Best Long-Distance Movers: Expert Reviewed (March 2024)
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, and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group rounds out our top three due to its extensive partner network of 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 dofor 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.
Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Sample Quote | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
B | $2,519–$4,306 | VISIT SITE | ||
A | $4,544 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $4,000–$5,000 | VISIT SITE | ||
B | $3,823–$4,824 | VISIT SITE | ||
B | $3,566–$6,266 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $5,600–$6,622 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $5,442 – $6,312 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $4,700–$5,540 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | $3,500–$4,500 | VISIT SITE | ||
A+ | Call for quote | VISIT SITE |
*Note: The estimate info above is for a two-bedroom move from Pheonix, Arizona, to San Francisco, California.
**Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of February 2024.
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.
Reviews of the Best Long Distance Moving Companies
What 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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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
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
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score 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.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.