2021's Best Out of State Moving Companies
There are many out-of-state moving companies in the United States of America. However, only a few can handle out of state move without hiccups.
Moving APT researched many long-distance movers and screened the list to 10 to help you with the best out-of-state movers for your upcoming relocation.
We considered many factors, such as pricing, quality services offered, location, customer service, and previous customer reviews to arrive at the top 10 out-of-state movers.
Top 3 Recommended Out of State Movers
Continue reading to see who is on the list and who is not, and also know the appropriate questions to ask when looking for movers.
10 Best Out of State Movers Around You
We have done all the background research for you to enable you to spend less research time on your computer.
We’ve worked and came up with a list of highly-rated out-of-state moving companies for your next move so you can save your entire time for something else.
Each full-service out-of-state moving company is superior in the delivery of its services, and that is why you need to find the right one that satisfies your certain moving needs to enjoy a positive relocation experience.
Here, are our top picks for out-of-state moving companies:
Some out-of-state relocation is considered and treated as long-distance moves. However, every move is categorized and services customized to meet customers’ needs at Adams Van Lines. Each move differs from one another.
They believe you have a purpose for your out-of-state move, and they work closely with you to help achieve this goal by making sure you enjoy a no-stress moving experience.
They will complete all the legal and other necessary paperwork needed to cross state lines.
Adams Van Lines make sure each move is completed in an agreed timeline while making sure your items are safe all through the journey.
The out-of-state move is made easier for customers with Adam Van Lines’ excellent customer service support by giving you just one contact person for all your moving needs.
This company is one of the best in the moving business when looking up out-of-state movers.
Pros ✔
- Reliable Flat-rate pricing as well as price matching
- Experienced and background-checked staff
- Certified and professional antique and piano moving company
- Binding estimate
Cons ✖
- Online quotes may take several minutes
Pricing Van Lines is one of the best places to go for the reliable and affordable state to state movers that will get the job done.
The moving broker started about two decades ago with very few efficient resources but has grown to become a to-go platform for hiring competent movers for various moving purposes.
Pricing Van Lines prides itself to lead the train of brokers involved in State to state moving services in the US by giving easy access to incredible services at competitive rates.
You will get all you need to move you across the state from your current home to your final destination.
Pricing Van Lines is a licensed moving company owned by an American and has moved thousands of people out of state for over 20 years.
The company is equipped with moving teams with a lot of experience in handling any size and type of out-of-state move, no matter the distance involved.
Pros ✔
- Has Customized moving strategies
- Offers free no-obligation quotes
- One of the most competitive pricing system in the industry
- Various useful moving resources
- Well-trained and background-checked staff
Cons ✖
- Can’t find one for now
This is one of the nicest relocation platforms established to get rid of the challenges faced by clients like a sudden increase in price, late arrival, poor service delivery, extra charges, loss or damage to items, and other scams related to moving usually experienced by those moving.
iMoving provides transparency and reliability between moving companies and clients for problem-free moving transactions.
iMoving is the best platform for you to plan your out-of state move and customize the entire process.
The platform allows movers and other services in the moving business to create a listing of their services, while customers can choose the one that matches their budget.
Ready-to-move customers are to only supply the details of their move, review and make a comparison between different moving quotes, then pick a moving company, and make a reservation on the same platform.
Pros ✔
- Local and international moves
- Many extra services available
- Responsive website
- Detailed information on the company website
Cons ✖
- Many clients are using them, so submit reservation earlier
- Can think of any other
This is a full-service out-of-state moving company that holds one of the biggest moving networks across the globe.
Aside from its partnership with many local movers to meet your specific moving needs, it also offers stellar service.
Allied Van Lines became a regular on our top 10 list due to its in-home estimate experience, quality customer service, and varieties of services.
An in-home survey and estimate is the simplest method of finding out if a mover and its agents are leading you into a sale.
If the movers are pressuring you to agree to their services or the quote you received from them look too low, then you should bounce.
We found Allied’s moving assistance to have the best interest at heart to help customer achieve a nice, smooth, and affordable relocation.
