Moving across state lines involves many logistical hurdles. Getting quotes from multiple interstate moving specialists, such as International Van Lines, will help ensure that you book at the best price. Our team conducted in-depth research on the best moving companies and narrowed down our list to provide you with the best interstate moving providers. The following movers provide services that help make your move as stress-free as possible.
Best Interstate Moving Companies of 2023
Based on our methodology and research, the best interstate moving companies include the following:
- International Van Lines: Best Service Offerings
- American Van Lines: Best Overall Moving Labor
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Reliable Pricing
- JK Moving Services: Best Specialized Packing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
- North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
- Moving APT: Best Customer Service
- Mayflower Moving: Best for Large Moves
- United Van Lines: Best Base Moving Coverage
Compare the Top Interstate Movers
Below, we compare our top-ranked interstate movers. Our team evaluated the pros and cons of each mover, analyzing services, average moving costs, customer experience, and more.
Star Rating | BBB Rating | Estimate Info | Link | ||
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International Van Lines | ![]() |
4.8/5
| A | $2,500–$4,300 | VISIT SITE |
American Van Lines | ![]() |
4.5/5
| A | $3,200–$3,500 | VISIT SITE |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | ![]() |
4.3/5
| B | $2,800–$4,000 | VISIT SITE |
Safeway Moving Inc. | ![]() |
4.1/5
| A+ | $6,300–$7,500 | VISIT SITE |
JK Moving Services | ![]() |
4.6/5
| A+ | $7,550 | VISIT SITE |
Allied Van Lines | ![]() |
4.7/5
| A+ | $4,730–$5,380 | VISIT SITE |
North American Van Lines | ![]() |
4.6/5
| A+ | $4,700–$5,350 | VISIT SITE |
Moving APT | ![]() |
4.2/5
| B | $2,968–$5,668 | VISIT SITE |
Mayflower | ![]() |
4.6/5
| A+ | Contact for Pricing | VISIT SITE |
United Van Lines | ![]() |
4.8/5
| A+ | $5,169–$7,003 | VISIT SITE |
International Van Lines | |
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Logo |
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Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | A |
Estimate Info | $2,500–$4,300 |
American Van Lines | |
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Logo |
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Star Rating |
4.5/5
|
BBB Rating | A |
Estimate Info | $3,200–$3,500 |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
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Logo |
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Star Rating |
4.3/5
|
BBB Rating | B |
Estimate Info | $2,800–$4,000 |
Safeway Moving Inc. | |
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Logo |
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Star Rating |
4.1/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $6,300–$7,500 |
JK Moving Services | |
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Logo |
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Star Rating |
4.6/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $7,550 |
Allied Van Lines | |
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Logo |
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Star Rating |
4.7/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $4,730–$5,380 |
North American Van Lines | |
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Logo |
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Star Rating |
4.6/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $4,700–$5,350 |
Moving APT | |
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Logo |
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Star Rating |
4.2/5
|
BBB Rating | B |
Estimate Info | $2,968–$5,668 |
Mayflower | |
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Logo |
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Star Rating |
4.6/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | Contact for Pricing |
United Van Lines | |
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Logo |
![]() |
Star Rating |
4.8/5
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $5,169–$7,003 |
Note: The estimate info above is for a two-bedroom move from Chicago, Illinois, to Atlanta, Georgia.
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of November 2023.
- Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 2293832
International Van Lines (IVL) is our top pick for interstate movers. IVL is a full-service mover that helps with packing, loading, delivery, unpacking, and unloading. Other add-on services and protection plans can be added to these full-service options as well. No matter where you’re moving to or from, IVL is available to help with your move. Its service profile, speedy quotes, and qualified teams make it an excellent choice.
Our Rating
International Van Lines scored 4.8 out of 5 on our rating scale. Its extensive list of basic and add-on services and large service area largely account for this rating. IVL also earned points for its high BBB rating and provision of local, long-distance, and international services. It lost a few points because it lacks a rental truck option and move financing.
