With availability across all 50 states, Bekins Van Lines offers an expansive selection of moving services, which helped it earn a spot on Forbes Home’s list of the best moving companies. Whether you need a more specialized move with packing services included or you’re planning a corporate relocation, Bekins has it covered. The company earned an A+ rating from the BBB, has discounts readily available for military members and doesn’t require a deposit to secure service.
While its strict three-day cancellation policy may be a turn-off for some, if you choose to work with Bekins, you’ll be working with a moving business that has more than 100 years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Here’s everything you need to know about the company, plus a few pro moving tips.
Pros
- Multiple discounts available
- Offers full-service moving
- Operates in every state
Cons
- Online quotes are only available for out-of-state moves
- Strict cancellation policies
- Service quality can vary based on agent and location
Table of Contents
- All About Bekins Van Lines
- Bekins Moving & Storage Costs
- Bekins Van Lines Services
- Bekins Van Lines Availability
- Bekins Van Lines Consumer Sentiments and Survey Results
- Bekins Van Lines Fine Print
- What We Like About Bekins Van Lines
- What We Didn’t Like About Bekins Van Lines
- Bekins Van Lines vs. Competitors
- Bottom Line: Who Is Bekins Van Lines Best For?
- Methodology: How We Rated Moving Companies
All About Bekins Van Lines
With more than 133 years under its belt, Bekins Van Lines has been a staple in the moving industry for decades. The company provides reputable service to 50 states and offers everything from residential moves to commercial ones, as well as special service for military members, government employees and seniors. If you’re planning an international move or want a great long-distance moving company, Bekins can handle that, too.
It’s important to note, though, that customer reviews mention how service and satisfaction with Bekins can vary based on your location and the representatives you work with. When it comes to pricing, those seeking an interstate move can receive an online quote. Local price quotes, however, can only be obtained by speaking with an agent. A feature we like: Bekins doesn’t require a deposit to secure service, and some locations even have binding cost guarantees.
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Blvd Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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Bekins Moving & Storage Costs
Our team gathered a few quotes to help you get an idea of the cost to move with Bekins. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, New York, to Summit, NJ, is about $1,500, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn to Charlotte, North Carolina, is closer to $3,500. These numbers don’t include any add-on services, which you may choose to make the move smoother. For exact quotes, it’s best to speak directly with a Bekins team member.
How to Get a Quote From Bekins
To obtain pricing information from the Bekins Van Lines team, customers generally first need to complete the online request form and supply essential information about the moving services required, the origin and final locations, a moving timeline and the type of home in question. Once a Bekins rep has that information, the team will schedule a home survey (whether virtual or in-person).
The survey will evaluate the particulars of the home and its belongings. Any add-on services will also be factored into the quote.
Bekins Van Lines Services
Commercial Moves
Bekins Van Lines provides commercial moving services for small businesses, large office spaces, warehouse locations and more. This is unique because Bekins team members are equipped to transport heavy machinery, medical supplies and equipment.
International Moves
In partnership with Crown Relocations, Bekins Van Lines can organize international moves smoothly and efficiently. This includes everything from picking a timeline to helping customers acclimate to the new country. Crown Relocations can even help with immigration details and new language assistance, which is fairly unique.
Local and Long-Distance Moves
Whether you’re moving just a few miles away—within the same state—or across multiple state lines, Bekins can handle the transition.
Employee Relocation
Another unique feature is that Bekins Van Lines offers employee relocation services. Companies can facilitate and pay for their employees to have help with packing, storage and many other aspects of moving. This typically applies in situations when the person is moving specifically for work.
Military and Government Moves
Bekins Van Lines is able to move government employees and military service people who may require confidentiality and expedience.
Senior Moves
Seniors who may need additional assistance with packing, storage and heirloom items can also look to Bekins Van Lines for specialized service. The company caters to older adults in particular. In fact, Bekins has many employees who are uniquely trained to facilitate senior moves. These employees are Silver Certified, meaning they’re endorsed by the National Association of Senior Move Managers.
Specialized Moves
Bekins Van Lines offers customized moving services for specialty items like pianos, art, pool tables and more.
