Moving is stressful as it is, let alone moving long distance. While there are thousands of cross country moving companies to choose from, it makes a difference choosing good moving companies with fair prices and a proven track record of quality service. What's more, many customers fall prey to moving scams. That's why we vet our top long distance movers for things like binding estimates, strong customer reviews, affordability, and proper industry credentials.
Best Long Distance Moving Companies
What is the best long distance moving company?
Our top picks
International Van Lines is our top long distance moving company. It's a nationwide moving company, has an established reputation, offers 30 days of free storage for those who need it, and even provides discounts for seniors and military families. Best of all, International doesn't play games with pricing—costs are transparent and there aren't any unexpected hidden fees—a factor that makes a big difference when you need to stick to a budget.
Customers told us they like Safeway Moving, and we agree. We like Safeway’s comprehensive vetting process for employees, which adds extra reassurance when you’re trusting a company with your belongings for a cross country move. We also like the company’s price-matching services and 30 days of free storage with every move—but we found that it can be hard to nail down the fine print with Safeway, so be sure to verify all information prior to signing any contract.
Mayzlin Relocation stands out as the top customer-reviewed moving company on our list. Known for exceptional customer service, its sales agents offer valuable tips to avoid moving scams and work hard to provide discounts. Although online quotes aren't available, its personalized approach via phone or online form makes it a top choice for those prioritizing customer care.
Top 8 rated long distance movers of 2024
- : Best overall interstate mover
- : Best for accurate pricing
- : Best customer reviews
- : Best for custom experience
- : Best industry reputation
What should you look for in a long distance moving company?
You want your full-service move to be expensive. Maybe not Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous expensive. But pricey enough to feel confident your movers didn’t skip steps that could lead to late delivery or damaged items.
Pay special attention to nationwide companies like American Van Lines that offer binding quotes. The guarantee means your price won’t change after signing on the dotted line—as long as you don’t add any more items to the home inventory you and the movers agreed on during the quote process.
Most moving companies charge a deposit of up to 50%. Do your homework (or let Move.org do it for you) to know whether you can afford the upfront fee.
Positive customer reviews are a critical trust signal. Look for company reports about moves that mention things like safe delivery, professional movers, and helpful telephone brokers. (Customers give the highest praise to Safeway Moving.)
Make sure your professional long-distance movers are properly licensed and insured. You don’t want to fall victim to costly moving scams.
Look for companies like International Van Lines that go the extra mile by giving you 30 days of free storage. Other worthwhile perks include real-time GPS tracking, supplemental insurance, and special discounts.
Any long-distance mover on this list can move your belongings to all 50 states. There are few things you should do before moving to another state, but you can start by calling a few companies on this list and asking for a moving estimate.
Our reviews: The best long distance movers for you in 2024
International Van Lines—Best overall
International Van Lines is our pick for the #1 long-distance moving company. It offers nationwide moving services, gives seniors a 15% discount, and even throws in 30 days of free storage. International Van Lines can also trim hundreds of bucks off car shipping services if you can be flexible about timing. On the downside, the company gets lower-than-average customer reviews and has a lot of distracting online pop-up ads that can take away from the online experience.
Why we recommend International Van Lines
Transparent pricing
International Van Lines doesn’t try to hide its prices. The company’s website is filled with sample moving quotes. Plus, IVL is transparent with us about how its pricing works. That’s a huge trust signal.
Pricing for full-service moves doesn’t work the same way as services like moving container companies or truck rentals. In those cases, you typically look for the most affordable service since you do much of the work yourself. However, it’s different with pros. You often want a higher price tag to ensure your belongings stay safe.
You don’t want a company that hems and haws about costs. We’ve seen those movers—and they make us wary. International Van Lines will tell you anything you want to know about costs. That gives you the power to make an informed decision.
Packing services are optional—but if you can afford it, it’s a great way to save time and stress with your move. International Van Lines’ packing services range from $375 for a 300-cubic-foot living space to $2,500 for a 2,000-cubic-foot home.
