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Best Moving Companies in Arkansas (2024)

Author Image Written by Shane Sentelle Updated 06/28/2024

Whether you’re relocating to, from, or within The Natural State, choosing the right Arkansas moving company is one of the most important steps in the moving process.

We have thoroughly researched the best moving companies in the country and our top choice is International Van Lines (IVL). Below are our picks for the best moving companies in Arkansas based on key factors, including prices, services, and availability.


Top 7 Moving Companies in Arkansas

Through in-depth research, we determined that the best moving companies in Arkansas are the following:

Best Service Offerings: International Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor: American Van Lines
Best Customer Service: Moving APT
Best for Vehicle Relocation: Allied Van Lines
Best for Claims: North American Van Lines
Best Specialized Packing: JK Moving Services
Best Overall Self-Service Mover: 1-800-PACK-RAT

Overall Rating

4.5 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
4.9 / 5
4.8 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.2 / 5

BBB Rating

A+
A+
B+
A+
A+
A+
A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier
Carrier
Broker
Carrier/Broker
Carrier/Broker
Carrier
Carrier/Broker

Average Price*

$5,250
$5,625
$4,683
$5,370
$5,969
$7,171
$2,547

Deposit Required

Up to 25%
Up to 50%
Varies
None
None
$250
Varies

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • Offers an online cost estimator
  • Offers price-matching
  • Provides quick service
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping
  • Budget-planning service
  • No deposit
  • Only provides binding estimates
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Customized rental periods are available
  • Offers price-matching for comparable services from competitors, such as PODS
  • Containers are made entirely of steel to better protect belongings from weather damage

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • Not responsible for any damage due to broker status
  • Service varies by location according to reviews
  • Unwanted contact from partner companies may occur
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process
  • Items may take 10–14 days to arrive
  • Limited storage services according to zip code
  • Three-day requirement for cancellations
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Can only do long-distance moves with an 8-foot container
  • Requires a deposit for long-distance moves
  • Services aren't available in all states

Summary

We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.

We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.

We recommend Moving APT because of its highly rated customer service and its ability to quickly provide you with multiple quotes for its partner companies.

We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.

We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT for partial-service moves because of its simple and affordable storage and transportation solutions.

Rating Categories

Customer Service

5 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
3.6 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5
5 / 5
4.7 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
3.1 / 5
5 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
5 / 5
4.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
2 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
4.1 / 5
Company Star Rating BBB Rating Deposit Required Visit Site
4.5
A+ 25% GET ESTIMATE
4.3
A+ Up to 50% up-front GET ESTIMATE
4.3
B- Up to 40% GET ESTIMATE
3.9
B Up to 33% GET ESTIMATE
4.2
B Varies between partners GET ESTIMATE
4.7
A+ $250 up-front GET ESTIMATE
4.9
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
4.8
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
4.8
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
4.0
A+ None GET ESTIMATE

Why Trust Us? We conducted 4,800+ hours of research on moving companies and crafted a ranking system based on the following research
31
Companies Considered
1000
Homeowners Surveyed
21000
Reviews Analyzed
22
Providers Compared

Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In Arkansas

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5

International Van Lines (IVL) is a one-stop shop for Arkansas residents making local, cross-country, or international moves. IVL provides a variety of services to give you a full-service move, including loading and unloading as well as basic furniture disassembly and reassembly. Additionally, its website has helpful tools and resources, such as a moving calculator, a tracking portal, and a blog that answers common moving-related questions.

Pros and Cons

Pros International moving services, including air and ocean freight Loading, unloading, and basic furniture disassembly and reassembly included Complimentary liability protection plus optional full-value protection Cons Up-front deposit of 25% required to book your move Outsourcing of some moves to third-party companies

Services

Every move includes basic furniture disassembly and reassembly as well as loading and unloading. The company provides auto transport, storage in transit, and shuttle service if your new home is not accessible to an 18-wheel semi-trailer. Piano and motorcycle moving services are also available.

IVL serves all 50 states and specializes in long-distance moves. Because it’s both a mover and a broker, it has the option of outsourcing your move to a third party.

Cost

Customers must pay a 25% deposit to reserve their moving date. The remaining balance is divided into two payments, with half due at pickup and half upon delivery. The deposit is fully refundable as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your pickup date.

International Van Lines does not provide binding estimates. Its rates factor in one flight of stairs, tolls, mileage, fuel, and taxes. Basic liability coverage is included, and you can upgrade to moving insurance that covers the full value of your belongings. Get your personalized International Van Lines quote.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3

American Van Lines (AVL) functions as a local and interstate relocation mover. This family-owned company is a good choice for customers with fragile items like family heirlooms and fine art. It employs certified antique movers as well as piano moving specialists. Its background-checked professional movers average 10 years of experience, are employed full time, and undergo extensive training in the latest techniques.

Pros and Cons

Pros Highly experienced moving staff Certified movers for pianos and antiques Binding estimates available Cons No instant online quotes

Services

Customers can choose to self-pack or upgrade to full-service packing. American Van Lines also offers partial packing and specialty moving services for those who only want help with their most fragile or valuable items. Regardless, AVL will handle loading and unloading. Crating services are also available.

