Best Interstate Movers of 2024
Here’s the quick answer: Our top choice for interstate moves is Safeway Moving because of their balance of affordability and quality service. Safeway provides some of the cheapest rates in the industry without skimping on full-service offerings.
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The cost to relocate out of state can range from $1,000 to $12,000 or more, on average. How much you spend will ultimately depend on whether you hire a full-service company or opt for a DIY approach, as well as the size and distance of your move, among other factors.
It’s important to pick a mover that can meet your unique needs — without breaking your budget. Check out our recommendations for best interstate moving companies below to see if Safeway or another highly rated mover is the best fit for you.
5 best interstate moving companies
The following providers are moveBuddha’s picks for the best interstate movers:
- Safeway Moving: Our top pick if you want the best quality at the best price
- Mayzlin Relocation: For those who want a personalized approach to moving
- JK Moving Services: For those who don’t mind paying extra for white-glove treatment
- American Van Lines: If you’re looking for the most experienced interstate movers
- North American Van Lines: If you want to customize your plan & pricing
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- White-glove handling of fragile & high-end items
- Guaranteed pickup & delivery
- $250 deposit for interstate moves
- Mobile app with 24/7 customer service
- Financing available
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Safeway Moving: Our top pick if you want the best quality at the best price
rating
4.85 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Safeway Moving (USDOT#3756000) is a veteran-owned company that takes a military-precision approach to interstate relocations, making them our top pick for overall value — and one of the best moving companies in the industry in general. Safeway is top-rated and lauded by customers for providing professional and prompt relocations, so you won’t have to worry that getting a cheaper rate will cost you on quality.
Read our full Safeway Moving review
More about Safeway Moving
Pros & Cons
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Routinely donates to charities like St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Nourishing Neighbors
- Follows a verification process to ensure accurate pricing and quality service
- Offers price matching and flat-rate pricing
- No online pricing information available
- Not well-suited for smaller moves (such as studio apartments)
Services
- Interstate moves
- Long-distance & cross-country moves
- International moves
- Packing & unpacking
- Customized crates for art & electronics
- Long-term & climate-controlled storage
- 30 days’ free storage on long-distance moves
- Condo & HOA association moves (meets insurance requirements)
- 24/7 customer service
Cost
Here’s a quick snapshot of Safeway’s pricing for interstate moves based on different sizes and distances, 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 is highly rated overall with our readers and on consumer feedback sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Yelp. Many customers praise Safeway for its proficient service and fair pricing, as well as their friendly customer support team.
Negative reviews frequently cite damaged or broken items. Keep in mind that Safeway, like most national moving companies, relies on local partners across the U.S. to handle moves outside their scope, so your experience may vary depending on location.
Here’s what Safeway customers had to say:
“Safeway had top-notch drivers and moving teams. I didn’t realize I needed a parking permit for delivery, which caused some issues, but Safeway worked with me every step of the way. Their team was so professional that I would definitely use them again.” – Christian, Better Moves participant
“They gave me a quote in 15 minutes (which was entirely accurate), confirmed everything with an online profile, and the portal sent repeated reminders and confirmations of my move…. [The movers] were incredibly polite and extremely efficient. They broke down our furniture, shrink wrapped, and padded everything, then rebuilt it at the new place. Nothing was damaged, and the move was totally frustration-free!” — Bailey M., BBB
“I was given misinformation about the whereabouts of my possessions and my calls went unanswered for days…. To make matters even worse, my dishes, planters, glassware, picture frames, paintings, and expensive furniture all arrived damaged. Family heirlooms were destroyed and their [insurance] compensation to me was [only] $100.” — Jennifer V., Yelp
Our rating
We gave Safeway Moving a 4.85/5 stars overall. Here’s how the company scored in each of our 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
Mayzlin Relocation: For those who want a personalized approach to moving
rating
4.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Mayzlin Relocation (USDOT#3182355) is a family-owned moving company that puts a mom-and-pop spin on interstate moving. Don’t get us wrong — Mayzlin has a national reach and offers most of the same bells and whistles as big-name competitors. In fact, they’re one of our top choices for best long-distance movers, as well.
