Long-distance moves cost $3,124 on average, with prices ranging from $2,074 for shorter distances to $3,945 for moves over 1,700 miles. Allied Van Lines is our pick for the best long-distance moving company thanks to its no-deposit policy, transparent pricing, and nationwide network. Long-distance moves require more planning than local relocations, so choosing a mover with broad availability and services that match your needs can help simplify the process.
For our review, we compared leading moving companies based on pricing, services, nationwide availability, and customer experience. We also surveyed 1,000 homeowners nationwide about their recent moves and analyzed responses from those who completed a long-distance relocation.
Key Takeaways
- Allied Van Lines is our top choice for long-distance moves thanks to its transparent pricing, nationwide network, and range of moving services.
- Long-distance moves cost between $2,074 and $3,945 on average, based on our national moving cost data for moves ranging from 50 miles to more than 1,700 miles.
- Our 2026 moving survey found that 85% of long-distance movers said their final cost matched their original quote, suggesting that most respondents avoided unexpected price changes.
Top Long-Distance Moving Companies
Here’s our list of the best long-distance moving companies:
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Best Specialized Labor
Comparing Top Movers for Long Distances
To narrow down the best long-distance moving companies in the industry, we reviewed and ranked each provider based on what’s most important to customers like you. See how our top-rated moving companies compare below.
| Provider | Our Score | Average Price | Deposit | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$3,112 | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | ||
$2,944 | 20%–30% | Carrier | ||
$3,520 | None | Carrier/Broker | ||
$3,601 | None | Carrier/Broker | ||
$2,273 | $250 | Carrier |
Long-Distance Moving Company Reviews
Learn more about each long-distance moving company on our list to find the best option for your next move.
Allied Van Lines
Company Overview
- Doesn’t require a deposit to book, unlike some competitors
- Offers multiple ways to reach customer service, including a 24/7 support line
- Provides binding moving estimates
Keep in Mind
- Not as affordable as some competitors we’ve reviewed
- Receives mixed reviews from customers on some platforms
Our Review
Allied Van Lines is our top pick for long-distance moves because of its nationwide network, 95+ years of experience, and flexible booking. The company doesn’t require a deposit to reserve your move, which can reduce your upfront costs when planning a long-distance relocation.
Allied also offers virtual in-home estimates and GPS shipment tracking, making it easier to plan your move and monitor your belongings in transit. If you need to move a vehicle along with your household goods, you can choose between open and enclosed vehicle shipping. These options make Allied a strong choice if you want multiple long-distance moving services from one provider.
Customer Experiences
We read Allied Van Lines reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to learn more about customer experiences. Positive reviewers praised the company’s professional crews, efficient loading and unloading, and reasonable pricing. Negative reviews mentioned damaged or missing belongings, shipment delays, and customer service issues.
In our 2026 survey of 1,000 homeowners nationwide who had moved within the past two years, we analyzed the experiences of those who completed long-distance moves. Among Allied customers in this group, 59% reported a smooth move without any of the challenges we asked about. For those who experienced an issue, scheduling and moving-day delays were the most common.
International Van Lines
Company Overview
- Offers one free month of storage with every move
- Moves customers to and from all 50 U.S. states and to 180 countries
- Frequently offers discounts on its website
Keep in Mind
- Operates as a carrier and broker, which can result in non-International Van Line crews and trucks handling your move
- Charges fees for having stairs outside your home and buildings with elevators
Our Review
International Van Lines (IVL) handles long-distance moves in all 50 states, along with international relocations to more than 140 countries. The company includes one month of free storage in the pickup area and offers specialty services such as custom crating and debris removal. During our secret shopping, we also found 5%–10% discounts available through online promotions or by speaking with a representative.
International Van Lines operates as both a carrier and broker, so it may arrange for a third-party company to handle your move through its broker authority, Ocean Star International (USDOT #2247789). This can expand service availability but may also result in a less consistent experience. Ask whether IVL or a partner carrier will handle your move before booking.
Customer Experiences
We reviewed International Van Lines customer feedback and found that positive reviews frequently highlighted professional crews, careful packing, and the company’s range of moving services. Negative reviews commonly mentioned communication problems and billing concerns, including final costs that differed from initial estimates.
Professional packing was particularly popular among IVL customers in our 2026 survey, with 79% of those who completed long-distance moves purchasing the service. About 32% also used storage during their move.
