Best Long-Distance Movers in New Jersey (2026 Guide)

Safeway Moving and Zip to Zip Moving Inc stand out as the best long-distance movers in New Jersey. moveBuddha reviewed 77 movers licensed for interstate service in the state and narrowed the results to 3 national movers and 5 New Jersey movers. These are the companies that performed best for value and reliability.

Most full service long-distance moves out of New Jersey cost between $1,083 and $4,446 depending on home size and destination.

Key takeaways

Who are the best long-distance movers in New Jersey?

Here are the best long-distance movers in New Jersey based on our in-depth research:

These national long-distance movers are the right call for moves extending beyond 500 miles from the Garden State. Their carrier networks span all 48 contiguous states, and their tracking, dispatch, and scheduling systems are engineered specifically for multi-state routes. They are the strongest option for larger households, cross-country relocations, and moves that include packing services or specialty-item handling.

Safeway Moving

Safeway Moving (USDOT#: 3166589) is our top overall value pick for New Jersey moves because it balances competitive interstate pricing with upscale features that are not always included at this level of the market.

• Best overall value: With barcode-based inventory tracking and around-the-clock customer support, Safeway helps you stay informed and in control from pickup through delivery.
• Competitive advantage: Safeway also offers 30 days of free climate-controlled storage and optional full-value protection, which gives it extra appeal for households that want stronger coverage and more flexibility during a long-distance move.
• Average cost: In one Better Moves experience, Safeway quoted a reader $4,300 to move roughly 2,500 pounds about 1,300 miles.

Best overall value

Licensed

Insured

Price

rating 4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

At A Glance

• Best overall value
• Veteran owned
• Portion to charity

read our full review

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(855) 650-0657

American Van Lines

American Van Lines (USDOT#: 614506) ranks as our most experienced full-service interstate mover for New Jersey because it delivers the training, crew structure, and specialty capabilities needed for long-distance moves with antiques, pianos, bulky furniture, and other high-value household items.

• Most experienced handling: American Van Lines relies on company-employed crews with advanced training to manage fragile, oversized, and valuable shipments, helping ensure more controlled and consistent handling.
• Competitive advantage: With custom crating, climate-controlled storage, antique services, and last-minute long-distance support, American Van Lines is equipped for moves that involve tighter timelines or specialized shipment requirements.
• Average cost: Typical pricing for a two-bedroom long-distance move with American Van Lines averages roughly $3,948 for 1,000 miles, according to moveBuddha data.

Most experienced mover

Licensed

Insured

Price

rating 4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 835-2392

At A Glance

• Certified crews
• Flat-rate pricing
• Family-owned

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(866) 835-2392

Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines (USDOT#: 076235) stands out as our top pick for the best contents coverage among full-service interstate movers for New Jersey because it combines flexible protection options with storage, crating, and shipment tracking built for more sensitive shipments.

• Best for contents coverage: Allied's customizable protection plans give customers added confidence when moving high-value or delicate belongings across long distances.
• Competitive advantage: Allied rounds out its offering with flexible storage, vehicle shipping, Allied Express container moves, and 24/7 shipment tracking, giving customers more ways to tailor a long-distance move to their household needs.
• Average cost: Allied's pricing is in the mid- to premium price range. Based on moveBuddha's data, the average cost of an Allied move is $4,300. One of our Better Moves participants got a quote of $9,081.

Best for contents coverage

Licensed

Insured

Price

rating 4.2 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 825-0554

At A Glance

• Specialty packing services
• White-glove reputation
• 80+ years' experience

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(866) 825-0554

Which New Jersey-based movers are best for long-distance moves?

All of the movers listed below are headquartered in New Jersey and carry active FMCSA interstate operating authority. They are the clear choice for interstate moves under 500 miles and one-bedroom or two-bedroom households that want direct contact with a locally accountable team. Local headquarters delivers a single point of contact, faster dispute resolution, and scheduling flexibility that national carrier networks cannot replicate on shorter corridors.

Our research identified these as the strongest New Jersey-based options for long-distance moving from a field of 77 interstate movers:

What are the cheapest alternatives to full-service movers in New Jersey?

Full-service movers aren't the only option for a move from the Garden State. These alternatives can lower costs and provide a more hands-on long-distance moving experience.

