7 Best Moving Companies in Arkansas of 2023

Oct 25, 2023

Whether you’re planning a cross-country move to Arkansas or a local move from Conway to Little Rock, a quick online search will reveal an overwhelming number of moving choices. You’ll find an array of full-service and self-service companies offering a long list of options and add-ons, such as storage in transit, auto transport and packing.

With so much information to sort through, how do you know which are the best moving companies? To make the moving process a little easier, we at the Guides Home Team compiled a list of the best moving companies in Arkansas. We looked at dozens of moving companies and compared everything from their services, insurance and payment methods to their availability and reputation. Read on to learn more about our top picks for local, long-distance or international Arkansas moves.

Based on our research, here are the movers you can trust to deliver your belongings safely when moving in or out of the Natural State:

International Van Lines (IVL) has handled more than 500,000 moves in the two decades since its founding. The company offers multiple insurance options, including named perils insurance for self-pack moves for 3% of the declared value. Customers who utilize IVL's professional packing service can choose either a weight-based valuation or an itemized valued inventory for insurance for 4% of the declared value. Otherwise, your belongings will be covered by complimentary limited liability insurance that pays 60 cents per pound per article.

IVL is both a mover and a moving broker, which means it does outsource some transport to other companies. IVL also requires a deposit at the time of booking. However, its cancellation policy for domestic moves allows a full refund if you cancel more than 48 hours before your scheduled pickup date.

Services: IVL has consistently been recognized as one of the leading companies for long-distance moving, but it can also handle local moves in Arkansas.

Its other services include the following:

Cost: The moving calculator on IVL's website will provide an instant estimate based on ZIP codes and home size. IVL does not provide binding estimates. IVL customers must pay a 25% deposit of their ballpark estimate via check, credit card or electronic funds transfer to reserve their moving date. However, its cancellation policy for domestic moves allows a full refund if you cancel more than 48 hours before your scheduled pickup date.

The leftover balance is split into two equal payments due upon pickup and delivery. These payments can be made via credit card, cash, money order, company check or cashier's check. IVL offers a 10%–15% discount to active and retired military members.

Get a Quote: Fill out a quick form on the IVL website to request a moving quote, or call 888-375-6309.

To Learn More: International Van Lines Review

American Van Lines (AVL) has been family-owned and operated since 1995. In that time, it has grown from a two-truck company to a nationwide carrier with a network of weekly shuttles to every major U.S. city. AVL specializes in long-distance moves, including corporate and military relocations. It even has movers with the training and experience necessary to safely pack and transport antiques, pianos, fine art and other fragile items.

AVL only operates in the contiguous United States, so you will need to find a different carrier for international moves and moves to Hawaii or Alaska. Although you can fill out an online form to request a free quote, doing so gives AVL permission to contact you via the phone number and email address you provide. Instant online quotes are not available from AVL.

Services: Besides being long-distance movers, AVL offers affordable hourly rates for local moves. Customers can self-pack or take advantage of AVL's professional packing services for some or all of their belongings.

AVL also offers the following services:

Cost: AVL offers both binding and nonbinding estimates after a virtual or in-home consultation. All estimates are based on the distance and weight of your move and the services you select. To reserve your moving date, you must pay a deposit between 10% and 50% of your estimate with a Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card. You can pay the remainder via cashier's check, post office money order, cash or credit card, but you must pay the balance before unloading.

Get a Quote: Visit the AVL website and enter your moving details or call 877-960-3186 for a free quote.

To Learn More: American Van Lines Review

Moving APT was founded in 1999 to make interstate moves a more positive experience for U.S. residents. Because Moving APT is a moving broker, not a mover, it will not handle your move itself. Instead, it will connect you with one of its partners — all of whom are moving companies licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Having a long list of reliable partners allows Moving APT to match you with the most competitive offers, and you will have a variety of payment methods and financing options from which to choose.

Flexibility is perhaps the most significant benefit offered by Moving APT. However, finding firm information on its website can be difficult, and you may find the process more complex than working directly with a moving carrier.