Read More: International Van Lines Review
Pros and Cons
Services
In addition to its standard full-service packing options, IVL offers several add-on services, including the following:
- Bulky item relocation
- Large vehicle shipping
- Motorcycle shipping
- Piano moving
- Temporary or permanent storage
Cost
Your quote process with IVL will involve an in-depth phone estimate or in-person consultation. We used IVL’s online moving cost calculator to generate the following sample quote.
- Sample Quote: $2,015–$3,445 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: 25%
- Payment Accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card (deposit only), money order
Reputation and Reviews
As with many nationwide movers, your experience will vary depending on your location and the local agents operating in your area. IVL has an A rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Its reviews cite prompt service, but some mention spotty quality depending on the partner companies booked. Here is a sample of IVL reviews:
“They wrapped my furniture and packed everything really well. During the move, they told me how things were going, which helped me relax. Unpacking was fast, and they even helped put things where I wanted. They were really professional!” —Noel via BBB on September 6, 2023
“The shipment was $900 more expensive than quoted after providing a detail accounting of the items. I received my cross country shipment 21 days later. No information was provided from customer service, they did not know where my belongings were. The shipment arrived with many of the boxes with water damage, (contents wet) boxes completely broken up and all the items were completely filthy.Do not use this service. This was not my first cross county move.Can I leave less than one star?” —Kay M via BBB on May 21, 2023
- Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Availability: 48 states
- USDOT #: 614506
*American Van Lines is not available in Alaska or Hawaii
American Van Lines offers full-service residential, military, and corporate moving services. Its movers average 10 years of experience in the industry and receive comprehensive training. American Van Lines’s experienced crews make the company a great choice for customers with concerns about an interstate mover’s reliability.
Our Rating
American Van Lines scored 4.5 out of 5 stars on our rating scale. It offers a full range of services, including intrastate, interstate, and international moving options. It earned high marks for its service offerings and comprehensive moving valuation coverage options. It lost points for its lack of customer-oriented options. AVL requires that you book over the phone and doesn’t provide a moving cost calculator on its site.
Read More: American Van Lines Review
Pros and Cons
Services
One of American Van Lines’ standout services is its white-glove treatment for fragile items. As part of your full-service move, the company can assign its trained crews with the task of wrapping, padding, packing, and otherwise protecting your more delicate belongings. It also offers the following services:
- Corporate relocation
- Military relocation
- Online shipment tracking
- Temporary and permanent storage
- White-glove relocation of artwork and antiques
Cost
American Van Lines’ flat rates are great for clients on a tighter budget or those wary of added fees for any reason. This mover’s bottom-line estimates ensure you won’t have to pay more than expected.
American Van Lines publishes sample moving costs online for moves between major cities. We pulled the following estimate from AVL’s site.
- Sample Quote: $3,910 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: Up to 50% up-front
- Payment Accepted:
- Cash
- Cashier’s check
- Credit card
- Money order
- Traveler’s check
Reputation and Reviews
AVL clients said its pricing structure is a positive. However, negative reviews mentioned price hikes and that moving crews were not as well-trained as this carrier claimed. It boasts an A rating on the BBB, and its 3.84 out of 5 stars for reviews indicates solid service. Here is a sampling of its BBB reviews:
“The moving crew did a great job explaining everything to me before starting. The guys were very courteous and professional. I am definitely satisfied with how everything went.” —Todd via BBB on June 27, 2023
“This company is great at setting up a move and taking your money. However, they misplaced 10% of my boxes/personal items. They directed me to file a missing claim and thats it. Its been months. They wont return your phone call, no supervisor is ever available. I cant believe I paid extra to have these thieves steal my things. Absolutely disgusting. I wish I could give negative stars. They dont even deserve 1 star.” —Karen via BBB on March 31, 2023
- Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 3034100
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a good fit for anyone who wants to take some of the legwork out of finding the right mover for their needs. Unlike many companies in this guide, IMRG is a broker. This means that IMRG does not directly provide moving services but helps coordinate relocations through its network of independent local, long-distance, and international movers.
IMRG stands out due to its informative website, a wide range of excellent partner companies, and its partners’ varied service profiles. Getting quotes is fairly easy, but customer service is limited on weekends.
