Top Moving Apps Compared
Most moving apps are built for one part of the process, not all of it. Each will typically offer one or two specific features, such as:
- Moving checklist automation: Weekly task planning and timeline scheduling
- Box and inventory tracking: Photo labeling and room-based organization
- Timeline reminders and alerts: Automated notifications for key move milestones
- Floor plan and space planning tools: Digital layout previews before move-in
- Booking movers and transportation: Truck rentals and on-demand labor scheduling
- Address changes and utility transfers: Centralized service setup and forwarding updates
The table below outlines a quick reference for you, so you can find the right tool for your specific need. Further on, each app will be shown in more detail, so you have all the right information to make a decision.
| App Name | App Type | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sortly | Packing & inventory | Visual home inventory with barcode labeling | Free plan; paid plans from $49/mo or $24/mo when paid annually |
| MoveAdvisor | Planning & timeline | Week-by-week move planning with built-in inventory tracking | Free |
| MagicPlan | Space planning | Pre-move floor planning and room layout visualization | Limited free; from $40/project |
| Google Keep | To-do & reminders | Simple checklists synced across devices | Free |
| Todoist | Task management | Shared task lists with deadline tracking | Free; Premium $5/mo |
| Moving Organizer Lite | Packing & inventory | Straightforward box and room tracking | Free; Pro $0.99 |
| Boxes | Packing & inventory | Detailed box tracking with QR codes (iOS-only) | Free; in-app from $1.99 |
| OfferUp | Selling items | Local item sales and pre-move decluttering | Free (fees on shipped items) |
| Facebook Marketplace | Selling items | Local furniture and decor listings | Free |
| MovingPlace | Booking movers | Direct booking with vetted movers, transparent pricing, and 7-day support | Free to use |
| Updater | Utilities & address | Address changes, utilities, and insurance in one place | Free |
| MyMove | Utilities & address | USPS change of address with planning tools | Free |
Best Moving Apps for Planning and Organizing Your Move
The best moving apps for planning and organizing your move are Sortly, MoveAdvisor, MagicPlan, Google Keep, and Todoist. These apps help you build a timeline so you know when to start packing for a move. They also track tasks to help you stay organized when packing and plan your layout.
Sortly
Best for: Visual home inventory and packing organization
Drawback: Free plan has item limits. Paid plans are priced for business use, which can feel steep for a one-time move
Sortly is a visual inventory app that lets you catalog your belongings by room, add photos, and generate QR codes for each box. It’s the most polished option for movers who want a detailed packing record and is useful for insurance claims or knowing exactly where to find your coffee maker on day one.
- Core functionality: Photo-based item catalog, room folders, QR code label generation, exportable inventory lists
- Pricing: Free plan available (item limits apply); paid plans start at $49/month for the Advanced tier (billed monthly), with a 14-day free trial on all paid plans
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Pro tip: Inventory apps like Sortly are incredibly helpful if you’re filing a moving insurance claim. A documented list with photos can simplify the process and help you recover losses faster.
MoveAdvisor
Best for: Free week-by-week move planning with checklist and inventory in one app
Drawback: Submitting for mover quotes can result in multiple follow-up calls from moving companies
MoveAdvisor works like a personal moving assistant, combining a detailed week-by-week timeline, a home inventory tool, and a task checklist in one free app. It’s one of the most comprehensive free tools available for move planning. However, if you choose to request mover quotes through the app, be aware that you may receive a high volume of calls from moving companies.
- Core functionality: Interactive week-by-week timeline, room-by-room inventory, moving calendar with reminders
- Pricing: Free
- Platforms: iOS, Android
MagicPlan
Best for: Planning your new layout before move-in day
Drawback: Pricing can be confusing for casual users; it works best if you need multiple floor plans
MagicPlan uses your phone’s camera to scan rooms and build accurate floor plans. If you want to figure out where your furniture will go before the truck arrives, or avoid moving that heavy couch twice, this tool will help. It’s especially useful for smaller spaces or multi-room moves where planning your layout matters.
- Core functionality: Room scanning, floor plan editing, furniture placement, exportable PDFs
- Pricing: Limited free use; paid plans start at $40/project for month-to-month users
- Platforms: iOS, Android
Google Keep
Best for: Simple, shareable checklists synced across all devices
Drawback: No folders or tagging; limited formatting options
Google Keep is a no-frills note-taking app that works well for quick moving checklists, reminders, and shared task lists. Everything syncs automatically across multiple devices, making it easy for families or roommates to see the same status at the same time. It won’t replace a dedicated moving app, but it’s a solid, free tool for staying on top of the basics.