American Van Lines has experience with commercial moving, corporate relocation, and military moves. The company also offers private storage units and auto shipping assistance, depending on your moving needs.

Cost

American Van Lines charges a deposit upon booking. This deposit may range from 10% to 50% and must be paid via credit card. The remaining balance is due upon delivery and may be paid via cash, credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.

Binding estimates are available following a virtual or in-home consultation. AVL bases its quotes on the distance and weight of your move, plus the services you select. Instant quotes are not available, but you can fill out an online form to request an estimate. Get your personalized quote from American Van Lines.

Moving APT

Best Customer Service
4.2

Moving APT is a moving broker, which means instead of handling your move itself, it contracts the work out to third-party companies. Because Moving APT has an extensive network of partners, its moving consultants can help you secure a competitive rate.

Pros and Cons

Pros Large network of vetted moving companies Discounts and price-matching available 24/7 customer support Cons Deposits only refundable with a week’s notice Experiences may vary depending on the subcontractor

Services

Moving APT’s partners offer a wide range of specialty services, such as packing, unloading, cleaning, furniture repair, paper shredding, and auto transport. You can also move fragile items, such as antiques, pianos, and fine art.

The moving consultants at Moving APT can offer expert advice, too. Let your representative know of any special requirements you have, and the company will do its best to find a moving partner that meets your criteria. The company works with local and long-distance movers and can facilitate corporate relocations.

Cost

Moving APT charges a deposit that is nonrefundable if you cancel with less than seven days’ notice. However, it provides several opportunities for you to save money, including price-match offers and discounts for military members, senior citizens, and differently-abled customers.

For an instant ballpark estimate, request a free quote online. Moving APT can also provide a binding estimate once you fill out a moving inventory. Get your personalized Moving APT quote.

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
4.8

Allied Van Lines is our pick for the moving company that offers the best vehicle-shipping services. The company transports cars, boats, snowmobiles, jet skis, and nearly any other type of vehicle. What sets Allied apart from other movers is that they handle the vehicle shipping internally and don’t rely on third-party services. Allied provides its own open or enclosed carriers to transport your vehicles, regardless of if you’re moving within Arkansas state lines or moving to another state.

Pros and Cons

Pros Comprehensive vehicle-shipping services Flexible packing options Transparent pricing and easy quote process Cons Limited customer service hours Prices may be higher than competitors’ quotes

Services

Allied’s specialty is long-distance moving services, but it also offers local moving services. In addition to vehicle shipping, it provides pet relocation, storage, unpacking services, and furniture disassembly and reassembly. However, some services are handled by third-party companies.

Customers can choose to pack their own belongings or purchase full or fragile-only packing services from Allied. The company even offers crating for electronics and large, high-value items. A shuttle service ensures that Allied will be able to service difficult-to-reach homes.

Cost

The Allied website makes no price-match guarantees, and some customers have reported higher-than-average prices for local moves. It’s also worth noting that because Allied contracts out some services, such as cleaning and appliance connection, prices may vary.

Allied provides non-binding estimates based on weight and mileage or binding estimates based on a free in-home or virtual consultation. Allied does not require a deposit to schedule your move, but all charges must be paid prior to unloading. Get your personalized Allied quote.

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.9

North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a full-service moving company with more than 500 agent locations in North America. Drivers must meet strict criteria to work for NAVL and complete an annual certification. If by some chance your items are lost or damaged during the moving process, NAVL provides an online form for domestic and international claims.

Pros and Cons

Pros Easy online claims process Shipment tracking via WorldTrac satellite system Not-to-Exceed Pricing available Cons Options, pricing, and experience may vary by location Not all agents accept credit cards

Services

NAVL provides auto transport, loading, unloading, installation, assembly, storage, and packing services. Customers can choose to self-pack with their own supplies or with packing materials purchased from NAVL. Full-service and fragile-only packing are also available. Remember that your experience may vary depending on your location and whether any aspects of your move are outsourced to third parties.

The company’s most comprehensive service is its white-glove moving, which includes not only packing and unpacking but also cleaning, installation, and assembly services. NAVL’s white-glove movers can even help you set up your home gym and entertainment system. They will even arrange furniture and hang pictures, and, if you change your mind later, they will come back to rearrange items.

Cost

For local moves, NAVL charges a flat hourly rate. The price of a long-distance move depends on the weight and size of your belongings, labor costs, and the destination. NAVL does not accept personal checks, and not all agents accept credit cards. Your balance will be due before unloading.

NAVL provides instant ballpark quotes as well as binding estimates. Customers can choose Not-to-Exceed pricing or Bottom-Line pricing. For the former, your final cost could be lower than the estimate but will not be higher. For the latter, your total is guaranteed. Get your personalized NAVL quote.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7

JK Moving Services offers the most customizable experience for long-distance moves to and from Arkansas. Customers can choose DIY packing, fragile-only packing, or full-service packing for more control over their move’s cost. JK Moving also allows customers to choose the deductible and coverage limit if they upgrade to insurance with full replacement valuation.