But their focus on customer service is more in line with a small business, so you won’t feel like just another number. This makes Mayzlin great for first-time movers who might want a little extra help throughout the process.
Read our full Mayzlin Relocation review
More about Mayzlin Relocation
Pros & cons
- Price matching
- Full refund if you cancel within seven days of your move
- 24/7 customer support
- Early reservation discounts
- Website is limited (not much info on add-on service options)
- No instant online quotes
Services
- Interstate moves
- Long-distance moves
- Military moves
- Corporate moves
- Packing & unpacking
- Professional moving consultant
- Climate-controlled storage with 24/7 protection
Cost
Here are some general price ranges from Mayzlin Relocation for basic interstate moving packages:
| Home Size | Route | Approx. Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | OH to Dallas | 1,100 miles | $3,200—$5,700 |
| 2 bedroom | Miami to AL | 700 miles | $4,000—$9,000 |
| 3 bedroom | Atlanta to CO | 1,500 miles | $4,700—$6,000 |
Availability
Mayzlin Relocation is available in all 50 states.
Customer feedback
Mayzlin Relocation has an A rating with the BBB and a nearly four-star status based on its Google reviews, but customer feedback is a little more mixed on sites like Yelp. People like Mayzlin’s strong customer service and good communication throughout the moving process. But others say their experience was less than satisfactory due to delivery delays and damage to household goods.
Here’s what Mayzlin customers had to say:
“I would recommend Mayzlin because the communication and customer service were excellent and the movers were courteous, communicative, and efficient. Overall, I was pleased with the service I received on my cross-country move. Grandma’s china and my extensive porcelain figurines collection all arrived just fine, thankfully!” — Elizabeth”, Better Moves participant
“Overall, the experience was a mixed bag. The price was fair, however, I was given a three to 14-day estimate on drop-off in my new location. It ended up taking 20 days…. I wouldn’t be too upset about the extra week if there was more communication in between…. The pickup crew was very friendly and I thought they did a good job overall, but that was before realizing the person who took apart my L-shaped desk did not properly take it apart and, as a result, it snapped during transit, rendering it a total loss.” — Justin R., Google reviews
“[They] were an absolute lifesaver when it came time for me to use a moving company for the first time. Right from the start, they were reasonable, honest, and forthright with the pricing. They were also really fast to reply to my messages. They were also really kind and worried about the safety of the belongings during the move. I will definitely use their services again when the time comes for me to relocate.”Timothy A., BBB
Our rating
Based on our methodology, Mayzlin Relocation earned a total score of 4.9/5 stars. Here’s how they scored on each of our rating factors:
- Standard services: 5/5
- Add-on/specialty services: 4.2/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 4.57/5
- State availability: 5/5
- Quote process & payment options: 5/5
JK Moving Services: For those don’t mind paying extra for white-glove treatment
rating
4.6 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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 art, antiques, and other high-end pieces and assist with car shipping, if that’s part of your interstate move.
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 knowing that your move will be in good hands.
Read our full JK Moving review
More about JK Moving
Pros & cons
- Guaranteed pickup and delivery dates
- Mobile app for virtual estimates, customer support, and shipment tracking
- Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
- Sustainable moving options
- Premium service and guarantees come with higher pricing
- Doesn’t offer price matching
Services
- Interstate moves
- Long-distance moves
- International relocations
- Commercial moving & storage
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly
- Full-service packing & unpacking
- Packing & unpacking
- Professional moving consultant
- Secure storage solutions
- Third-party financing
- Vehicle transport
Cost
JK Moving Services provides binding and not-to-exceed estimates, which help ensure you won’t be hit for extra charges on moving day. The company’s pricing can be significantly higher than other full-service movers. Although moving costs vary, here is a look at what you could expect to pay:
| Home Size | Route | Approx. Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | Chicago to MN | 865 miles | $5,900—$7,700 |
| 2 bedroom | MA to Minneapolis | 1,400 miles | $8,500—$17,000 |
| 3 bedroom | AZ to Philadelphia | 2,300 miles | $16,000—$28,000 |
Availability
JK Moving can handle out-of-state moves in all 50 states.
