Best Long-Distance Moving Companies of 2024
Here’s the quick answer: We think Safeway Moving is the best long-distance mover in terms of overall value. If you’re on a strict budget for your relocation, Safeway Moving offers affordability without sacrificing quality service.
Check out our in-depth look at our number-one pick — and see some top-notch alternatives — to find out if Safeway or another highly-rated company is the right mover for you.
|
|
|
|
A long-distance move typically refers to any relocation that exceeds 400 miles.
Safeway Moving: Our top pick for overall value
Safeway Moving emerges as the top choice for those looking to blend affordability with reliable service. Excelling in both residential and commercial moves, Safeway Moving offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality or reliability, making it a standout choice for budget-conscious movers.
Read our full Safeway Moving review
rating
4.85 / 5
89% of users select this mover
More about Safeway Moving
Pros & Cons
- Price-match guarantee if you find lower quotes somewhere else
- Veteran-owned company with military discounts
- Flat-rate pricing and binding estimates to ensure your price won’t increase on moving day
- Doesn’t handle small moves
- No shipment tracking online or through a mobile app
Services
- Interstate and cross-country moves
- International relocations
- Loading & unloading
- Packing & unpacking
- 30 days’ free storage on long-distance moves
- Climate-controlled units for long-term storage
- 24/7 customer service
- Custom crates for electronics, art & bulky or fragile pieces
Cost
Take a look at some long-distance pricing examples for Safeway Moving, based on cost data from our Better Moves project:
| Home Size | Route | Approx. Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | NJ to New Orleans | 1,300 miles | $5,100 |
| 2 bedroom | Boston to VA | 550 miles | $7,770 |
| 3 bedroom | CA to Austin | 1,750 miles | $5,290 |
Availability
Safeway Moving provides interstate moves in all 50 states.
Customer feedback
Safeway Moving receives high praise from our Better Moves participants and in online reviews for its professionalism, transparent pricing, and customer service. The company maintains good ratings on consumer sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau.
While most feedback about Safeway is positive, some customers report damaged or broken items and issues with communication after booking their moving date.
Here’s a snapshot of what Safeway Moving customers say about the company:
“They were fantastic! They wrapped everything that wasn’t a box or bin thoroughly with blankets, wrap, and tape. They broke everything down and had a parts box for furniture legs, hardware, etc. Everything was handled with care.” — Melissa, Better Moves participant
“Great experience with Safeway Moving. Setting up the move was very easy and straightforward. The three-man moving team from Safeway Moving was fantastic. They worked very hard in near 100 degree weather, were very professional, and really took care of my home and property. I highly recommend and would use them again in a heartbeat.” — Mike B., Trustpilot
“Their communication is great in the beginning, then severely drops off as you get closer to your move and while they are transporting your stuff. I would have to call and text my main contact several times before getting a response, whereas in the beginning she was very responsive. I finally gave up and started calling the main line, often waiting on hold for at least a half hour each time.” — ” Ashley S., Google Reviews
Our rating
We rated Safeway Moving 4.85 out of 5 stars. Here’s a breakdown of how they scored in each of our key rating factors:
- Standard services: 4.85/5
- Add-on/specialty services: 4.2/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 4.8/5
- State availability: 5/5
- Quote process & payment options: 5/5
Other top long-distance movers
Since every move is unique, Safeway Moving might not fit your specific needs exactly. If that’s the case, here are some of our other top recommendations for best-long distance moving companies.
International Van Lines: Best for a hands-off move
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
For those who prioritize convenience and a stress-free experience over all else, International Van Lines (IVL) stands out as the premier choice. Known for their comprehensive service offerings, from professional packing to seamless transport, IVL takes the reins, ensuring a smooth transition from A to B without you having to lift a finger.
Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
rating
4.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Understanding that plans can change, especially during a long-distance move, Mayzlin Relocation offers unparalleled flexibility and customer service. They stand out for their customer-first approach — including their understanding and accommodating nature — making them the perfect choice for those who value adaptability in their moving plans.
U-Pack: Best for those who don’t mind driving
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
If you’re comfortable behind the wheel and looking to save on costs, U-Pack offers an ideal solution. Their moving container service combines the flexibility of a DIY move with the convenience of professional transport, allowing you to pack at your own pace and leave the long haul to them.
Budget Truck Rental: Best for those who want to load and drive
rating
4.3 / 5
89% of users select this mover
For the ultimate do-it-yourselfers, Budget Truck Rental offers the freedom and flexibility to manage your move from start to finish. With competitive pricing and a range of truck sizes, Budget puts you in the driver’s seat—literally—providing a cost-effective way to move on your own terms.
North American Van Lines: Great for customized moving plans
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Renowned for handling evey kind of move with ease, North American Van Lines an extensive menu of comprehensive services from which you can pick and choose to build a moving package that best fits your specific situation.
