The Best Interstate Movers Of 2024
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Our Ratings of the Best Interstate Moving Companies
Here are our ratings for the best interstate movers:
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best industry reputation: American Van Lines
- Best customer service: International Van Lines
- Best for complex moves: AirVan North American Van Lines
- Best for high-end moves: JK Moving Services
Comparing the Best Interstate Moving Companies
Our Reviews of the Best Interstate Moving Companies
Safeway Moving: Best overall value
Safeway Moving, (USDOT# 3756000), is a veteran-owned interstate moving company with the mission to offer military precision relocation. Safeway offers very competitive pricing because they have access to a huge network of truck capacity across the country.
Their multi-stage quality assurance process also ensures moves go smoothly from pickup to delivery. This focus on quality and accurate pricing is a huge reason why Safeway made our list.
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Pros & Cons of Safeway Moving
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- High level of customer service and support
- Handle small and large interstate moves
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- Veteran-owned company
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered as they specialize in interstate moves
Our Review of Safeway Moving
There’s a reason we’ve been recommending Safeway Moving (USDOT# 3756000) as one of the best long-distance movers to our readers for years. Safeway leverages its extensive network of moving trucks to offer full-service packing and moving nationwide and also provides 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves (because employment and housing gaps aren’t uncommon when relocating).
Our customers regularly praise Safeway’s easy quoting and booking process. When Christian had to move from New York to California for a new job, he quickly got a quote from Safeway with just one phone call. And despite some unavoidable complications with his move, the final price was within a few hundred dollars off Safeway’s original estimate. Christian was super happy with Safeway and said he’d use them again.
Isabel’s move was a similar story. After receiving a fast and competitive quote for her move from San Francisco to NYC, she chose to book with Safeway. Isabel’s items ended up arriving at her new home in NYC ahead of schedule before she’d even arrived in the city. Most companies would charge hefty storage fees in this situation, but Safeway offered to store her items for free.
Of course, not every move is perfect. Ryan’s move with Safeway went significantly over the original estimate, but since Ryan’s move, Safeway has added several additional quality checks to prevent that type of situation. No moving company gets it right every time, but Safeway is dedicated to learning from their mistakes, which we love about the company.
While Safeway Moving is a stand-out provider for long-distance moving services, it isn’t the best option for small or local moves. You can find the best local movers in your area here.
Like any interstate moving company, Safeway has its pros and cons. Still, we can attest that the company is continually evolving to deliver high-quality customer service that minimizes the stress of the moving experience. We’d recommend Safeway Moving to anyone planning to move long-distance.
- GPS tracked trucks and tractors
- Barcode scanned and tracked inventory of your possessions
- Dedicated move coordinator assigned to each client
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
93% of users select this mover
Our Full Review: Safeway Moving
American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
American Van Lines (USDOT# 614506) started in 1995 with only two trucks and a single location. American Van Lines (AVL) has grown to become a nationwide full-service moving company with more than 70 moving trucks servicing 48 states (not available in Alaska or Hawaii). Despite their rapid growth, AVL still feels like a family-owned business.
This year, Newsweek Magazine commissioned an independent survey and found American Van Lines ranks as one of America’s Best Customer Service in the Moving Services category. Wow!
Their focus on customer service and affordable pricing make the moving process a little less stressful and put AVL at the top of our list!
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Pros & Cons of American Van Lines
- Excellent customer service scores
- Can handle last minute moves
- Private storage options available
- Member of top industry organizations
- Best pricing we’ve seen
- Various quote process options (video, app, phone)
- Can handle antiques, pianos, fine art, etc.
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Our Review of American Van Lines
We think American Van Lines (AVL) is one of the best long-distance movers in the business. Unlike other large van lines, AVL has kept its operation lean. This allows them to offer high quality services at very affordable prices.
We can’t focus enough on AVL’s customer service. Every interstate moving company is going to have some bad reviews. Mistakes happen during the moving process. But rarely do you see the owner of a large van line stepping in to make sure customers leave happy. Their focus on customer satisfaction is exemplary.
Other than great service and pricing, AVL is also able to accommodate last-minute long-distance moves. By using AI technology, they’re able to give customers accurate and binding estimates in minutes. Their focus on efficiency allows them to service last minute moves other companies can’t.
The only drawback we could find is sometimes AVL requires a deposit to book. We haven’t seen complaints about this policy so it’s safe to say AVL handles deposits fairly. We’ve also seen some complaints about the company’s automated phone system calling too frequently and dropping calls.