Auto transport
International Van Lines can also ship vehicles to your new home. This long-distance mover offers two types of vehicle transport services and can often trim hundreds of dollars off the going rate:
- Open transport. Your car ships on an open-air truck (think of a semi-truck without walls). It picks up dust along the way but is so affordable that 90% of customers opt for this service. IVL also offers insurance to protect against driver negligence.
- Enclosed transport. Your car ships inside of an enclosed semi-truck. This typically costs about $400 more than open transport, so it’s primarily recommended for high-value automobiles like custom cars, antique cars, and luxury vehicles.
IVL can save you 15%–20%, depending on your flexibility. That means if you can hang tight until it can load a full truck along your route, you could save hundreds of dollars on average car shipping costs.
Want to save up to 20% on car shipping?
Free storage in your home city
International Van Lines offers one free month of storage in your home city. So, for example, if you’re moving from Washington, D. C. to New York City, the company will keep your belongings in D.C. at no cost for up to 30 days. It’s a great perk if your new home isn’t move-in ready.
Storage services are still available in your new city. IVL charges 50 cents per cubic foot. So, if you have a 1,200-cubic foot home, your storage costs would be $600 per month ($0.50 x 1,200 cubic feet).
IVL’s destination city storage prices
Data as of 6/29/22. Prices and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
IVL is our #1 rated company
Safeway Moving—Best for accurate pricing
Safeway Moving gets positive customer review scores unheard of in the moving industry. For example, its 4-star rating is a full star higher than some of the companies on this list. The company also claims to offer price-matching services and 30 days of free storage. In addition, we love how it advertises that a portion of your moving cost will be donated to St. Jude’s in an effort to defeat childhood cancer. On the downside, company information is difficult to verify.
Things to know about Safeway Moving
Free storage
Safeway Moving says that each move comes with “up to 30 days of free storage.”1 You’ll want to check with the company for more details, but we’ve found that moving storage is helpful in a many situations:
- Home staging
- Remodel
- Late closing date
- Emergency relocation
- Corporate relocation
- Downsizing
Best reviews
If you're wondering which moving company on this list has the best reviews, it's Safeway Moving. Safeway gets the best reviews of any long-distance mover we’ve seen. Although it comes with caveats (for example, most of Safeway’s reviews come from a single site), the company’s resulting score is nearly one full star higher than the best companies in the business.
Few things indicate a good moving company like excellent reviews. However, even the best companies have hiccups. So be sure to read some reviews on your own to make sure you’re comfortable trusting a moving company with your belongings.
Charitable donations
Safeway Moving was founded by a military veteran who believes in giving back to the community. The company boasts a partnership with St. Jude’s hospital and says it donates “a portion of your total move cost to St. Jude upon completion of your move.”2
Looking for a company with some of the best customer reviews?
Mayzlin Relocation—Best customer reviews
Mayzlin Relocation is the best customer-reviewed company on our list. Their sales agents provide helpful tips, like how to avoid common moving scams, and they do what they can to pass along discounts to customers. If customer service is your priority, Mayzlin Relocation is tough to beat. Because you can't get an online quote with Mayzlin, you'll need to give them a call or fill out the new customer form on their website.
Why we recommend Mayzlin Relocation
First-class customer reviews
Mayzlin Relocation is a younger (and smaller) company than others on the list, but there's no denying customer feedback. People who choose Mayzlin on moving day report dependable movers, helpful sales agents, and solid discounts. While Mayzlin doesn't have the same volume of online reviews as companies like IVL or North American Van Lines, they're off to a strong start.
Mayzlin makes it easy for you to see where your belongings are during your long distance move. With Live Tracking, you can follow the truck with your goods as it moves to your new home.
Low deposits
Many long-distance movers charge a hefty deposit to reserve your move—sometimes up to 50% of your total cost. Mayzlin Relocation requires a much more affordable 25%. When you're trying to budget for an expensive cross-country move, a lower initial deposit makes a big difference. On top of that, if you need to cancel your move, you can call Mayzlin up to seven days before your move to get a full refund deposit.
Plenty of discounts
Mayzlin Relocation sales agents do everything they can to secure discounts for your move. Before you even get to discounts, Mayzlin will price match any reputable carrier with a Better Business Bureau grade of B+ or better. If you reserve a move early enough, you'll likely get a discounted rate. You may also be in luck if another customer cancels their move and Mayzlin needs to fill that slot. Ask your sales agent about potential savings while you're getting your quote!