Customer feedback
Our readers say JK Moving provides top-notch service well worth the price, and they appreciate the company’s attention to detail. JK has an excellent rating on Google and with the BBB, even if reviews are a little more mixed on the latter site. Positive reviews mention JK Moving’s efficiency and communication. But some customers (who did not opt for fixed-rate quotes) complain about final costs far exceeding their original estimates, and others note damage to furniture during loading and unloading.
Here’s what JK Moving customers had to say:
“JK actually quoted me less than I expected for such a big move, which was a nice surprise. They were incredibly communicative and let me know of any changes. They handled my belongings with care, and I would happily work with them again.” — Jose, Better Moves participant
“The week leading up to the move, my coordinator easily called me five times to communicate the needs of the movers and for any questions I had. Easily the best part for me! The next best thing was the movers. They were incredibly thorough in their packing of my furniture and ensuring that all pieces were appropriately wrapped to reduce damage. The movers were also very professional and easy to talk to, which I greatly appreciated. Overall I had a great moving experience. The only thing that kept me from giving a 5/5 was the cost of the move and a few hidden costs I wasn’t aware of.” — Aaron A., Google reviews
“I was quoted $4,955 for a move from a two-bedroom apartment. They do a good job moving stuff and don’t break anything, but my final total came out to $6,414, which is nearly $1,500 (30%) higher than the quote I received! I realize that it is an estimate, but to be off by 30% is totally unacceptable.” — John K. , BBB
Our rating
We rated JK Moving 4.6/5 stars. The company has an excellent score overall, but lost some major points in the with us in terms of pricing and payment because it does not offer any discounts or price matching. Here’s the breakdown:
- Standard services: 5/5
- Add-on/specialty services: 4.2/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 4.4/5
- State availability: 5/5
- Pricing & payment: 1.7/5
American Van Lines: If you’re looking for the most experienced interstate movers
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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. We think it’s one of the top moving van lines out there.
In business since 1995, the company handles out-of-state relocations with a team of skilled movers with an average experience level of 10 years. 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 offers some extra assurance, particularly if your have a lot of high-end or fragile items.
Read our full American Van Lines review
More about American Van Lines
Pros & cons
- Protective wrapping standard with all moves
- Movers are trained to provide special handling of large, high-value, and antique pieces
- Last-minute moves
- Flat-rate pricing
- Up to a 50% deposit at booking
- Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
Services
- Interstate moves
- Long-distance moves
- Corporate relocations
- Military moves
- Antique & piano moving
- Packing & unpacking
- Professional moving consultant
- Packing materials
- Private, climate-controlled storage options
Cost
Your costs will depend on how far you’re moving, how much stuff you have, and whether you purchase any add-on services. Here is what some of our readers paid for their moves with American Van Lines:
| Home Size | Route | Approx. Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | Dallas to KY | 900 miles | $4,000 |
| 2 bedroom | Los Angeles to NC | 2,300 miles | $11,700 |
| 3 bedroom | Baltimore to ND | 1,600 miles | $5,400 |
Availability
American Van Lines provides serves in the continental U.S. (not available in Alaska or Hawaii).
Customer feedback
American Van Lines maintains above-average ratings (four stars or higher) across customer review sites, including the BBB, which gives American an A overall. The company has received a significant number of complaints through the BBB over the last several years, but it’s important to note they have addressed and resolved all of those customer issues.
People like American Van Lines for moving crews’ professional and careful handling of belongings, and many online reviews note the company’s solid customer service. But other customers aren’t as happy with that service, and some negative reviews cite communication issues and unexpected price hikes.
