Best Long-Distance Movers: Expert Reviewed (May 2024)
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Moving a long distance comes with many challenges, so it’s important to hire a trusted company with the necessary expertise and experience. We recommend International Van Lines as the best long-distance moving company because it offers one of the most comprehensive service selections at competitive prices. American Van Lines comes in at No. 2 with its vetted long-distance movers.
To determine our recommendations, we conducted more than 4,800 hours of in-depth research, interviewed industry experts, and surveyed 1,000 moving customers. Our top 10 movers offer the most comprehensive service options, quality protection plans, and cost-effective estimates. Learn more about our picks for the best long-distance movers below.
Key Takeaways
Best Long-Distance Moving Companies of 2024
Our methodology scores long-distance moving companies out of 100 points based on service packages, insurance coverage, online reputation with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and more. Here’s our list of the best long-distance moving companies of 2024:
Compare the Best Long-Distance Movers
International Van Lines stands out for its huge selection of long-distance moving services, and American Van Lines for its specialty-trained movers. Both companies also offer quality, full-value insurance coverage. See how our top long-distance movers stack against each other based on these factors and others.
| Star Rating | BBB Rating | Sample Quote | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines |  | A+ | $2,519–$4,306 | VISIT SITE | |
| American Van Lines |  | A+ | $4,544 | VISIT SITE | |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group |  | B | $3,823–$4,824 | VISIT SITE | |
| U-Pack |  | A+ | $3,256–$4,679 | VISIT SITE | |
| Safeway Moving Inc. |  | B- | $4,000–$5,000 | VISIT SITE | |
| Moving APT |  | B | $3,566–$6,266 | VISIT SITE | |
| Allied Van Lines |  | A+ | $5,442 – $6,312 | VISIT SITE | |
| North American Van Lines |  | A+ | $4,700–$5,540 | VISIT SITE | |
| Mayflower |  | A+ | $3,500–$4,500 | VISIT SITE | |
| JK Moving Services |  | A+ | $5,600–$6,622 | VISIT SITE |
| International Van Lines | |
|---|---|
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sample Quote | $2,519–$4,306 |
| American Van Lines | |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sample Quote | $4,544 |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Sample Quote | $3,823–$4,824 |
| U-Pack | |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sample Quote | $3,256–$4,679 |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| Sample Quote | $4,000–$5,000 |
| Moving APT | |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Sample Quote | $3,566–$6,266 |
| Allied Van Lines | |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sample Quote | $5,442 – $6,312 |
| North American Van Lines | |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sample Quote | $4,700–$5,540 |
| Mayflower | |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sample Quote | $3,500–$4,500 |
| JK Moving Services | |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sample Quote | $5,600–$6,622 |
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Sample Quote | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $2,519–$4,306 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | $4,544 | VISIT SITE | ||
| B | $3,823–$4,824 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | $3,256–$4,679 | VISIT SITE | ||
| B- | $4,000–$5,000 | VISIT SITE | ||
| B | $3,566–$6,266 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | $5,442 – $6,312 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | $4,700–$5,540 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | $3,500–$4,500 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | $5,600–$6,622 | VISIT SITE |
Note: The estimate info above is for a two-bedroom move from Phoenix, Arizona, to San Francisco, California.
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2024.
Compare the Cost of the Best Long-Distance Movers
Moving costs vary depending on the service model and the moving company. The chart below compares average long-distance move costs between our top recommendations.
What Should I Know About Long-Distance Movers?
You should know key details about moving costs, insurance, and service models before choosing a long-distance moving company. This will give you an edge when negotiating your long-distance moving contract and help you to avoid scammers.
Your long-distance moving cost will depend on distance, total item weight, and time of year. These moves typically cost around $3,673–$5,364, based on the quotes we gathered for this guide. Including additional services, such as packing or loading and unloading, will land you higher in this price range.
Our research also showed that national moving companies charge more than independent ones. Therefore, getting multiple quotes and comparing your options is a good idea to find the most cost-effective solution.
Moving insurance protects your belongings from any potential damage or loss during transit.
There are two types of coverage available. The first is basic coverage, which federal law requires, called released value protection. It provides minimal protection at no extra cost and compensates items based on their weight rather than their value.
Full-value protection is a comprehensive option where the moving company is responsible for repairing, replacing, or reimbursing the full value of damaged or lost items. You can purchase additional coverage from an insurance provider separate from the moving company if you want more protection.
There are three primary service models for long-distance moving. The most comprehensive and expensive option is a full-pack service where you pay a moving company to pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack your belongings. Alternatively, you can opt for a partial-pack, where you pack some of your belongings, but the movers deal with the more challenging items.
Self-move and container moves are more affordable for those on a budget. A self-move focuses on do-it-yourself (DIY) options, such as moving truck rentals or portable storage container moves. We recommend container moves as a middle-ground between truck rental and full-service movers. A moving company delivers a container to your original home, you then load it, and the company returns to pick it up and transport it to your new home.