JK Moving Services: If you want white-glove service
rating
4.6 / 5
89% of users select this mover
For those seeking a premium moving experience with customizable options and in-house financing, JK Moving Services stands out as the go-to choice for luxury moves.
PODS: If you want to move with a household name
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
PODS is available in nearly every state and is one of the most popular and recognized brands in the industry. This means you’ll likely be able to find a PODS office in or near your current location to assist you with your moving needs. PODS is the brand name when it comes to moving containers, but it’s a name recognition built on reputation and widespread availability.
Choosing the right long-distance moving option
Deciding between full-service movers, moving containers, or renting a moving truck depends on several factors, including your budget, convenience, and the level of effort you’re willing to invest. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine which option aligns best with your moving needs.
Full-service movers
Full-service movers are the best for those who prefer a hands-off approach. Full-service movers handle everything from packing and loading to transportation and unloading at your new home.
- Pros: Convenient & time-saving
- Cons: More expensive than moving containers and truck rentals
- Consider if: You’re moving long-distance, have a large volume of belongings, or simply want to avoid the hassle and stress of moving
Moving containers
Moving containers offer a blend of DIY and professional moving. You pack and load the container, and the company transports it to your new location, where you then unload.
- Pros: Affordability & flexibility
- Cons: Have to do the heavy-lifting
- Consider if: You’re looking to save money but still want the convenience of not driving a moving truck, especially for interstate moves
Renting a moving truck
Renting a moving truck is the ultimate DIY moving option. You’re responsible for every aspect of the move, from driving the truck to packing, loading, and unloading your belongings.
- Pros: Low cost (compared to other options) & control over the moving process
- Cons: Time-consuming & physically demanding
- Consider if: You’re on a tight budget, moving a shorter distance, or you’re comfortable managing and executing the entire move yourself
How to save money on your long-distance move
Follow these steps to save money when moving:
- Declutter. Reducing the volume of items you need to move can significantly decrease your moving costs.
- Book in advance. Planning your move well in advance can help you secure better rates, as last-minute bookings are often pricier.
- Consider moving containers. If you’re looking to save money and are willing to do some of the work yourself, renting a moving container can be a cost-effective option.
- Research and compare. Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Take the time to compare different companies and negotiate the best rate.
- Ask about discounts. Moving discounts aren’t as common as you might think — approximately 1%–4% of the 4,400 pro movers we analyzed offer deals for special groups and professions like military members, senior citizens, and students. But many of the best long-distance movers — including Safeway Moving, International Van Lines, and U-Pack — regularly provide these kinds of deals. And others, like PODS, have special promotions throughout the year. Always check with a mover’s sales rep to see what discounts you may qualify for.
Keeping a moving checklist will also help you stay on budget and on schedule throughout the long-distance moving process.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed moving experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own moving company methodology for analyzing and rating companies on important factors like cost, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest way to move long-distance?
Renting a moving truck or using a moving container company are generally the most cost-effective methods, especially if you’re willing to handle packing and loading yourself.
How do I verify a moving company’s license and insurance?
Ensuring your moving company is legally compliant and insured is crucial for your protection. All interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify a mover’s FMCSA license and review their safety and complaint records by visiting FMCSA’s official search tool.
What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate guarantees the total cost of your long-distance move based on the items and services the mover estimates before the move. This means you’ll pay the quoted price, no matter the actual weight of your belongings. A non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the mover’s assessment, which can change based on the actual weight and services rendered. You can read more in our guide about the different types of moving estimates.
How can I ensure my belongings are safe during the move?
To protect your belongings, choose a reputable moving company with positive reviews and a good track record. Consider purchasing full-value protection moving insurance, which covers the replacement value of your items in case of damage or loss. It’s also wise to pack your items securely and label boxes with their contents and room destination.
What should I do if my belongings are damaged or missing after the cross-country move?
If you discover damage or missing items after your move, document the evidence with photos and contact your moving company immediately to file a claim. Be sure to review your contract for the claims process and deadlines. Moving companies are required to acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days.
More moving resources
For additional information and assistance with your move, consider exploring the following authoritative government websites. These resources offer a wealth of knowledge on various aspects of the moving process:
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) – For broader information on transportation regulations and safety.
- Protect Your Move (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) – Offers comprehensive resources for planning a safe move, including tips on protecting yourself from moving fraud.
- USA.gov Moving – Provides general information on moving, including a checklist and tips for a smooth move.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Moving Expenses – For information on deducting moving expenses if your move is related to starting a new job or job location.
- U.S. Postal Service Change of Address – For changing your address and managing mail forwarding before and after your move.
- Ready.gov – Provides tips for preparing for emergencies during the moving process, especially if moving to areas prone to natural disasters.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