Is customer service your focus?
Colonial Van Lines—Best for custom experience
Every move is different, so it's important to find a long-distance mover flexible enough for your needs. Whether it's carefully packing your grandmother's antique china or getting a baby grand up the stairs, Colonial Van Lines offers a range of services and options from highly trained movers to get everything in the right place.
Like many of the brands on this list, Colonial Van Lines offers full-service cross-country and regional services, but what sets it apart is the extensive training every one of its employees gets.
With a rich history spanning half a century, it has established itself as a trusted choice for both residential and corporate moves across the United States. Along with highly trained moving staff and drivers, every client gets the help of a dedicated Account Manager to help them through the moving process.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to make a deposit to reserve your move. Colonial’s deposits usually come in around 40% of your total move, which is in line with other moving companies. But the more services you add, like car transportation, packing assistance, or furniture assembly, the larger that deposit will be. Additionally, while Colonial excels in long-distance moves, it does not extend its services to customers relocating within the same state.
🔥 Use promo code MOVEORG to save up to $500 on your long-distance move with Colonial Van Lines!
Limited-Time Offer. Offer valid for new reservations only. This deal cannot be combined with other offers.
Why we recommend Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines University
Relocating families and businesses nationwide requires careful planning and execution. The intricacies involved demand skilled hands and strategic thinking, which is why Colonial Van Lines invests in comprehensive training through its own institution, Colonial Van Lines University (CVLU).
Every new team member, whether they're movers or administrators, undergoes an immersive training program lasting two to four weeks at CVLU. This training equips them with the most effective techniques for packing, lifting, and handling a wide range of items—from everyday belongings to specialty goods.
Moreover, Colonial extends the benefits of CVLU to its customers. Quick courses are available for preparing valuable items like dressers, chairs, appliances, books, fine china, and clothing, ensuring that customers can also take advantage of expert knowledge when preparing their possessions for relocation.
Colonial Van Lines employee training
Binding estimate and price matching
Binding estimates are something we highly recommend in a moving company because they prevent the price from changing after you sign the agreement. Although the quote is guaranteed, you can adjust your estimate with Colonial’s Quality Assurance team up until the date of your move. For example, if you end up doing more (or less) packing than you expected, you can either lower your overall cost or add that service.
We spoke with Colonial Van Lines to get an idea of its price ranges and got some simple estimates for a three-bedroom home.
- Salt Lake City, UT to New York City, NY: around $9,000
- Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA: around $5,500
CVL considers various factors such as load weight, locations, and moving dates to provide a final binding quote, guaranteeing accuracy. They also offer a price match guarantee against qualified competitors' lower quotes.
Ready to start your move with Colonial Van Lines?
American Van Lines—Best for up-front pricing
American Van Lines is our pick for high-quality moving services. These long-distance movers don’t skimp on the costs necessary to keep your belongings safe. American charges a flat rate and lets you use all of its many moving services (including piano moving). The company also background checks its workers (including drug tests and background screenings). The catch? American doesn’t have GPS tracking, and its customer service reps are available only on weekdays.
Why we recommend American Van Lines
Piano moving
You shouldn’t trust your piano to a run-of-the-mill moving company. Instead, look for a long-distance mover like American Van Lines, which specializes in moving large and heavy instruments. They know all the tricks of the trade to ensure that your piano arrives undamaged—and in tune.
For example, did you know that professional movers should disassemble pianos before moving them? It’s a lot different than mental images of workers loading the full monty onto a moving truck. American Van Lines trains its staff to disassemble, load, transport, unload, and reassemble your piano in working condition.
You don’t pay extra thanks to AVL's flat-rate pricing.
Pianos aren’t the only high-value item that American Van Lines can move. The company also specialized in moving antiques and fine art.
Flat rates
American Van Lines’ flat-rate prices can save you time and money. Unfortunately, some moving companies try to nickel and dime you. The idea is that you don’t get charged for things you don’t need—and they can make some extra cash by charging for services other companies include. It’s a solid idea in principle but doesn’t always work. Sometimes you simply pay more for less.
