comparison sites in this list that we would be happy to use ourselves.
Disclaimer: The criteria above were used to determine which sites were included in this list. So as not to waste our or the movers’ time, we did not ask for fake quotes to make the choice. But we did do thorough research about each website to ensure they met our criteria.
The 5 Best Websites to Get a Cost Estimate for Your Home Move
Each of these platforms is strong in their own way and may have the edge on another website in one way or another, so we have summarized what each provider is ‘best’ for in our opinion.
Therefore, they are in no particular order, but we highly recommend these 5 websites for getting a moving quote:
1. MoveAdvisor
Best for: Getting competitive quotes from pre-screened movers
MoveAdvisor has been in the moving industry since 2008 and provides moving company reviews, cost information, invaluable guides on every aspect of moving, and a free quote-matching service in one place.
One of its biggest advantages is the screening of the moving companies it works with.
MoveAdvisor states that movers matched through its quote service are pre-screened, properly registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, and selected with their customer reviews and reputation in mind.
You can either complete the online quote form or speak to somebody by phone, which is useful if you would rather explain the details of your move than complete a lengthy inventory yourself.
Advantages:
- Pre-screened moving companies
- Movers’ reviews available on the same website
- Free online moving cost estimator
- Option to request a quote by phone
- Covers local, interstate, and international moves
- Established moving resource since 2008
For somebody who wants a straightforward way to find reputable movers rather than submitting their details to dozens of unknown companies, MoveAdvisor is one of the best options.
2. moveBuddha
Best for: Researching prices before giving movers your contact details
moveBuddha has a different approach.
Its moving cost calculator gives you a data-based price range based on your origin, destination, home size, moving date, and type of moving service.
You can then compare different moving options, including full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
The big advantage for anyone worried about unwanted calls is that moveBuddha says you can use its calculator and compare licensed, vetted moving companies without submitting your contact information.
The company says it has been collecting and analyzing moving-company, pricing, and performance data since 2015.
Advantages:
- Get an initial cost estimate without giving your contact details
- Compare several types of moving services, not only full-service movers
- Licensed and vetted mover recommendations
3. Unpakt
Best for: Comparing actual mover prices online with no phone calls
Unpakt puts an interesting twist on the usual moving quote form.
Instead of entering your details and waiting for calls, you create an inventory of the belongings you are moving.
Unpakt then lets you compare prices and reviews from movers and book your chosen company online.
Unpakt says it verifies that movers on its platform are experienced, licensed, and insured.
It also emphasizes transparent pricing: the price displayed is based on the items and services you select.
However, it is important to get your inventory exactly right because any changes to your moving inventory or requirements will change the price on moving day.
Advantages:
- Compare moving prices online
- Licensed and insured movers
- Pricing based on a detailed inventory
- Compare mover reviews alongside prices
- Ability to book your move online
For people who want full control of shopping for a mover, this is a great option. Just ensure that you get your inventory spot-on, or you may be in for a shock on moving day.
4. Moving.com
Best for: Getting several competitive quotes without contacting dozens of movers
Moving.com is one of the longest-established names in online moving services and has been helping people find moving companies since 1999.
Its quote service matches customers with up to four moving companies.
Moving.com states that the companies in its network must be licensed and insured and that it evaluates movers based on their business history, compliance, and professional standards, with ongoing checks after they join the network.
Advantages:
- Up to four moving quotes
- Licensed and insured movers
- Established since 1999
- Ongoing screening of companies within its mover network
- Simple quote request process
The limit of up to four companies is important as you still get enough quotes to compare prices, but your personal details are not being sent to dozens of movers.
5. iMoving
Best for: Comparing and booking movers entirely online
iMoving is another marketplace designed to remove much of the telephone negotiation usually associated with finding a mover.
After entering the details of your move, you can compare movers, their prices, what is included in the service, and customer reviews.
The platform says the movers available through its marketplace are licensed and insured and allows customers to book online.
iMoving promotes the ability to compare and book movers without dealing with multiple phone calls or arranging an in-home estimate before seeing your options.
But that does mean that your inventory must be super accurate, and you must be sure that the services you need are not going to change, or your final bill will be higher than the original quote.
Advantages:
- Compare movers and prices online
- Licensed and insured moving companies
- See what is included before choosing a mover
- Online booking
- Customer reviews available when comparing companies
Which Moving Estimate Website Should You Use?
There is no law that says you have to use just one source when estimating the cost of a move.
A good strategy is to start with a calculator such as moveBuddha to establish a realistic price range.
You can then use MoveAdvisor or Moving.com to obtain competitive quotes from pre-screened or licensed movers.
If avoiding sales calls is your biggest priority, Unpakt and iMoving are good choices because most of the comparison process can be completed online. But you must ensure you have an accurate inventory and know what services you need.
Remember that your cost will depend on the actual volume or weight of your belongings, access to the properties, packing requirements, additional services, and your moving date.
You must watch out for any additional costs such as long-carry or stairs fees that could be applied on moving day.
Ensure that you compare the exact services being offered between movers and ensure that you do your due diligence before handing over any payment.
Moving quote websites are perfect for saving you time and money, so use that saved time wisely by thoroughly researching any mover you are thinking of hiring.
Disclaimer: Moving.tips partners with Moveadvisor because we believe that the service they offer matches the majority of users’ needs exactly; you will receive quotes from a maximum of 4 movers, you have the option to speak directly with movers, and all the movers are licensed, insured, and reputable.