- Core functionality: Checklists, color-coded notes, reminders, multi-device sync
- Pricing: Free
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Todoist
Best for: Families and roommates who need shared, deadline-based task management
Drawback: Some useful features (reminders, filters) are behind the paid tier; can feel like overkill for simple moves
Todoist is a task management app with strong collaboration features — shared projects, due dates, priority levels, and recurring tasks. For families or multiple people coordinating a move together, it’s a step up from Google Keep. The free plan covers the basics well while the paid tier adds reminders and more advanced filters.
- Core functionality: Project-based task lists, due dates, recurring tasks, shared collaboration
- Pricing: Free basic plan; Premium starts at $5/month
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best Moving Apps for Packing and Inventory
The best moving apps for packing and inventory are Moving Organizer Lite and Boxes. These tools are useful for larger moves, long-term storage, or anyone who needs a clear inventory when working with movers, especially when you have a lot of boxes.
Moving Organizer Lite
Best for: Small to medium moves needing simple, no-frills box tracking
Drawback: Limited customization; not ideal for large or multi-phase moves
Moving Organizer Lite is a clean, easy-to-use app for tracking what’s in each box and where it belongs. You can assign boxes to rooms, add notes, and export packing lists. It won’t overwhelm you with features, so it works well for straightforward moves.
- Core functionality: Box tracking, room assignments, note-taking, packing list exports
- Pricing: Free basic version; Pro version available for $0.99
- Platforms: iOS, Android
Boxes
Best for: Highly organized movers who want full control over box contents and QR labeling
Drawback: iOS only; full feature set requires in-app purchases
Boxes is an iOS-only app built for movers who want a digital catalog of everything they own. You can assign rooms, list contents with photos, and generate QR codes that link directly to your item lists when scanned. It’s especially helpful for international moves, customs documentation, or long-term storage.
- Core functionality: Room-by-room box assignments, photo catalog, QR code labels, searchable inventory
- Pricing: Free for basic use; add-on packs start at $1.99, with full unlock options up to $39.99
- Platforms: iOS only
Best Apps for Selling Items Before You Move
The best apps for selling items before you move are OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace. These apps help you sell or give away items quickly and locally before moving day.
OfferUp
Best for: Quick local sales of furniture, appliances, and decor before moving day
Drawback: Limited reach outside your local area; occasional unreliable buyers
OfferUp is built for local buying and selling, which makes it ideal for offloading furniture and larger items you don’t want to move. Sellers create photo-based listings, message buyers in-app, and arrange local pickups. Plus, there’s no shipping hassle for most items. It’s one of the fastest ways to turn unwanted items into extra cash before your move.
- Core functionality: Photo listings, local-only search, secure in-app messaging, optional shipping
- Pricing: Free to list and sell locally; a service fee applies to shipped items (minimum $1.99)
- Platforms: iOS, Android
Facebook Marketplace
Best for: Fast, free local listings with a wide built-in audience
Drawback: Listings can get buried quickly; messages may go to filtered inboxes and never be seen
Facebook Marketplace gives you access to a large local audience for free, and if you already have a Facebook account, you can create a listing in seconds. This makes it one of the most accessible options for getting rid of items fast. It’s particularly effective for furniture, electronics, and decor that would be costly to move or replace.
- Core functionality: Local listings, in-app messaging through Facebook, wide community reach
- Pricing: Free
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best Moving Apps for Hiring Movers and Services
The best platform for hiring movers through an app-like experience is MovingPlace, with additional options like HireAHelper, Dolly, Thumbtack, and TaskRabbit for specialty services.
How MovingPlace Helps You Book Movers
MovingPlace is not a traditional app. It’s a web-based moving platform available on any device, designed to make finding and booking movers straightforward. Instead of offloading your data to others and inundating you with sales calls, it provides a platform where you can book directly with qualified movers based on your move size, location, and service type.
- Transparent, upfront pricing: No hidden fees
- Flexible solutions: From self-pack trailers to labor-only moving help
- Vetted movers: Verified reviews and proven reliability
- Dedicated support team: Available 7 days a week
- Nationwide: Operates in all 50 states
Quotes are customized based on your move details. MovingPlace matches your move details to vetted movers and offers a best price guarantee within its network.