Not so with American Van Lines. The company charges a single upfront rate based on the weight of your belongings. Then, you use all of the services you want. It’s kind of like a buffet. You pay for a pricey meal but can load up on as much dessert as you like.
For example, let’s say you get a quote from American Van Lines—and another company that doesn’t use flat-rate pricing:
Sample invoice: Flat-rate vs. standard rate moving prices
It’s easy to see how your invoice looks cleaner (imagine a bill with two dozen extra line items). Plus, you can save money if you use enough high-end services.
Background-checked movers
AVL’s movers are top-of-the-line professionals. The company puts every potential long-distance mover through an intense pre-hire screening process, including background checks and drug testing. Those that make the cut arrive at your home wearing uniforms that identify them as AVL professionals.
Bottom line: American Van Lines goes the extra mile to ensure that you and your belongings are safe when moving across the United States.
Looking for premium quality?
Solomon & Sons Relocation—Best for East Coast moves
Solomon & Sons shines brightest with moves originating on the East Coast but is more than capable of tackling your upcoming move regardless of location. Its sales team will expertly guide you through the quoting process leading to a guaranteed price based upon your unique moving needs.
Why we recommend Solomon & Sons Relocation Services
Excellent quoting process
The sales team at Solomon & Sons really stands out providing a superior quoting experience. First, if your move originates in South Florida, Solomon & Sons will perform a detailed in-home estimate leading to an accurate quote. If you don’t call South Florida home, no need to worry as Solomon & Sons uses convenient video conferencing capabilities and a thorough list of questions to ensure they understand the intricacies of your upcoming move. Even more impressive, Solomon & Sons can provide their services in five different languages: Russian, Spanish, French, Hebrew, and English.
Guaranteed, transparent pricing
One of the biggest worries you face when hiring professional movers is not knowing whether or not your quote and final bill are going to match up. Luckily, Solomon & Sons offers guaranteed pricing when they provide in-home estimates with no hidden fees or charges meaning that you can have confidence there won’t be any surprises at the completion of your move.
Accessorial services & additional fees
Part of Solomon & Son’s transparency is the disclosure of accessorial services and fees. These are especially important to keep in mind if you’re moving into or out of a high-rise in a big city.
- Long carry: The first 75 feet are included. Each additional 75 ft. is $75.
- Stairs: 14 steps are included in the basic estimate. Each additional flight (7 steps) is an additional $75 per flight.
- Packing and unpacking: Packing supplies and crate services, if not already listed within the proposal, are not included. These services are not included with a basic estimate either.
- Bulky items/special handling: There’s an additional charge for special handling of items like motorcycles, pianos, gun safes, Pelotons and similar speciality items.
- Storage: Storage costs are $40.00 per 100 cu.ft. per month + $39 monthly administrative fee, non-prorated ($189 minimum).
- Shuttle service: If a semi-trailer cannot get reasonably close to your residence for loading/unloading, a shuttle truck may be required to complete the relocation at a minimum charge of $300. The actual charge is subject to shipment size ($0.75 per cubic foot after 300 cu ft).
Service area
Located in South Florida, Solomon & Sons offers its services nationwide (excluding moves originating in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming) and can even help you with an international move. However, when it comes to moves originating from regions other than the East Coast, chances are your move will be brokered to one of its seven highly-vetted partners. This is a common practice for moving companies this size who are looking to take their capabilities nationwide but it does increase the risk of poor communication as your move changes hands.
Ready to start your East Coast move with Solomon & Sons?
North American Van Lines—Best for customizable services
North American Van Lines lets you pick and choose moving services. That’s a big deal because most companies charge you for everything whether you need it or not. It even has plans for supplemental insurance coverage. Not surprisingly, North American gets exceptionally high customer review scores. Regarding drawbacks, the company’s website is a bit clunky, and it’s tough to nail down the cost of your deposit.
Why we recommend North American Van Lines
Customizable moving services
North American Van Lines lets you pick and choose which moving services you want. For example, do you want to save a couple of thousand dollars by packing your belongings yourself? North American is okay with that (most companies aren’t). The same thing goes for other moving services too. If you’re up to the task of unloading your items, the North American Van Lines crew is happy to let you do the work.
