7 Best Out-of-State Moving Companies (2025)

Based on our thorough review, Safeway Moving, Mayzlin Relocation, BLVD Moving, PODS, and American Van Lines are some of the best out-of-state moving companies. Safeway stands out for its overall value, while Mayzlin is particularly good for personalized customer service.

Key points about the best out-of-state movers:

  • Reputation: These companies are well known for their reliability in long-distance moves and are trusted by industry experts.
  • Services: Most of these movers provide full-service moving, including packing and unpacking, loading, and transportation.
  • Specialization: Some specialize in areas like vehicle transport or handling fragile and valuable items with specialized packing.
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Our picks for best out-of-state movers

Moving to a new home out of state can cost between $1,000 and $10,000 or more, depending on factors like where you’re going and what method you use to relocate.

Based on your specific moving details — and your budget — you may want to consider Safeway or another of the top out-of-state movers below.

Our track recordtoggle

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Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Safeway Moving: Best overall

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5

89% of users select this mover

We chose Safeway Moving (USDOT#3756000) as the top out-of-state mover because of their balance of affordability and prompt, professional service. Offering high-quality moves at lower prices than competitors is a big reason we think Safeway is one of the best moving companies in the industry. And that balance is something customers apparently appreciate, as well, judging by their overwhelmingly positive online reviews.

Since Safeway focuses almost exclusively on long-distance relocations nationwide your out-of-state move will come with perks like free short-term storage.

Read our full Safeway Moving review

How much does Safeway cost?

Here’s a quick look at some of Safeway’s price points from Better Moves Project participants who used Safeway for their out-of-state moves:

Home Size Route Approx. Distance Estimated Cost
1 bedroom CA to IL 2,000 miles $5,895
2 bedrooms NJ to TX 1,753 miles $5,290
3 bedrooms AZ to DE 2,367 miles $27,995

More about Safeway Movingtoggle

Pros & cons

  • 30 days of storage free with all out-of-state moves
  • Military discount
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • No online shipment tracking
  • No small-load out-of-state moves

Services

  • Packing & unpacking
  • Short- & long-term storage
  • Custom crating
  • Piano moving
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Condo & HOA association moves (meets insurance requirements)
  • Military moves

Customer feedback

Feedback for Safeway’s service is generally positive, with near-stellar ratings on both Google and Trustpilot. Customers frequently mention the quality of care crews take with electronics and bulky items, although there is some criticism of Safeway for damaging or breaking belongings en route.

Here’s what our Better Moves Project participants told us about Safeway:

truck

Everything happened on time and went smoothly. Considering I was moving cross-country and to NYC, it was very low-stress.

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“I liked that my move cost less than [the] original quote and there were no surprises. I liked how well they wrapped my furniture. I liked the communication. And I like that they are military owned and donate to charity.”
Melissa

“…The lack of consistency in who I was communicating with during this stressful experience, as well as the cost escalating by over $1,500, to me, was too frustrating….”
Shannon

How we rated Safewaytoggle

We gave Safeway 4.85 out of 5 stars overall on our rating scale, scoring them high marks for their standard and add-on options, as well as their solid reputation.

Here’s how Safeway fared in each of our rating subcategories:

  • 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
mover
moveBuddha icon
Kaley's Move with Safeway
“Everything went smoothly and they were very communicative throughout. I also liked that they would text me vs. call and email, as it’s faster and more my Millennial preference.”
From
CA
To
IL
Cost
$5,950
Size
1 bdrm
Read The Full Story

Mayzlin Relocation: If you want personalized service

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5

89% of users select this mover

Mayzlin Relocation (USDOT#3182355) handles long-distance moves to and from all 50 states. As a family-owned company, Mayzlin applies a small-business personalization to its nationwide moves. Their top-notch customer service and moving packages have gained them high marks on our rating scale and third-party review sites.

Read our full Mayzlin Relocation review

How much does Mayzlin cost?

Check out some real prices from Mayzlin customers who participated in our Better Moves Project:

Home Size Route Approx. Distance Estimated Cost
1 bedroom CT to OH 622 miles $2,800
2 bedrooms FL to CO 1,913 miles $6,381
3 bedrooms OH to SC 541 miles $5,147

More about Mayzlin Relocationtoggle

Pros & cons

  • Discounts for military & senior citizens
  • 24-hour customer service
  • Binding estimates on out-of-state moves
  • Price-matching policy
  • 25% deposit for longer moves
  • Website has limited information about add-on options

Services

  • Round-the-clock live customer support
  • Packing & unpacking
  • Antique moving
  • Secure, climate-controlled storage
  • Military relocations

Customer feedback

Mayzlin has a generally positive reputation, maintaining high ratings on sites like the Better Business Bureau and Google. Positive feedback focuses on how easy it is to get a quote and moving crews’ quality work. A common complaint from customers is unanticipated price increases on moving day.