Services: Moving APT is an established broker for long-distance moves, whether you are moving to Arkansas across state lines from a city like Dallas or Memphis or relocating from Florida to Fayetteville.

Moving APT can help coordinate the following services:

Cost: You can get a ballpark estimate in seconds on Moving APT's website. Once you fill out a moving inventory, the company will provide a binding estimate. Moving APT recommends speaking to one of its representatives over the phone to find the best offer. Price-match offers and various payment options are available, as well as financing options for qualifying customers. A deposit is required to reserve your move, the amount of which will vary depending on your moving carrier.

Moving APT only contracts with movers who provide discount services for military members, senior citizens or differently abled customers. Other customers can ask about discounts for local moves or early reservations.

Get a Quote: Enter your move details on the Moving APT website for a free quote, or call 800-360-0037 to speak to a representative.

Founded in 1933, North American Van Lines (NAVL) now has over 500 locations nationwide. No moving experience is entirely stress-free, but NAVL does take steps to eliminate much of the hassle with transparent pricing and an easy claims process. You can easily complete domestic and international claim forms online, and contact information for both claims teams is posted prominently on the NAVL website. You will also be able to track your shipment during transit via the WorldTrac satellite system.

NAVL's required deposit can be a bit steep depending on the type of move you have planned, but the company accepts a variety of payment methods. Like other full-service moving companies, NAVL hires local companies for some tasks, which means prices for services such as appliance installation may vary by location.

Services: NAVL specializes in long-distance moves and is especially well-suited for corporate relocations.

Other services include the following:

Cost: All NAVL locations accept cash, money orders, cashier's checks, traveler's checks and certified checks. Some agents also accept credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. Customers may be charged a 10% to 50% deposit, with the balance due before unloading.

Both instant ballpark quotes and binding estimates are available, with the latter requiring a phone interview and virtual home walk-through. Rates for long-distance moves are calculated based on weight, home size, mileage, labor costs, selected services and destination, while local moves are charged a flat hourly rate.

Get a Quote: Visit the NAVL website for a free on-demand quote, or speak to a customer service representative at 877-624-0912.

To Learn More: North American Van Lines Review

Founded in 1928 and headquartered in Chicago, Allied Van Lines is the oldest company of its kind in the United States. Beyond its many years of experience, Allied stands out for its long list of available services and a la carte options. Customers can choose a DIY approach to save money, opt for a full-service experience or select only the services they need.

It's worth noting that Allied contracts some services out to third-party companies. This includes appliance disconnection and reconnection services, as well as cleaning services. As a result, prices will vary. However, your Personal Relocation Assistant can walk you through the available options, answer any questions and offer personalized recommendations.

Allied also offers two types of insurance: complimentary basic liability insurance and optional Extra Care Protection, a comprehensive plan covering full repair or replacement costs.

Services: For more than 85 years, customers have trusted Allied Van Lines to handle their local and long-distance moving needs.

In addition to cross-country and interstate moving, Allied also offers the following:

Cost: You can request an InstaQuote on Allied's website. Binding estimates are available after a free in-home or virtual consultation. You can also opt for a non-binding estimate based on the weight of your items and the mileage required. Allied does not charge a deposit to book your move, but you must pay all charges before unloading on delivery day. The company accepts credit cards, cash, money orders and certified checks.

Get a Quote: Visit the Allied website to request a quote, or call 877-483-9424 to speak to a moving service representative.

To Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review

Founded by a 16-year-old entrepreneur in 1982, JK Moving has always focused on innovation and outstanding customer service. Among its standout features is a robust financing program through Enhancify. With rates as low as 0% for qualifying customers and a 60-second application that delivers instant rates, this program allows families to spread out the cost of their moves. Further, all JK Moving employees undergo a background check, and each customer is assigned a personal moving coordinator. The company also offers live customer service 24/7.

In addition to residential moves, JK Moving handles commercial moves across various industries. The company can complete smaller moves within nine days, and seven days of free storage is included. However, it only has local movers in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Services: JK Moving does not offer local moving services in Arkansas. However, if you are planning a long-distance move to Bentonville, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Rogers or another city in Arkansas, JK Moving can help.