Other Options to Consider
If you need help beyond what MovingPlace offers (furniture assembly, small-item delivery, or cleaning), these platforms may be useful. Just keep the lead-gen distinction in mind.
| App Name | Recommended For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| HireAHelper | -Labor-only loading and unloading | Vetted movers, clear pricing, helpful reviews | Not as easy to use for full-service or long-distance transport jobs |
| Dolly | -Small local deliveries -Single heavy items | Great for last-minute help with curb-to-door moves | Limited availability; not for large or long-distance moves |
| Thumbtack | -Cleaning -Packing help -Repairs | Wide variety of service providers | Lead-gen model can result in multiple follow-ups; inconsistent provider quality |
| TaskRabbit | -Light lifting -Furniture assembly -Packing help | Good for hourly help with small tasks | Not suitable for full-service moves or truck rentals |
Best Moving Apps for Long-Distance Moves
The best moving apps for long-distance moves are Sortly, Todoist, and Updater. They are especially useful when you’re dealing with delivery windows, weight-based pricing, route coordination, and long-term organization. These apps are particularly well-suited for movers crossing state lines or going cross-country.
Sortly
Best for: Building a detailed inventory before a long-distance move
Drawback: Free plan has item limits; paid plans are priced for business use, which can feel steep for a one-time move
For long-distance moves, having a documented inventory is essential for insurance purposes. Sortly lets you catalog every item with photos and values before the truck leaves, giving you a clear record if anything is lost or damaged in transit. It’s also useful if you’re putting items in storage and need to know exactly what’s where.
- Core functionality: Photo-based item catalog, room folders, QR code label generation, exportable inventory lists
- Pricing: Free plan available (item limits apply); paid plans start at $49/month for the Advanced tier, with a 14-day free trial
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Todoist
Best for: Managing the long task list that comes with a cross-state or cross-country move
Drawback: Reminders and filters most useful for complex moves are locked behind the paid tier
Compared to local moves, long-distance relocations involve more prep time and more tasks, such as updating your driver’s license and vehicle registration in a new state, researching new doctors, arranging travel and lodging, and coordinating delivery windows. Todoist’s project structure and deadline tracking make it one of the best tools for keeping all of those moving parts organized over several weeks.
- Core functionality: Project-based task lists, due dates, recurring tasks, shared collaboration
- Pricing: Free basic plan; Premium starts at $5/month
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Updater
Best for: Handling the utility transfers, address changes, and service setup that come with a long-distance move
Drawback: Some features are partner-supported and may vary; may feel pressured to use certain service providers
When you’re moving to a new state, updating your address with the USPS is only the start. You also have to change it with your bank, your insurance, your employer, your voter registration, and more. Updater consolidates those updates into one place and helps you set up utilities and internet at your new address before you arrive. For long-distance movers, it reduces the number of things to chase down in the weeks after moving day.
- Core functionality: Centralized address change, utility and internet setup, insurance, and moving checklists
- Pricing: Free
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best Moving Apps for Apartment Moves
The best moving apps for apartment moves are MagicPlan, MovingPlace, and Nextdoor. These apps are particularly useful for navigating urban and high-rise moves.
MagicPlan
Best for: Planning your furniture layout before moving into a smaller space
Drawbacks: Per-project pricing adds up if you need multiple floor plans; occasional users may find it hard to justify the cost
Downsizing or moving into an apartment often means figuring out what will actually fit. MagicPlan lets you scan the new space and build a floor plan so you can test furniture arrangements before moving day. That means fewer pieces that don’t fit and less time rearranging heavy items after the truck leaves.
- Core functionality: Room scanning, floor plan editing, furniture placement, exportable PDFs
- Pricing: Limited free use; paid plans start at $40/project for month-to-month users
- Platforms: iOS, Android
MovingPlace
Best for: Booking labor-only movers for apartment loading and unloading
Drawback: Web-based platform, not a traditional app
Apartment moves often need labor-only help, someone to handle the loading and unloading while you manage the truck or container. MovingPlace’s platform makes it easy to book vetted movers for exactly that, with upfront pricing and support 7 days a week.
- Core functionality: Vetted mover matching, transparent pricing, flexible labor-only and full-service options, 7-day customer support
- Pricing: Free to use; quotes customized based on move details
- Platforms: Web (accessible on any device)
Nextdoor
Best for: Getting settled in a new neighborhood and finding local service recommendations
Drawback: Not a moving tool itself; useful after move-in, not before
Nextdoor is a neighborhood-based social app that helps you connect with people in your new area. After an apartment move, it’s one of the fastest ways to find trusted local recommendations. You can discover a reliable handyperson, a nearby dry cleaner, or a neighbor who knows which building entrance is easiest for deliveries. Although it’s not a moving tool, it’s the best way to help you get settled into your new neighborhood.