Here’s American Van Lines customers had to say:
“I would recommend working with American Van Lines because of their excellent communication, professionalism, and timeliness. While I ended up paying quite a bit above my estimate, this is because I had to estimate what was in my storage unit over the phone, when I hadn’t seen the items in over two years.” – Kathy, Better Moves participant
“I liked the driver and his helper. For the most part the company did well, I was disappointed that I could not get calls responded to. There was not much energy to return calls or they were returned a good while after. It was my first time moving across country and needed more info to feel more at ease. At the end of the day, my stuff was picked up. I didn’t realize how big the truck was, but they delivered in an amazing amount of time. They dropped it off and it all went well.” — Y.S., Trustpilot
“Many of my belongings were broken during the move, which reflects how carelessly they handled them. The basic insurance policy that they offered was not helpful as it only covered $0.60 per pound. Communication and coordination were poor, and it took multiple calls to get a schedule for loading and delivery, as well as a final invoice.” — Rosana B., Google reviews
Our rating
We gave American Van Lines a total score of 4.5/5 stars. We docked points for the company’s lack of discounts but gave them credit for matching lower competitor quotes. Here’s how they did in each criteria we evaluated:
- Standard services: 4/5
- Add-on/specialty services: 5/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 4.7/5
- State availability: 5/5
- Pricing & payment: 3.3/5
North American Van Lines: If you want to customize your plan & pricing
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
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 things 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
Pros & cons
- No deposit for booking
- Custom crates for electronics, art, and other specialty items
- State-of-the-art satellite shipment tracking
- Self-packing option
- Difficult claims process, according to online reviews
- Binding estimates require in-home visits and can be time-consuming
Services
- Interstate moves
- Long-distance & cross-country moves
- International moves
- Corporate relocations
- Packing & unpacking
- Temporary & long-term storage
- Car shipping
- Packing materials
- Moving supplies
Cost
The cost to move with North American Van Lines will depend on your customized plan, as well as distance and size. Here is some pricing information based on our input from our Better Moves project participants:
| Home Size | Route | Approx. Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | MS to St. Louis | 490 miles | $2,600—$3,100 |
| 2 bedroom | WY to Las Vegas | 890 miles | $3,800—$8,000 |
| 3 bedroom | CO to San Diego | 1,040 miles | $10,500+ |
Availability
North American Van Lines provides interstate moves in all 50 states.
Customer feedback
While North American Van Lines has overwhelmingly negative reviews on consumer feedback sites like the BBB, our readers tell us their experience with the company was a mostly positive one. NAVL has an A+ rating from the BBB, despite only earning one star out of five based on customer reviews. Many customers like the company’s binding estimates — which protect you from paying more than you’re quoted — and punctual deliveries. But some people reported issues with delayed deliveries, and others note unexpected up-charges and damaged items.
Here’s what NAVL customers had to say:
“They were awesome. Overall this experience wasn’t a headache. My stuff arrived when they said it would and overall was in great shape. I thought it would be significantly more stressful to move over 2,000 miles and the movers made it stress-free with my belongings. The only complaint is the driver or someone not reaching out to give an update on when the packers would arrive.” — Michele , Better Moves participant
“I felt that overall the moving staff handled my items with care and were careful with furniture and more delicate items that they weren’t tossed around and placed conscientiously in the truck. There were a few items that I think could’ve been packed a bit more securely…. Despite offering some additional packing services and additional labor at origin, they stayed true to the initial binding quote they gave me.” — Alexander, Better Moves participant
“Five days late packing and loading for our relocation, non-responsive to phone calls, would not call back, four weeks to get our possessions, damaged goods, left my motorcycle behind in their warehouse, no response on when it will get to our new location.” — Mike R., BBB
Our rating
We gave North American Van Lines a score of 4.5/5 stars overall. Here’s a breakdown of their performance in key rating areas:
- Standard services: 5/5
- Add-on/specialty services: 5/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 3.8/5
- State availability: 5/5
- Quote process & payment options: 3.4/5
Comparing interstate movers
With the exception of car shipping — which is only offered by JK Moving and NAVL — all the companies on this list offer the same basic and add-on services. When it comes to pricing, only Safeway, Mayzlin, and American will match lower quotes from competitors, but all our best interstate movers can provide binding estimates.
