JK Moving Services has earned the distinction of being the largest independent moving company in North America. Based in Sterling, Virginia, it specializes in local, long-distance and international relocations and serves a diverse clientele, including residential, commercial and government sectors.
JK Moving covers an expansive network, including the U.S. and more than 150 countries. The company maintains a FIDI accreditation, a hallmark of quality in international moving. Its USDOT Number is 1065394. JK Moving Services has been recognized as one of the best interstate moving companies and made the Forbes Home list of best moving companies of 2024.
Pros
- Sustainable and eco-friendly moving options
- Moves long distance
- Moving financing option
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Limited area local moves
- No online quotes
Table of Contents
- About JK Moving
- What Moving Services Does JK Moving Offer
- Planning a Move: We Put JK Moving to the Test
- What We Think Sets JK Moving Apart
- What We Think Lets JK Moving Down
- How Much Does JK Moving Cost
- JK Moving Cost Factors
- Where Is JK Moving Available?
- How JK Moving Stacks Up
- Alternatives to JK Moving
- JK Moving Reviews and Experience
- Bottom Line: Is JK Moving Right For You?
- Methodology – How We Selected the Best Moving Companies
Moving can be one of life’s biggest stressors—boxes everywhere, countless to-do lists and the anxiety of getting everything safely to your new home. That’s where JK Moving Services steps in, aiming to take the chaos out of moving and turn it into a smooth, manageable experience. With its customer-first approach and commitment to making moves easy and worry-free, JK Moving has helped thousands of families transition seamlessly to their next chapter. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, learn how the company’s personalized touch and attention to detail can make a world of difference.
About JK Moving
Founded in 1982 by Chuck Kuhn, JK Moving claimed the sixth spot on our best moving companies of 2024 list. The company has a wide reach, servicing 500,000 customers in 50 states and internationally for long-distance and international moves. Local moving options are less expansive and include areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.
With 19,500,000 cubic feet of maintained storage facilities in Virginia and Maryland, local residential, military and commercial customers can always find plenty of space to store their moving contents. The company ensures security by vetting moving crews and performing background checks. JK Moving Services offers moving and relocation loan financing from a lending partner, making the company stand out from other moving companies.
Featured Partners
1
International Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
2
American Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
3
Blvd Moving
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
4
Mayzlin Relocation
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
What Moving Services Does JK Moving Offer
JK Moving offers services to help meet a variety of moving needs including some local moves, long-distance moves, international moves and more. Here are all of the moving services that JK Moves offers.
Long-Distance and Interstate Moves
Whether you’re relocating to a neighboring state or making a cross-country move, JK Moving offers a range of moving services across all 50 states to support your journey. Long-distance moves can be complex, but JK Moving eases the stress by providing a dedicated coordinator to guide you through your options and ensure a smooth transition.
Limited Local Moves
Whether you’re moving in and around Baltimore, in or out of Arlington or to a 19th-century rowhouse in the neighborhood of Capitol Hill, JK Moving can handle your local move. The company offers limited local moves in select areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.
International Moves
If you’re moving abroad or coming back to the U.S. after living as an expat, JK Moving can make your arrangements and move your stuff. The company moves to 150 countries and provides options such as full-service packing and unpacking and door-to-door moving.
JK Moving will assign you a manager to coordinate your move who is experienced in the logistics of international moves, which require detailed paperwork and a comprehensive knowledge of customs requirements.
Additional services
- Packing and unpacking: When you’re short on time or not inclined to pack up your home, JK can take this tedious task off your hands. The company is known for having highly trained packing crews to pack and unpack various items, including regular contents, pianos, valuables and antiques.
- Vehicle shipping: JK can set you up with the best car shipping companies through its partner, McCollister’s Auto Logistics, which also provides enclosed trailer shipping to protect luxury and classic vehicles.
- Storage: JK maintains various storage facilities for customers. It has its own facility in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and partners in other locations.
- Government moves: The company handles moving services for government employees, including military, ambassadors and diplomats. It also partners with government agencies such as the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Census Bureau and other government organizations.
- Employee relocation: If you need to move your team for a company relocation, you’re in luck. The company provides relocation services for corporate clients. Need to relocate your team to a new location in a hurry? Full-service packing is a great way to expedite the move.
Planning a Move: We Put JK Moving to the Test
To give you the details of what it’s like to move with JK Moving, we put it to the test by planning two moves. We looked at moving dates, size of move, distance and the customer journey for long-distance and local moves.
Houston TX to Miami, FL
The first move we planned was a February 4, 2024, move from Houston to Miami at a distance of 1,192 miles. We inquired about a move for the contents of a two-bedroom apartment in Houston to sunny Miami.
The starting point was the Houston zip code: 77005. The destination: 33125 in Miami. A storage facility would not be required for this move. The next step: attempt to access a quote online on JK’s website.