• Moving container companies: With this option, a mover drops off a portable container, gives you time to load it yourself, and then transports it to your destination. Long-distance container pricing from New Jersey starts around $2,040. Our top choice is PODS.
• Rental trucks: Rental truck companies provide the truck and put you in charge of loading, driving, and unloading. Long-distance rental truck pricing from New Jersey ranges from $20 to $99 per day. Our top choice is Budget Truck Rental.
• Labor-only movers: This service model provides professional loading and unloading help without supplying the truck or transportation. Labor-only pricing in New Jersey ranges from $59 to $81 per hour. Our top choice is Zip to Zip Moving Inc.

New Jersey moving guide

Planning a move to or from New Jersey is more manageable when you focus on the details that affect your move the most. With 77 movers licensed for interstate service, the smartest way to compare companies is by looking at pricing, timing, protection, and delivery, not brand recognition alone. On long-distance moves, that approach matters because the lowest quote isn't always the strongest choice.

Start with a solid plan. Our moving checklist helps you organize dates, inventory, and priorities before you start comparing quotes.

Compare quotes

Use the checklist below to compare moving quotes on equal terms and spot missing costs before you book.

• Ask what can change the final price: Movers should explain every condition or service that can raise the total before you book.
• Confirm exactly what the quote includes: Ask whether labor, loading, transportation, unloading, and all quoted services are clearly built into the estimate.
• Get at least three written estimates: Make sure every mover is pricing the same shipment and the same services so you can compare real value accurately.
• Review extra charges closely: Confirm whether the quote accounts for bulky furniture, long carries, specialty items, stairs, and storage.
• Treat low quotes carefully: A low price can reflect real value, but it can also reflect incomplete pricing.

Get binding estimates

Learn below how binding or non-binding quotes shape your final moving cost.

• Binding estimates: A binding quote gives you firmer pricing because the listed move is priced in advance. Ask how the shipment was weighed and what exact changes can trigger added charges outside the quoted scope.
• Non-binding estimates: A non-binding quote leaves the final bill open to revision. If the mover determines that the shipment, services, or access conditions differ from the estimate, the price can increase.

Verify licensing, valuation, and coverage

A legitimate interstate mover should be easy to verify. Before you book, use the checklist below to confirm you're dealing with a properly authorized company.

• Start with New Jersey's licensing authority. Check that the company is properly registered, confirm the business name matches the quote and paperwork, and make sure the mover is actually authorized to operate where your move begins.
• The New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association can be a useful secondary checkpoint when you are screening movers in New Jersey. Use it to research whether a company appears active in the local industry, but don't treat trade-group involvement as a substitute for licensing or operating authority.
• Before you sign, review what level of valuation protection is included and ask what additional moving insurance or upgraded coverage options are available for higher-value items. For interstate moves, it's also smart to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA's) Protect Your Move resources so you understand your rights and the records you should verify before booking.

Plan for New Jersey logistics before moving day

There are some important considerations when you're dealing with the weather and climate on a New Jersey move:

• With summer highs above the national average, moving in New Jersey can be tougher on both crews and belongings, especially once heat builds inside a moving trailer. Ask about early-morning loading, heat-sensitive packing strategies, and whether climate-controlled storage is worth considering for vulnerable items.
• When winter lows fall below the national average, freezing conditions can slow loading, create slip hazards, and make delays more likely. Build buffer time into your schedule and confirm how the mover handles cold-weather protection and rescheduling.
• Above-average rainfall can create flash-flooding risks, slow loading, and raise the odds of moisture damage during the move. Confirm what protective wrapping the crew uses and how weather delays could affect your pickup or delivery window.

Weather should not decide your mover, but it should shape your planning. Before you book, confirm the company's delay policy, delivery-window flexibility, storage backup options, and how it protects items during these challenges. Check out our handy list of questions to ask your movers to help get clear on all of this.

Take red flags seriously

Treat very low quotes, vague paperwork, pressure to commit quickly, and high upfront deposits as red flags, regardless of where you're moving. Some movers compete aggressively on price, but transparent pricing isn't the same as incomplete or evasive pricing. For more information, see our guide to common moving scams.

How much does a long-distance move from New Jersey cost?