Compare by discounts
Interstate moving costs can add up quick, so it’s a welcomed relief when you can get a discount or two. But moving discounts aren’t as common as you might think. Only one to four percent of the 4,400 pro movers we analyzed offer deals for special groups and professions. If you are deciding between two or three similarly priced movers, discounts might be the deciding factor.
Some companies — like American Van Lines — that don’t advertise any deals will honor lower quotes from competitors, so you can still get a discounted rate. And even if a company doesn’t publicly offer a particular discount, it never hurts to ask if any are available when you call for a quote.
| Company | Military | Senior | Teacher | Student | Early Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mayzlin Relocation | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ |
| JK Moving Services | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| American Van Lines | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| NAVL | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Compare by cost
While your exact moving costs will depend on how far you’re moving, how much stuff you have, what time of year you move, and any add-on services you select, here is an overview of what you’ll pay with each of our best interstate moving companies to move a three-bedroom approximately 1,500 miles, based on our Better Moves project data:
| Company | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | $5,290 |
| Mayzlin Relocation | $4,700–$6,000 |
| JK Moving Services | $11,930–$13,900 |
| American Van Lines | $5,400 |
| NAVL | $10,500+ |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| JK Moving Services | 4.6/5 | A+ (3.97/5) | 3.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| American Van Lines | 4.5/5 | A (4.19/5) | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| NAVL | 4.75/5 | A+ (1.25/5) | 2.1/5 | 3.8/5 |
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Other considerations
We evaluated thousands of interstate moving companies and narrowed them down to our top five recommendations for various situations. However, we understand that everyone’s move is unique, so if the companies on this list don’t quite match your needs, consider one or more of these highly rated full-service movers:
If you don’t mind taking a more hands-on approach, the following top moving container companies can be a cost-effective alternative to full-service interstate movers:
You can also rent a truck and handle all the heavy lifting and driving on your own. If that’s the case, we think check out our picks for best rental trucks:
How much does an interstate move cost?
Depending on the size and distance of the move, interstate moving costs range from $900–$3,500 for a studio apartment and $5,000–$15,000 for larger four- to five-bedroom homes. The average cost of an interstate move of 2,000–2,500 miles is $4,000–$5,000.
Helpful resources:
- Moving Cost Calculator
- Moving Cost Checklist
- The Ultimate Guide to Getting Discounts on Moving Services
- How Much Does It Cost To Move Out of State?
- How Much Does It Cost To Move an Apartment?
- The Cost To Move a Three-Bedroom Home
Average cost of an interstate move by state
| State | Interstate move ~500 miles |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,118 |
| Arizona | $3,963 |
| Arkansas | $4,040 |
| California | $3,963 |
| Colorado | $4,040 |
| Connecticut | $3,691 |
| Delaware | $3,807 |
| Florida | $3,497 |
| Georgia | $4,040 |
| Idaho | $4,662 |
| Illinois | $3,807 |
| Indiana | $3,963 |
| Iowa | $4,002 |
| Kansas | $4,118 |
| Kentucky | $4,079 |
| Louisiana | $3,963 |
| Maine | $4,662 |
| Maryland | $3,691 |
| Massachusetts | $3,885 |
| Michigan | $3,963 |
| Minnesota | $4,040 |
| Mississippi | $4,196 |
| Missouri | $3,924 |
| Montana | $4,662 |
| Nebraska | $4,002 |
| Nevada | $3,846 |
| New Hampshire | $4,468 |
| New Jersey | $3,691 |
| New Mexico | $4,312 |
| New York | $3,497 |
| North Carolina | $3,730 |
| North Dakota | $4,740 |
| Ohio | $4,079 |
| Oklahoma | $4,040 |
| Oregon | $4,468 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,807 |
| Rhode Island | $3,691 |
| South Carolina | $3,730 |
| South Dakota | $4,662 |
| Tennessee | $4,079 |
| Texas | $3,963 |
| Utah | $4,002 |
| Vermont | $4,468 |
| Virginia | $3,730 |
| Washington | $4,468 |
| West Virginia | $4,079 |
| Wisconsin | $4,040 |
| Wyoming | $4,662 |
Interstate moving tips
Moving is never easy, but moving across state lines comes with its own unique set of challenges. Follow these tips to make your interstate move as smooth as possible:
- Manage expectations. Always expect the unexpected with an interstate move. Even if you plan carefully and work with the best interstate moving companies, something may go wrong. Have a back-up plan, just in case. Do you know where you’d rent a truck or who you could get help from if you’re in a disaster scenario? What happens if the mover says your stuff will arrive in a week, but it actually takes three weeks? Prepare for unforeseen problems now so you can move quickly if things go wrong.