- Core functionality: Neighborhood posts, local recommendations, community events, local marketplace
- Pricing: Free
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best Moving Apps for Utilities and Address Changes
The best moving apps for utilities and address changes are Updater and MyMove. These apps make the process easier to manage, but they vary in how much of the move they handle. Some offer full utility setup, while others focus on basic address forwarding and checklist support.
Updater
Best for: Managing your moving to-do list (address changes, utilities, internet, and insurance) in one place
Drawback: Some features are partner-supported and may vary; some users report feeling pressured toward certain service providers
Updater brings the admin side of moving into one platform. It offers USPS address forwarding, utility setup, internet comparison and purchase, renters or homeowners insurance, and moving checklists. It’s free to use and available to anyone, though some features are invite-only for real estate agents or apartment owners.
- Core functionality: Centralized address change, utility and internet setup, insurance, moving checklists
- Pricing: Free
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
MyMove
Best for: Straightforward USPS address change with basic planning tools
Drawback: Many services are third-party referrals; mover matching may result in multiple follow-up calls
MyMove combines built-in access to the USPS change-of-address form with moving checklists and utility setup tools all in one place. It’s a good option for anyone who wants to handle the basics without getting complex. Some of its services route you to third-party providers, so read everything carefully before you submit your information.
- Core functionality: USPS address change, moving checklists, utility setup, mover search, cost-of-living tools
- Pricing: Free
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best Moving App by Scenario
The best moving app depends on your situation, but MoveAdvisor is best for free planning, Sortly is best for packing, Updater is best for long-distance admin tasks, and MovingPlace is best for booking movers. Here’s how the top apps compare by scenario:
- Best free moving app: MoveAdvisor
- Best moving app for packing: Sortly
- Best moving app for long-distance moves: Updater and Sortly
- Best moving app for hiring movers: MovingPlace
- Best moving app for selling furniture: OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace
- Best moving app for utilities and address changes: Updater
How to Choose the Right Moving App for Your Move
The right app depends on where you are in the moving process and how you’re moving. Most movers benefit from using 2 or 3 apps together rather than trying to find one that does everything.
If you’re doing a DIY, labor-only move, or long-distance move, focus on planning and inventory tools first. Things like MoveAdvisor for timelines, Sortly for packing, OfferUp for decluttering, and Updater for administrative tasks once you have your new address are all good choices. If you’re hiring full-service movers, you’ll want a platform like MovingPlace for booking.
For local moves, simplicity wins. Google Keep or Moving Organizer Lite may be all you need.
If cost is a concern, there are strong free options at every stage. When booking movers, also consider whether the platform is a lead-generation site or a direct marketplace, as that affects how quotes and follow-ups work.
How Are Moving Apps Better Than Spreadsheets or Printable Checklists?
Moving apps are more effective than spreadsheets or printable checklists for most people because they offer automation, reminders, syncing, and booking tools. Spreadsheets work well for budget tracking or DIY inventory management, and printed checklists are useful offline. The main difference is that apps automate and sync tasks in real time.
The table below shows which features are fully supported (✓), partially supported (Limited), or not available (✗).
| Feature | Moving App | Spreadsheet | Printable Checklist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customizable tasks & checklists | ✓ | Limited | ✗ |
| Automated reminders | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Inventory tracking | ✓ | Limited | ✗ |
| Service booking | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Multi-device sync | ✓ | Limited | ✗ |
| Works offline | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
For most moves, a moving app should be your primary tool. Use a spreadsheet if you want full control over budgeting details, and keep a printed checklist as a backup for moving day. Each tool has value, but moving apps offer automation and real-time coordination that spreadsheets and printed lists cannot.
Are Moving Apps Free or Paid?
Most moving apps are free or freemium, meaning a free version covers the basics and a paid upgrade unlocks additional features. For a typical residential move, the free tier of most apps is all you’ll need.
Freemium upgrades usually cost between $1 and $10/month, with Todoist Premium at $5/month and Sortly’s paid plans starting at $49/month (designed more for business users than individual movers). For a one-time move, the free versions of MoveAdvisor, Google Keep, OfferUp, Updater, and MovingPlace will get you through the entire process without spending anything.
Paid upgrades only make sense if you’re doing a large, complex move with a lot of high-value items to catalog, or if you need team collaboration on multiple tasks.
MovingPlace’s Move Planning Tools
MovingPlace offers free move planning tools to help you stay on track from start to finish. From checklists so you don’t miss anything to packing tips and savings opportunities, these tools help you stay organized through each stage of your move.