Put it all together, and you can choose which local or long-distance moving services want to pay for:
- Packing services
- Packing supplies
- Loading
- Unloading
- Climate-controlled storage
- Installation and assembly services
- Debris removal
Yes, there is! Move.org’s 70-Step Moving Checklist covers everything from setting up utilities in your new city to selecting moving insurance.
Live tracking
North American Van Lines makes it easy to know where your household goods are. Once your move is in progress, the company will provide you with a six-digit registration number. Just plug that number into North American’s tracking website, and it will tell you where your belongings are.
![A screenshot of North American Van Lines shipment tracking page.](https://www.move.org/app/uploads/2022/07/North-American-Van-lines-shipment-tracking-768x221.png)
You can get real-time location data for your North American Van Lines shipment with your six-digit registration number and the first three letters of your last name.
24/7 customer service
Did you know that about one-third of long-distance moving companies don’t have weekend customer service? It’s almost unheard of for a company to offer 24/7 support. And yet, that’s what North American Van Lines brings to the table.
Let’s say that your belongings arrive on a Saturday—but that some things are missing or damaged. Normally, you’d call and talk with a company rep to sort things out. But that’s tough to do if no one’s in the office.
North American makes sure that someone is always available to take your call. It’s just one reason the company has some of the highest customer review scores in the industry.
Want to customize your move?
Mayflower—Best for full-service moves
Mayflower is your best bet if you’re looking to hire an experienced mover to manage your entire move for you. Whether its full packing, custom crating, taking care of your car shipment alongside your move, or even disconnecting and connecting your electronics, Mayflower can tackle it all. When added to one of the largest agent networks in the moving biz and over 95+ years of experience, it’s tough to find a more comprehensive moving experience than Mayflower can provide. If you have the budget, Mayflower won’t disappoint.
Why we recommend Mayflower
Full-service moving packages
While every company on this list can provide a full-service moving package, Mayflower just does it better than most. With one of their full-service moving packages, you can hire Mayflower to manage your move so you’re freed up to work on tackling other elements of your move. Each full-service move includes the following:
- Assigned move coordinator
- Full-Value Protection (unless waived)
- Standard transport of appliances
- Qualified drivers and equipment
- Loading, transport, and unloading of household belongings
- Disassembly and reassembly of standard bed frames
- Standard furniture placement
Full-service moving package pricing
These full-service moving packages are offered on top of an already comprehensive list of services, all carried out by Mayflower’s highly qualified agent networks.
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Trash and debris removal
- Storage
- Car shipping
- Speciality items
- Crating
- Electronics installation
- Move protection
Shipment tracking
A common frustration consumers face when moving is not knowing exactly where their belongings are. In an age of same-day delivery and porch pirates, people get anxious about the safety of their belongings. Thankfully, Mayflower has you covered. Simply head over to their Shipment Tracking portal at any point in your move and provide your order number and last name for an update on where your household belongings are in transit to your new home.
Hand the keys to your move over to Mayflower today!
Other cross country moving companies we considered
Check out our reviews of some other companies that can we looked at during our evaluation and mystery shopping, but didn't make the final cut:
Final word: International Van Lines is the best long distance moving company
International Van Lines is our pick for the best long-distance moving service. It has a vast network of cross-country movers, provides one month of free storage, and offers military and senior discounts.
Want to move with Move.org’s #1 pick?
How to prepare for your long-distance move
Get organized
Anyone who has moved knows about the laundry list of essential moving tasks. We like to recommend the first thing you do when moving long distance is get a moving binder or download an app where you can organize all your important documents and checklists. That way, you can chip away at your to-dos without doing it all in one stressful haul and be ready to rock on moving day.
Here are a few things you might want to include on that list:
- Get moving supplies.
- Declutter and donate unwanted items.
- Set up utilities.
- Notify important parties of your change of address.
Create an inventory of your belongings
A home inventory allows you to identify the items that you’re taking from your old home to your new one. It’s a great organizational tool, but it’s also recommended in case you need to make an insurance claim should something happen to these items.