Arlington, VA to Washington D.C. (City-to-City Move)
The second move we planned was from a single-family home in Arlington to a townhouse in Washington, D.C. The moving date was February 20, 2024. The total distance equaled 7.4 miles. The move was planned from the Arlington zip code of 20301 to 20002 in the neighborhood of Capitol Hill.
Exploring the Website
When you arrive at the JK home page, you’re greeted with an online quote form making scheduling your move simple. While you can’t get a direct quote online, there’s an opportunity to connect with live support to ask questions. JK also provides the option to ask questions via text from its homepage. There’s a phone number on the quote form and a message that reads,” Tell us how to reach you.”
After entering your name, address, email address and phone number, we were presented with a continue button to advance to the next screen. It asked for details about the move, such as moving dates and the size of the move, so the company could plan for the appropriate moving truck size to fit the contents. After completing the screen and hitting a button, we received a popup with a message that stated the company would contact us, as well as a link to FAQs and a moving checklist.
After submitting the request, we received an immediate phone call. The company didn’t email or leave a voicemail. They contacted us by phone multiple times. The phone seems to be JK’s preferred method of contact.
Resources Provided to Help With the Move
The JK blog has a wealth of resources with six moving checklists, including a family moving checklist, an office moving checklist, an international moving checklist and a fall moving checklist. Other resources included tips for winter moves and packing tips.
Ease of Process of Obtaining a Quote
Obtaining a quote from JK Moving is simple, but it’s not immediate. After you complete the form, you need to wait until a sales professional contacts you, which for us, happened in five minutes. However, the website did not produce a quote automatically.
Other Options Available
JK also allows customers to text the company for a quote. The text graphic says,” Get a quick response via text.”
The image contained fields for your name, mobile phone number and an area to compose a message. Beneath was a disclaimer that read: “By submitting, you authorize National Moves to text and call the number you provided with offers and other information, possibly using automated means. Message/data rates apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Use is subject to terms.”
License and Regulations
JK Moving lists its U.S. DOT number in the footer on its website. We did not locate any other information about licensing or regulations on the JK website.
What We Think Sets JK Moving Apart
JK Moving is a global leader in the logistics industry that serves customers in 50 states and has been operating for 40 years. The company has several qualities worth mentioning. First, it is accredited by the Better Business Bureau which gave the company an A+ and a customer rating of 4.01. The company has garnered safety, corporate recognition and industry awards for several consecutive years.
Commitment to Hiring Quality Movers
JK makes sure it chooses quality movers. Employees must submit to drug tests and background checks and receive training at the company’s facilities before they arrive at your door. Employees also are required to participate in annual training.
We like that JK has 24/7 live customer support to address any issues with your move. They also have a mobile app that has received high ratings. Another feature that makes this company stand out is its commitment to the community and care for the environment. JK Moving Services owns a community farm and a wildlife sanctuary and also practices sustainability.
These movers go the extra distance by providing the following features.
Sustainable, Green Moving
Minimizing its environmental impact is a high priority for the company. This is evident in its use of a boxless moving methodology. The company demonstrates its dedication to repurposing inventory and upholding a zero-waste ethos by employing plastic reusable crates and totes as well as recycled moving blankets.
GPS Tracking
With GPS tracking, you can keep tabs on the location of your items during transport. JK Moving provides a fleet of GPS-enabled trucks, making it easy for customers to track their shipment’s journey through a mobile app that offers real-time location updates.
Artificial Intelligence
JK Moving uses an advanced artificial intelligence tool called Yembo that improves the efficiency and accuracy of the moving quotes it provides to its customers. JK is among the early adopters of Yembo’s innovative AI survey technology, which enables it to perform real-time virtual evaluations for residential and commercial moves.
Broad Service Area
If you’re relocating within Washington, D.C., Virginia or Maryland, JK Moving is a great choice. The company also handles moves throughout the continental United States and partners with its sister company, CapRelo, for some of the relocations. Additionally, JK Moving provides logistics for international relocations for customers who need to move abroad.
What We Think Lets JK Moving Down
You might be wondering what the company doesn’t do so well. According to our data set, this is where JK Moving falls short.
- No binding quotes
- No quotes without speaking with a salesperson
- Long distance quotes are higher than most competitors
- No price matching
- No military discounts
- No oversized hauling available
- No self-service moves
- No junk hauling
- Two insurance options, some companies offer three options
How Much Does JK Moving Cost
According to a recent Forbes Home survey, 23% of movers said that the greatest fear about moving is the cost. Below are costs broken down by distance, move size, service and the quote.
| DISTANCE (MILES) | SIZE | FULL-SERVICE PACKING? | QUOTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 2-bed apartment | Yes | $6,796.40* |
| 1,000 | 3-bed condo | Yes | $8,621.47** |
| 1,500 | 3-bed house | Yes | $13,901.66*** |
JK Moving Cost Factors
From Washington, D.C. to Cincinnati, OH (500 miles) the breakdown of costs is as follows.