American Van Lines is an impressive full-service moving company. Moving costs are rising, and a lot of moving companies struggle to offer competitive rates while maintaining service. AVL seems to have this formula figured out.
- Over 20 years in business
- Excellent customer service score
- Best pricing we've seen
- Can handle last minute moves
93% of users select this mover
Our Full Review: American Van Lines
International Van Lines: Best customer service
International Van Lines (USDOT# 2247789), is what we’ve desperately been looking for in a professional moving company. They make booking a move as easy and transparent as booking a flight. The interstate moving company has a huge network of company-owned trucks and third-party carriers that allow International Van Lines (IVL) to perform local moves and long-distance moves to just about anywhere, all while maintaining a high level of customer service. IVL also provides international moving services to more than 180 countries.
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Pros & Cons of International Van Lines
- 10% discount for veterans and seniors
- Local, long-distance, and international moving services
- Storage, junk removal, home cleaning services also available
- Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
- Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer service
- Full-service packing options
- Require a deposit at booking on most moves
- Some moves are brokered so quality can vary
Our Review of International Van Lines
International Van Lines founder Josh Morales understands the challenges of running a moving company. Full-service moving companies require a patient and compassionate business owner. Two qualities Josh brings plenty of to his interstate moving company.
IVL has built a huge network of both company-owned trucks and moving company partners which enables them to offer some really compelling moving services. IVL can do moves anywhere in the U.S., as well as internationally. The company also offers extremely competitive moving rates because its network includes so much truck capacity.
Another thing we love about IVL is its 24/7 customer service line. Moving is far from a perfect science and sometimes moves can get delayed and stretch into after hours. That’s why having a 24/7 customer service agent to rely on is a nice perk. You’ll always have a live contact back at headquarters if there’s an issue at the move location.
We also like IVL’s straightforward pricing and simple booking process. Getting a binding quote for an interstate or international move can be done efficiently over the phone but they also offer video or in-home surveys if needed.
There are 2 drawbacks to the way IVL operates. First, they do require a deposit when booking a move. The deposit is usually around 25% of the total moving cost. Second, on some moves, the company will broker the move to their moving partner network. When a move is brokered quality can vary. Although IVL does seem to have a good bit of experience making sure brokered moves go well.
We here at moveBuddha think International Van Lines is certainly a company worth getting a quote from.
- 10% discount for veterans and seniors
- Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
- Services local, long-distance, and international moves
- Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer service
93% of users select this mover
Our Full Review: International Van Lines
AirVan North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
AirVan North American Van Lines (USDOT# 70851) is an excellent choice if you need a long-distance moving company. With over 74 years in business and a network of 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states, North American Van Lines (NAVL) is one of the largest moving companies in the U.S. They are also the highest rated nationwide moving company among moveBuddha customers.
rating
4.25 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Pros & Cons of Air Van northAmerican
- Highest rated by moveBuddha users
- Offer “Binding not-to-exceed” estimates
- 1,500+ locations covering all 50 states
- 74+ years in business
- Handle both local & interstate moves
- Storage locations available in all 50 states
- Online shipment tracking
- Need to book well in advance
- Pricing is on the high end
Our Review of AirVan North American Van Lines
The results are in and moveBuddha customers love AirVan North American Van Lines. We consistently see the company earning top marks across the board, especially in the areas of customer service and honest pricing.
One thing we really like about NAVL is their binding “Not-To-Exceed” estimates. These estimates give you the peace of mind that you won’t be charged more than the estimate but also allow your price to be reduced later on if your move ends up being smaller they adjust the price. That’s an honest estimate!
The company also has a huge array of full-service packing and moving options, including storage, fragile item crating, piano/hot tub moving, and full packing at your current home and unpacking at your new home. With 74 years of experience, there’s nothing AirVan North American hasn’t moved at this point.
Something we found frustrating about NAVL is they book up quickly, especially during the summer. If you don’t call well in advance (2 months or so) don’t be surprised if they don’t have any availability.
- Over 74 years in business
- More than 1,800 trucks in the fleet
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Top major moving company in the U.S.
- Highest rated agent van line among moveBuddha customers
93% of users select this mover
Our Full Review: AirVan North American Van Lines
JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
JK Moving Services (USDOT# 1065394) is a premium moving company and the preferred mover for U.S. presidents and many Fortune 500 companies. JK has a reputation for a level of quality and professionalism that many moving companies lack.