JK Moving also offers the following services:

Cost: JK Moving requires a deposit of 10% or $500, whichever is greater, with the remaining balance due before shipping. In addition to offering financing through Enhancify, the company accepts cash, credit cards and checks.

For binding estimates, JK Moving offers three options: virtual self-surveys, virtual consultations and in-home consultations. The company does not offer instant online quotes but specifies that its quotes account for the size of your furniture, the services you select, the distance of your move, and the layout of your home to determine the number of hours, trucks and crew members your move will require.

Get a Quote: Visit the JK Moving website or call 571-487-8929 for a free quote.

To Learn More: JK Moving Review

PODS is a self-service mover with more than two decades of experience and locations across the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. PODS rents out portable containers that can be used for storage and moving. The company will deliver the container to your property, then pick it up once you finish loading it. From there, you can choose to store the container at a PODS facility or ship it directly to your new home.

Customers can choose from three container sizes: 8-foot containers suitable for a studio apartment, 12-foot containers suitable for a one-bedroom home and 16-foot containers suitable for a two-bedroom home. Note that 12-foot containers are only available for in-town moves, and customers with larger homes will likely need multiple containers. If you need services such as packing and loading assistance or auto transport, PODS can connect you with local companies that can help.

Services: PODS offers local and long-distance moving services for residences and businesses.

Other available services include:

Cost: If you are planning a long-distance move, PODS will invoice you for three separate charges, each of which will be due seven days before the associated service. These charges include the initial delivery fee, first month's rent, shipping and transit charges and the redelivery fee. Local moves are charged one day before delivery.

PODS are rented monthly, and your credit card will be automatically charged for each month's rent on the anniversary of your first payment. You can also pay using other automatic payment forms, such as ACH.

To Learn More: PODS Review

Prices and services can vary widely from one moving company to the next. As you research and request quotes from different movers, take a moment to clarify your needs and budget. This will make it easier to narrow down your options. Be sure to get quotes from at least three companies and read the terms of each quote carefully before making a final decision.

International Van Lines and Allied Van Lines are both excellent choices for a full-service move within or to Arkansas. These companies offer an extensive menu of services, a nationwide presence and years of experience. If you prefer a DIY approach, consider PODS. You’ll be able to pack, load and unload your belongings yourself, but PODS will handle the actual transportation and storage.

See how the best moving companies compare on key metrics.

Provider

International Van Lines

American Van Lines

Moving APT

Allied Van Lines

North American Van Lines

JK Moving

PODS

Get a Quote

Visit IVL

Visit AVL

Visit Moving APT

Visit Allied

Visit NAVL

Visit JK Moving

Visit PODS

Availability

50

48

50

50

50

50

46

Type of Mover

Full service

Full service

Full service

Full service

Full service

Full service

Self-service

Binding Estimate?

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

N/A

Movers in Arkansas typically charge an hourly rate of $25–$50 per mover. The larger your home and the heavier your items, the more movers you will need and the longer it will take. Prices for a local move could range from $200–$500 for a one-bedroom home to $800–$2,000 for a four-bedroom home. A full-service long-distance move will cost much more, depending on the distance and the services you select.

The following are benefits of hiring professional movers:

The average cost of moving a three-bedroom house is $600–$1,000 for a local move, assuming 10,000 pounds of belongings and seven to 10 hours of labor. Here are some general estimates for a long-distance move, assuming 8,000 pounds of belongings and full-service packing:

All full-service moving companies offer packing services, though some services may be subcontracted to local third-party companies. Although self-service companies do not provide packing services, they can usually connect you with partners who do.

Our team created a comprehensive ratings system to rank moving companies based on industry standards and customer experience. We called each moving company to speak with representatives, simulated the quote process online and over the phone as applicable, reviewed each company's contents protection (insurance) plans, and examined customer reviews for each provider.

After gathering this information and communicating with customer service representatives, we scored each company in the following categories: moving and additional services, mover type, trailers/containers, insurance coverage, payment process, scheduling and geographical availability, additional benefits and reputation.