Planning a move can feel overwhelming. Especially if you aren’t used to moving. You feel tired, battling the emotions attached with your current home, while hoping for no new setbacks till you move safely to your new home.
You should be selective about which moving company to choose for your move.
There are independent movers and national moving companies that will help you move.
Both vary in scope, limit, cost and service.
In this guide, we’ll understand how independent movers differ from national moving companies.
Who are Independent Movers?
Independent movers are small moving companies.
They operate without relying on other moving or partnered companies.
They operate both locally and nationally.
They usually have a small team.
That means your move will be personalized and intimate at every stage.
How they operate?
Independent movers follow simple working styles.
They’re flexible with pricing.
You can keep the moving manager or owner as point of contact during your move.
They usually move fewer customers at a time.
They give you more attention and make quick adjustments if something changes in your plan.
Pros of Independent Movers
- You can speak directly with the moving company manager or owner.
- You can bargain and attract the moving estimate to your budget.
- They know traffic rules, area restrictions, and parking rules of your location.
- They cater to your every moving need and take pride in making your move incredible.
Cons of Independent Movers
- They may have fewer trucks.
- That means they’ll stay occupied during tight schedules or peak moving season.
- The kind of crew you get may not guarantee quality work every time because we may not know how trained and prepared they are.
- Some independent movers may not handle interstate moves legally.
- You don’t get to track your move. Also, insurance option for any damaged equipment.
Cost of Independent Movers
Independent movers offer lower hourly rates.
- Some charge $90 to $150 per hour for a 2-person crew for a local move.
- For interstate moves, it’s $120 to $200 per hour with the same crew size.
- For long distance moves, independent movers may quote $2,000 to $6,000 depending on distance and shipment size.
This means independent movers are usually more budget friendly for local moves, but for long-distance moves, the price gap can vary.
This varied price includes fuel surcharges, equipment limits, and interstate travel logistics.
Tip - Check if your independent mover has all licenses. See if it’s insured and registered with state authorities. Request a clear quote that breaks down labor, travel time, and any additional fees.
Who are National Moving Companies?
National moving companies are strong network of movers across countries.
They tie up with moving companies in every location.
For instance, you reached out to a national moving company located in Miami and you want to move to New Jersey — they do it.
If you want to move from Washington DC in USA, to Mumbai in India — national moving companies can help you move.
They handle long distance moves with greater poise and efficiency.
They offer you stability with predictable working system.
They are designed to offer stability, predictable systems, and nationwide coverage.
How they operate?
National movers follow structured work systems.
They have a nationwide network with movers.
Your belonging will be added to inventory and loaded into large trailers.
The crew who’ll off-load your belongings will be different from the crew who packed your items.
They offer you tracking systems that will allow you to see where your moving truck is.
They offer customer support teams for any assistance, or doubts, or anything you may have about moving.
Pros of National Moving Companies
- National moving companies have established procedures.
- This will reduce your risk of missed appointment or last-minute delays or cancellations.
- They are ideal for interstate or cross-country moves.
- Your belongings will get protection plans and insurance.
- Their crew is highly trained and experienced handling all kinds of moves.
- You will have a digital tracking tool, customer portals, and detailed documentation for your move.
Cons of National Moving Companies
- Cost can be a little higher due to their wide scale of operation.
- They handle plenty of moves at the same time and you may feel like another number in a large system.
- They follow moving schedules that can span several days. Sometimes, weeks.
Cost of National Movers
National movers can cost a little higher, especially for long-distance moves.
- They charge $150 to $250 per hour for a two- or three-person crew on local moves.
- For long distances, they quote $4,000 to $10,000 for a medium sized home and $10,000 to $18,000 for large homes.
These estimates include fuel, long haul trucking, coordination between branches, labor, and insurance options.
Did You Know?
National movers partner with local moving agents in every location.
While the brand is national, the team performing your move may be from an independent company certified to operate under that brand.
Takeaway
- Independent movers are preferable if you want personalized moving experience.
- Independent movers work really well if you’re moving locally.
- National movers are ideal if you need reliability, advanced protection, and the ability to move long distance without having to worry about logistics.
Note
Compare estimates from at least three companies.
Ask about licensing, insurance, and customer reviews.
Your choice should reflect your emotional comfort, the distance of your move, your timeline, and your budget.
Bottom Line
You can speak to a moving specialist to plan your move. You can get free moving estimate and compare it with different moving companies before you move.
For any information and tips about moving, check out our detailed moving guides.