As with any elite service, JK Moving’s pricing can often come in above the competition. But the added cost is worth the extra assurance your move will be handled professionally and you’ll have the option for full-service packing and white-glove handling of your belongings. They also offer financing options for customers who may not immediately have the cash to pay.
rating
4.25 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Pros & Cons of JK Moving Services
- Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
- Third-party financing options available to help pay for the move
- Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
- Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
- Phone app that let’s you message your movers, track your move and pay
- Extremely responsive customer service
- Premium service and guarantees come with higher pricing
- Not a good option for tight budget movers
Our Review of JK Moving Services
JK Moving is known in the corporate world as a goto mover for Fortune 500 companies. So if some of the largest companies in the world prefer JK, you know they must be doing something right. And with over 40 years in business, the company has an incredible track record of delivering high-quality moving experiences nationwide.
To prove our point, JK completed roughly 40,000 moves over the past three years while maintaining an incredibly low complaint ratio. That’s incredible. Most moving companies operating at that volume receive hundreds of complaints per year.
Another thing we really like about JK is they make getting an accurate quote easy. With their AI powered in-home estimate tool, you simply scan the rooms you’re moving. Then artificial intelligence builds an inventory list of all your items. Very cool!
Most moving companies will make loose promises around pick-up and delivery times. But not JK. The company offers guaranteed pick-up and delivery dates and they’re willing to bet money on them arriving on time. Definitely a huge bonus for anyone concerned with the timing of their move.
But high-quality services and guarantees come with a drawback — cost. JK is typically more expensive than other, more budget-focused moving companies. JK is not a good option for anyone on a tight budget or looking for a deal.
JK Moving is definitely a company to consider for anyone who wants that extra level of assurance that their move will be handled properly.
- Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
- Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
- Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
- Over 40k moves in the past 3 years
- Available Financing as low as 0% Interest for low monthly payments
- Extremely responsive customer service
93% of users select this mover
Our Full Review: JK Moving Services
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How we chose the best interstate moving companies
We’ve been evaluating moving companies for over 10 years and have developed a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. We look at:
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated moving cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well regarded professionally and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (10%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing services, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery and more.
National availability (5%): The company offers origin and destination services across the country.
Average Cost of an Interstate Move
Depending on the size and distance of the move, interstate moving costs can range anywhere from $900 for studio apartment going less than 100 miles to $3,500 to move a studio apartment across the country.
Larger, 4-5 bedroom homes on average can cost $2,000–$5,000 going less than 100 miles and $8,500–$15,000 going across the country.
The type of interstate moving company, time of year, and any specialty items, white-glove packing services, or service requests can also affect pricing. To get a ballpark estimate of moving costs check out our moving cost calculator.
Factors that Affect the Cost of an Interstate Moves
- Distance
- Amount of belongings
- Specialty items
- Accessibility of pickup and delivery sites
- Driver expenses (gas, tolls, accommodation)
- Additional fees for add-on services like full-service packing
How can I save money when I’m moving?
We went deep undercover with industry insiders and got them to spill the beans on how you can save money when you use a professional interstate mover.
Get multiple quotes
Long distance moving is a game of logistics. Different schedules, availability and more allow some moving companies to offer better prices than others.
Getting several moving quotes increases the odds you find a mover in a position to offer a discounted rate. Just make sure you find reputable movers!
Book early
Ideally, you should book your mover 30-60 days in advance. Moving companies will increase prices for moves booked last minute or worst case they may not have any availability at all.
Flexible pickup & delivery
Moving is a tough business and movers often face unexpected delays like weather or traffic issues. Customers with flexible move dates enable moving companies to build some cushion into their schedule. Often times resulting in a better price for you.
Sell, donate, trash items
Roughly 70% of your total cost is determined by how much you’re moving. A good first step in the moving process is to go through your belongings and get rid of items that you no longer use or want. Downsizing can help you save money, but be aware most movers have minimum size requirements so don’t get rid of too much.
Move mid-month
Rental leases typically turnover at the end of the month causing spikes in demand on those last few days. Avoiding the rush by moving in the middle of the month can often result in better pricing.
Move mid-week
Weekends are always a more popular time to move. If you move mid-week availability and pricing will typically be better.
Prep your move properly
Avoid getting charged for expensive packing materials on moving day by properly preparing your move. Mattresses should have covers, glass table tops need to be protected, all loose items need to go in boxes.