Our Rating
IMRG scored 4.3 out of 5 on our rating scale. It shines for its service profile and flexibility, as it provides local, long-distance, and limited international moving help. It offers booking online or over the phone and provides moving checklists and guides for every step of the moving process. IMRG lost points for a lack of storage, truck rental, and financing options.
Read More: IMRG Review
Pros and Cons
Services
IMRG offers both full-service and self-service moving help. Whether you’d like to handle the packing and hard work yourself or outsource it to a qualified pro, this broker can connect you with the right mover. Some of the services IMRG coordinates include the following:
- Cleaning services
- Junk removal
- Piano moving
- Temporary and permanent storage
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
IMRG provides a cost calculator tool for quick estimates. However, we recommend getting a personalized quote to set an accurate budget. This will involve a phone call or a virtual estimate and will take your service needs and inventory into account. We spoke to an IMRG move coordinator who provided us a written estimate with the following information.
- Sample Quote: $4,450 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: Up to 33%
- Payment Accepted:
- Credit card
- Check
Reputation and Reviews
As a moving broker, IMRG’s service quality depends on the quality of its partner companies in a given locale. Positive customer reviews remarked on its crews’ professionalism. Negative feedback mentioned bait-and-switch pricing tactics. Here are recent customer reviews to illustrate general trends:
“Interstate moving and relocation group is the BEST! Their customer service is outstanding. Their men show up on time, work quickly and efficiently. Manager has bent over backwards to meet my needs at the storage site. They are reasonably priced and great to work with. They know how to please the customer. You won’t go wrong with Interstate moving and relocation group.” —Ann via Google Reviews in September 2023
“Typical bait and switch. My bill almost doubled by the time all is said and done. I wish I had read more about moving scams before choosing a “too good to be true” price. They went from best price to worst price slowly.- broker – estimate over the phone – re-estmate days before truck shows up at a much higher price – mistakes on estimate (things listed twice) but they won’t fix the estimate because that lowers their cut – movers insist on post office money order” —Ray B via BBB on June 18, 2023
- Our Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 237129
Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving carrier and broker that connects you with an interstate moving company that fulfills your move’s criteria when its own crews are unavailable. Safeway puts a premium on customer service, keeping customers up to date throughout a move and providing prompt responses to questions and concerns. You can contact the company seven days a week.
Safeway provides flat-rate estimates and backs its services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The company donates a percentage of its moving fees to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Our Rating
Safeway scored 4.4 out of 5 stars on our rating scale. It offers a full range of services, including packing and storage. It also provides online and over-the-phone quote accessibility. Safeway lost points for a lack of added benefits such as moving calculators and financing options. Specialized services may be available in certain areas but should not be expected in all Safeway moves.
Read More: Safeway Moving Review
Pros and Cons
Services
Safeway is a full-service relocation specialist, providing door-to-door service that includes packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. Safeway focuses chiefly on long-distance moves but can also coordinate international shipments. If offers the following additional services:
- 24/7 customer service
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Moving assistance for senior citizens
- Temporary and permanent storage
Cost
Safeway provides binding estimates for its moves. Because of this, the company does not provide exact cost information online. Safeway requires a detailed evaluation of each move to provide fixed-rate pricing that does not change once it is quoted to you. Your required services, the total weight of your move, the distance of your move, and insurance purchased through a partner carrier are all factors that influence your overall cost with Safeway.
We requested a Safeway quote online and submitted an inventory sheet to the company representative who responded. The representative provided the following quote.
- Sample Quote: $5,695 (3-bedroom move from Austin, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee)
- Deposit: Up to 40%
- Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card, certified check, money order
Reputation and Reviews
Safeway primarily operates as a broker and has reviews that report bait-and-switch tactics for pricing. However, it has overall positive reviews citing service quality, thorough quote processes, and insurance coverage. Safeway boasts an A+ BBB rating. Read a couple of recent Google Reviews below:
“It was so nice to see the crew being extra careful with our kid’s favorite toys and cuddly animals. They packed them separately and made sure they were easy to find. When our little one saw their toys all safe, their smiles were priceless.” —Arnold via Google Reviews in September 2023
“We were underquoted and overcharged!! We booked our move from CO to NV through International Van Lines, and their CO division is Safeway Moving. Day of the move, Safeway Moving showed up and told us our move would be an additional 7K! After the truck was loaded, their on-site move coordinator, [name], asked us for a tip for him and the team, super unprofessional. Avoid this company!” —Anya via Google Reviews in June 2023
- Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 1065394
JK Moving Services is a full-service mover that customizes each moving package to each customer’s moving needs and budget. The company can also provide financing for interstate moves, which is a rare option in the industry.