Take a look at some feedback about Mayzlin Relocation:

truck

Sally’s move from Chicago to Massachusetts went smoothly from a pricing perspective. The initial quote of $3,663 for the one-bedroom relocation held true, with the only pain points being some slight damage to her goods near the beginning of the move. Her moving crew even arrived at her new home in Massachusetts earlier than expected, making it easier for her to settle in.

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“After a bad experience with another moving company quite recently, I was hesitant to hire professionals again. But thankfully, this company helped me regain faith. From the first phone call right until delivery, the movers were kind, attentive, and efficient. They treated my belongings as if they were their own, and the entire process was smooth from start to finish. Literally the best!”
Henrietta C., Google reviews

“The estimate was way off, despite a full walk-through via video showing every inch of our current home. If we knew the cost was going to be so much, we would have gone with another provider. Ultimately, (Mayzlin) understood their bad (initial) quote was not my fault…. We agreed to an amicable agreement on price, given how far off the quote and the reality ended up being.”
Christopher, Better Moves Project

How we rated Mayzlintoggle

Mayzlin earned 4.9 out of 5 stars based on our methodology.

This included the following scores for each 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
mover
moveBuddha icon
Elizabeth's Move with Mayzlin
“The communication and customer service were excellent and the movers were courteous, communicative, and efficient.”
From
FL
To
CO
Cost
$7,844
Size
2 bdrms
Read The Full Story

BLVD Moving: Best for competitive pricing

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5

89% of users select this mover

Founded in 2017, BLVD Moving (USDOT#971895) offers out-of-state relocations nationwide with a focus on keeping costs predictable. The company provides binding estimates, so you know what you’ll pay upfront without surprise fees. BLVD Moving keeps pricing competitive by letting you customize your move, whether you need full packing or just transportation. If you’re looking to keep costs in check while moving across state lines, their flexible options make budgeting easier.

Read our full BLVD Moving review

How much does BLVD Moving cost?

Here are a few ballpark prices we received from a BLVD relocation coordinator:

Home Size Estimated Cost*
1 bedroom $2,700–$4,500
2 bedrooms $4,000–$6,500
3 bedrooms $5,500–$9,000

*Based on an approximately 2,000-mile move from Los Angeles to Atlanta

More about BLVD Movingtoggle

Pros & cons

  • Full-time moving crews (rather than contracted labor)
  • Virtual home walkthroughs
  • Binding estimates
  • Limited add-on services
  • Smaller truck fleet than some competitors (can affect availability)

Services

  • Special handling of fragile items
  • Packing & unpacking
  • Storage options
  • Office moves

Customer feedback

BLVD Moving strong ratings on Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau. Positive reviews mention their efficient moving crews and punctuality on the job.

Take a look at what some customers had to say about their moves with BLVD:

truck

“We are over-the-moon happy with everyone at BLVD Moving…. Each team member has been communicative, accommodating, and transparent. They handled all of our items with care, even an upright piano. We would recommend BLVD to anyone moving near or far.”

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“Incredible movers. The most professional, joyful, and helpful people we’ve ever worked with. [We] would choose them again every time!”
Timothy L., BBB

“BLVD moving did my move from New York to California. Most of my items arrived intact, but a few were damaged and some, even broken completely. The team in New York was only two men, who seemed to handle my items rather carelessly. I think if they had more workers things would’ve been packed properly, but you can only carry a whole dresser by yourself so delicately….”
Erica C., Yelp

How we rated BLVD Movingtoggle

We scored BLVD Moving against our methodology and gave them a 4.2 out of 5 overall rating due to its quick quotes and positive customer review scores.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Standard services: 5/5
  • Add-on/specialty services: 4.2/5
  • Customer feedback & reputation: 4.7/5
  • State availability: 5/5
  • Quote process & payment options: 5/5

PODS: If convenience is key

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5

89% of users select this mover

PODS (USDOT#1397252) makes out-of-state relocations easier with their move-at-your-pace approach. You can pack and load on your schedule, then have PODS handle the transport to your new home — no tight moving day deadlines or rushed packing. Built-in storage options make PODS a solid choice if you need extra time between homes. PODS is available in 46 states (not in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, or Wyoming).