The typical cost of a long-distance move from New Jersey falls between $1,083 and $4,446. This average is helpful for budgeting, but it's not a guaranteed quote. The final number depends on shipment volume, distance, access challenges, move date, and any extra services added to the job.

Biggest impacts to long-distance moving costs

Mileage is only one factor in long-distance moving costs. Two moves from New Jersey following similar routes can still come with very different prices once shipment size, access conditions, scheduling, and service needs are fully accounted for.

• Add-on services: Services such as packing, storage, shuttle transport, and specialty-item handling can push your total higher. Packing services alone usually add $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
• Distance: Longer routes add to the cost, but routes of the same distance don't necessarily cost the same.
• Move type: Going the DIY route with a container or rental truck can lower moving costs by roughly 30% compared to hiring full-service movers.
• Shipment size: Higher inventory volume leads to a higher overall price.
• Timing: Peak-season demand and less scheduling flexibility can increase moving rates.

Compare moving company pricing

The table below focuses on the estimated cost of using our top recommended long-distance movers in New Jersey and whether a deposit may be required at booking.

*Estimated costs are based on a 3-bedroom move of about 1,500 miles. Final pricing depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and whether a deposit is required for your move.

Key cost facts to know before you book

Before you book a mover, keep these important moving cost details in mind:

• Deposit policies matter. Paying upfront isn't always a problem, but the terms should be clearly explained before you agree to anything.
• Fuel surcharges are common. These fees can add 8%–15% to transportation costs—or roughly $100–$400 on many full-service moves—especially if pricing isn't broken out clearly.
• Lowest price does not always mean the lowest final bill. Quotes that leave out services or bury extra fees often end up costing more in the end.
• Written estimates matter. Review binding vs. non-binding estimates so you understand how pricing can change.

Estimated moving costs by home size

Your home size is one of the clearest early indicators of price. Use the table below to turn statewide averages into a more practical budgeting benchmark for your move.

*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in New Jersey. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.

Common long-distance moving fees

These fees should be explained clearly before you commit to a mover.

• Shuttle service: If a full-size truck cannot access your location, a shuttle may be required, costing around $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimum charges near $200.
• Access fees: Situations involving stairs, elevators, or long carry distances can add anywhere from $75 to $500+ to your bill.
• Other add-ons: Optional services like packing, storage, and specialty-item handling often account for the biggest price increases.
• Bulky-item handling: Large or delicate items such as safes or oversized furniture typically come with added fees of $150–$400 per item.
• Storage-in-transit (SIT): SIT storage runs about $0.50 per cubic foot and places your belongings in a mover's warehouse until delivery, with no direct access.

For a deeper breakdown, review our guide to additional moving costs.

Final verdict: Best long-distance movers in New Jersey

moveBuddha reviewed 77 movers licensed for interstate service in New Jersey and ranked the top companies on quotes, reputation, services, support, and pricing transparency. Here are the top picks:

• Safeway Moving (4.9/5) — Best overall value: Safeway is moveBuddha's top national pick for long-distance moves from New Jersey. It includes barcode inventory tracking, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free climate-controlled storage — features most competitors charge extra for or don't offer at this price point.
• American Van Lines (4.9/5) — Most experienced: American Van Lines uses company-employed crews with specialty training for antiques, pianos, and high-value items. It's the strongest fit for shipments where careful handling is the priority.
• Allied Van Lines (4.2/5) — Best for contents coverage: Allied Van Lines rounds out the national picks for New Jersey moves. Its customizable protection plans and 24/7 shipment tracking make it the right call when contents coverage is the deciding factor.
• Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.64/5) — Best New Jersey-based option: Zip to Zip Moving Inc is moveBuddha's top in-state pick for interstate moves under 500 miles. A New Jersey headquarters means a single local point of contact, faster dispute resolution, and scheduling flexibility national carriers can't match on shorter corridors.
• Estimated cost range: Most full-service long-distance moves from New Jersey cost between $1,083 and $4,446, based on moveBuddha's New Jersey pricing data. Shipment size and mileage are the 2 biggest drivers of where your quote lands in that range. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to get a route-specific estimate. moveBuddha users pay 30% less on average than someone who books the first mover they contact.

FAQs about long-distance movers in New Jersey