Pros ✔
- Responsive customer service agents
- Great experience on the in-home moving estimate
- Disconnection and reconnection of appliance
- Pricing transparency
Cons ✖
- No cheap storage options for small items
- “Guaranteed” prices not always sure
PODS is a moving and storage container provider unlike other movers on this list and is one of our favorites for out-of-state movers.
Hiring PODS requires consumers to pack their moving pod by themselves, and it gets picked up by PODS and delivered to their new home.
This implies that PODS is a little DIY than moving with any of the full-service moving companies we’ve reviewed above.
Although moving with storage containers requires a little effort on your part, unless, of course, you are paying for labor only for loading, you can save a lot of money on your out-of-state relocation, which makes this a great choice if you are not financially robust for a full-mover.
Pros ✔
- Packing and loading help available
- Locations in most states
- Weather-proof containers
- Long- and short-distance moves
- Storage services
Cons ✖
- A phone call needed to finalize your quote
This company is known for being available in all the fifty states in the country. The good thing we like most about Bekins is its commitment to offering the best services to customers.
No other moving company can compete with Bekins in the aspect of customer services. The following are the major reasons for customer satisfaction:
- Bekins offer warehousing facilities to its customers
- This company provides warehouse service for storing belongings for customers who don’t have a fixed date for move-in yet.
- The company’s website layout is very simple, and you will be given a free moving quote after filling out a form.
- The professional employees at Bekins provide answers to all your questions reasonably and in full detail.
Pros ✔
- Easy online quotes
- Transparent discounts
Cons ✖
- Average prices (unless you use discounts)
Only moving brokers or broker-carrier hybrids that contract out part or your entire move to other companies can offer everything American Van Lines offers.
The company has background researched employees who take care of every aspect of your move whether you are moving a vehicle or require storage services or full-service moving.
Alongside all these services, AVL has committed to reasonable prices as well as customer satisfaction, and it makes use of a flat-rate pricing system so you can know how much exactly you are going to pay.
AVL is fully licensed and insured and registered with the USDOT and provides a comprehensive moving service that can take care of any size of belongings that needs to be moved.
Pros ✔
- Flat-rate pricing
- Binding estimates
- Price-matching
- Background-checked movers
- Certified movers of piano and antique
Cons ✖
- No online quotes
- Frequent phone calls
This company is generally known for its dedicated crew of hardworking professionals that are out to make customers happy.
As a family-owned establishment, the company’s name and family name are both on the line.
You will get to understand why so many people are proud to recommend this company, which has been offering services for many years.
When you contact them and informing them of your moving needs and the costs, you will discover they are the best for the job.
This is one of the companies you may want to contact for your upcoming move as it has remained at the top of the best out-of-state movers list regardless of your destination.
Pros ✔
- Easy booking process
- Portable moving containers rental available
- Free, instant quotes
Cons ✖
- Deposit required
With more than 85 years in offering full-service moving which involves packing, moving and storage services for both residential and commercial consumers, this company’s out-of-state movers are highly-trained, experienced, and capable of assisting with every step of the moving process, regardless of the distance of the move (local, out-of-state, cross country, business, and international moves).
Pros ✔
- Storage service available
- Experienced movers
Cons ✖
- Low online presence
This business has a very solid rating (A+) on many notes. It is also one of the top three out-of-state movers and has been on the list for many years.
Its long-distance service is not only for interstate moves but also international moving as well. It has many positive reviews that are not only on competency but also on its pricing.
This company is very nice to work with, but not all companies can move all kinds of items. Although International Van Lines could handle this, you may want to consider working with a company that is popular with moving belongings and other stuff like moving vehicles to another location.
Pros ✔
- Worldwide availability
- Discounts on moving services
- An optional (and usually included) storage
Cons ✖
- Elongated quote process
- Spotty customer service
- Relocation outsourced to other carriers
- 25% deposit needed at booking
How much does is it cost to move Out of State?
It is very difficult to figure out the exact cost of a move even though quotes are given to customers by their moving companies; you can only know the actual amount after the successful completion of the move.
