Best Interstate Movers of 2025
Here’s the quick answer: Safeway Moving is our top choice for interstate moves because of their balance of affordability and quality customer service.
We also recommend Mayzlin Relocation for their personalized service and American Van Lines for their expert handling, while U-Pack is our top choice for small interstate moves. If you prefer a moving container or truck, we recommend PODS or Budget Truck Rental.
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Our team has vetted 65 full-service movers, moving container companies, and rental trucks to determine the best long-distance movers. We dedicated thousands of hours to interviewing industry experts, speaking to verified moving customers and collecting quotes to make our recommendations.
Best interstate moving companies
Navigate to the type of mover you’d like to hire for your interstate move to see our top picks.
Our track record
Best full-service interstate movers
Safeway Moving: For the best quality at the best price
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Safeway Moving (USDOT#3756000) is a veteran-owned company that excels at affordable interstate relocations, making them our top pick for overall value.
It’s one of the best moving companies in the industry in general. Based on customer reviews, Safeway is praised for providing professional and prompt relocations, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality to save money.
Read our full Safeway Moving review
More about Safeway Moving
Our rating




Mayzlin Relocation: For a personalized approach to moving
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Mayzlin Relocation (USDOT#3182355) is a family-owned moving company that provides tailored hands-on customer service. Mayzlin has a national reach and offers most of the same bells and whistles as big-name competitors with a personalized touch.
Given their excellent track record for customer service, we think Mayzlin is great for first-time movers who might want a little extra help navigating their interstate move.
Read our full Mayzlin Relocation review
More about Mayzlin Relocation
Our rating
American Van Lines: For the most experienced interstate movers
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
If you’re worried about how your household items will be treated during an interstate move, American Van Lines (USDOT#614506) might be the best fit for you. It’s one of the top moving van lines and has been business since 1995. The company handles out-of-state relocations with a team of skilled movers with an average experience level of 10 years.
AVL’s staff are required to undergo ongoing training on best packing and loading practices, as well as how to properly handle art, antiques, and bulky pieces like pianos and fitness equipment. That added layer of expertise provides gives you peace of mind knowing your valuables are being expertly handled.
Read our full American Van Lines review
More about American Van Lines
Our rating
JK Moving Services: For those who don’t mind paying extra for white-glove treatment
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it:
JK Moving Services (USDOT#1065394) is a national white-glove moving company with a reputation for high quality and professionalism. JK goes beyond the bare minimum to give customers a premium moving experience, starting with a personal moving coordinator to help you customize your moving package to fit your unique needs.
They can expertly handle high-end pieces and assist with car shipping. All those special touches come with a higher price tag—as much as 30% more than competitors—but for if you want to take a hands-off approach to your relocation, the added cost might be worth it.
Read our full JK Moving review
More about JK Moving
Our rating
North American Van Lines: If you want to customize your plan & pricing
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
We included North American Van Lines (USDOT#2632086) as one of the best interstate movers because of its a la carte approach to moving.
Rather than signing up for a moving package that includes some services you need and some you don’t, North American Van Lines (NAVL) allows you to pick and choose from their extensive menu of add-on options to create a custom plan. This is a great option if you’re trying to stay within a budget, since you can adjust your package to get within your desired price range without sacrificing services.
Read our full North American Van Lines review
More about NAVL
Our rating
Best moving container for interstate moves
PODS: For flexible moves with storage
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) is a moving and storage company that offers an affordable and flexible alternative to traditional full-service movers. With PODS, you can pack and load at your own pace, keeping your move stress-free.
We like that their portable storage containers can be stored on your property or in a PODS facility, making them an excellent choice for people who need extra time during their move. While you’ll have to handle the packing and loading yourself, PODS’ transparent pricing and 30 days of free storage make them a solid choice for moving on a budget.
Read our full PODS review
More about PODS
Our rating
Other moving container companies
Want to compare more options? Here are a few additional moving container companies we recommend:
Best interstate moving truck rental
Budget Truck Rental: For saving money by driving yourself
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it:
Budget Truck Rental (US DOT# 1092543) is a well-known rental company offering cost-effective moving truck options. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to move across the country, Budget is one of the most affordable choices.