A long-distance move refers to a relocation that happens over a considerable distance, usually across state borders or to a different region of the country. There is no exact mileage limit, but most moving companies and industry professionals consider a move of 400 miles or more to be a long-distance move.
Some professional long-distance movers offer partial packing services. This allows you to pack certain items yourself while leaving the rest to the professionals. However, if you choose to pack some items yourself, following the moving company's guidelines for self-packing is crucial. Improper packing can result in damages during transit, which may void any insurance coverage the moving company provides.
Moving expert Matt Woodley with Mover Focus shared how packing your items can help lead to less oversight and lower pricing, “A common oversight during moving is not organizing and labeling your boxes. A little extra time spent labeling what’s in each box and which room it should go in can make unpacking a breeze.” Remember to label and inventory any self-packed boxes or items. If any self-packed items become damaged or lost during the move, the moving company may not be held liable, as it didn't have control over the packing process for those items.
He also said, “To save some money, try packing some things yourself, choose a weekday or mid-month move, and get rid of stuff you don’t need anymore.”
Below are some of the research and data points we pull from to determine our picks for the best long-distance movers.
Reviews of the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
We recommend International Van Lines and American Van Lines the most for long-distance moves, but you might benefit from considering companies such as U-Pack and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group due to their different service models. Read our assessment of each company below to discover the best for you.
International Van Lines
Best Service Offerings
American Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Most Efficient
U-Pack
Most Affordable
Safeway Moving Inc.
Most Reliable Pricing
Moving APT
Best Customer Service
Allied Van Lines
Best for Vehicle Relocation
North American Van Lines
Best for Claims
Mayflower
Best for Large Moves
JK Moving Services
Best Specialized Packing
Jump to TopWhat Determines a Long-Distance Move’s Cost?
The main factors impacting the total cost of a long-distance move are the distance traveled and the size of the move. A 1,000-mile, two-bedroom move typically costs between $3,673 and $5,364. The initial quote process calculates your move distance based on your current and destination addresses. Shipment weight is determined after loading the truck, so the cost can change if your inventory weighs more than estimated.
Our 2024 survey revealed that many customers (52.4%) expect to pay less than $3,000 for professional moving services, but Matt Woodley mentioned that, “If the moving cost gives you a bit of sticker shock, remember what you’re paying for—professional movers do a lot more than just move boxes. They handle all the heavy lifting, planning, and sometimes even storing your stuff. The cost might seem high, but it often pays off in convenience and peace of mind.”
Other factors, such as service requirements for packing and crating and the move date, also impact the cost. Here are the primary cost factors to consider when getting quotes:
- Added services: Add-ons such as packing and vehicle shipping can substantially increase costs.
- Booking date: Summer and last-minute moves may cost extra. Movers could charge higher rates in summer or for bookings within a week of moving.
- Insurance coverage: Valuation coverage for high-value items may cost between 3% and 5% extra.
- Move distance: Your move distance from the origin to the destination address determines your base price.
- Shipping weight: Long-distance shipping costs are determined by weight, while local moving costs are determined by hourly charges. Regardless, your total inventory is a primary cost factor.
Below are some sample quotes from our top companies to help inform your moving budget. These were collected by speaking with a representative or using online cost calculators. We asked about receiving a moving package with and without packing services. Self-packing when using a long-distance moving company can save you money but also comes with risks. You'll eliminate labor costs for packing services but assume full liability for any damages incurred to self-packed items during transit.
| Provider | With Packing | Without Packing |
|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | $4,306 | $2,519 |
| American Van Lines | $4,544 | $4,000 |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | $4,824 | $3,823 |
| U-Pack | N/A | $4,679 |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | $5,000 | $4,000 |
| Moving APT | $6,266 | $3,566 |
| JK Moving Services | $6,622 | $5,600 |
| Allied Van Lines | $6,312 | $5,442 |
| North American Van Lines | $5,540 | $4,700 |
| Mayflower | $4,500 | $3,500 |
Full-Service vs. Self-Service
When you're planning to move, you have two main options: hiring full-service movers or opting for self-service alternatives. Full-service movers take care of everything, from packing to unloading, which is very convenient but comes with a higher cost. Self-service options, such as rental trucks, can be more affordable but require physical effort. While self-service options can save you money, you should also remember to consider potential additional costs that may arise if you need help with heavy lifting.
You can actually mix and match some of these services at times, according to the advice given to us by Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers, “You can work directly with local companies on a long-distance move in one of two ways. Depending on how long the distance, a ‘local’ carrier may still be licensed to do your entire move.” He then shared this example: “If you’re going cross-country, you can rent a truck or pod and have local movers load and unload at either end. The benefit here is that you’re working with smaller companies, accountable to their local market rather than larger carriers and van lines where reviews get lost in the sauce.”