Our Rating
JK Moving Services rates 4.6 out of 5 on our grading scale. Its financing options and long-distance and international moving offerings stand out. Its lack of DIY moving offerings or a moving cost calculator knocked its final rating down slightly.
Read More: JK Moving Review
Pros and Cons
Services
JK Moving offers comprehensive packing assistance, partial packing for fragile belongings, or a DIY packing option. It also offers these services:
- Government moves
- International moves
- Office moves and IT removal
- Shipment tracking
- Temporary and permanent storage
Cost
JK Moving Services features one of the best mobile apps in the business. With this tool, you can get quick AI-assisted mobile estimates without waiting for an in-person consultation. That tool and its 24/7 customer service make pricing and general information easy to get. We contacted a JK Moving sales representative to discuss our move and received the following quote.
- Sample Quote: $6,622 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: $250 up-front
- Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card
Reputation and Reviews
JK Moving Services maintains an A+ BBB rating and high marks across review platforms. Its movers’ training and the financing options it offers rate highly, while general quality variance holds it back. We’ve included a couple of JK Moving reviews here:
“The J&K Moving team arrived early, ready to go in this condo to condo (in the same building) move. They protected all the surfaces and furniture. Moved swiftly and efficiently, with excellent teamwork. They were friendly and checked everything to make sure they had the furniture where we wanted it. I would absolutely use J&K again, and highly recommend them for any move.” —Andy via Google Reviews in September 2023
“What a disaster! We hired JK to move our daughter’s apartment contents from Miami to Philadelphia. Her furniture was badly damaged, but we were compensated nothing despite having purchased supplemental insurance. They did not honor their contract and–what’s more–they falsified a document claiming “prior damage”. We’re disputing the payments with our credit card company, but I wish we never contacted this company in the first place. They’re the worst.” —Elizabeth via BBB on Dec. 2, 2022
- Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 076235
Allied Van Lines is a full-service mover that was founded in 1928. The company provides a majority of its services in-house, including packing services, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. This also includes providing in-house vehicle relocation services, which is a rare perk in the moving industry.
This nationwide carrier has more than 500 individual locations around the country and can provide almost any add-on service customers could need.
Our Rating
Allied scored 4.7 out of 5 on our rating scale. Its local, long-distance, and international service profiles help it rank among our top moving companies. It provides packing, crating, storage, and more. It lost a few points under our rating criteria due to a lack of DIY moving options and move financing.
Read More: Allied Van Lines Review
Pros and Cons
Services
In addition to its professional packing and vehicle-shipping services, Allied has several specialty options for customizing your move plan. This includes Allied Express, its moving container service with expedited shipping for smaller moves. You can choose self-service packing and loading or request professional moving labor with your Allied Express shipment. Allied also offers these services:
- Corporate relocation
- Crating for fragile items
- Packing supplies for sale
- Temporary and permanent storage
- Third-party cleaning services
Cost
Allied offers an InstaQuote feature on its site for quick ballpark pricing. However, you should contact a moving company representative for a more comprehensive and customized quote. We used Allied’s InstaQuote tool to generate the following price range for our move.