Read our full PODS review

How much does PODS cost?

Our Better Moves Project participants shared these PODS costs for out-of-state moves with us:

Home Size Route Approx. Distance Estimated Cost
2 bedrooms AZ to WA 1,400 miles $3,252
2 bedrooms CA to VA 2,800 miles $4,209
3 bedrooms Minneapolis to Seattle 1,709 miles $2,836

More about PODStoggle

Pros & cons

  • 240+ locations
  • 30 days to load and unload containers
  • Flexible cancellation policy
  • No tracking option for out-of-state moves
  • Not available in AK, MT, ND, or WY

Services

  • Eight- and 16-foot units for out-of-state moves
  • 30-day rentals
  • Optional third-party moving labor
  • Add-on insurance

Customer feedback

PODS’ ratings will vary based on which physical location you use for your move. They have a decent average customer review rating on the Better Business Bureau. Glowing reviews mention punctual drop-offs and pickups and stellar communication, while negative reviews note damaged goods due to faulty or outdated containers. Our Better Moves Project participants similarly had mostly positive feedback, with some more critical takeaways.

Here’s a few examples from Better Moves and Trustpilot:

truck

“The move went better than I expected. It was very smooth. PODs was incredibly accommodating, responsive, and punctual. I would recommend them to any of my friends who are in the process of moving.”

Learn More

“The customer service was great — and the communication also — but I was very disappointed with the lack of hooks or hangers in our old model POD! All the videos showed a newer style with hangers and easy tie downs. Using ropes in the small holes was very time-consuming when packing.”
Lois F., Trustpilot

“Moving is stressful. If you have a family with kids, it’s preferable to use a company with more services than PODS. You have to take into consideration, which I didn’t, and it cost me about 40 days to deliver my household goods because PODS’ services aren’t everywhere in the US.”
Hassan, Better Moves

How we rated PODStoggle

PODS earned a 4.8 out of 5 overall rating when we scored it against our methodology. They earned points for their pricing, flexible rental periods, number of container sizes available, and positive customer reviews.

This is how PODS’ rating breaks down:

  • Standard services: 5/5
  • Add-on/specialty services: 4.1/5
  • Customer feedback & reputation: 4.7/5
  • State availability: 4/5
  • Quote process & payment options: 5/5
mover
moveBuddha icon
Alex's Move With PODS
“The actual cost of the move was almost exactly (just a little under) what they quoted. The delivery drivers were very communicative, friendly, and skilled. The services were always on time and our items barely shifted at all.”
From
MN
To
WA
Cost
$2,836
Size
3 bdrms
Read The Full Story

American Van Lines: Most experienced

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5

89% of users select this mover

If you are anxious about how your fragile pieces or family heirlooms will be handled, American Van Lines (USDOT#614506) should provide the assurance you need. Founded in 1995, American Van Lines (AVL) brings decades of experience to long-distance moves throughout the continental US. Unlike many moving companies, they rely solely on full-time, background-checked movers rather than third-party contractors, ensuring consistent service from start to finish. Their crews specialize in handling high-value items like antiques and pianos.

Read our full American Van Lines review

How much does AVL cost?

These are some of the price points for out-of-state moves with AVL that we’ve collected from Better Moves Project participants:

Home Size Route Approx. Distance Estimated Cost
1 bedroom Washington, D.C. to St. Louis 831 miles $3,332
2 bedrooms Missouri to Utah 1.360 miles $3,578
2 bedrooms WI to CA 2,200 miles $3,985

More about AVLtoggle

Pros & cons

  • Binding estimates for out-of-state moves
  • No outsourced moving labor
  • Specialty crews for antiques and pianos
  • No online pricing information
  • No shipment tracking

Services

  • Antique moving
  • Piano moving
  • Custom crating
  • Packing & unpacking
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Military relocations
  • Packing supplies

Customer feedback

American Van Lines maintains excellent ratings across multiple consumer feedback cites, with positive reviews mentioning speedy service and damage-free moves. Less-than-glowing feedback includes complaints of poor communication and damaged belongings.

Take a look at what these customers thought about AVL:

truck

“Excellent work. Everything arrived in the same great condition as when it was picked up. Everyone worked hard and got the job done quickly. Highly recommend.”

