van lines moving and storage: comparing popular options for smarter moves

What national van lines offer

National networks coordinate long-distance moves through local agents, pairing household goods transport with short- or long-term storage. Full-service crews handle packing, loading, and inventory, while centralized dispatch balances routes to reduce cost.

How choices differ

Full-service van lines typically use consolidated trailers, which can mean wider delivery windows but lower per-mile rates. Premium tiers add dedicated trucks, tighter schedules, and climate-controlled storage. Hybrid options-such as containerized vaults-offer DIY packing with professional linehaul, a good fit when you want flexibility and predictable storage access.

• Pricing: binding, not-to-exceed, or weight-based estimates
• Protection: released value vs. full-value replacement coverage
• Storage: warehouse vaults, portable units, or in-transit stops
• Tracking: app updates and itemized inventories
• Service areas: national reach versus regional specialists

Popular brands compete on agent quality and capacity. United and Mayflower emphasize broad agent networks; Allied and North American highlight tech tools and specialty crating; Atlas often appeals with flexible valuation plans. Compare estimate types, delivery windows, and claims support to align cost, risk, and schedule.

If your timeline is firm, choose dedicated service; for budget moves, a consolidated shipment with warehouse storage delivers value.