- Sample Quote: $5,019–$5,798 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: None
- Payment Accepted: Cash, certified check, check, money order
Reputation and Reviews
Allied’s 500-plus locations vary widely in quality. For this reason, we recommend looking closely at local reviews, rather than nationwide consensus, when booking with this mover. Allied has an A+ BBB rating and has been accredited since 2012. Here are a couple of Allied reviews to give you an idea of service quality:
“We had a relatively small move of some of our home possessions to Florida. Although it was relatively small, there was still a lot of important things for us to bring to our new home. The driver and the men he brought to help him load were courteous, thorough, wrapped everything beautifully. Delivery was flawless and as professional and well done. Not a thing broken bent or torn. We’re very appreciative and would highly recommend Siracusa [Allied agent] moving and storage.” —Denise via Google Reviews in August 2023
“It was a challenge from the beginning with communication, supplies and timing of delivery. The real problem lies when you pay the high costs associated with a move, you at least expect your items will be handled with care. We had parts missing from chairs and desks. Our most important, costly recliner had a giant grease stain on it when unwrapped. The movers have a difficult job. It certainly is not easy, but the planning, communication and execution for the money we paid needed to be better.” —Scott via Google Reviews in May 2023
- Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 070851
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a full-service mover that provides comprehensive insurance coverage for your belongings in transit and an easy claims process if something goes wrong. This makes the company a great choice for those looking to transport expensive belongings during interstate or cross-country moves.
This mover was founded in 1933 and now provides quality moving help across all 50 states. Its protection plans, variable pricing structure, and 500 locations make it a good fit for any moving need and budget.
Our Rating
NAVL scored 4.6 out of 5 in our rating system. We gave this mover points for the breadth of its full-service moving options. It provides moving help across a wide range of distances, complete with packing and storage help. It lost points due to more restrictive booking practices, which require a phone call with a moving representative.
Read More: North American Van Lines Review
Pros and Cons
Services
For its packing services, North American Van Lines offers customers flexibility with its options for full or partial packing assistance. You can also have NAVL’s moving teams pack only your fragile items or other belongings that need maximum protection. Here are some of NAVL’s additional services:
- Appliance installation
- Debris removal
- Packing supplies
- Temporary and permanent storage
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
NAVL offers bottom-line pricing options for all moving quotes. This can help customers in any location avoid sticker shock when the final bill is due. That pricing model equates to all-inclusive rates, which won’t shift unless service needs or inventory do. We got a preliminary estimate for an interstate move, which we included here.
- Sample Quote: $5,067–$5,770 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: None
- Payment Accepted: Cash, certified check, money order, check
Reputation and Reviews
NAVL’s interstate moving options are among the best available. However, we still recommend reviewing customer feedback for your local NAVL branch before booking. Here are two customer reviews of this carrier:
“The crew that packed my apartment was amazing. They were extremely thorough and handled all my furniture as if it was their own. Everything arrived across country in one piece and as packed. The crew that delivered it was great, delivering my belongings to a difficult to reach address and moved things where I needed them to go. Through the whole process the move coordinators were highly responsive.” —Mark via Google Reviews in August 2023
“Much of our furniture and boxed items were damaged or pieces lost to put furniture back together. We are even missing a couple of expensive items. We are filing a report with the company. The movers were careless and negligent. I am appalled at the work ethic of the movers who moved our belongings from ***** to ******. So disappointing.” —Rebecca P via BBB on July 25, 2022
- Our Rating: 4.2 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 2247863
Moving APT is a moving broker that has been providing premium interstate service since 1999. It now operates through partners in all 50 states and can offer specialized services for long-distance and interstate moves of all sizes. Customers consistently rate this mover’s responsiveness and service profile highly and find that getting quick quotes and personalized estimates is easy through its informative website.
Our Rating
Moving APT scored 4.2 out of 5 on our rating scale. It primarily lost points due to its lack of online booking capabilities and less comprehensive insurance options, which vary between its partner companies. In addition to its local and long-distance moving services, it gained points for its moving calculator and other online moving resources.
Read More: Moving APT Review
Pros and Cons
Services
Moving APT can provide full-service assistance to all clients moving across state lines. Services include packing, loading, custom crating, and more. It also partners with leaders in the self-service moving space, allowing you to rent a moving container and handle the packing yourself. Moving APT can also arrange the following services:
- Cleaning services
- Commercial moves
- Shipment tracking
- Temporary and permanent storage
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
We used Moving APT’s cost calculator tool to yield the figure below. You can get a sample quote like this in a few minutes, but Moving APT will require a phone or in-person consultation for accurate pricing. Three of Moving APT’s partners contacted us after we shared our move details with a sales representative. You should prepare to field conversations with several interested movers.