You may be able to figure out the cost of a truck rental, but may not be able to uncover all of the hidden charges. We will divide the cost into three main sections to better help you decide right.
1. Using a Pro Out-of-State Mover
You have to prepare yourself to spend some amount of money on hiring a full-service moving company to take care of your entire out-of-state move.
However, you will have a sweet moving experience since the work is being done by someone else.
According to AMSA (one of the reputable sites in the moving industry), the weight of 7,400 items on a long-distance move of about 1,225 miles on the average will cost $4,300. The average gave also contains moving materials and packing services.
An exact 1,225 miles difference exists between Princeton, New Jersey, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Your out-of-state moving cost will be evaluated by the weight of your items, the labor costs, mileage travel, insurance costs, and other extra moving services needed – each move with more unique rate to consumers.
We strongly advise that you gather three to five different moving quotes to compare prices before you hire one.
You should also consider a moving company that offers a binding not-to-exceed moving quote rather than a non-binding or just a binding quote.
You will be certain that no changes will come to the quoted prices when you collect a binding not-to-exceed moving quote. This makes sure there will be no surprise charges.
This also ensures that you pay the quoted amount even if there are weight or size adjustments to your shipment.
You will not pay up to the original quoted amount if you reduce the weight of your shipment.
2. Using a Moving Container
Moving container rental is a nice option worth considering for those looking for a cost-effective DIY out-of-state moving solution.
The containers greatly help those who are relocating out of state with various degrees of complications as the container can serve as temporary storage at any time.
There are various moving container providers to work with when moving out-of-state. Some of the popularly known moving container companies include PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and U-Pack.
Renting a ReloCubes from U-pack costs an average of $2,231, according to a recent comparison by HireAHelper.
3. Using a Truck Rental
Try working with a moving truck rental company instead of spending a fortune on movers or moving container providers is another option to explore.
With moving truck rental, you can get a certain cheaper way to move to another state. Even though it cost you time and effort to pack, load, and unload, the amount of money you can save from this sacrifice is very much.
Moving truck rental rates are also affected by the day and time of your rental. Renting a 10ft moving truck from U-Haul for a move from Miami, Florida, to New York will cost around $1,700.
Rental providers like Penske and Budget don’t cost up to this. All the factors that go into the rental cost of a moving truck include the distance traveled, the time of rental, equipment used, date of move, type of move (one way or round trip), as well as fuel charges.
Different hidden moving costs include:
- Moving supplies: You will need to pay for moving and packing materials such as labels, cardboard boxes, packing tape, packing paper, foam pouches, and many more alongside the cost of moving methods.
- Closing costs on housing: You may be required to pay for closing costs on your newly rented or purchased home in a new state. Insurance, realtor fees, appraisal fees, and many more are usually added on the costs.
- Household furniture: You will spend on new household furniture whether your old bed doesn’t fit nicely in your new space or you just consider buying a new one. You will probably buy one or two furniture items to decorate the interior of your new space.
- Automobile shipping: You will have to pay for a professional transporter to move your vehicle to the new state if you don’t plan to drive it.
How to hire Out-of-State Movers without being scammed?
Over 4,000 complaints were received by the National Consumer Complaint Database from customers last year, which involves delayed delivery, belongings held hostage by movers, and so on.
So it is important to follow the steps discussed below to hire the right moving company for your out-of-state move without getting your items stuck in the middle of the move and getting yourself ripped.
1. Research your Options
Begin your research as soon as you see the need to move. You can normally reserve your mover at least 30 days before the move, while other movers will allow booking up to 90 days.
You can first ask around from your colleagues, friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations.
If there is a person who recently completed a move around you, ignore the Google search as rogue movers can easily set up a nice looking website, and check for residential movers on the website of the Better Business Bureau where they are rated based on many factors such as complaints and legal action against the mover.
Yelp is also an excellent source of moving review, but do not base your decision on what you read. Familiarize yourself with some terminologies you will find online as you read reviews on movers.