Work with your move coordinator directly to understand who is responsible for packing certain items. If you’re packing yourself, make sure you understand the mover’s packing standards or they will have to repack items at your expense.
We did even more research and found the cheapest moving companies that are worth considering.
Do moving companies charge extra fees?
The moving industry is notorious for low ball estimates and extra fees. If you hire a bad interstate moving company they will often play games with their estimates and end up charging you more when the actual bill arrives.
Good moving companies will try to estimate the cost of your move as accurately as possible. Be sure to work closely with your mover and take the time to provide them with all the necessary details about your move.
Our article on legitimate ways a mover can increase your final cost is a good way to make sure you’re fully prepared.
What types of additional fees do movers charge?
A good moving company will always try to include all charges in their initial estimate. But details can change so it’s important to know any possible extra charges that may arise during the move. Extra fees are added to the upfront moving estimate and are typically reserved for additional services that make the move stress-free. There are also additional charges if the move is complicated by access issues.
Long carry
Most movers will charge an additional fee if the distance to your front door from the truck is over 75ft. If you live in an apartment building, the distance is measured from the front door of your actual apartment, not the building.
Stair carry
If there are more than 1 or 2 flights of stairs leading up to your residence, movers will typically charge a fee per additional flight of stairs.
Elevator
Some movers will charge an elevator fee if your residence is located on a floor that requires a lengthy elevator ride or if your building has a narrow elevator requiring a lot of trips.
Extra stops
Need to stop by a local storage unit or your in-law’s house? Movers will typically charge a fee for additional stops beyond the primary residence.
Handling fees
Movers will typically charge a fee for items such as heavy safes, riding lawnmowers, pianos, hot tubs, large tool chests, etc. These items typically require additional equipment and labor to ensure safe transport.
Connecting appliances
Some companies may charge an additional fee to disconnect and reconnect appliances such as washers, dryers, and dishwashers.
Storage-in-Transit (SIT)
For long distance moves, most movers offer 30 days of free storage. For storage longer than 30 days, typically a monthly fee applies. If you require 6 months or more of storage you may want to consider delivery to a local storage unit or using a portable storage container for your move.
Additional valuation coverage
While every long distance mover includes $.60 per pound of valuation coverage in their base price, it’s highly recommended you consider increasing this amount.
Expedited delivery
For an additional cost, movers agree to expedite your delivery and have your items delivered on or before a specific date.
Shuttle services
Most long distance moves will be done with a ’53 tractor-trailer (like you see on the interstate). If a full-size tractor-trailer can’t get to your residence, a smaller, shuttle truck may be necessary. Shuttles are frequently required in urban areas and can increase move costs significantly.
Guaranteed delivery
The movers will guarantee a specific date when your items are delivered. Depending on the distance and locations guaranteed delivery can be very expensive.
Full-service packing
Most movers will offer full-service packing, which means crews will pack all your loose items into boxes for you. Having professionals pack everything will also extend your valuation coverage to all boxed items. So if a box isn’t packed properly the movers will be on the hook for it, not you.
Specialty packing & crating
Fragile items such as mirrors, glass table tops, grandfather clocks, flat screen TVs, chandeliers, etc., require specialty packing or crating to prevent damage. Work with your mover directly to understand who is responsible for packing delicate items. If you’re packing fragile items yourself, make sure you meet the movers packing standards or they will have to repack items at your expense.
What services do professional moving companies provide?
A full-service moving company’s basic package usually includes:
- Loading and unloading of all items
- Disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture
- Moving blankets, pads, straps
- All moving equipment (dolly, rollers)
- Fuel, tolls, taxes
- Parking permits
- Basic valuation coverage (not insurance)
- The following add-ons typically cost extra:
- Packing supplies like boxes, paper wrap, etc.
- Full pack service of boxes & loose items
- Short or long term storage (sometimes free)
- Additional insurance coverage (full value protection)
- Breakdown & reassembly of complicated furniture (IKEA)
- Packing of fragile or bulky items
- Full unpacking of boxes and loose items
How to choose the best interstate moving company
When moving long distance it’s important you choose a moving company with a strong reputation and solid track record of performing interstate moves. Moves across state lines require special licensing and expertise.
Things to look for:
- Compliance with federal government regulations (ex.: active Department of Transportation (DOT) license and insurance)
- No Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) complaint history
- Check online review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- How long has the company been in business?
- Is the owner or employees listed on LinkedIn?
- Are they active on social media?