- Sample Quote: $3,566–$6,266 (2-bedroom move from Portland to San Francisco)
- Deposit: Varies between partners
- Payment Accepted: Cash, check, money order
Reputation and Reviews
Moving APT’s resources and quick quotes get solid reviews, but its poor customer service after booking is worth noting. We’ve included a sample of this broker’s reviews below:
“The driver and crew were very efficient and hard working. Their time to load us and deliver was incredible. ***** was the driver and was a great leader. ****** and ******* were just great in their handling of our household goods. They were a delight to work with.” —David via BBB on July 11, 2023
“My furniture has been en route for 2 months and was supposed to be delivered in 1 week. The salemans lie and tell you they can accommodate the long distance but then customer service says they have 21 business days to deliver. No one can provide a manager and drivers information. Every conservation is scripted. I just want my antique deceased ******************. Im fearful they stole it and that is why they refuse to provide information of the location. They only told me ****************** has it and won’t provide any further information.” —Whitney via BBB on July 29, 2022
- Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Availability: 46 states*
- USDOT #: 125563
*Mayflower is not available in Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, or West Virginia.
Mayflower Moving is one of the oldest and most-trusted moving brands in the country. Mayflower has offered leading moving service since its founding in 1927. Today, it provides local, interstate, and international relocation assistance. It gets our vote for the best option for large moves due to its fleet of more than 800 trucks.
Our Rating
Mayflower Moving has a 4.8 out of 5 on our proprietary rating scale. Its comprehensive basic and add-on service profile makes it a solid choice for most residential or commercial moving needs. It offers tiered insurance options and has a solid customer service reputation, which boosted its overall rating.
Read More: Mayflower Review
Pros and Cons
Services
Mayflower Moving provides local, long-distance and international moving assistance. Its variety of service offerings includes the following:
- Crating
- GPS tracking
- Loading and unloading
- Packing
- Packing supplies
- Storage
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
Mayflower’s quote process is similar to other large movers. You submit a quote request form online or call to speak with a move coordinator to get your estimate. Have a full inventory list prepared of all major items to be moved. Mayflower will give you a binding estimate for your move with no deposit required for booking.
- Sample Quote: Contact for pricing
- Deposit: None required
- Payment Accepted: Cash, traveler’s check, cashier’s check, money order
Reputation and Reviews
Mayflower’s expedited service options and efficiency were commonly cited in positive reviews. However, negative feedback mentioned rushed estimates or altered pricing when the bill was due. Review recent customer feedback below:
“I called on a Saturday and they were able to fit me in first thing Monday morning. Very prompt. The guys were careful with my furniture” —Tamara via Google Reviews in June 2023
“Gave us a quote then never responded again. Also, the quote was 25% more than the competitor that actually communicated with us and we went with. Maybe I should thank [name] for not getting back to us.” —Brian via Google Reviews in August 2023
- Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 077949
United Van Lines is a long-standing leader in the moving industry. It has been in business since 1928 and offers local and long-distance service in all 50 states. It offers international moving services in 150 countries. We like that it provides specialized services for commercial moves and residential home offices. This helps ensure your valuable tech items make it to their destination unscathed.
Our Rating
United Van Lines earned 4.5 out of 5 points on our rating scale. It won high marks for its service offerings, valuation coverage, and scheduling options. We deducted some points because it doesn’t provide packing materials, truck rentals, or financing options.
Read More: United Van Lines Review
Pros and Cons
Services
With more than 4,000 registered trucks in its fleet, United Van Lines can offer direct service as a carrier. Its local, long-distance, and international service offerings can include the following:
- Moving labor
- Packing and unpacking
- Storage
- Tech breakdown and installation
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
United Van Lines provides flat-rate estimates for all long-distance moves it provides. Local moves are priced out at hourly rates, so pricing varies greatly depending on the ease of access to your old and new homes. We recommend calling United Van Lines for your own customized quote before booking.
