The Best Long-Distance Movers in Independence, KY
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The best long-distance mover in Independence is Smooth Move Relocation Services (4.52/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Kentucky, per moveBuddha's analysis of 28 Kentucky movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Independence?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Independence residents moving out of Kentucky are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Independence for in-state moves?
Smooth Move Relocation Services (4.52/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Independence-based mover for long-distance moves within Kentucky, followed by Clark and Sons Moving (4.52/5) and Leaders Moving & Storage Co. (4.62/5). Of the 12 intrastate-capable movers serving Independence, 12 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Independence are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Independence but stay within Kentucky:
- Smooth Move Relocation Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Clark and Sons Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Smooth Move Relocation Services has been in business for 23 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Smooth Move Relocation Services has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 226 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.7.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Smooth Move Relocation Services.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Smooth Move Relocation Services emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Tony and his crew moved me from Cincinnati to Richmond, VA and I couldn't have had a better experience. Tony came out to give me a free in-home estimate and was super easy to work with to schedule my pick-up and drop-off dates. His guys were fast and efficient both loading and unloading and all my belongings were handled with care. I have several pieces of antique furniture, all of which arrived without a scratch. Even my old, flimsy, press board shelves arrived intact (I honestly didn't think they'd survive another move, but they live to see another day!). Moving is stressful (especially long distance moves), but knowing your belongings are going to be taken care of and arrive when they're supposed to makes the whole process much easier. Truly cannot recommend Smooth Move enough!!"
"I started my search for a moving company through friends and family but none have had a move experience in many years. So, I turned to Google, which is craziness at best. The reviews are all over the place and so many companies to choose from. I narrowed the search to three companies, and based on price, they were all very similar. Tony with Smooth Move was the only one willing to accommodate our need for day after Thanksgiving, so this was a plus, Tony ( the owner) was very responsive for calls and texts, and he was very clear on the expectations for the move. Based on our move inventory, he recommended a 4 or 6 man crew with the cost difference and estimated hours to move with either choice. We settled on a 5 man crew with one truck. I couldn’t have been more satisfied with the move experience. We had never used a moving company before, and I had expected all types of issues based on reviews of ALL moving companies and horror stories from other people. Tony and his team did a fabulous job. We highly recommend Smooth Move."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Clark and Sons Moving has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Clark and Sons Moving has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 289 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Clark and Sons Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Clark and Sons Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew from Clark and Sons arrived on time and worked nonstop. The move took a bit longer than expected...but the crew worked on until we were in our new home...use Clark and sons...relax and let them get the job done!!"
"Russ and Robert were literally the BEST movers I’ve ever had!! Very communicative, organized, and hard workers. They weren’t like typical places where they milk the hour(s) to get more money. They were legit running back and forth to get it done."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Transparent pricing
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Leaders Moving & Storage Co. has been in business for 30 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Leaders Moving & Storage Co. has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 260 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Leaders Moving & Storage Co..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Leaders Moving & Storage Co. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers were professional, efficient, and very careful with my furniture. Everything arrived safely and on time, and the team was exceptionally polite. I’ll recommend Leaders to friends and use them again!"
"10/10 moving experience. Gave me a quote and the move was the exact price. Handled with care. Movers were careful and fast and I appreciate all of that. I'd definitely recommend Leaders Moving & Storage."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 247 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They moved my 3-BR, 2-Bath house in about half the time and at half the price than was originally estimated. Would 1000% recommend and will be using them again whenever my next move is."
"Jakobi M and Steven R were professional, efficient, and handled everything with great care. Friendly, respectful, and worked incredibly well as a team. Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable movers."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Bellhop Moving has been in business for 13 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Bellhop Moving has about 82% positive reviews across roughly 206 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Bellhop Moving, and Bellhop Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Bellhop Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Kirk and his crew were awesome. They moved our furniture quickly and were very professional and courteous. Highly recommend Bellhop services."
"The gentlemen they sent, Tory and Jermane, were so, so helpful and kind. We got everything moved very quickly! These guys are stellar! Highly recommend."
What add-on services do Independence movers offer?
Not every mover in Independence offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 12 Independence movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Junk removal: offered by 66.67% of Independence movers, compared to 32.14% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 8.33% of Independence movers, compared to 17.86% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 83.33% of Independence movers, compared to 85.71% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 25.0% of Independence movers, compared to 75.0% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Independence's cost of living.
Does Independence have movers that offer art handling?
No Independence movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer art handling. Statewide, 11 of 28 Kentucky movers offer this service (39.29%), compared to 45.83% nationally. Berger Allied Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top-rated Kentucky mover for art handling in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Independence residents needing this service. Per-piece handling runs $45 to $445, with custom crates adding $134 to $178 per item.
| Art handling in Independence | Details |
|---|---|
| Independence movers offering this | 0 of 12 — no Independence providers currently listed |
| Kentucky statewide | 11 of 28 (39.29%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Kentucky statewide provider | Berger Allied Moving & Storage (4.62/5) |
| Per-piece handling fee | $45 to $445 |
| Custom crating per item | $134 to $178 |
UV exposure discolors pigments. Humidity shifts warp canvas and crack paint layers. Impact fractures damage sculpture and frames. Standard moving blankets address none of these risks adequately for high-value artwork. Archival packing materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece are the professional standard for art moving. Verify the mover has documented experience with your specific media type before committing.