Car Shipping
For those who need to move their vehicles as well as their sofas, Bekins Van Lines offers car shipping services as both a broker and a carrier. This means customers can hire Bekins to move the car independently or use Bekins to find a third-party shipper.
Storage
Bekins Van Lines offers both short-term and long-term storage options. Customers who need to stow their items either before, during or after the move can rest assured that they’ll be covered.
Packing and Unpacking
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to pack your belongings before the move, Bekins can do it for you. The company offers full-service packing, loading and unpacking for an additional fee.
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Bekins Van Lines Availability
Bekins Van Lines is available in all 50 states, including Washington, D.C., Hawaii and Alaska. The company also offers international moving services.
Bekins Van Lines Consumer Sentiments and Survey Results
Based on our detailed methodology, Bekins Van Lines earned a 4.1 overall rating. However, it’s important to note that Bekins received a mixed range of reviews. Less favorable customer sentiments address dissatisfaction with unforeseen moving and packing costs from Bekins and the claims process. Bekins stands out positively for other aspects of customer service, namely how well company reps communicate and respond to requests.
When we surveyed 1,400 recent moving customers, many had largely positive takeaways from working with the company. For instance, 34% said they were extremely satisfied with the company’s care for their belongings during their move, and 31% said they were extremely satisfied with the ease of booking and scheduling, both of which were above average. Additionally, 86% of customers said they would recommend Bekins to their friends and family.
Bekins Van Lines Fine Print
Cancellation Policy
The Bekins Van Lines cancellation rules are strict. Customers who wish to cancel without penalties or additional fees have only three days after signing the contract to halt their service.
What We Like About Bekins Van Lines
Bekins Van Lines impresses us for a few reasons. The company provides an expansive line of services for clients all across the country and from all walks of life. Both active and retired military personnel receive discounts, for example. The company also offers dedicated moving services for older adults, and Bekins has employees who are trained and certified to complete senior moves safely.
What We Didn’t Like About Bekins Van Lines
Some aspects of Bekins leave room for improvement. To start, the company doesn’t have a live chat feature online, which can make quick and concise communication difficult. It’s also impossible to cancel your service without penalties if you need to do so three days or more after signing the contract.
Bekins Van Lines vs. Competitors
Bekins Van Lines vs. Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines and Bekins share many similarities. Both companies have been standouts in the moving industry for over 100 years, operating in all 50 states. Additionally, both provide a bevy of services from packing and unpacking to car shipping. Bekins offers a great customer experience and specialized service for groups such as older citizens, while Allied focuses on having great price quote accuracy. Bekins had higher costs for our sample move, but you should always obtain your own quotes to best compare.
Learn more: Allied Van Lines review
Bekins Van Lines vs. Mayflower Transit
Both Bekins Van Lines and Mayflower Transit operate in all 50 states, and neither requires deposits. Mayflower’s pricing for our sample move was much more affordable, though, coming in at least $1,000 cheaper than Mayflower’s, according to the quotes we received. Again, be sure to obtain your own to get exact pricing.
Learn more: Mayflower Transit review
Bottom Line: Who Is Bekins Van Lines Best For?
Bekins Van Lines could be a good choice for any homeowner who prefers a customized experience with competitive pricing and attentive company reps. Older citizens, in particular, may appreciate Bekins’s Silver-Certified agents who know how to complete older adult moves with ease and without damaging any precious heirlooms or unique furniture. Companies and commercial spaces may also benefit from hiring movers from the Bekins team.
Moving Companies By State
Methodology: How We Rated Moving Companies
We developed our list of the best moving companies by first identifying competitors that met basic criteria such as licensing, insurance and legal registration. We reviewed the 69 most widely available companies from that list and scored them all based on 89 different attributes. Each company’s rating is determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, such as an in-house Consumer Sentiment Analysis, pricing, moving services and options, nationwide availability and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates moving companies on our detailed methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Bekins the best moving company?
Based on our detailed methodology, we found Mayflower Transit to be the overall best moving company. Bekins Van Lines, however, made our best moving companies list and is ranked highly for providing a great customer experience at an affordable rate.
How long has Bekins been in business?
Bekins Van Lines was created in 1891 by two brothers and has operated successfully for more than a century.
Does Bekins accept credit cards?
Customers can pay for Bekins Van Lines services with most major credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express.