- Can you google their address? Are there trucks or a warehouse?
Once you narrow down your search to a few moving companies, be sure to ask questions about their staff. Does the company conduct background checks on its movers and drivers? Are crews trained in specialized services like piano moving?
Preparing for Your Interstate Move
An interstate move requires thorough preparation. Start by making a comprehensive plan that covers all aspects of your move. This includes setting a budget, determining a timeline, choosing interstate moving services, and getting all the necessary supplies. Consider creating a moving checklist to stay organized and ensure that no task is overlooked.
Research the New Area
Familiarize yourself with your new area. Look into the cost of living, local customs, climate, and amenities like schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spots. Also, consider safety by checking crime rates. Understanding these factors can help ease your transition into your new environment.
Declutter Your Current Home
Before packing, declutter your home. Get rid of anything you no longer need or want, which can save on moving costs and reduce your packing workload. You can donate, sell, or recycle items to minimize waste.
Choose a Moving Company
Carefully select a moving company to handle your interstate move. Look for reputable movers with positive reviews, a solid track record of interstate moves, and proper licensing and insurance. Remember to get quotes from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
Set Up Your New Utilities
Set up utilities at your new home prior to your move. This includes electricity, water, gas, internet, and any other necessary services. Contact the appropriate providers to arrange for service setup or transfer.
Create a Moving Inventory
Creating a moving inventory is an essential step. Document all items being moved, ideally with photos and a detailed description of each item. This can be extremely helpful for insurance purposes and to keep track of your belongings throughout the move.
Update Personal Details
Remember to update your personal details like your address on your driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, and any other relevant documents or accounts. It’s also important to notify your bank, insurance company, and other institutions of your move.
FAQs about interstate moving companies
What is the difference between an interstate move and a long-distance move?
An interstate move and a long distance move are terms often used interchangeably, but there are slight differences between the two.
An interstate move crosses state lines during relocation, even if it circles back to the originating state. It’s regulated by federal laws and requires a moving company with a US DOT license. If you move from New York to North Carolina, that’s an example of an interstate move.
A long-distance relocation, however, covers a significant distance (usually greater than 50 miles) within the same state and is governed by state laws. If you move from Los Angeles to San Francisco, that’s a long distance move since you’re in the same state but traveling more than 50 miles. If this is more of what you’re looking for, check out our best long distance movers guide.
Both moves involve similar preparations, but the difference impacts the choice of moving company and relevant regulations.
Do interstate movers have a minimum size requirement?
Most moving companies have a minimum size requirement of 1,000 pounds which is equivalent to roughly 40 medium-sized moving boxes or a small studio worth of household goods.
During the peak summer moving season (May-August), some moving companies increase their minimum size to 2,000 or even 3,500lbs. This is about the average weight of a one-bedroom apartment.
Do moving companies offer storage?
Most professional movers offer long and short term storage options. Many companies will offer 30 days of free storage (aka “Storage-in-transit”). Keep in mind the moving company will most likely store your goods in their warehouse so you will not have access to the items while stored.
If you’re relocating over 1,000 miles or cross country, you’ll want to consult your mover about delivery timeframes to make sure storage services are necessary. It’s not uncommon for deliveries to take over 2 weeks.
Do moving companies ship cars?
Some freight companies will transport cars, but it’s typically not the best option since a car takes up space and other items can’t be loaded on tip. Instead, many reputable moving companies partner with professional car shippers. If you need auto transport for a corporate relocation or a family move, check out our post on the best car shippers to find the company that’s right for you.
Can you hire movers just to load a rental truck?
Some moving companies offer labor only services, it just depends on the company. The best way to find labor-only moving services is on a website like HireAHelper.
How early should I book a move?
Generally, we recommend booking a moving company 2 months before your expected move date. If you’re moving during the busy summer months (May-August) you may want to consider booking as early as possible. If you wait too long many companies will book up and your options will be limited. Check out our article on the best time to move for more info to meet your specific moving needs.
How can I move out-of-state cheaply?
Relocating long distance is expensive but there are some ways you can reduce your overall cost depending on the type of move. A few ideas:
- Consider “Do-it-yourself” (DIY) moving options like renting a moving truck
- Consider “hybrid moves” where you pack and unpack and pay a moving container company or freight company like PODS or U-Pack to do the driving for you
- Move during off-peak times
- Find free moving boxes and supplies
- Downsize as much as possible
Check out our article on cheap ways to move out of state for more ideas and tips.
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