- Sample Quote: Contact for pricing
- Deposit: None required
- Payment Accepted: Cash, traveler’s check, cashier’s check, money order
Reputation and Reviews
United’s dedicated tech and home office installation options are mentioned in many positive reviews. Like any moving company that operates throughout the United States, you’ll experience quality variance between locations.
“[Name] and his crew did an excellent job. They were very professional and courteous. I highly recommend them.” —Colleen via Google Reviews in September 2023
“Awful service, lack of communication, and unnecessary delays in resolving problems.We contracted with United to move our belongings from the ******* area to the ****** area. The service provider lost track of our shipment and was unable to tell ** where it was and when it would arrive. It ultimately arrived three days late.When seeking compensation for late delivery, following guidance provided by the company, we have yet to hear back from them regarding what is covered and how to apply for recovery.Amazed that this is a logistics company.” —Bruce V via BBB on February 21, 2023
Interstate Moving Cost Factors
We’ve outlined two basic pricing structures for interstate moves. We recommend getting a written estimate from your movers before booking.
Single-Day Interstate Moves:
Shorter, single-day interstate moves are typically billed hourly. This is similar to local moving cost structures. Any added services you request, such as packing, are baked into the final total via more billable working hours. You could incur material costs for packing supplies or crating or be billed flat fees for piano moving, pool table moving, and similar add-ons.
Either way, you’ll likely be quoted a ballpark figure. This will include all services rendered, an hourly rate based on mover demand, and a rough estimate for the total time your move will take.
Multi-Day Interstate Moves:
Longer interstate relocations will be billed at flat rates or ballpark estimates based on the following factors:
- Move distance and shipping weight: These two factors are used to calculate “line-haul fees,” which account for the majority of any long-distance move’s cost. Movers should have defined weigh-in processes for their trucks and stable per-mile rates to determine these fees.
- Add-on services: Added services, such as packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and more will inflate your cost. These may have flat fees attached, or they may be folded into your line-haul fee. This will depend on the mover you use.
- Move date: This is a cost factor for all moves. Moving between May and September will often come with higher rates, which are raised in response to heightened demand.
- Advance booking: Booking your move at least six weeks to a month in advance will help ensure that you don’t incur higher rates. Some movers will bill higher rates when you book within a week of your move date.
The company you choose will determine the cost of your move. We requested sample quotes for an interstate, two-bedroom move as part of our moving provider research. We’ve included a quick quote comparison in the table below to help you prepare for your own interstate moving quote process.
Moving Company | Sample Quote* |
---|---|
International Van Lines | $2,015–$3,445 |
American Van Lines | $3,910 |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | $4,450 |
Safeway Moving Inc. | $5,695 |
JK Moving Services | $6,622 |
Allied Van Lines | $5,019–$5,798 |
North American Van Lines | $5,067–$5,770 |
Moving APT | $3,566–$6,266 |
Mayflower | Call for a quote |
United Van Lines | Call for a quote |
*Sample quotes are for a 2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco.
How To Prepare for an Interstate Move
An interstate moving company streamlines your move to a new home across state lines, but you still need to prepare ahead of moving day for the most successful moving experience.
- Downsize: The less you have, the less your move will cost. When you create your home inventory list, keep track of the items you plan to sell, donate, or throw away.
- Create an inventory list: Write up an inventory list by room. If you’re packing yourself, roughly estimate how many boxes you’ll need for each room.
- Research moving companies: Start assembling a list of reputable moving companies that serve your area. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a great government resource to find a company’s insurance information and see whether it has any active red flags, such as revoked licensing.
- Get quotes and book your move: Get quotes from all of the moving companies you’re considering between six weeks to one month ahead of your move date. Aim to book your move at least a month in advance. Get copies of your moving contract when you confirm your move date. Also, read the FMCSA’s Rights and Responsibilities documentation; your mover should provide you with a copy.
- File a change of address: File change-of-address forms with your local post office. Then, change your contact information with your bank, place of employment, and any other relevant institution.
How To Choose the Best Interstate Moving Company
Here, we’ve listed a few key steps to take when evaluating any mover.