JK Moving Services
Company Overview
- Charges a $250 deposit, which is more affordable than some other companies
- Offers affordable financing options via Enhancify
- Trains staff using a fully furnished model home at its headquarters
Keep in Mind
- Only offers long-distance moves for customers moving from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
- Charges higher prices than other companies we’ve reviewed
Our Review
JK Moving Services stands out for its specialized training and attention to fragile or high-value belongings. The company trains crews in a model home at its headquarters to prepare them to pack and transport items such as antiques, wine collections, sculptures, and pianos. JK Moving also equips its trucks with dash cams and provides GPS shipment tracking, giving customers more visibility during a long-distance move.
JK Moving operates solely as a carrier rather than a broker, so it doesn’t outsource moves to third-party companies. Its prices tend to be higher and online quotes aren’t available, but it can be a strong option for long-distance moves originating in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia.
Customer Experiences
We found that JK Moving Services customers often praised the company’s professional crews and smooth pickup and delivery process. Negative reviews commonly mentioned damaged belongings and billing disputes, including final prices that were higher than expected.
JK customers in our 2026 survey frequently took advantage of its hands-on services. Among those who completed long-distance moves, 59% purchased professional packing and 53% purchased professional unpacking.
North American Van Lines
Company Overview
- Doesn’t charge a deposit for your long-distance move
- Offers bottom-line pricing, not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing options
- Provides useful moving resources, like a relocation cost calculator and a mover checklist
Keep in Mind
- Charges more for binding estimates
- Offers fewer storage options based on service location
Our Review
North American Van Lines is a solid option for long-distance moves if you want more control over your final cost. The company offers binding estimates and guaranteed not-to-exceed pricing, which can provide more cost certainty when planning your move. Its online moving cost calculator can also help you estimate expenses before requesting a formal quote.
Our survey also showed relatively consistent pricing among North American customers who completed long-distance moves. Three-quarters said their final cost matched their original quote, while 19% paid more and 6% paid less.
Customer Experiences
Based on our review of third-party sites, customers frequently praised North American Van Lines for its careful moving crews, on-time deliveries, and predictable pricing. Negative reviews commonly mentioned damaged belongings, understaffed crews, and communication issues.
North American customers who completed long-distance moves in our 2026 survey also generally reported positive experiences. Most were satisfied with their overall move and said they would use the company again.
Safeway Moving Inc.
Company Overview
- Includes 30 days of storage free with all long-distance and interstate moves
- Offers binding moving estimates with no hidden fees
- Provides price-matching if you find a lower rate with another company
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer any pricing info online
- Lacks the industry experience of providers on our list
Our Review
Safeway Moving Inc. is a good option for long-distance moves if you want predictable pricing and help with specialty items. The company offers price matching if you receive a lower quote from another licensed mover, along with specialized packing teams and custom crating for fragile or high-value belongings. Safeway also displays its U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Florida registration and motor carrier numbers online, making its credentials easy to verify.
One important note: several moving companies use the name “Safeway.” Before requesting a quote, confirm you’re visiting the correct Safeway Moving Inc. website and verify the company’s USDOT number to ensure you’re working with the correct provider.
Customer Experiences
Customers often praised Safeway Moving Inc. for its courteous crews and careful handling of furniture and fragile belongings. Negative reviews commonly mentioned communication issues and changes between initial estimates and final charges.
Safeway customers in our 2026 survey frequently used additional help during long-distance moves. Nearly 64% purchased professional packing, while 57% used help moving large or heavy items and 50% used storage.
Key Moving Terms Explained
If you’re planning a long-distance move, these key moving terms can help you better understand different quotes and services.
- Binding estimate: A guaranteed price based on your inventory and requested services. Your final cost won’t increase unless you add items or change your move.
- Broker: A company that arranges your move by hiring third-party movers rather than handling it itself. Service quality can vary depending on the carrier assigned to your move.
- Carrier: A moving company that uses its own trucks and employees to complete your move. Carriers are directly responsible for your belongings and any claims.
- Delivery spread: The estimated time window when your belongings will arrive. Long-distance moves are typically delivered within a range of dates rather than on a specific day.
- Interstate move: A move that crosses state lines. Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and follow federal moving regulations.
- Nonbinding estimate: An estimate that can change based on your shipment’s actual weight, the services provided, or other moving costs.
- Not-to-exceed estimate: A quote with a maximum price. If your move costs less than estimated, you’ll pay the lower amount.
- Van line: A nationwide network of affiliated movers that works together to complete long-distance relocations.
Pro Tip
- Planning out your move ahead of time can help reduce stress and keep your long-distance relocation on schedule. Check out our planning tips to stay organized from the moment you start researching movers through moving day.
What Services Do You Need for a Long-Distance Move?
