The Best Long-Distance Movers in Salem, VA
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The best long-distance mover in Salem, VA is ACE Moving & Storage (4.52/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Virginia, per moveBuddha's analysis of 102 Virginia movers and 1,650 verified customer reviews. Interstate costs across Virginia range from $609 for a 1-bedroom to $2,492 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Salem right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Salem, VA?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 23 full-service interstate movers serving Salem, drawing on 1,650 verified customer reviews across Salem.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Salem based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Salem, VA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 12 local movers serving Salem licensed for long-distance moves within Virginia, drawing on 1,650 verified customer reviews across Salem. ACE Moving & Storage (4.52/5) was named the top-rated Salem-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 12 of the 12 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Salem are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Salem but stay within Virginia:
- ACE Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Virginia Varsity Transfer: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Dunmar Moving Systems: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Collegiate Movers: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. ACE Moving & Storage has been in business for 32 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. ACE Moving & Storage has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 241 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from ACE Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. ACE Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"ACE is the best! Moving is usually difficult but the team handled my cross-town move professionally, friendly, and quickly. Highly recommended. The price was very reasonable and they finished fast. I'll use ACE again in a heartbeat."
"Ace moving storage is great. Easy to set up, quick loading, didn’t damage anything. Great guys, would use again."
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. Virginia Varsity Transfer has been in business for 37 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Virginia Varsity Transfer has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 129 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Virginia Varsity Transfer.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Virginia Varsity Transfer emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Our belongings were carefully packed, loaded and delivered by these men who obviously cared about the service their company offered. If you are moving and need a reliable and reasonably priced company then call Virginia Varsity Transfer."
"HQ provided a very reasonable quote, info on details, and patiently let me change the date several times. They sent a super experienced, kind, respectful, attentive, efficient team. Couldn't ask for a better moving transfer team and company... highly recommend!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Dunmar Moving Systems has been in business for 55 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Dunmar Moving Systems has about 81% positive reviews across roughly 74 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.6.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Dunmar Moving Systems.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Dunmar Moving Systems emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The Dunmar team was spectacular! Professional, polite, easy to work with, and packed everything efficiently. They listened to our needs, handled items with care, and were very understanding of our interstate move goals."
"We had a great experience with Dunmar; the movers were on-time, efficient, yet careful with our possessions. Friendly and professional, all items arrived on schedule and nothing was broken. Would definitely recommend!"
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. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 78% positive reviews across roughly 186 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.4.
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
"The movers were punctual, professional, and moved everything so quickly. All our belongings arrived undamaged. I’ll continue to use them whenever we move!"
"Highly recommend! The crew was polite, efficient, and made sure every item was handled carefully. Booking was easy and pricing transparent."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Collegiate Movers has been in business for 26 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. Collegiate Movers has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 117 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Collegiate Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Collegiate Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew did a great job moving me, all involved were very courteous, helpful and careful with my belongings. Not a single thing was broken or damaged. The estimate quoted me was 'spot on'."
"I am extremely pleased with Adrian and his staff! They're professional, courteous, hardest working, and efficient! Thank you for making it look easy!"
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 102 Virginia moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Virginia. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Salem, VA movers offer?
Not every mover in Salem offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 12 Salem movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 33% of Salem movers, compared to 47% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Dunmar Moving Systems.
- Junk removal: offered by 8% of Salem movers, compared to 27% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 58% of Salem movers, compared to 38% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: ACE Moving & Storage.
- Storage: offered by 67% of Salem movers, compared to 82% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: ACE Moving & Storage.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 8% of Salem movers, compared to 23% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: My Guys Moving & Storage Inc.
- Piano moving: offered by 75% of Salem movers, compared to 76% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: ACE Moving & Storage.
Does Salem have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 4 of 12 Salem movers (33.33%), compared to 47.06% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Dunmar Moving Systems (4.38/5) and Clinton's Transfer & Storage Inc. (4.3/5) rate highest for art handling in Salem.
| Art handling in Salem | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Salem providers |
Dunmar Moving Systems
Clinton's Transfer & Storage Inc. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $43 to $425 |
| Custom crating per item | $128 to $170 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Before booking an art mover: Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline, not an upgrade. Standard blankets cannot protect against UV exposure or humidity shifts. Confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium before committing.
Does Salem have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 1 of 12 Salem movers (8.33%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5) rate highest in Salem.
| Junk removal in Salem | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Salem providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| Typical cost per load | $128 to $425 |
| Single large item | $64 to $128 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Removing items before your weight-based quote is finalized lowers the shipment total and the move cost. Bundling junk removal with your move eliminates a separate scheduling step.
