Local Moving Company vs National Chains: Which One to Choose?

Last Updated: March 31, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: March 31, 2025.

Moving can bring a lot of stress, especially if the things you have to transport can’t fit into your car. Should this happen, a good option would be to hire a moving company. A quick online search often gives you two options: a smaller local company or a bigger national chain.

Both options have their perks, so making a decision can feel overwhelming. Luckily for you, we are here to help you make a choice. Keep reading this article from our partners A Plus Moving Solutions to find out which one to choose.

Understanding Local Movers

Local movers have some descriptive features that make them a suitable choice for some homeowners:

• Proximity to Your Area: These movers often have headquarters in your region, making them reachable for last-minute moves.
• Specific Neighborhood Knowledge: Local movers know the quickest roads to get somewhere, as well as the ones with fewer potholes and potential for traffic.
• Lower Associated Prices: Local movers have fewer resources and smaller reach, which means prices are lower.
• Customized Services: Local movers provide customized services for their clients, using previous experience.

Thus, a local moving service could prove more effective if you want more flexible moving services.

Considering the Pros and Cons

Local movers have various advantages to consider, along with some drawbacks to remember. Here’s what you should keep in mind when making your choice:

Advantages	Drawbacks
Personalized services due to a deeper knowledge of the neighborhoods	Limited access to resources as most of them are small businesses
Simplified prices as there are fewer hoops to go through	Potentially small insurance coverage in comparison to larger chain companies
They have a higher focus on community support and engagement	Their experience could be limited, especially if it’s a young company

In the end, local movers are mostly an appropriate choice when you plan on moving short distances and do not have many large objects to move around. If you are relocating out of an apartment and only need a truck for a couple of hours to carry your things, they can be a cost-friendly option. 

When to Consider National Movers

National chains also have some distinctive features that make them an attractive choice. Most homeowners appreciate them for the following:

• Extensive Partner Network: National chains have multiple partners, including packaging and storage companies, which can ease the moving process.
• Advanced Moving Technology: Bigger companies can access high-tech resources such as advanced tracking or specialized packing for delicate items.
• Larger-Scale Operations: A chain has access to numerous employees and a substantial fleet, making them effective for large-scale moves.
• Comprehensive Insurance: National movers are known for offering comprehensive insurance plans, which is reassuring for accident-prone long-term moves.

If you are moving out of a spacious home and looking for a bigger team to provide advanced services, national chains could be beneficial.

What Are the Advantages and Drawbacks?

Going for national movers also has its good and bad that can influence your decision. Here’s what you should put into balance:

Advantages	Drawbacks
Increased brand recognition due to the company’s size	Few personalized services due to widespread reach
They operate in multiple states, making long-distance moving easy	They may include hidden fees that were not part of the original quote
Often have access to more high-tech resources, including storage and bigger trucks	They could bring scheduling issues and delays, as demand is often higher

For the most part, national moving chains are a good option if reputation is important to you. They have more resources, so they can better cater to your needs if you move out of a bigger house or over a greater distance. This level of service often entails a higher price, so you need to be ready for that.

The Bottom Line

Local movers are appropriate when you have fewer items and are moving short distances. National movers are better equipped for inter-state moves with more items. Your choice depends on the type of move you have to handle.