While the exact services you choose will largely depend on your move specifics and preferences, it’s important to choose a company that offers what you need. For example, if you have a lot of items, you may choose services like packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and vehicle shipping.
The providers on our list offer loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking services. Specialty services like storage options and antique services vary by company. See and compare which services our top long-distance moving companies offer below.
| Specialty Service | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines | JK Moving Services | International Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly and reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Junk removal | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Appliance and electronics disconnection | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Antique and specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
To ensure peace of mind during your long-distance move, we recommend careful planning, using security features like shipment tracking, and investing in movers with the experience to transport your belongings safely over long distances.
How Much Do Long-Distance Moves Cost?
The average cost of a long-distance move is $3,124, with prices ranging from $2,074 for moves of 50 to 200 miles to $3,945 for moves over 1,700 miles, based on our national moving cost data. Pricing can range from an average of $2,074 for moves of 50–200 miles to $3,945 for moves of more than 1,700 miles. The table below shows average costs by home size for moves between 201 and 800 miles.
| Home Size | 201–500 Miles | 501–800 Miles |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,239 | $1,999 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,946 | $2,087 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,766 | $3,249 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,566 | $7,016 |
Your final cost may vary depending on the services you choose, your moving date, and whether you’re transporting specialty items or purchasing add-on services.
How Do Long-Distance Movers Calculate Costs?
Long-distance movers generally calculate prices based on the distance of your move and the size or weight of your shipment rather than charging an hourly rate like many local movers. Your moving date, delivery requirements, and specialty items such as pianos, antiques, or fine art can also affect the price.
In our 2026 moving survey, 85% of long-distance movers said their final cost matched their original quote. To help avoid unexpected charges, provide an accurate inventory and ask your mover what changes could affect your final price.
What Additional Moving Expenses Should You Budget For?
You may need to budget for packing, storage, additional valuation coverage, specialty moving services, and travel expenses. In our 2026 survey, professional packing was one of the most commonly purchased services among homeowners who completed long-distance moves.
Depending on your move, you may also need to budget for the following expenses:
- Valuation coverage: Additional protection for your belongings beyond the mover’s basic liability.
- Packing and unpacking: Hiring movers to pack or unpack your belongings adds labor and materials to your bill.
- Storage: You may need temporary storage if your move-out and move-in dates don’t align.
- Vehicle shipping: Moving a vehicle separately adds another transportation expense.
- Specialty services: Pianos, antiques, fine art, safes, and other difficult-to-move belongings may require additional labor or custom crating.
- Tips and travel: Remember to budget for gratuities as well as your own lodging, fuel, meals, or airfare.
Homeowner Insights
About 42% of long-distance movers in our 2026 survey purchased additional valuation coverage through their moving company. Another 24% bought third-party moving insurance, showing that many homeowners opted for extra protection during their move.
How To Save Money on a Long-Distance Move
Long-distance moving is often expensive, but if you’re on a tight budget, there are a few ways to cut costs. We put together some moving tips to get the best rates.
Request estimates from at least three moving companies before booking your move. Comparing quotes helps you evaluate pricing, included services, and valuation coverage to find the best overall value. Some movers, such as Safeway Moving Inc. and American Van Lines, also offer price matching, allowing you to use competing estimates to secure a better deal.
Long-distance moving costs are often based on your shipment’s weight, so reducing the number of items you move can lower your total cost. Consider donating, selling, or recycling belongings you no longer need before requesting estimates.
If your schedule allows, consider moving in the fall or winter, or scheduling your move on a weekday or mid-month date. These times typically have lower demand than weekends, summer, or the end of the month, which may help you secure a lower rate.
Many moving companies offer discounts for seniors, military members, students, first responders, and other groups, though they aren’t always advertised. Ask about available promotions when requesting quotes to ensure you’re receiving every discount you qualify for.
If you need services such as vehicle shipping or storage, ask whether the mover offers discounted pricing when you bundle them with your household move. Bundling services can sometimes cost less than arranging them separately.
What Are Alternatives to Long-Distance Moving Companies?
Rental trucks, portable moving containers, and labor-only movers are the main alternatives to hiring a full-service company for a long-distance move. In our 2026 survey, about 27% of long-distance movers chose one of these alternatives as their primary moving service. These options can help reduce costs if you’re willing to handle more of the packing, loading, or transportation yourself.
Truck Rentals
Renting a moving truck can be a budget-friendly way to move long-distance, especially if you can handle most of the work yourself. You’ll typically be responsible for packing, loading, driving, unloading, and returning the truck, along with expenses such as fuel and mileage fees.