Many movers make use of new vocabularies such as a bill of lading, which is the receipt that contains your things and transportation agreement.
2. Run Background Check on the Moving Companies
Take a closer look at each recommendation you receive. The company’s name, USDOT number, and MC (Motor Carrier) number, will be needed. Cross out any moving company that refused to supply any of the numbers as it implies that they are not licensed to transport items to another state.
Use the company’s DOT or MC number to search for them on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. The company will be shown either as a broker, carrier, or freight forwarder.
A carrier directly moves your belongings; a broker will help you hire carrier (almost free in some cases).
A freight forwarder is responsible for your items but will involve one or more carriers to transport them, sometimes add smaller relocation into a very big truckload.
You will be able to identify the moving company’s recent safety ratings and insurance information from the safety administration website, asides that, ensure you know the king of the company you hired.
This website also presents the number and kind of complaints filed against the company in the time past.
3. Request Instant Moving Quotes and/or In-Person Moving Estimates
Call 3 to 5 out-of-state movers for estimates. A moving company with a good reputation will send an agent to your home for an in-home inspection.
I’ve discovered that getting an on-site survey for small moves like an apartment is essential, so be ready to contact more places.
Typically, you will get a clear understanding of the amount a move will cost during an in-home estimate rather than getting a rough estimate based on your room number.
4. Ask Questions
Ask the moving agent how they will calculate the estimate as they take inventory of your things. Make sure you also ask of any base fees and if the entire weight will determine the overall fee or the amount of time, and how much they charge for extra services like packing, carrying your items up or down the stairs, or carrying heavy items such as a piano or appliances.
Ask if the moving company will use their movers for the packing and driving, or they will give the job to someone else and whether your items will share truck space with other household items.
Also, ask if the same crew that loads your moving truck will also unload it at the new home or an indirect move where your move will be completed by different crews and moving trucks.
You need to put on smartness and do more thinking when doing this, and also ask yourself these questions:
- Does the out-of-state mover have what it takes that match your interstate needs?
- Are the out-of-state movers insured and licensed?
- Do they have experienced and capable employees?
- Do they have detailed rates, estimate, or quote?
- Are their reviews good? (Consider the experience other people have while working with them in time past?
- Do they have a responsive and good customer care department?
5. Review your Offers
A written estimate will be given to you after the survey, whether a binding or non-binding estimate. A binding estimate doesn’t allow alteration to be made to the initially given prices unless customers add some other items to the shipment during pick-up or require more services than they initially quoted.
The moving company will then review the moving estimate and make necessary adjustments while you sign before packing and loading.
The weight of your entire goods after packing into the moving truck, as well as the number of stops at weigh stations, will determine the estimation of a non-binding estimate, which in most cases is usually up to 10% more once the official weight of your stuff has been determined. You may request to be on-site while they weigh the items.
6. Book your Mover
Although the price is the primary focus when comparing moving estimates, check the complaint database to discover the company that has a good history in offering better services.
Just like with many other things, the cheapest option might not be your preferred choice.
Also, it is a good idea to trust your instinct or recommendation from a friend or colleague. An order of service will follow your acceptance of moving estimates.
It will contain how the mover will come for pick up and perform the delivery of your items, as well as payment terms, insurance, and dates for delivery. Refrain from signing any blank or incomplete documents.
7. Prepare for Moving Day
Consult your moving carrier to verify the details of your pick-up date and make any changes in writing if need be.
Do a self-pack for all the items you are moving and all you will need for at least the first two weeks in your new home before your remaining household items arrive.
Make plans to supervise the whole pick-up as it could take a day or more, and also plan to do the same during unloading.
You will be given a bill of lading and an inventory list on a moving day; be sure to read the documents clearly and keep them for comparison during delivery.
How to prepare for an Out-of-State Move?
Here, you will discover the tips that eliminate the stress of moving home from one state to another.
Following these steps will see your out-of-state move to a successful end:
1. Make a Research on the New State
We advise that you visit the destination city before you finally relocate there in order to understand the location and various neighborhoods.
Approach the city with a guide book or get a map of the city from the city’s visitor center, and also get recommendations from locals.