You can use a notebook, spreadsheet, or specialized home inventory apps to make your home inventory. Go room by room to survey your belongings. Provide a detailed description of each item, the date of purchase, where you bought it, and any receipts you have to approximate the item’s value.
Decide what type of move is best for you
Determine which moving service is right for your situation, how convenient you want your move to be, and how much money you’re willing to spend. Whether you’re moving DIY or hiring full-service movers for your long-distance move, now is the time to look at your budget, consider what work you will do and what you will pay professionals to do, and weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Compare moving companies
The whole moving process takes on average about six to seven weeks. Ideally, you should already be scoping out moving companies at least eight weeks before your move. If you wait too long, you may experience less availability and/or higher costs.
When beginning the moving estimate process, it’s important to get at least three moving quotes so that you can compare costs and services that match your needs.
Here are some of things to consider when reaching out to companies:
- Company history: The inception, growth, achievements, and reputation of a company matter.
- Customer service: Scope out customer reviews on multiple review sites.
- Proper credentials: Check to see if the company is licensed and insured.
Doing research on any company you’re considering ahead of time also makes you less susceptible to common moving scams.
For more moving preparation tips, check out Move.org’s Ultimate Moving Checklist.
Interstate moving 101
An interstate move is when you move home from one state to another, which means you'll need an out of state moving company, also known as a long distance mover or cross country mover. Interstate moving is less complicated when you know what to expect. Before shopping for the best interstate moving company for your move, there are a few things you should know:
It’s best to compare prices.
Be prepared to talk with a company rep before getting an estimate. It takes a little time, but you’ll get a moving quote tailored to your situation. Be sure to get at least three quotes to see how prices for your move compare by company.
You need to take a home inventory.
To get an accurate quote, you’ll need a complete inventory of all your household belongings (and anything in storage, as well). Remember: if you add more items to you inventory after the fact, your final cost will be higher.
Brokers are just a starting point.
Some interstate moving companies are brokers. Brokers take your call and act as middlemen, but usually hand you off to third-party carriers to coordinate your move's details. Learn more about the differences and interplay between brokers and carriers and check the FMCSA database if you’re unsure which type of company you’re dealing with.
Examine the company’s services.
State to state moving companies do everything from packing and loading to transportation and furniture assembly. You tell them what needs to be done—and they can do it.
The best moving companies are nationwide.
Every professional moving company can take you from almost anywhere to virtually everywhere. A few companies like Safeway Moving don’t offer moving services for local moves. But many of the best interstate moving companies don’t have many limitations, providing household moving services in the US, across the border to Canada, and to more than 150 countries worldwide.
Consider other moving options.
Not all of the best state to state, or out of state moving companies are full-service movers. Moving containers and rental trucks are also popular moving options for long-distance moving. These moving options cost less but require more work. DIY customers also commonly use car shipping companies and rent storage units for cross country moving needs.
You'll probably work with moving brokers and carriers during your move. Brokers are middlemen that connect you with carriers that own and operate moving trucks. Some companies act as either a broker or a carrier depending upon where your move originates.
Long-distance moving FAQ
Most professional cross country moving companies think of a long-distance move as a moving over 400 miles, typically across state lines. It can also be called long-haul moving or interstate moving. If you are moving within the same state, or less than 100 miles, consider moving containers or local moving companies instead.
The top-rated long distance moving company is International Van Lines. It has an established reputation, an extensive moving network, and transparent pricing.
The average cost for interstate movers (aka long distance movers or cross country movers) is about $9,060. However, prices vary depending on things like move distance and home size.
There are three main types of moves: full-service, container, and truck rental. Full-service costs the most while rental trucks typically cost the least. Moving containers usually fall somewhere in the middle. Each of these services can handle your long-distance move, but we recommend a full-service professional mover if you can afford it. It’s simply the easiest option.
The most affordable way to move across the country is to use one of the cheapest moving container companies. You pay less than hiring professional movers (because you do some of the work) while also trimming costs like airfare, gas, and lodging associated with long-distance moving truck rentals.
Long-distance moving costs so much because you pay professionals to do everything from loading up your belongings to transporting them across the country. Additional services, like packing and storage, will increase your total price. You can save costs by using one of the best interstate moving companies. North American Van Lines, for example, lets you pick and choose moving services.