Pros and Cons

Pros Financing available through Enhancify Nine-day turnaround for smaller moves Dedicated personal moving coordinators Cons No local movers in Arkansas No instant online quotes

Services

Customers who choose fragile-only packing can count on JK Moving to handle their antiques, art, and even wine with special care. The company also offers auto transport, piano moving, unpacking, storage services, and 24/7 customer service. All its movers are drug-tested and background-checked, and they undergo both initial and annual training.

JK Moving handles both commercial and residential moves, including international moves. It can complete small long-distance relocations in nine days and offers these customers a week of free storage. Arkansas customers should look elsewhere for local moves, though, as JK Moving only offers local moving services in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Cost

JK Moving charges a deposit of 10% or $500, whichever is greater. Your remaining balance must be paid before shipping. Customers can pay via cash, check, or credit card. JK Moving offers financing through Enhancify, with rates as low as 0% for qualified customers.

Instant online quotes are not available. JK Moving does offer binding quotes following a virtual self-survey, virtual consultation, or in-home consultation.

1-800-PACK-RAT

Best Self-Service Mover
4.2

1-800-PACK-RAT facilitates self-service moves with its portable storage containers. It delivers the empty container to your home and picks it up once you’re done packing. You can choose to have the container taken to a secure storage facility or delivered to your new home.

Pros and Cons

Pros All-steel weatherproof containers with barn-style doors $10,000 in contents protection included for long-distance moves Variety of discounts, specials, and price-matching available Cons Limited online tools for long-distance moves

Services

Although it only has locations in 30 states, 1-800-PACK-RAT says it can service 97% of the United States. For instance, several cities in Arkansas fall within the service radius of its Memphis, Tennessee, location.

It offers three container sizes: 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot. Its 16-foot container, which holds about three or four rooms’ worth of furniture, is the most popular. Contents protection plans, also known as moving insurance, are available in amounts from $5,000 to $75,000.

My PackRat is the company’s self-service account management tool. It allows customers to schedule pickups and deliveries online. However, some features are not available for long-distance customers.

Cost

A local moving quote includes the monthly rental fee, the total due at delivery, and your estimated transportation costs. Customers must pay a $500 deposit five days before the delivery date for a long-distance move. This deposit goes toward your balance, with the remainder due before transportation to the final destination.

1-800-PACK-RAT offers several discounts as well as a best-price guarantee. Military members, senior citizens, teachers, doctors, nurses, and first responders all get a 10% discount. Both local and long-distance specials are available. Get your personalized 1-800-PACK-RAT quote.


Compare the Top Arkansas Movers

Before choosing a provider for your Arkansas move, take the time to request a quote from at least three companies. Be sure to compare the services and benefits of each company as well as their prices. The cheapest option is not always the best value—especially if your goal is a stress-free moving experience.

ProviderGet EstimateAvailabilityLocal MovesInterstate Moves
International Van LinesFree Estimate50 states✔✔
American Van LinesFree Estimate48 States✔✔
JK MovingFree Estimate50 states✘ (except VA, MD, and DC)✔
Moving APTFree Estimate50 states✔✔
North American Van LinesFree Estimate50 states✔✔
Allied Van LinesFree Estimate50 states✔✔
1-800-PACK-RATFree Estimate30 states✔✔

Our Conclusion

Any of the moving companies above can handle your Arkansas move, but our top pick is International Van Lines. As a full-service mover, IVL stands out for its long list of services, complementary liability protection, and worldwide availability. This company is a particularly good choice for long-distance moves to and from Bentonville, Conway, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Rogers, and other cities in Arkansas. It can also help with local moves in the state. For better peace of mind, you can take advantage of IVL’s online tracking portal and upgrade to a full-value protection plan.


Other Considerations When Moving to Arkansas

When moving to Arkansas, you may need to find more than just a moving company you can trust. For starters, your mortgage will require homeowners insurance. Like other Midwest states, Arkansas is prone to tornadoes, which makes renters or homeowners insurance particularly important. 

Consider utility, maintenance, and repair costs, too. For instance, Arkansas homeowners can often save money by installing solar panels. Unless you are moving into a brand new home, a home warranty may be a good investment. Both pest control and lawn care companies play a role in protecting your family from disease-carrying ticks, termites, and other pests.

Here are some articles to help you find the best providers of these and other services:


FAQs About Moving Companies in Arkansas

What day is cheapest to hire movers in Arkansas?

The cheapest day to hire movers in Arkansas is a weekday. Most movers are less busy Monday through Thursday, which can mean better rates. Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be the least expensive days according to Moving APT. You can also save money by moving during the winter and scheduling your move as far in advance as possible.

What are the benefits of hiring professional movers in Arkansas?

Hiring professional movers in Arkansas may be more expensive than a self-service move, but doing so offers significant benefits:

  • Insurance to cover your belongings
  • Experience and special equipment
  • Less time and energy spent
  • Safety and efficiency

Do all moving companies in Arkansas offer packing services?

No. Not all moving companies in Arkansas offer packing services. Generally, moving companies fall into two categories: full service and self-service. Full-service movers offer packing services, and self-service companies do not. However, self-service companies may partner with or recommend third parties who can provide these services.


Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.