5 Best Interstate Movers Of 2022
We researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.
| Best Overall Value | Best industry reputation | Best for complex moves | Best contents protection | Best for high-end moves |
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| (866) 936-7682 | (866) 939-4509 | (866) 792-1917 | (866) 935-3437 | (703) 468-8774 |
Compare long distance movers
Safeway Moving
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Veteran owned
- Handle small and large cross country moves
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
American Van Lines
- Over 20 years in business
- Excellent customer service score
- Best pricing we've seen
- Can handle last minute moves
Air Van northAmerican Van Lines
- 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
Allied Van Lines
- Specialty fragile item packing available
- Short and long term storage available
- Over 85 years in business
- Disconnect/reconnect appliances
- Full-packing options (they box everything)
JK Moving Services
- 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
The best long distance moving companies in 2022:
- Best Overall Value — Safeway Moving
- Best industry reputation — American Van Lines
- Best for complex moves — Air Van northAmerican Van Lines
- Best contents protection — Allied Van Lines
- Best for high-end moves — JK Moving Services
- Best east coast mover — Bold Moving And Storage
Safeway Moving
Services
- Professional Drivers
- Packing & Unpacking
- Loading & Unloading
- Moving Supplies
- Moving Insurance
- Storage
The Good
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Handle small and large cross country moves
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
The Bad
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
moveBuddha Review
Safeway Moving (not to be confused with Safeway Moving and Storage) was founded by US Army Veteran Rad Freeman. Taking many of the key principles from his time in the military, Rad brings discipline, reliability, leadership, attention to detail, and a strong moral compass to an industry with a less than perfect reputation.
Safeway has built a network of carriers across the country allowing the company to offer affordably priced full service moves throughout the year. Even in the peak summer months when every mover is booked solid. Safeway can tap the capacity of their carrier network to get just about any move serviced. This is a huge benefit. The company also offers international moving services.
If you’ve done any research on the moving industry you’ll know moves rarely go perfect. There is always some kind of issue; some worse than others. And problems typically stem from some kind of miscommunication. What’s unique about Safeway is they’ve built a system of follow-up and quality assurance throughout the moving process. This greatly reduces the frequency of problems. The company’s focus on quality is a big reason why they made our best interstate moving companies list.
We also really like that Safeway offers up to 30 days of free storage services on all interstate moves. Many companies charge hundreds of dollars per month for storage, so this is a huge perk if you book with them.
Their quoting and booking process is fast and easily done over the phone. Or Safeway also offers video or in-home surveys if needed.
Like many other movers on this list, Safeway does charge a deposit to book a move with them. They also can take longer on delivery for certain cross-country moves. Please be sure to ask your rep about expected delivery times.
Regardless, Safeway is certainly a company worth getting a free quote from.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT# 614506) started in 1995 with only two trucks and a single location. The company has grown to become a nationwide mover with over 70 trucks servicing all 48 states. Despite their rapid growth, American 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 put them at the top of our list!
Services
- Professional Drivers
- Packing & Unpacking
- Loading & Unloading
- Moving Supplies
- Moving Insurance
- Storage
The Good
- Excellent customer service scores
- Best pricing we've seen
- Can handle last minute moves
- Various options to get a quote (video, app, phone)
- Private storage options available
- Can handle antiques, pianos, fine art, etc.
- Member of top industry organizations
The Bad
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
moveBuddha Review
As number one on our list, it goes without saying we really like American Van Lines (AVL). Unlike other large van lines, AVL has kept their operation lean. This allows them to offer high quality services at very affordable prices.
We can’t focus enough on American’s customer service. Every moving company is going to have some bad reviews. Mistakes happen, especially in the moving industry. 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 rare in the moving industry.
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 company. The moving industry is changing. 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.
Air Van northAmerican Van Lines
Services
- Professional Drivers
- Packing & Unpacking
- Loading & Unloading
- Moving Supplies
- Moving Insurance
- Storage
The Good
- Highest rated by moveBuddha users
- Handle both local & long distance moves
- Offer "Binding not-to-exceed" estimates
- Storage locations available in all 50 states
- 1,500+ locations covering all 50 states
- Online shipment tracking
- 74+ years in business
The Bad
- Need to book well in advance
- Pricing is on the high end
moveBuddha Review
The results are in and moveBuddha customers love Air Van northAmerican Van Lines. We consistently see Air Van northAmerican earning top marks across the board, especially in the areas of customer service and honest pricing.
One thing we really like about AirVan northAmerican is the company offers “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 services they offer including storage, fragile item crating, piano/hot tub moving, full packing/unpacking, and more. With 74 years of experience, there’s nothing AirVan northAmerican hasn’t moved at this point.
Something we found frustrating about North American 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.