- Get multiple quotes and book early. Ideally, you should book your mover at least 30–60 days in advance. Moving companies will increase prices for moves booked at the last minute or may not have any availability at all. Movers are more likely to offer lower prices in exchange for flexibility with your move dates. Getting several moving quotes also increases the odds of finding a mover in a position to offer a discounted rate.
- Sell, donate, or trash items. About 70% of your moving estimate comes down to how much stuff you’re moving, so a good first step in the moving process is to go through your belongings and get rid of items that you no longer use or want. Downsizing can help you save money, but be aware most movers have minimum size requirements, so don’t get rid of too much.
- Pack carefully. Hiring full-service packing help is nice, but packing yourself is the cheapest way to do an interstate move. Use our moving checklist, which includes planning and packing tips, to help you box up your stuff like a pro.
- Understand how the moving industry operates. Did you know — there’s really no such thing as a national moving company? For example, North American Van Lines is actually 1,500 moving companies spread across the U.S. but operating under one umbrella corporation. Pretty much all major interstate moving companies work this way. The trick is how well the company deals with its partner movers. Quality interstate moving companies will have a huge rule book for their agents to follow.
- Take customer reviews with a grain of salt. While customer feedback is important, it can be hard to find reviews specifically about interstate moves. Sites like Yelp or Google mix reviews for local, long-distance, and interstate moves together. Local moves are way easier and typically have higher-quality outcomes. But that’s just not as easy for interstate moves. You’ll see negative reviews for these companies because not every long-distance move will go well. That’s true for all moving companies.
FAQ
What is an interstate move?
An interstate move is any move that crosses state lines. Depending on where you live, these moves could involve a journey of several thousand miles or only a few hundred miles. What makes interstate moves distinct from other long-distance moves is the fact that crossing state lines results in additional regulatory requirements. Those requirements vary from state to state, so interstate moves are primarily regulated at the federal level. Interstate movers must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Interstate movers must also be knowledgeable of and compliant with the various regulations of the states in which they operate.
Do interstate movers have a minimum size requirement?
Most interstate moving companies have a minimum size requirement of 1,000 pounds. This is equivalent to roughly 40 medium-sized moving boxes or a small studio apartment worth of household goods. During the peak summer moving season (May–August), some companies increase their minimum move size to 2,000 or even 3,500 pounds. This is about the average weight of a one-bedroom apartment.
Do moving companies offer storage?
Yes, most moving companies offer storage. Of the 4,400 movers we researched, 86% provide some sort of short- or long-term storage solution. And many interstate moving companies will offer up to 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 won’t have access to them during this time.
If you’re relocating more than 1,000 miles or cross-country, consult your mover about delivery time frames to see if storage services are necessary. It’s not uncommon for deliveries to take more than two weeks.
Do moving companies ship cars?
Some moving companies ship cars, but it is not a common service. Among our best interstate movers, only JK Moving and North American Van Lines provide auto transport services. If you need auto transport for a corporate relocation or a family move, check out our picks for the best car shipping companies.
How early should I book a move?
You should book a move at least two months before your expected move date. Book as soon as possible if you’re moving during the busy summer months (May–August). If you wait too long, many companies will fill up, and you won’t have many options. Timing is complex, so check out moveBuddha’s guide on the best time to 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. moveBuddha’s methodology includes the following factors:
- 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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