Portable Storage Containers
Portable moving containers offer a middle ground between a rental truck and full-service mover. A company delivers the container to your home, you load it on your schedule, and the provider transports it to your destination. This option lets you avoid driving a moving truck while still handling much of the labor yourself.
Labor-Only Movers
Labor-only movers handle tasks such as loading and unloading while you arrange transportation with a rental truck or moving container. This approach can reduce the physical demands of a DIY move without paying for a traditional full-service moving package.
What To Know About Regulations for Long-Distance Movers
Interstate movers must follow regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Knowing your rights before booking a mover can help you avoid scams, compare companies with confidence, and protect your belongings throughout the moving process.
- USDOT licensing: All interstate moving companies must have an active U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number issued by the FMCSA. Before hiring a mover, verify its credentials using the FMCSA’s Company Snapshot tool and confirm the USDOT number matches the company you’re considering.
- Weight tickets: If you receive a nonbinding estimate, your mover must provide a certified weight ticket with your bill of lading so you can verify how your final charges were calculated.
- Your Rights and Responsibilities booklet: Federal law requires interstate movers to provide the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet before your move. This guide explains estimates, liability coverage, dispute resolution, and other important consumer protections.
- The 110% rule: If you receive a nonbinding estimate, your mover cannot require you to pay more than 110% of the estimated cost at the time of delivery. Any remaining balance must be billed later.
Homeowner Insights
In our 2026 survey, 55% of long-distance movers received a binding estimate. The remaining respondents either received a nonbinding estimate or weren’t sure which type they had. Before signing, confirm your estimate type and ask what could change your final price.
What Our Survey Revealed About Long-Distance Moving
Our 2026 survey provides a closer look at what long-distance moves typically involve, including home size, the types of moving help homeowners used, and their overall experiences. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners nationwide about their most recent move and focused this analysis on those who completed a long-distance relocation.
Most Long-Distance Moves Involved Larger Homes
About 70% of long-distance movers relocated from a three- or four-bedroom home. Most moves still required only one moving truck, while three-person moving crews were the most common. These findings show that even larger long-distance moves can often be handled with a relatively small crew and a single truck.
Many Movers Used More Than One Type of Help
Long-distance homeowners didn’t always rely on a single moving service. Many supplemented their primary mover with their own vehicle, help from friends or family, a rental truck, or other moving services. This suggests that a long-distance move can involve a mix of professional and DIY help depending on your budget and what you need to transport.
Most Long-Distance Movers Were Satisfied
Four out of five homeowners were satisfied with their long-distance move, and 84% said they would hire a professional mover again. Among respondents who wouldn’t use the same mover again, damaged belongings and poor communication were the most common reasons. When comparing movers, look beyond price and consider customer feedback about handling, communication, and delivery reliability.
FAQs About the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself?
Doing the move yourself is usually cheaper because you avoid paying for professional labor and some service fees. However, you’ll still need to budget for expenses such as a truck rental, fuel, mileage, equipment, and possible lodging on a long-distance move. Hiring professional movers costs more but can save time and reduce the physical work involved.
How much do long-distance movers cost?
Based on our national moving cost data, a long-distance move costs $3,124 on average. Your final price will depend on factors such as move distance, home size, shipment weight, moving date, and any additional services you purchase.
How much should I tip movers?
A common guideline is to tip $5–$10 per mover per hour, depending on the quality of service and difficulty of the move. For longer moves, you can also budget $20–$50 per mover per day for an eight-hour workday. Tipping isn’t required, but it’s a common way to recognize good service.
What is moving insurance?
Moving insurance helps protect you financially if your belongings are lost or damaged during a move. Interstate movers must offer released-value and full-value protection under FMCSA rules, though these are forms of valuation coverage rather than traditional insurance. You can also purchase third-party moving insurance for additional protection.
Our Rating Methodology for Long-Distance Moving Companies
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology designed to objectively evaluate each provider. Our research includes analyzing customer reviews, verifying licensing and safety records, and reviewing company services and policies. We also speak with moving industry experts and company representatives. In addition, we conduct secret shopping of providers’ online quote tools and customer support.
We also conduct original pricing and consumer research. Our cost research includes data from more than 3,700 moving quotes. We analyze this data across companies, home sizes, inventory weights, move distances, and service types. Our latest nationwide survey of 1,000 recent movers provides additional insight into moving costs, service choices, priorities, and experiences.
We evaluate moving companies using a 100-point rating system across six weighted categories: item protection (20%), service offerings (19%), customer service (18%), value (18%), reputation (14%), and scheduling (11%). We then convert each company’s score to a 5-star rating.