Allied Van Lines
Services
- Professional Drivers
- Packing & Unpacking
- Loading & Unloading
- Moving Supplies
- Moving Insurance
- Storage
The Good
- Crating and specialty packing service available
- Short and long term storage available
- Over 85 years in business
- Appliance disconnect/reconnect
- Full-pack options including boxing everything
The Bad
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Most agents only offer in-home estimates (no virtual quote options)
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days to receive
- Need to research each agent in the network
moveBuddha Review
Allied Van Lines is one of the most well-known brands in the moving industry. On any given day you’re likely to see at least one of its trucks driving along the highway or parked out front of a neighbors house. The company has been helping people move since FDR was in The White House. Its excellent reputation and industry know-how has put them in our top 5 list of interstate moving companies.
Allied is a premium moving service and its services align with its white-glove reputation. We love that Allied offers a full packing option. This includes packing all of your personal items into boxes. This means you can sit back and literally do nothing. The movers will bring all the supplies needed to pack your bedrooms, kitchen, living room, etc.
The company is also known for its ability to pack and transport fragile items. Have a large glass vase, fragile antique lamp, or valuable piece of artwork? No worries, Allied has the skills and knowledge to properly prep and transport these items.
One drawback; with a premium brand comes a higher price tag. Allied Van Lines’s moving estimates do typically come in 20-30% higher than other national van lines.
The company can also be old-school. Many agent locations require an in-home estimate to get a quote. For larger moves, an in-home estimate can be nice, but for 1-2 bedroom apartments, the whole process can seem like a big waste of time. With many moving companies transitioning to video-based estimates which are faster and easier, Allied seems to be behind the times in this regard.
Allied is definitely a company to consider. The company is perfect for those moving with a lot of fragile or high-value items.
JK Moving Services
Services
- Professional Drivers
- Packing & Unpacking
- Loading & Unloading
- Moving Supplies
- Moving Insurance
- Storage
The Good
- Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
- Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
- 3rd Party financing options available to help pay for the move
- Phone app that let's you message your movers, track your move and pay
- Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
- Extremely responsive customer service
The Bad
- Premium service and guarantees come with higher pricing
- Not a good option for tight budget movers
moveBuddha Review
JK Moving Services 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 3 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 Services is definitely a company to consider for anyone who wants that extra level of assurance that their move will be handled properly.
Bold Moving And Storage
Services
- Professional Drivers
- Packing & Unpacking
- Loading & Unloading
- Moving Supplies
- Moving Insurance
- Storage
The Good
- Fast, accurate deliveries
- No subcontracting
- Warehouses up and down the east coast
- Virtual estimates available
The Bad
- Only service east coast moves
- Not a good option for small moves
Methodology
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 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 within the moving industry 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, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery and more.
National availability (5%): The company offers origin and destination services across the country.
Resources
What is the average cost of long distance 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 cross country.
Larger, 4-5 bedroom homes on average can cost $2,000 to $5,000 going less than 100 miles and $8,500 - $15,000 going cross country.
The type of moving company, time of year, and any specialty items or service requests can also affect pricing. To get a ballpark estimate of moving costs check out our moving cost calculator.
How early should I book a mover?
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.
What services do professional moving companies provide?
A full-service moving company's basic package usually includes:
- Loading and unloading of all items
- Breakdown 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 services 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
- Breakdown & reassembly of complicated furniture (IKEA)
- Packing of fragile or bulky items
- Full unpacking of boxes and loose items
How do I choose an interstate mover?
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:
- Active Department of Transportation (DOT) license and insurance
- Positive FMCSA complaint history
- Check online review sites
- 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?
How can I move interstate cheaply?
Relocating long distance is expensive but there are some ways you can reduce your overall cost. A few ideas:
- Consider “Do-it-yourself moving options
- 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.
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.
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.
Do moving companies charge extra fees?
The moving industry is notorious for low ball estimates and extra fees. If you hire a bad 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.
How much does a moving company cost?
For moves within 50 miles companies typically charge $50 to $200 per hour depending on how many movers are needed.
For interstate moves, pricing is based on the distance and size of the move. Costs can vary greatly depending on the requirements of the move.
Be sure to check out our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate idea on what your move may cost.
| 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4-5 Bedroom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| <50 miles | $300 – $700 | $500 – $1,100 | $1,000 – $2,900 |
| 250 miles | $700 – $1,900 | $1,600 – $2,900 | $2,100 – $3,950 |
| 1,000 miles | $1,100 – $2,700 | $1,900 – $4,500 | $4,100 – $7,800 |
| 2,500 miles | $1,500 – $3,500 | $2,900 – $6,500 | $7,900 – $13,700 |
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 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 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. 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.
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.
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 moving company 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-packing
Most movers will offer the option to 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.
Other large national moving companies
- United Van Lines
- Allied Van Lines
- Atlas Van Lines
- Mayflower Moving & Storage
- Two Men and a Truck
- U-Pack
- PODS Moving & Storage
- International Van Lines
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