- Research customer reviews: Look up reviews before getting quotes. Even the best national moving companies have locations in some areas that provide subpar service. Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and social media are great sources for customer feedback. When reading reviews, note both positive and negative trends to inform you about how a mover treats its customers. Research location-specific reviews to ensure the quality of service in your area.
- Ensure your service needs will be met: Make a list of all services you’ll need your movers to handle before getting a quote. For example, decide if you want full packing or only loading and unloading service. If you plan to fly to your new state, you may need to consider vehicle shipping. Reference your list of required services and inquire about the accompanying rates during your in-person consultation.
- Evaluate your movers’ quote processes: Request quotes from any mover you consider for your relocation. Ask about deposit requirements and whether they provide flat-rate or binding estimates. You can also ask about moving insurance options during the quote process.
Watch the video below for a quick guide to vetting and booking a mover:
Interstate vs. Intrastate Movers
An interstate move means you are crossing state lines as you’re moving from one state to another. Interstate moving companies must adhere to stricter federal guidelines and licensing requirements than intrastate or local moving companies. When you book with an interstate moving company, ensure it is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look up its U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers through the FMCSA database.
Intrastate moves take place within a single state. Intrastate moving companies only have to be registered within their home state but still have an FMCSA profile.
How To Plan Your Move
Planning an interstate move is an involved process. We’ve broken down a moving checklist and an average timeline to help you book on time and stay on track with packing for your interstate move.
- Eight weeks: Take a full inventory of your home. Write lists of what you plan to take and what you plan to get rid of. Use these lists when you request quotes from movers. Begin researching movers near you.
- Six weeks: Field quotes from movers near you and begin packing your belongings. Start with out-of-season items and work your way toward more essential items at a measured packing pace (a few boxes per day).
- Four weeks: Aim to book your move around a month before your move date. Continue packing your items, and arrange for shut-off and turn-on dates for all utility services at your current and new addresses.
- Two weeks: Continue packing. You’ll be packing some semi-essential items at this point. File a change of address form at your local post office or online.
- Moving week: Finish your move preparations by packing your kitchen items and some of your essential clothing. Leave just enough clothing and kitchenware until the day before the move to ensure you can cook and have access to essential goods during your road trip to a new state.
Our Conclusion
Get at least three quotes from professional interstate movers before booking to vet providers and get the best price for the job. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies before booking your move. Doing so is the best way to properly vet your options and get the best price for the job. International Van Lines gets our vote as the best mover for anyone crossing state lines, as its ample service profile should make for an easy move in any situation.
IMRG’s unmatched reach and partner network helped it rate highly on our list. If your move requires specialized packing or added protection for your goods traveling to another state, IMRG’s partner companies in your area could help.
Get quotes six to eight weeks before your move, and book at least a month in advance. This is the best way to ensure that you lock in a low rate and that all needed services will be handled.
FAQ About Interstate Movers
After our team researched numerous moving companies across the nation, we found the best interstate moving company to be International Van Lines.
The cheapest day to hire a moving company is typically Monday through Thursday in the fall or spring season. Moving companies may raise rates in the summer months and on weekends to cope with higher demand. We recommend booking your move during the week in the fall or spring to avoid paying higher rates.
An interstate move is when you move from one state to another. It is regulated primarily by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
An intrastate move is a move that takes place within the borders of one state, such as moving within California from Sacramento to Los Angeles.
It is typically a better idea to keep your furniture if you are moving locally or a shorter distance. If you are moving cross-country, it can be more cost-effective to sell your furniture and get new furniture once you are settled in. You will cut down on the size and weight of your move and reduce your overall cost with the moving company.
Our top pick for best overall interstate mover, International Van Lines, made Newsweek’s 2021 list of companies with the best customer service.
The following items should not be placed in a portable moving container or a moving truck:
- Acids
- Aerosols
- Batteries
- Fertilizer
- Fire extinguishers
- Gasoline
- Loaded guns
- Nail polish remover
- Paints
- Perishable foods
- Pesticides
- Poisons
- Pool chemicals
- Propane tanks
- Vehicle oil
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.