United Van Lines vs 1 800 PackRat for January 2025

Item: United Van Lines vs 1 800 PackRat
Rating: 3.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Wednesday, January 15th

2025 Moving Company Reviews

United Van Lines

Price provided via quote
International moves
Military moves
Car moves without subcontractors
Track your shipment

United Van Lines is a well-known moving company that offers features like car shipping and international shipping in-house. Although the company has mixed reviews, it's still worth checking out. With accreditation by the BBB to support the company's legitimacy, we feel confident that despite some of the reviews, United Van Lines is a decent option. It may help to keep track of your security options and contracts though, especially if you need a specialized move.

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Visit Mover

1 800 PackRat

Prices available only by quote
Full range of moving options
Subcontracted packing helpers
Moving and storage services
Pack at your pace
Accredited by the BBB

1-800-PackRat sounds pretty good when you first check out their website. However, the company has mixed reviews and an uninspiring 3-star average across customer feedback. Despite some neat features like on-your-own schedule packing and special pricing for military moves, 1-800-PackRat doesn't stand out among competitors. Since you can't see the prices without submitting your email for a quote, it's hard to tell if they'll be worth the cost for your move.

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Visit Mover

Read Full Review

Visit Mover

Read Full Review

Visit Mover

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Where Can You Find the Best Moving Company?

Are you looking to move somewhere new? Or maybe you're heading back to school and need a way to get the contents of your dorm room from point A to point B? There are lots of reasons you need a moving company - like heavy furniture, or maybe you just don't want to deal with the hassle.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the average person moves about 11.7 times in their lifetime. Younger adults tend to move more frequently than older adults. Those who rent move more frequently than homeowners, although they usually have fewer items to move and lower costs. The most popular reasons for people to move include job changes, housing affordability, and family changes/marriage.

Continue reading below

Moving Company FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a moving company?

The cost of hiring a moving company can vary depending on the distance of the move, the size of the household, and the services provided. It's always recommended to get multiple quotes and compare the cost of services offered by different moving companies before making a decision.

What services do moving companies generally offer?

Most moving companies offer general transportation services either in-state or across the country. Some companies even have options for international moves, storing your items for extended periods of time, or packing and unpacking items for you. If you are lucky you can also get a company that will provide transportation for your car.

Will the company disassemble and reassemble my furniture?

Many companies will offer this service, but it's important to check before hiring a moving company. A lot of furniture that needs assembly may cost extra, or if you have novelty items like pianos, you may need a moving company that specializes in those things.

How far will a moving company travel to deliver my items?

Like many aspects of moves, this will depend on the company you choose. Some companies only cover local distances, or will charge extra for long distance moves. Other moving companies provide international services to several countries while some promise to only move within the USA. Keep these requirements in mind when you search for moving companies to make sure the one you choose meets your distance requirements.

What do I do about insurance or liability for my possessions?

By law interstate movers are required to offer two different liability options called "valuation coverage". You can either get Full Value Protection or Released Value. Under Full Value the mover is required to replace, repair, or make a cash settlement for damaged items, and you usually have to pay extra for this option. However, the mover can place limitations on this, so it's important that you get a written statement of these limitations before you agree to the conditions. Under Released Value you don't have to pay extra for insurance, but the liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per item. Released Value must be specifically signed for, otherwise you will be automatically charged for the Full Value option. If you choose Released Value, you can also use third party insurance to cover the rest of the lost value. Many movers will offer third party insurance options on their site. You may also already be covered by your homeowner's insurance. Some of these laws may differ if you are moving within the same state.

Do all moving companies do the work themselves?

This depends entirely on the company, so it's important to know if a mover will be handling your belongings or if they will be subcontracting any part of your move to another company. With sub-contracts, the company you hire will reach out to others to get all the parts of the job done. If you want everything done in-house, it's important to consider that in your search for a moving company.

How do moving companies protect my belongings during the move?

Many moving companies move your items in "pods” that are weatherproofed and designed to protect your items during transit. However, movers should also be using furniture pads, plastic wrap, and good packing techniques to keep from breaking any of your items during the move.

What happens if something is damaged during the move?

Make sure you understand the moving company's policies on damage and liability in case something is damaged during the move. Usually you will be reimbursed based on the contract you signed. Sometimes this will include full compensation, having the item replaced with a similar item, or a partial value of the item recovered in cash.

Continued from above...

No matter what you need to move, or where you need to move it, there are plenty of options out there to help you. But where do you get started? There are so many different moving companies that it can be hard to select the best option for you.

The average cost of using a moving company can vary depending on several factors, such as the distance of the move, the size of the household, and the services provided. For most local moves (under 100 miles), the average cost can range from $150 to$1,000. If you need to move something long-distance (over 100 miles), the average cost can range from $1,000 to $5,000.

However, the fees can vary widely depending on the location, the time of year, and the specific services you take advantage of. Some additional services that can affect the cost of a move include packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and storage. It is also important to keep in mind that many moving companies will charge additional fees for things like stairs, elevators, long carry, or bulky items.

So how do you choose the best moving company for your needs? There are a lot of factors to consider to ensure a smooth and successful move. If you're not sure where to start, here are a few things to help you with your choices:

Licensing and Insurance: Do you want to see that your possessions are protected by clear licenses? Do you want a company that offers additional insurance and upgrades?
Price: Are you looking for the cheapest moving option out there? Or do you care more about value for money even if a company is more expensive?
Experience: Do you have special items that need specific moving skills, like a piano? Or will a company with general moving experience work for your needs?
Range of Services: Do you need a company that just moves your belongings? Or do you need a company that offers additional services like packing or storage?
Scheduling Options: Do you need flexible or last-minute scheduling? Or are you okay with a company that has a strict schedule?

To help you find the right moving company to simplify your next house hop, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked today's most popular Moving Companies across the US. We hope this will make it easy to choose the best company to trust with your home and happiness.