Does Salem have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 7 of 12 Salem movers (58.33%). ACE Moving & Storage (4.52/5) and Virginia Varsity Transfer (4.48/5) rate highest in Salem.
| Fragile-only packing in Salem | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Salem providers | ACE Moving & Storage Virginia Varsity Transfer |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce packing costs while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide covers what professional packers do differently.
Does Salem have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 8 of 12 Salem movers (66.67%). ACE Moving & Storage (4.52/5) and Virginia Varsity Transfer (4.48/5) rate highest in Salem.
| Storage in Salem | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Salem providers | ACE Moving & Storage Virginia Varsity Transfer |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $218 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $425 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit holds belongings in the mover's warehouse between pickup and delivery at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $218/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Salem have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 1 of 12 Salem movers (8.33%). My Guys Moving & Storage Inc (4.3/5) rate highest in Salem.
| Hot tub relocation in Salem | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Salem providers | My Guys Moving & Storage Inc |
| Bundled with full-service move | $128 to $340 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $255 to $680 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and must be fully drained before loading. Narrow access can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price. moveBuddha's how to move a hot tub guide covers what to verify before the crew arrives.
Does Salem have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 9 of 12 Salem movers (75.0%). ACE Moving & Storage (4.52/5) and Dunmar Moving Systems (4.38/5) rate highest in Salem.
| Piano moving in Salem | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Salem providers | ACE Moving & Storage Dunmar Moving Systems |
| Upright piano | $680 to $1,275 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,020 to $2,125 |
| Grand piano | $1,530 to $2,975 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands top 1,200 lbs. Standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage for the instrument. moveBuddha's best piano movers guide covers specialists worth considering.
Who are the best movers in Salem, VA for small long-distance moves?
ACE Moving & Storage leads Salem's small-move providers with a 4.52/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Virginia Varsity Transfer at 4.48/5. 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.
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DIY options for your Salem, VA long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Salem residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Salem?
7 of 12 Salem movers (58.33%) offer labor-only services, compared to 69.61% statewide and 54.51% nationally. ACE Moving & Storage (4.52/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Salem, followed by Virginia Varsity Transfer (4.48/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem. 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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Salem, VA?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Salem. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Salem 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 to know before booking a long-distance mover in Salem, VA
- Peak season pricing: Summer (May–September) is peak season; prices run 15% to 25% higher and availability is tighter. Book early to avoid last-minute rate spikes.
- Winter moves: Salem's winter lows average 26°F. Winter moves avoid peak-season costs but may require weather contingency planning.
- Building access: Multi-unit buildings in Salem often require elevator reservations and a COI from the moving company before crews can enter. Confirm requirements with your building manager at least 2 weeks out.
- USDOT verification: Every interstate carrier must hold a valid USDOT number. Check any mover's status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Salem, VA?
Moving costs across Virginia range from $448 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $161/hour) to $3,815 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Virginia mover quotes. The table below shows Virginia statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Salem. Your actual cost 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 Virginia* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $448 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $609 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $963 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,178 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,492 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $3,815 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Virginia. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Virginia statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Salem?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Salem move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Salem, 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.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Salem, VA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Virginia | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| ACE Moving & Storage | 4.52/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Virginia Varsity Transfer | 4.48/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| ACE Moving & Storage | 4.52/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Salem, VA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Salem, VA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 12 movers moveBuddha tracks in Salem, 10 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Salem against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Virginia.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Salem, VA move. Interstate costs from Virginia range from $448 for a studio to $3,815 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Common questions about moving from Salem, VA
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Salem?
Any moving company transporting goods from Salem to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 10 of the 12 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Salem meet that standard, and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Salem relocation?
For moves within Virginia, a local mover in Salem is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 12 movers in the area, with 12 licensed for intrastate routes and 10 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Virginia, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Salem?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Salem; winter lows average 26°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity, which creates real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Salem?
Budget-friendly moves from Salem almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
How do I get a COI for my Salem move?
Ask your moving company for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your Salem building as an additional insured. Most licensed movers handle this routinely. Just provide the building legal name and required coverage limits (usually $1 million general liability) when you book. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
Can long-distance movers handle difficult property access in Salem?
Yes, but you need to disclose access constraints upfront. Hillside driveways, narrow streets, high-rise elevators, gated communities, and properties without adequate truck parking all affect crew size, equipment, and pricing. Full-size moving trucks cannot navigate tight or steep approaches. Movers will use a shuttle truck for the final leg, which adds a fee typically ranging from $128 to $425. Describe your property conditions in detail when requesting quotes so estimates are accurate from the start.
How to choose the right long-distance mover in Salem, VA
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: ACE Moving & Storage for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for moves out of Virginia. Get 3 or more quotes, check each company's USDOT number in the FMCSA database, and request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate rather than a non-binding one. For a move from Salem, 4 to 6 weeks' lead time is the target. moveBuddha has vetted 12 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