Learn More

“We are a repeat customer. [Our] only concern was with communication, since our items were not delivered for almost three weeks after they were picked up. It would have been nice to get a text message stating that they were still working on a delivery date than to not hear from them at all.”
Mary & Don R., Trustpilot

“The lack of communication from the company throughout the move did not make us feel cared about as customers. It felt like we had to call to remind them we exist on a regular basis…. This experience made us more interested in trying a DIY approach next time, even if it is significantly more work, in order to have a greater sense of control over the process.
Allison, Better Moves

How we rated American Van Linestoggle

We gave American Van Lines an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, in large part because of their mostly positive customer reviews and quality add-ons.

Here’s how AVL scored in each major subcategory:

  • 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
mover
moveBuddha icon
Kathy's Move with American Van Lines
Kathy found everyone on AVL’s team — from the customer support agents to the moving crews — to be “polite, helpful, and professional.” While AVL had to push back her original moving date by two days, everything arrived at her now home in St. Louis on schedule and damage-free. Despite the slight hiccup with the pickup schedule, Kathy said AVL communicated well throughout the moving process and provided quality service at an affordable price.
From
D.C.
To
MO
Cost
$4,074
Size
1 bdrm
Read The Full Story

U-Pack: For those who want to take a DIY approach

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5

89% of users select this mover

U-Pack (USDOT#263208) is built for convenient DIY out-of-state moves, where you handle the packing and loading yourself but leave the driving to a professional. You only pay for the space you use in their 28-foot trailers or ReloCubes, making it a budget-friendly option without the hassle of driving a rental truck. With service in all 50 states and fast delivery — often within two to five business days — U-Pack gives you more control over your move while keeping costs low. If you’re up for a DIY approach but want to skip the long-haul drive, U-Pack offers a flexible alternative to full-service movers.

Read our full U-Pack review

How much does U-Pack cost?

Here, we’ve listed some moving costs from Better Move Project clients who booked with U-Pack:

Home Size Route Approx. Distance Estimated Cost
1 bedroom NY to FL 1,200 miles $2,582
2 bedrooms OR to OH 2,922 miles $5,761
3 bedrooms CA to UT 812 miles $2,965

More about U-Packtoggle

Pros & cons

  • Online shipment tracker
  • Only pay for the space or containers you use
  • Available in rural areas
  • Cancellation fees
  • Rigid three-day loading and unloading windows

Services

  • Transportation of ReloCubes and trailers
  • Long-term storage options
  • Instant online quotes
  • Additional insurance coverage
  • Optional labor assistance
  • Moving supplies for purchase

Customer feedback

Customers are generally pleased with U-Pack’s service, judging by reviews on the BBB and similar consumer feedback sites. Our Better Moves Project participants also like U-Pack. Customers applaud the company for their affordable, transparent pricing and friendly customer support, though some say U-Pack’s communication is lacking, leading to delays in deliveries and unexpected price increases.

Check out this sampling of customer feedback:

truck

“I highly recommend U-Pack. They used ABS as their freight service, which I know to be reliable and [ABS] has good tracking services for your shipment. As far as a long-distance move goes, this was the least painful overall….”

Learn More

“I think for the time and cost,… things could have been more organized and thoroughly communicated. I have never overseen a move greater than 10 miles, so I didn’t know what to expect or anticipate. I think I may have been able to find more ways to save some money, but ultimately, I believe… I got my money’s worth with U-Pack.”
Shiri, Better Moves

“Customer service people are not very helpful, and they delayed my shipment by almost a week. I had to call at every step to remind them and track where my items were and [find out] how I [could] make the shipment faster.”
E.K., Trustpilot

How we rated U-Packtoggle

We gave U-Pack a prefect score of 5 out of 5, thanks to their coverage area, positive review scores, instant quotes, and quick delivery times.

Naturally, they also aced all the individual rating areas:

  • Standard services: 5/5
  • Add-on/specialty services: 4.8/5
  • Customer feedback & reputation: 4.9/5
  • State availability: 5/5
  • Quote process & payment options: 5/5
mover
moveBuddha icon
Gillian's Move with U-Pack
“They really made our move a resounding success…. U-Pack’s transparency really stood out to me. They almost seemed too good to be true at first — I had to read testimonials to make sure that they were legitimate before booking our move! I’m glad I took the leap and used U-Pack for our move.”
From
NC
To
LA
Cost
$1,146
Size
1 bdrm
Read The Full Story

MovingYourself: Best for flexible moves

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5

89% of users select this mover

MovingYourself (USDOT#4131919) gives you full control over your out-of-state move with a flexible, pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Instead of renting an entire truck, you reserve space on a 52-foot freight trailer and only pay for the linear feet you need. This setup works well if your plans change, since you can adjust the amount of space right up until moving day. With service throughout the Lower 48 and no strict schedules, MovingYourself is a solid choice if you want a long-distance move that adapts to your needs.