The best way to do a long-distance move depends if you care about cost or convenience. Moving container companies are your best bet if you need to move on a budget, and professional cross-country movers are ideal if you want to minimize stress.
Generally, it's cheapest to schedule the movers to come during the beginning or middle of the week (Monday through Thursday). Moving costs for weekend moves are often a bit higher because there is less availability (a lot of people want to move on the weekend).
We recommend tipping movers about 15% of your total bill for large homes and 5% for smaller homes. If the math is tricky, you can also ballpark and give each mover $40.
What moving companies charge varies. The price of your move will depend on your move type (professional movers, moving container, or truck rental), how far you're moving, add-on services, the time of year, and the amount and type of stuff you're moving. For example, full-service movers start at $1,200 and can go as high as $29,000.
International Van Lines and North American Van Lines are the best commercial moving companies. IVL has the best overall commercial movers, while North American allows you to customize your moving package. Both companies will handle your interstate move with care and expertise.
Moving insurance is critical to ensure the safety of your belongings. The federal government requires that all cross-country moving companies provide moving insurance (called “valuation”). You can also purchase additional insurance from third parties to be extra safe.
Cheap movers can be safe or dangerous, depending on how low their costs are. We recommend getting quotes from several relocation services and avoiding prices that seem especially low in comparison. For more information, take a look at our best cheap moving companies.
The cost to move internationally ranges from about $1,500 to more than $10,000. Professional international moving companies typically include packing, transportation, and delivery in your final bill.
You should schedule your movers at least four weeks before your move. During this time you should also coordinate a moving permit if you need one, gather any remaining supplies, contact utility providers, and make any travel arrangements.
You may need to provide upwards of eight weeks’ notice if moving to another state during the peak moving season (late spring to early fall). However, some companies can facilitate short-notice moves for an extra fee.
Most professional moving services have local movers. However, some companies like IMRG and JK Moving Services assist with cross-country moves.
You can find a reputable mover by searching for the top local movers near you. You can also head over to our local movers hub, where we've narrowed down the highest-rated movers in cities across the US.
Be sure not to pack commonly prohibited items for moving like matches, batteries, and nail polish when traveling long-distance. It’s also a good idea to keep some clothing, food, and toiletries until you know you have someplace to stay.
You should start packing about two months before you move. Or, if you hire one of the best long-distance moving companies, their crews need only about one day's notice to pack all of your belongings.
Moving containers from PODS cost about $4,660 to move 1,000 miles or more across the state line. Cross-country moving costs are as low as $1,800 for small apartments and up to $6,520 for large five-room homes.
U-Pack is an exceptional company for cross-country moves. It has the best combination of positive reviews and nationwide availability. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the high-quality service.
JK Moving Services is a reputable long-distance moving service with excellent customer reviews. The company caters its services to high-end customers, and can even charter you a private flight to the new city you're moving to.
You can expect to pay anywhere from about $1,000–$10,000 to move a mobile home. However, it's important to understand that mobile home transport costs vary widely and depend on several factors.
Methodology
Move.org evaluates and identifies the moving industry’s best full-service movers using a fivefold research approach:
- Compare pricing transparency. We gather quotes, check for binding estimates, and read customer reviews about pricing to ensure each moving company’s prices are trustworthy.
- Review accreditation. We check every company’s records in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database to confirm companies are properly authorized to transport household goods.
- Mystery shopping. We review every company’s website, use first-hand experience to pose as customers in calls to companies, and read customer reviews to analyze every company’s moving services, transit protection, and customer service. We also interview actual customers to learn how their moves went from start to finish.
- Site visits. We invite moving companies to our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, to share data and expertise. We verify the information they provide by comparing it to data gathered through independent research and interviews with other movers.
- Regular review. We routinely repeat this process to update our recommendations to reflect current data and trends. We also revise each review annually and make updates throughout the year.
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Sources
- Safewaymovingsystem.com. “Why Choose Us?” Accessed July 1, 2022.
- Safewaymovingsystem.com. “A Proud Supporter.” Accessed July 1, 2022.