While Budget offers some of the lowest base rates, you should be aware of potential add-on costs, such as mileage fees and additional services. The company also provides frequent discounts, making it an excellent choice for moving on a tight budget.
Read our full Budget Truck Rental review
More about Budget Truck Rental
Our rating
Other moving truck rental companies
Want to compare more options? Here are a few additional truck rental companies we recommend:
Best small-load interstate mover
U-Pack: For moving a small apartment or house cross-country
89% of users select this mover
U-Pack (US DOT# 828124) is a long-distance moving container company that’s perfectly suited to smaller moves. With U-Pack, you load your items into a portable container or freight trailer, and their professional drivers handle the transport.
U-Pack only charges for the space you use, making it a great choice for small moves. Their eight-foot ReloCube container is the perfect fit for an affordable small-load move.
Read our full U-Pack review
More about U-Pack
Our rating
Other small-load moving companies
Want to compare more options? Here are a few additional small-load movers we recommend:
Best interstate movers near me
Compare the top interstate movers
Let’s see how the top full-service movers stack up in terms of their discounts, cost, and reputation.
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Minimum Shipping Size | 1+ bedrooms | 1+ bedrooms | 1+ bedrooms | N/A | 1+ bedrooms |
Storage |
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Cancellation Policy | varies | 7 days | 7 days prior to pickup | N/A | Free up to 48 hrs |
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Quote | Price | Rating | Minimum Shipping Size | Storage | Booking Deposit | Cancellation Policy | |
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1+ bedrooms |
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1+ bedrooms |
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7 days | ||
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1+ bedrooms |
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7 days prior to pickup | ||
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1+ bedrooms |
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Free up to 48 hrs |
Compare by discounts
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. Even if a company doesn’t publicly offer a discount, it never hurts to ask.
Company | Military | Senior | Teacher | Student | Early Reservation |
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Safeway Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Mayzlin Relocation | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ |
American Van Lines | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
JK Moving Services | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
NAVL | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
PODS | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ |
Budget Truck Rental | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ |
U-Pack | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ |
Compare by cost
Here’s an overview of what you’ll pay with some of our best interstate moving companies to move a three-bedroom home approximately 1,500 miles, based on our Better Moves project data:
Company | Estimated Cost |
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Safeway Moving | $5,290 |
Mayzlin Relocation | $4,700–$6,000 |
American Van Lines | $5,400 |
JK Moving Services | $11,930–$13,900 |
NAVL | $10,500+ |
PODS | $2,836–$5,000 |
Budget Truck Rental | $1,100–$3,300 |
U-Pack | $2,500–$5,500 |
Compare by reputation
Customer feedback is an important factor in picking the right interstate mover. Here’s how our top picks stack up:
Company | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Trustpilot Rating | Google Rating |
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Safeway Moving | 4.85/5 | B- (4.34/5) | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
Mayzlin Relocation | 4.9/5 | A (4.4/5) | No profile | 3.9/5 |
American Van Lines | 4.5/5 | A (4.19/5) | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
JK Moving Services | 4.6/5 | A+ (3.97/5) | 3.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
NAVL | 4.75/5 | A+ (1.25/5) | 2.1/5 | 3.8/5 |
PODS | 4.8/5 | A+ (4.0/5) | 4.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | A+ (3.0/5) | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
U-Pack | 5/5 | A+ (4.0/5) | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
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Compare more moving companies
How much does an interstate move cost?
Your interstate moving cost will vary based on where you’re moving to and from, how much stuff you have, and what company you choose.
- Average cost: The average cost of an interstate move of 2,000–2,500 miles is $4,000–$5,000.
- Small move: Depending on the size and distance of the move, interstate moving costs range from $900–$3,500 for a studio apartment.
- Large move: Interstate moves are more expensive for larger homes, costing an average of $5,000–$15,000 for four- to five-bedroom homes.
To get an approximate idea of what your move will cost, you can use our moving cost calculator. You can also consult our moving cost checklist to budget for all the expenses you might incur on your long-distance move.
Average cost of an interstate move by state
Interstate moving tips
How to save money on your long-distance move
Follow these steps to save money on your interstate move:
- 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 moving 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. Always ask about discounts.
