Idaho ranked among the top five states for net inbound domestic migration in 2024, adding 0.83% to its population through interstate moves, a rate that has kept the local moving industry under sustained strain since the pandemic. Between 2020 and 2023, approximately 104,313 new residents arrived, with California alone accounting for more than half of interstate arrivals in some measurement years. The primary corridors are I-84 from Portland and the Bay Area, and I-15 from Salt Lake City, which also funnels Utah-to-Idaho moves as Boise metro suburbs expand toward Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell. Meridian was among the fastest-growing cities in the nation during this period. The influx has driven home prices up more than 56% in some Treasure Valley markets since 2020, compressing move timelines and increasing demand for last-minute booking capacity. Most Idaho moves are concentrated within the Treasure Valley, but the state’s geography also produces long-haul intrastate routes: Boise to Coeur d’Alene runs over 300 miles, requiring full-service carriers rather than labor-only crews. Peak season aligns with the broader national pattern of May through August, though harsh winters in northern Idaho can restrict access to mountain properties from November through March. Idaho does not require a state-issued moving license for intrastate carriers beyond standard business registration and commercial vehicle compliance. Consumer complaints against intrastate movers go to the Idaho Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. FMCSA governs interstate moves.
Top-Rated Movers in Idaho
208 Moving Company
Address: 4744 Fenton St, Garden City, ID 83714
Website: 208moving.com
USDOT: #2522386
208 Moving Company is a veteran-owned Boise-area mover founded in 2013, with over 5,000 completed moves and a 98% positive review rate across more than 300 verified reviews. The company handles residential and commercial moves throughout the Treasure Valley, offering full-service packing and unpacking, furniture assembly, and local long-distance moves within Idaho. As a smaller owner-operated firm, 208 Moving positions itself on responsiveness and crew accountability rather than fleet size.
InterWest Moving & Storage
Address: 1765 N Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
Website: iwest.com
InterWest Moving & Storage has operated since 1954 and holds an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. As an Atlas Van Lines agent, the company has access to nationwide van line resources for interstate and long-distance moves while maintaining local offices in Idaho Falls and Boise, as well as locations in Belgrade, Montana, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Services include residential and commercial moving, packing, storage, and military relocation assistance. The company’s eastern Idaho base makes it a practical option for moves connecting Boise, Idaho Falls, and cross-border routes into Wyoming and Utah.
Bluebird Moving
Address: 5325 W Kendall St, Boise, ID 83706
Website: bluebirdmoving.com
Bluebird Moving is a Boise-based company with over eight years of experience and a 5.0-star rating across 191 reviews, serving the Treasure Valley including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell. The company specializes in residential moves and offers local and regional moving services. Its Treasure Valley focus and strong review consistency make it a suitable option for moves concentrated within the Boise metro area.
Moving Companies in Idaho: Common Questions
Is my moving company required to be licensed in Idaho?
Idaho does not require intrastate moving companies to hold a state-issued household goods license beyond standard business registration with the Idaho Secretary of State. Commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVW must register through the Idaho Transportation Department’s Motor Carrier Services. For interstate moves, FMCSA registration and a valid USDOT number are required; verify both through FMCSA’s mover search at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
How much does a local move typically cost in Idaho?
Based on available data, local moves within Idaho average approximately $600-$1,162 for smaller households, while interstate moves average around $3,588. Rates vary by crew size, distance within the metro, and add-on services. The Treasure Valley’s growth has kept local mover capacity tight during peak season (May-August), which can push prices and reduce availability. Contact movers directly for current quotes specific to your move size and dates.
How does Idaho’s geography affect moving costs?
The Treasure Valley is compact enough that most local moves within Boise and Meridian involve short travel times and standard hourly rates. However, Idaho’s north-south geography creates some of the longest intrastate routes of any small-population state: Boise to Coeur d’Alene is over 300 miles and requires a full-service crew rather than a local mover. Moves to rural mountain areas may require smaller vehicles or additional equipment, and winter closures on US-95 north of Riggins can delay moves into the Clearwater and northern Idaho regions between November and March.
How do I verify a moving company is legitimate before hiring in Idaho?
For interstate moves, verify the company’s USDOT number through safer.fmcsa.dot.gov, which shows active authority, insurance status, and any safety violations. Since Idaho has no state licensing registry for intrastate movers, check the company’s Secretary of State business registration at sos.idaho.gov, confirm insurance coverage directly, and review verified customer feedback on Google and BBB. Always obtain a written estimate before any work begins.
Where do I file a complaint against a mover in Idaho?
Consumer complaints against Idaho moving companies go to the Idaho Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, which handles unfair or deceptive trade practices. For interstate moves, file with the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database. Keep all written estimates, contracts, and receipts, as documentation is required to support a complaint investigation.