- Transportation: $4,530.27
- Estimated packing labor and materials: $1,888.13
- Valuation: $378
- Total: $6,796
From Charlotte, NC to Houston, TX (1,000 miles) the breakdown of costs is as follows.
- Transportation: $6,170.29
- Estimated packing labor and materials: $2,010.18
- Valuation: $441
- Total: Total estimated non-binding charges: $8,621.47
From San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO (1,622 miles) the breakdown of costs is as follows.
- Transportation Charges: $10,124.78
- Estimated packing labor and materials: $3,146.88
- Valuation: $630
- Total Estimated non-binding charges: $13,901.66
Where Is JK Moving Available?
The JK Moving headquarters is located in Sterling, Virginia. It has additional corporate branches in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
How JK Moving Stacks Up
Alternatives to JK Moving
If you’re exploring alternatives to JK Moving, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other reputable moving companies. Below, we compare JK Moving with industry leaders like North American Van Lines and International Van Lines. Each company has its own set of features, services, and price points that cater to different moving needs, so understanding these differences can help you find the best match for your relocation. Let’s break down how JK Moving measures up against these top competitors.
JK Moving vs. North American Van Lines
We compared JK Moving to another moving provider, North American Van Lines. North American has a customer rating of 4.3, which is just slightly lower than JK Moving’s rating of 4.4.
Founded in 1933, North American Van Lines has been an industry logistics leader for 91 years. Headquartered in Wayne, Indiana, the company has 180 locations nationwide. Here’s what the two moving companies have in common and how they are different.
Similarities
- Don’t offer online quotes
- Solid industry experience
- Provides local, long-distance and international moves
- Don’t offer self-service moves
- Offers full-service packing
- Two insurance options
- Committed to training its employees for safety
Differences
North American
- Provides military discounts
- Offers price matching
- Has a service guarantee
- Doesn’t require a deposit
- Lets you pay for services you need
- Has a packing calculator on website
- Less expensive
- Good for people on a budget
JK Moving
- Has an inventory app
- No military discounts
- No service guaranteed
- No price matching
- No packing calculator on website
- More expensive
- Not budget-friendly
Learn more: North American Van Lines review
JK Moving vs. International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) made the top of the Forbes Home best moving companies list in 2024. Founded 23 years ago, International Van Lines is a full-service moving company serving 50 states and internationally. Apart from its fleet, the company provides air, freight, ground and water transportation. Here’show IVL compares with JK Moving.
Similarities
- Full-service packing
- Deposit required
- Available in 50 states and internationally
- Storage available
- Competitive pricing
- GPS tracking
- No free cancellation
- No service guarantee
- Local, interstate and international moves
- Vehicle shipping
- No junk removal
- No self-service
- Auto shipping
Differences
International Van Lines
- Local moves only available through third parties
- Container moving
- Price matching
- Military discounts
- No inventory app
- Human live chat
JK Moving
- No online quotes
- No price matching
- No container moving
- No price matching
- No military discounts
- Bot live chat
Learn more: International Van Lines review
JK Moving Reviews and Experience
Customers had mixed experiences with JK Moving. Most customers shared glowing reviews stating the company was “friendly, accommodating and careful.” Belongings “arrived in good condition.” Yet other customers criticized the company for being aggressive with its sales approach, stating they received “four to five calls a day.”
Some reviews said the customer had “major problems regarding communication and logistics,” and a few reported damaged items, ”
Bottom Line: Is JK Moving Right For You?
However, there may be better options for individuals moving with budget constraints or for local relocations outside the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.
JK Moving excels in catering to clients who prioritize premium service with little concern for costs. For those seeking a high-end moving experience, especially for relocations beyond D.C. and its adjacent regions, JK Moving stands out as a viable choice.
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Moving Companies By State
Methodology – How We Selected the Best 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 52 most widely available companies from that list and scored them all based on 78 different attributes. Each company’s rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics including years in business, pricing and insurance, move types, services and options, customer reviews and support and nationwide availability.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates moving companies on our detailed methodology page.
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is JK Moving Services legitimate?
JK Moving has a solid reputation in the logistics industry. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ grade and high ratings from the BBB and Google reviews, making the company a legitimate mover with a solid standing and established history in the moving industry.
Who is the owner of JK Moving?
Chuck Kuhn, CEO and owner of JK Moving, founded the company from the basement of his family’s home nearly four decades ago. He bought his first moving truck at the age of 16. Kuhn’s experience provides a great example of entrepreneurial achievement. Today, the company has grown to become the largest independent moving company in America.
How do I know if a moving company is reputable?
To learn the legitimacy of a moving company takes due diligence by researching the mover. Ensure the company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the state agency where it is licensed to transport household goods. Another way to learn about a mover’s reputation is to check online reviews to learn about the experiences of past customers.