Keeping a moving checklist will also help you stay on budget and on schedule throughout the long-distance moving process.
How to avoid interstate moving scams
Interstate moving scams are more common than you might think. Protect yourself by knowing the warning signs and working with a legitimate mover.
- Verify licensing and registration: Reputable interstate moving companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Use their mover search tool to check a company’s USDOT number and complaint history.
- Watch for unusually low estimates: Scammers often lure customers with pricing that’s too good to be true, then hike up the bill after loading. Get written estimates from different companies to compare costs realistically.
- Avoid large upfront deposits: While some companies require a deposit, excessive upfront payments can be a red flag.
- Get everything in writing: A professional mover will provide a written contract, including a bill of lading that details their services, costs, and a delivery timeline. Never sign blank or vague documents.
- Check online complaints: Research movers on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and ProtectYourMove.gov to see if they have unresolved complaints or a history of scamming customers.
Taking these steps can help ensure you choose a trustworthy interstate mover. If you suspect fraud, report it to the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database immediately.
Advice from actual moving customers
We’ve talked to dozens of Better Moves Project participants who’ve tackled interstate moves. They’ve shared their biggest lessons to help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Check local moving laws: Janna Graham learned that moving containers weren’t allowed on her NYC street, leading to unexpected costs. Always confirm local regulations before booking.
- Protect your belongings from the elements: Steve Emmet had water leak into his moving container. If you’re using containers, he recommends waterproofing your valuables.
- Read the fine print: Kelsey Warma dealt with billing surprises. Make sure you understand your moving contract—including cancellation fees, delivery windows, and extra charges.
- Downsize before you move: Isabel Petty prioritized downsizing, which made packing easier and reduced costs. If you don’t absolutely need it, she encourages you not to move it.
- Have a backup plan: Movers run late, costs can increase, and things don’t always go according to plan. Whether it’s extra savings, flexible scheduling, or alternative moving options, always be prepared for last-minute changes.
How to choose a long-distance moving company
Choosing the right interstate moving company is crucial for a smooth and stress-free move. Here are some tips to make the choice easier.
- Verify credentials: Use the FMCSA’s mover search tool to check a mover’s licensing, safety record, and complaint history. All the companies we recommend are properly licensed.
- Get at least three quotes: Prices can vary between movers, so you should request written estimates from at least three companies.
- Check online reviews: Look up movers on the BBB, Google Reviews, and the Better Moves project to see what their customers say about their experiences.
- Understand pricing and insurance coverage: Movers should provide a binding estimate (fixed cost) or a non-binding estimate (subject to change). Also, check whether they offer Full Value Protection or basic $0.60 per pound per item liability coverage.
- Look for experience with your type of move: If you’re moving a large household, transporting fragile antiques, or relocating to a remote area, make sure the company has experience in those areas.
FAQ
What is an interstate move?
Do interstate movers have a minimum size requirement?
Do moving companies offer storage?
Do moving companies ship cars?
How early should I book a move?
How we chose the best interstate moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best interstate moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company’s services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
- Customer satisfaction (30%): We verify if the company consistently delivers services in a timely manner with good communication and within the estimated moving cost.
- Standard services (20%): How does the scope of an interstate moving company’s services compare with its competitors? Is there anything missing, or are there any uncommon services they offer?
- Reputation (15%): We look at how the industry regards the company. This includes evaluating factors like whether the company is properly registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and holds necessary insurance. We also check Better Business Bureau ratings.
- Add-on services (10%): Does the company offer any add-on services that help it stand out against its competitors? White-glove services, custom crating, and cleaning can provide extra value for moving customers.
- Availability (10%): For interstate moving companies, their availability across the U.S. is an important ranking factor. Not all interstate moving companies offer full nationwide coverage.
- Type of mover (5%): Full-service moving companies and self-service moving companies differ significantly in terms of what they provide their customers, which is an essential consideration when planning an interstate move.
- Payment (5%): How easy is it for customers to review their charges and make a payment?
- Scheduling (5%): Ease of scheduling a move can help streamline the moving process and make it less stressful. Online booking, readily available customer service, and guaranteed delivery windows are key factors here.
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