- Full-service moving companies: Full-service moving companies offer a complete solution for your relocation requirements by managing various aspects of the moving process, including packing, loading, transportation, and unloading, with a team of trained movers. The primary benefit of hiring such a company is the convenience it provides by handling all the heavy lifting and supplying necessary equipment for safe transportation. However, this convenience typically comes at a higher cost, which is determined by various factors such as the weight of your belongings, travel distance, and additional services such as packing and unpacking.
- Self-service moving companies: Self-service moving companies provide an affordable alternative by offering rental trucks or trailers with necessary moving equipment such as dollies and furniture pads. Opting for self-service can significantly reduce your moving expenses, making it ideal if you’re on a tight budget or tackling shorter, local moves. However, the trade-off is the increased physical exertion and time commitment as you'll need to pack and secure your belongings, load and unload the truck or trailer, and possibly drive a larger vehicle.
Why Should You Read the Fine Print in a Moving Contract?
It's important to have a clear understanding of your moving contract and estimate when you hire a long-distance mover. The moving industry uses jargon that can be difficult to understand if you're unfamiliar with these documents. We define some of these terms below.
A bill of lading is a legal document that acts as a contract between you and the moving company. It includes the details of your shipment, outlining the terms and conditions of the move, and serves as a receipt acknowledging that the moving company has received your belongings for transportation. It can also act as a document of title, which is important in case of disputes or claims. It contains more detailed information about the shipment than a moving contract, such as the inventory of items, their condition, and any special instructions or requirements.
A carrier is a moving company that handles your long-distance move directly. It takes care of every aspect of your relocation, from packing to delivery. A moving broker acts as a middleman between you and third-party carriers, outsourcing your move to various carriers based on availability and pricing.
The FMCSA has established a regulation that limits the amount a moving company can charge to a maximum of 110% of a nonbinding estimate. A nonbinding estimate is an approximate estimate of the total cost of your move, which may differ from the final cost. The goal of the FMCSA's rule is to protect consumers by preventing moving companies from charging excessively high prices and capping the final cost at 110% of the nonbinding estimate.
A nonbinding estimate is an initial approximation of the total cost of your move, usually given over the phone or online. However, this estimate is subject to changes due to market fluctuations or any variations in your shipment's actual weight or volume compared to the initial assessment. Nonbinding estimates are based on the information you provide, but the final cost may differ from the initial quote.
A binding estimate is a legally binding quote that guarantees the total cost of your move as long as there are no changes to the inventory or services requested. Most moving companies require a physical or video survey of your belongings to assess the scope of the move accurately and give you a binding estimate.
Be aware that a binding estimate can change, based on information that Graber shared with us, “Binding means the rate for your move won’t change as long as the details used to generate that rate remain the same. If the moving company shows up for the move and there are additional items or flights of stairs, they will issue a new binding estimate.” Ensure you don’t have any major changes to your move to avoid this mishap.
Which Company Should You Choose for Your Long-Distance Move?
We recognize International Van Lines as the best long-distance mover because of its full-service nationwide moves and range of insurance coverage plans. It guarantees you all the services possible with superior protection. We also like American Van Lines for its moving teams with 10 years or more of industry experience and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group for its thoroughly vetted carrier partners.
You should always get quotes from at least three professional movers in your area before booking. This allows you to survey your options and book at the lowest rate for your upcoming long-distance relocation.
Find Moving Companies in Your State
How Do I Plan and Prepare for a Long-Distance Move?
A long-distance moving company simplifies your move to a new home, but there’s still plenty you need to do ahead of moving day.
Here is how you should plan and prepare for a long-distance move:
- Downsize: Having less makes moving cheaper. Create an inventory to track items to sell, donate, or discard.
- Create an inventory list: Don’t get caught forgetting certain items. Create an inventory list organized by each room. This step also helps you prepare to receive a quote, and you should estimate how many boxes you’ll need for each room’s items.
- Research moving companies: Create a list of reputable companies. We recommend the FMCSA as a great resource to find a company’s insurance information and learn if it has any active issues, such as recent crash reports. We also suggest you read the FMCSA’s Rights and Responsibilities documentation to better prepare yourself for the quote process.
- Get quotes and book your move: Get quotes from all of the moving companies you’re considering six weeks to one month ahead of your move date. You should also get copies of your moving contract when you confirm your move date.
- File a change of address: File change-of-address forms with the post office and change your contact information with your bank, place of employment, and any other relevant institution.
How Do I Choose the Best Long-Distance Moving Company?