Read our full MovingYourself review

How much does MovingYourself cost?

MovingYourself doesn’t provide instant quotes, and requires a phone call for a move consultation and quote.

We’ve included some rates we got from a recent call here:

Home Size Route Approx. Distance Estimated Cost
1 bedroom Cross-country (1,500+ miles) $1,055–$2,555
2-3 bedrooms Cross-country (1,500+ miles) $1,925–$3,225
4-5 bedrooms Cross-country (1,500+ miles) $2,950–$4,755

More about MovingYourselftoggle

Pros & cons

  • Pay only for the space you use
  • Vehicle shipping options
  • All-inclusive estimates (with taxes and fees)
  • No instant online quotes
  • No packing supplies or moving labor options

Services

  • 28-foot trucks
  • Transportation
  • Auto transport
  • Military relocations
  • Add-on insurance option

Customer feedback

MovingYourself has overwhelmingly positive reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and the BBB. In fact, we could few instances of critical feedback. Positive reviews frequently mention efficiency, stellar customer support, and punctual deliveries.

Take a look at what some customers had to say:

truck

“Great experience, reasonably priced. All my calls [were] answered and questions responded to. [I] would use them again if I was moving.”

Learn More

“The communication was fantastic. Everything that was described to me with my move happened. There were no surprise charges. [The] trailer was dropped off and picked up right on schedule. [The] price of [my] move from Arizona to Illinois was the best I found. I highly recommend MovingYourself if you need to move yourself!”
Dan A., Google

“I was charged an extra $250 and wasn’t informed of why. I got all my things in the time that was in the range they said. So, in that aspect, it was great, but that is also their job and that is what I expected. {Giving] a reason why [I was charged extra] would have been more professional.”
Phil S., Trustpilot

How we rated MovingYourselftoggle

We rated MovingYourself 4.5 out of 5 overall on our grading scale. Their limited service offerings are a slight drawback, but their widespread availability and positive customer reviews are a definite plus.

Here’s how MovingYourself fared in each category:

  • Standard services: 4/5
  • Add-on/specialty services: 3.5/5
  • Customer feedback & reputation: 5/5
  • State availability: 4.5/5
  • Quote process & payment options: 5/5

The cost to move out of state

On average, the cost to move out of state ranges from around $1,500 to upwards of $10,000.

However, your actual moving costs will depend on these main factors:

  • Move size: Movers use estimated shipment weight, volume, or both as a major determining factor when yielding estimates. Larger shipments take more time and manpower to load and require more fuel to reach their destination, so they will naturally be more expensive than a small move.
  • Distance: It’s common sense that the further movers have to take your stuff, the more they’ll charge. Longer-distance moves mean higher fuel costs and more driver compensation. Distance and shipment size are often used in conjunction with each other to set overall costs.
  • Moving method: Full-service movers typically cost more than moving containers or moving truck rentals. However, depending on where you’re relocating, this may not be the case. Keep in mind the “hidden” costs of DIY long-distance moves, such as gas, food, and lodging.
  • Services: Add-ons like packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and other specialty services will increase your overall rate. Packing is especially costly, and can sometimes double your total cost.
  • Time of year: Movers experience higher demand during the peak moving season. From May through September, you should expect to pay higher rates for service due to the influx of business most movers get.

How the best out-of-state moving companies compare

Here’s a look at how the top out-of-state movers stack up:

Company Price Our Rating BBB Rating Storage Deposit Cancellation Policy Discounts
Safeway Moving $$ 4.85/5 Not rated Up to 40% Full refund with at least 7 days’ notice Client referral, military, first responder, senior
Mayzlin Relocation $$ 4.9/5 A- 25% Full refund with at least 7 days’ notice Military, price-matching
BLVD Moving $$ 4.25/5 A- 10% to book; 50% before moving day Full refund up to moving day Military
PODS $$$ 4.5/5 A+ None 3 days in advance to avoid a fee Military, seasonal promotions
American Van Lines $$ 4.5/5 A Up to 50% Full refund within 3 days after signing contract First responder, military, senior, student
U-Pack $$ 5/5 A+ None Full refund with at least 7 days’ notice Military, students
MovingYourself $ 4.5/5 A X 10% Full refund X

What to look for in an out-of-state mover

Knowing the right questions to ask and what you should be wary of will help any moving quote process go more smoothly and should lead to you getting a more accurate price overall.