Does Independence have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 8 of 12 Independence movers (66.67%), compared to 32.14% statewide and 36.39% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.62/5) and Bellhop Moving (4.34/5) rate highest for junk removal in Independence. Standalone junk removal typically runs $134 to $445 per load.
| Junk removal in Independence | Details |
|---|---|
| Independence movers offering this | 8 of 12 (66.67%) |
| Kentucky statewide | 9 of 28 (32.14%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Independence junk removal movers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Bellhop Moving |
| Typical cost per load | $134 to $445 |
| Single large item | $67 to $134 |
Bundling junk removal with a move is almost always cheaper than scheduling it as a separate service. Removing unwanted items before a mover arrives also reduces the billable weight of the shipment, which lowers the base moving cost on weight-based quotes.
Does Independence have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 12 Independence movers (8.33%), compared to 17.86% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Keep On Moving (4.22/5) and Vincent Fister Inc. (4.58/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Independence. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Independence | Details |
|---|---|
| Independence movers offering this | 1 of 12 (8.33%) |
| Kentucky statewide | 5 of 28 (17.86%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Independence providers | Keep On Moving, Vincent Fister Inc. |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without requiring a full-service packing contract. Professional packing adds $0.15 to $0.21 per pound on average to a move's total cost, so limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce that add-on while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk.
Does Independence have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 10 of 12 Independence movers (83.33%), compared to 85.71% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Clark and Sons Moving (4.52/5) and Leaders Moving & Storage Co. (4.62/5) rate highest for storage in Independence. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $229/month.
| Storage in Independence | Details |
|---|---|
| Independence movers offering this | 10 of 12 (83.33%) |
| Kentucky statewide | 24 of 28 (85.71%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Independence storage movers | Clark and Sons Moving, Leaders Moving & Storage Co. |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $229 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $445 |
Storage-in-transit keeps belongings with the mover's network between pickup and delivery, avoiding the cost of a third-party facility transfer. At $0.50 per cubic foot per month, a standard 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) runs roughly $229 per month. For longer gaps, confirm whether the mover's valuation coverage remains active while items are in storage.
Does Independence have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
No Independence movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer hot tub relocation. Statewide, 4 of 28 Kentucky movers offer this service (14.29%), compared to 21.93% nationally. Berger Allied Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top-rated Kentucky mover for hot tub relocation in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Independence residents needing this service. Hot tub moves typically run $134 to $356 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Independence | Details |
|---|---|
| Independence movers offering this | 0 of 12 — no Independence providers currently listed |
| Kentucky statewide | 4 of 28 (14.29%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Kentucky statewide provider | Berger Allied Moving & Storage (4.62/5) |
| Bundled with full-service move | $134 to $356 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $267 to $712 |
Empty weight for most hot tubs is 500 to 1,000 lbs. The unit must be fully drained, and electrical or plumbing disconnection may require a licensed contractor before the mover can load it. Narrow side-gate access or no direct truck access to the backyard can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price.
Does Independence have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 3 of 12 Independence movers (25.0%), compared to 75.0% statewide and 72.52% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.62/5) and Keep On Moving (4.22/5) rate highest for piano moving in Independence. A standalone piano move typically costs $712 to $3,115, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Independence | Details |
|---|---|
| Independence movers offering this | 3 of 12 (25.0%) |
| Kentucky statewide | 21 of 28 (75.0%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Independence piano movers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Keep On Moving |
| Upright piano | $712 to $1,335 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,068 to $2,225 |
| Grand piano | $1,602 to $3,115 |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs. Moving either without a piano board, padded blankets, and proper straps risks cracking the soundboard or snapping the legs, damage that a mover's standard released-value policy covers at just $0.60 per pound regardless of the instrument's value. Requesting full valuation coverage specifically for the piano is the most direct way to close that gap. For most moves, bundling piano service into a full-service household move costs less than a standalone piano carrier.
Who are the best movers in Independence for small long-distance moves?
Bellhop Moving leads Independence's small-move providers with a 4.34/5 moveBuddha score, followed by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving at 4.52/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Independence?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Independence. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Independence residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Independence?
8 of 12 Independence movers (66.67%) offer labor-only services, compared to 46.43% statewide and 54.55% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.62/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Independence, followed by Bellhop Moving (4.34/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Independence residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Independence moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Independence. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Independence?
Moving costs across Kentucky range from $329 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $126/hour) to $2,969 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Kentucky mover quotes. The table below shows Kentucky statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Independence will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Kentucky* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $329 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $455 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $732 |
| 3-bedroom home | $1,685 |
| 4-bedroom home | $1,932 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $2,969 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Kentucky. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Kentucky statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Independence?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Independence move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Independence, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Independence
Do long-distance movers in Independence need to be licensed?
Every mover handling a cross-state shipment from Independence must hold a valid US Department of Transportation number and maintain FMCSA registration. Of the 12 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Independence, 9 are licensed for interstate moves — and every company recommended on this page is among them. Verify any mover's credentials in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
Before your move, read the FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide to understand the consumer protections that apply once you sign with a licensed carrier.
Is a local mover or a national mover better for leaving Independence?
Local movers in Independence are the most affordable option for moves that stay within Kentucky. Of the 12 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Independence, 9 are licensed for interstate routes and average $70/hour. The top-rated options are highlighted on this page.
When a move crosses out of Kentucky, national movers with dedicated long-distance networks often handle the logistics more smoothly, though at a premium over local rates.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Independence?
The cheapest moving window in Independence is late fall through early winter. Average lows of 23°F, combined with school schedules and the holiday season, suppress demand and keep mover capacity high. Movers are most open to rate negotiation during this period. For anyone with scheduling flexibility, a November or December move date is the single most reliable way to lower your total cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Independence?
When cost is the priority, a DIY move out of Independence is almost always the winner, particularly for moves within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers save roughly 30% compared to full-service movers on equivalent routes, according to moveBuddha's data. The most economical options are a rental truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For more savings strategies on longer moves, see the cheapest ways to move out of state.