Choosing the right long-distance moving company requires research and should be right for your needs and budget. A quality mover should also have plenty of experience moving household goods across state borders and employ skilled movers who will handle your items with care. Here are some steps to help you choose the best long-distance moving company:
Look up reviews before getting quotes. Even the best national moving companies have locations in some areas that provide subpar service. Google Reviews, Yelp, BBB, and social media are great sources for customer feedback. Note positive and negative trends to inform you how a mover treats its customers. Research location-specific reviews to ensure the quality of service in your area.
Make sure to select a moving company that is registered with the FMCSA and has all the necessary state-level licenses and permits to operate in both your current location and your new destination. It’s important to verify that the company and its drivers have valid operating authority records and insurance coverage that would protect you in case of accidents or damages.
Make a list of all services you’ll need your mover to handle before getting quotes. For example, decide if you want full packing or only loading and unloading services. You may need to consider vehicle shipping if you plan on flying to your new state. You should reference your list of required services and inquire about the accompanying rates during your consultation. All of the providers in our guide allow you to mix and match your moving package, with options to pack some items yourself or have all your belongings professionally packed.
We recommend you compare at least three binding moving estimates from different highly rated companies. This will help you evaluate their costs, reputation, services included, transit time guarantees, and insurance/valuation coverage.
Ask about deposit requirements, flat-rate or binding estimates, and moving insurance options during the quote process. A reputable mover should be transparent about all these facets of their services, and a flat-rate or binding estimate is a marker of quality and reliability.
Well-established moving companies that use modern processes often offer online calendars and portals for easy booking and tracking. You can make your long-distance relocation much less stressful when you choose a company with these perks.
Long-Distance Moving Checklist
It can be a challenge to keep everything in order leading up to moving day. Below is a quick checklist to help you get started and prepare for some of the major steps in the moving process.
Do I Need Moving Insurance?
Purchasing moving insurance will help to pay for or replace your items if the moving company damages them during your move. If you plan on moving a long distance and have valuable items in transport, we recommend looking into moving insurance options.
There are two main types of moving insurance: released value protection and full value protection.
- Released value protection: This plan is the basic level of coverage provided by most moving companies at no additional cost. However, it offers minimal compensation, typically just 60 cents per pound per article, which may not be sufficient for valuable or fragile items. For example, a 20-pound television will only receive $12 in reimbursement.
- Full value protection: This plan offers extensive coverage for your belongings during the move. After deducting certain amounts and exclusions, the moving company will take responsibility for repairing or replacing any lost or damaged items based on their current market value. It's worth noting that the cost of this insurance may vary based on the value of your possessions, the distance of the move, and the specific policy terms.
We found that 72% of people who moved opted for full-value coverage. Of the consumers who submitted a claim, 98% reported it being successfully fulfilled.
Expert Tips and Insights
We asked two experts for insights into what consumers should know before booking a long-distance mover and what drives costs in the industry. Read their tips below.
FAQ About Long-Distance Moving
What is the most cost-effective way to move?
More DIY-focused moving services tend to yield the cheapest long-distance prices. Doing everything yourself will eliminate the cost of labor, which usually makes full-service moves more expensive. You'll just be paying for the truck rental and the cost of gas if you decide to do the labor yourself.
Do movers ask for money up-front?
Legitimate moving companies usually require only a small up-front payment, and some don't require any up-front payment at all. You pay the remaining balance upon delivery. If a moving company demands a higher up-front payment, it could be a scam.
What won’t moving companies relocate?
Moving companies won’t move hazardous materials, including toxic chemicals and firearms.
Can you negotiate moving costs?
Yes, you can negotiate moving costs. The best method for negotiating with your moving company is to get multiple moving estimates from at least three reputable companies.
Our Rating Methodology and Moving Research Process
We’re dedicated to offering our readers comprehensive and unbiased moving company reviews. Our team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We researched hundreds of movers, scrutinizing their websites and services. Our team obtained information on their FMCSA profiles, insurance coverage, licensing, and claims processes by thoroughly examining their online resources and speaking directly with customer service representatives. We evaluated these factors against industry standards to ensure they meet or exceed expectations.
In addition, we assessed each company's range of services, from local to long-distance moves, and their ability to handle specialized items such as pianos or antiques. Our team also examined their fleet, ensuring they have the appropriate vehicles and equipment to transport belongings safely. Furthermore, we verified that companies follow best practices, such as providing in-home estimates, supplying moving supplies, and adhering to proper packing and loading techniques.
We analyzed recent customer reviews from popular platforms such as the Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews. This step enabled us to gain valuable insights into the real-life experiences of working with each moving company's staff and crews. We synthesized all this information to provide you with comprehensive and reliable ratings, empowering you to make an informed decision when selecting a moving company.
We then scored each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling options, additional benefits and custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
- Moving Services (30%)
- Additional Services (29%)
- Insurance Coverage (8%)
- Scheduling (8%)
- Additional Benefits (13%)
- Customer Service (12%)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