When getting estimates, be aware of the following:

  • Mover registration status: All movers offering out-of-state service have to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They must also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers to legally operate. You should look up a mover’s registration status on the FMCSA’s SAFER database before you get a quote.
  • Positive customer reviews: Look for movers with a proven track record for quality service. Reviewing common positive and negative mentions will help you pick the right company and identify potential red flags. Our Better Moves Project provides lots of real-life, detailed accounts of moving experiences. You can also check aggregate review sites like the BBB and Trustpilot.
  • Binding estimates: Binding rates will not change between quote day and moving day unless you add inventory or services to your move. Since binding estimates help you stay on a moving budget, consider companies that offer this pricing model over those that don’t.
  • Written copies of contracts and estimates: Moving companies should always supply clearly worded written contracts and quotes via email or in-person. Your contract should define the services that will be rendered and include the cost estimate and and deposit requirements. Never book with a mover that doesn’t provide you with these.

Other out-of-state moving options

If you’d still like some more options among the best full-service moving companies, we also recommend these highly rated providers:

Top moving container companies like PODS, U-Pack, and MovingYourself are far less expensive than hiring a van line with nationwide service.

If you book a truck rental company, your price will be even lower. However, you’ll have to handle all of the driving.

Here are some additional DIY moving options:

FAQ

How far in advance should I book an out-of-state move?toggle

We recommend that you book an out-of-state move at least four weeks in advance. But book your move early if possible — several months or more ahead of your move date — to get the best price. Having a locked-in price well in advance will help you to adequately plan and budget and will ensure that you have enough time to declutter ahead of moving and pack your things.

How long do out-of-state moves take?toggle

Out-of-state moves take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on distance, time of year, and a moving company’s routes and availability. Moving to a neighboring state will take much less time than a cross-country move, which can be between 10 and 20 days or more. With the most favorable road conditions, out-of-state movers can cover about 400 miles per day. However, many moving companies package multiple moves onto the same trailer. This means that their path to your new home may not be linear, and could include some delays.

What happens if my belongings are delayed during an out-of-state move?toggle

If your belongings are delayed during your out-of-state move, unfortunately, there are no laws requiring movers to compensate you for the inconvenience. The Bill of Lading you receive when movers pick up your items should include an estimated arrival date, but most companies allow for up to 30 days to account for any unforeseen delays. If you believe a mover is deliberately withholding your items, you can file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Consumer Complaint Database or a consumer advocacy site like the Better Business Bureau.

Can movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?toggle

Full-service movers can typically handle moving pianos and antiques. Some piano and antiques movers even list defined fees for such specialized services on their website. For example, International Van Lines offers a cost table on its site with one-time fees for moving pianos, bulky items and other larger goods. Depending on the size or type of item in question, you may require custom crating, which many top movers offer.

Do I need to buy moving insurance for an out-of-state move?toggle

You are not required to buy moving insurance for out-of-state moves, but you might want to consider it if you have a lot of high-value pieces. All moving companies provide a basic amount of insurance for all moves, known as “released value protection.” This coverage pays out $0.60 per pound per item in the event of loss or damage to your goods. But that means if a 10-pound statue worth $3,000 is damaged or lost, you’ll only get $6 in compensation.

You can purchase additional coverage, known as “full-value protection,” through most full-service moving companies. This coverage plan will allow you to purchase a set total amount of reimbursement for potential loss during a move for an additional price. Discuss your options with your move coordinator during the quote phase.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state?toggle

The cheapest way to move out-of-state is by renting a moving truck and doing all of the work yourself. You’ll have to do much of the work on your own, but the reduced cost could be worth the added strain, depending on the size and scope of your move.

Our rating methodology

At moveBuddha, we understand that all out-of-state moving companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review process to rate and review companies to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.

Here’s a breakdown of the methodology we use to rate interstate movers:

  • Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each company.
  • Standard services: We look at what services are included as part of a moving company’s standard offerings, and which ones you can only get for an additional fee.
  • Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move, such as packing and custom-built crates, as well as services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
  • Availability: The areas a company serves — as well as whether they offer local, long-distance, or international services — is another important consideration. Widespread availability is most useful.
  • Payment: Ease of making a payment (including submitting a deposit) with multiple options (credit card, check, cash, etc.) can also make moving easier.
  • Scheduling: How easy is it to book a move? What kind of lead time is needed? Readily available booking services and streamlined scheduling will help get your move underway.

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