When planning a move, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right moving company. Some movers offer full-service relocations, while others focus on labor-only support that gives the customer more control over their move. Two companies that represent these different approaches are United Van Lines and UniMovers.
This guide will compare United Van Lines moving services with UniMovers labor-only model. We’ll break down pricing structures, quote processes, services, and customer feedback.
Table of Contents
How We Evaluated Each Company
To compare UniMovers and United Van Lines fairly, we looked at:
- Types of services offered
- Geographic availability
- How pricing and receiving quotes work
- Estimated costs for common move sizes
- Customer feedback across multiple platforms
Rather than labeling one company as “better”, this comparison focuses on which moving model works best for different types of moves.
United Van Lines
Services
United Van Lines is a nationwide, full-service moving company that specializes in long-distance and interstate moves, and offers help for all other types of moves. Their services include packing, loading, unloading, car shipping, trash removal, storage, and specialty item handling. This model is great for customers who want a fully managed move from start to finish.
Locations
United Van Lines operates through a large network of agents across the United States and internationally. This reach allows them to handle moves over long distances, though services and experiences can differ by local agent.
Rates
Pricing with United Van Lines is not hourly. Instead, costs are based on multiple factors such as the size of the move, distance, services selected, and timing. Getting a confirmed cost with United Van Lines requires filling out a detailed form on their website, including locations, services needed, and contact information for an agent to reach out with an estimate or a starting point. Final pricing typically requires a detailed inventory and consultation.
Cost of moving an average home (2-3 bedrooms)
For a long-distance average home move, pricing usually reaches several thousand dollars, depending on the services selected. Packing, storage, and specialty handling can increase the total cost.
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Cost of moving an average apartment (1-2 bedrooms)
Smaller long-distance moves may still cost several thousand dollars with United Van Lines due to transportation minimums and labor requirements.
Customer Satisfaction
United Van Lines Google reviews show a range of experiences. Many customers praise them for their professionalism and the convenience of full-service moving. On the other hand, some report frustration with pricing changes, communication, or damage claims—seemingly tied to their agent-based structure rather than the company itself.
UniMovers
Services
UniMovers operates on a labor-only moving model, and they offer a range of services, such as loading, unloading, packing, unpacking, assembly, and disassembly services. Customers arrange their own moving truck or container, and UniMovers works around the customer’s transportation and timing. It’s like when you call a bunch of friends to come help you unload, except they’re trained movers who handle your items with care.
Locations
UniMovers has locations in multiple states, including Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, with each locally managed. If you’re moving to or from one of these states (or a neighboring state), UniMovers might be just the help you need.
Rates
UniMovers charges hourly at the same flat rate for all of its services. The only additional fee a customer may incur is a travel fee, which will be communicated to you at the beginning of the process. Their pricing is clearly stated on their website, which is great for those looking for transparent pricing. They have an hourly rate of $60/mover/hour, and all moves are requires to have a two-mover, two-hour minimum.
Cost of moving an average home (2-3 bedrooms)
For a 2-3 bedroom home, UniMovers estimates 3 movers will work for 5-7 hours. At $60/hour/mover, this put the labor-only cost at $900-$1260. This does not include any travel fees, which can be calculated on their website.
Cost of moving a typical apartment (1-2 bedrooms)
Apartment moves are usually very cost-effective with UniMovers. Unimovers estimates a 1-3 bedroom apartment to require 2 movers for 4-5 hours. At $60 per hour per mover, the cost is likely to be around $480-$600, not including potential travel fees.
Customer Satisfaction
UniMovers locations tend to receive strong reviews on Google and Facebook, with customers noting professionalism, clear communication, and transparent pricing. Many reviews emphasize the value of staying in control while having professional moving help.
How UniMovers and United Van Lines Compare
United Van Lines is best suited for customers who:
- Are moving long-distance or interstate
- Want a fully hands-off experience
- Are comfortable with higher, variable pricing
UniMovers is best suited for customers who:
- Want labor-only assistance
- Budget-conscious movers
- Want upfront and clear pricing
For many customers, labor-only moving offers a more flexible and affordable alternative. By separating labor from transportation, customers can avoid paying for services they may not need.
Conclusion
UniMovers and United Van Lines represent two very different moving models. United Van Lines moving services are designed for large-scale, long-distance relocations where convenience outweighs cost. UniMovers offers a streamlined, labor-only approach that allows customers the opportunity to both stay in control and reduce unnecessary expenses.
For customers comparing options, understanding the services included and how quotes are generated is crucial to figuring out which works for you. Those seeking flexibility and affordability often find labor-only moving to be a better fit, while hand-off movers may prefer a full-service mover.
FAQs
What is the main difference between UniMovers and United Van Lines?
The biggest difference is the services offered. United Van Lines offers full-service moving that includes transportation, while UniMovers provides labor-only moving services. With UniMovers, customers handle the truck or container themselves, which allows more control and often lower overall costs.
How do I get a United Van Lines moving quote?
You can request a moving quote from United Van Lines through their website by completing an inventory form or speaking with a local agent.
Is labor-only moving more affordable than full-service moving?
In many cases, yes. Labor-only moving can be more affordable because customers only pay for the physical labor rather than transportation, fuel, and long-haul fees.
Gabrielle Davis is a freelance content writer and student at Texas State University studying Communications with a focus on Mass Media. When she isn't writing or learning, she can be found doing various crafts and working on her garden.