If lodging in a hotel, request for suggestions from the concierge. You can also get reviews on the internet on the destination city and state.
Also, search for local hot spots and hangouts in the neighborhoods as you look for tourist attractions in the area.
Also, remember to research schools for your kids when you visit.
2. Budget Accordingly
Moving out-of-state is definitely not cheap. As reported by the AMSA, hiring a professional mover for an interstate move will cost an average of $4,300.
Understand that payment for truck rental or container will be required for a DIY move, alongside moving supplies and other relevant expenses.
Find out your budget by first stating how much you are willing and ready to spend on the out-of-state move.
Then make a list of all essential moving expenses that may be required when moving.
3. Research Out-of-State Movers
One of the best methods to move from a state to another is to hire one of the leading out-of-state movers.
Just sit back and watch the professionals do the moving for you from packing your home to transporting your things to a new state.
Finding a reputable mover that offers nothing but quality moving services at a fair price is the only difficult task here.
PRO TIP
Note that a company that subcontracts a moving job will subject your items to be divided between two moving trucks, which implies that your entire belongings may not get to you the same day. Also, remember to inquire about any extra charges that may be incurred on your move.
4. Pack prior to the Day of the Move
You will be doing more than arranging furniture, electronics, paperwork, clothes, and so on when packing. You will also need to decide on what to donate to non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and Goodwill.
A garage sale will also help you to reduce the number of items loaded into the moving truck while getting cool cash to support the move.
You can place each item that is moving in a room where you will do the packing while you sell off the things you no longer need.
Use plastic containers, bags, and boxes as storage and labeled accordingly to ascertain easy loading and unloading.
The volume of your items will determine the amount of time taken to pack up your household for a long-distance move.
However, many moving experts suggest that you start this process as early as three months in advance to your moving day.
5. Decide where each Stuff goes
There are new challenges faced during an out-of-state move, unlike intrastate move. One of the problems here is setting up your new space.
You might see a room to be ideal for a store while it was previously used as a kids’ room by the ex-tenant.
You may also decide to convert a certain room to suit a specific purpose. You can make adjustments that fit your taste and lifestyle in your new home.
6. Transfer your Utilities
Be sure to contact the utility providers of your relocation and also work with them on transferring and installing your gas, internet, water, electricity, satellite, security system, and sewer at your new space.
7. Forward your Mail
Forwarding your mail is very easy. Just log on to www.USPS.com and supply the date you want to start forwarding your mail to your new home address.
8. Tell Everyone about the Move
Give your loved ones your new home address. Also, give the correct and newest address to your company. All other important institutions must also be given this updated address for proper updating of their records. You can also cancel your utility subscription in your old home and subscribe to another once you move-in to your new place.
9. Get a New Driver’s License
You need a driver’s license before you can drive around in your new state. This is available with the Department of Moving Vehicles in your destination state. First, check their requirements because some states will only issue a driver’s license to a new resident after some time.
Although transferring a driver’s license from one state to another involves different requirements, however, your current driver’s license might be needed, as well as proof of residency, and social security number, altogether with other state-issued IDs.
10. Keep every Receipt
You must properly keep every receipt you receive from the start of the move to the end, especially the ones that you received from the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other charitable organizations.
The law allows you to deduct the valuation of your gifted items from the total wages on the income tax form.
If your move is based on professional ground, you can deduct moving expenses like truck rental and gas costs. Receipts will be required by your human resources professionals to get reimbursed on your work-related move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do a self-out-of-state move?
Moving can pose a difficult task if the distance you are moving is as far as that of an out-of-state move. It may be more comfortable to hire a professional moving company to take care of the task for you. Packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking will be their responsibility while you are spending your time on something else.
How are out-of-state moves charged by moving companies?
The cost of your out-of-state move is determined by the weight of your possessions, while the distance of your move is generally seen as a great liability to your movers in the event of a claim against them. Your total moving cost relies on many factors that are essential for the successful completion of your out-of-state move.
What month and time of the year is best for moving?
If moving on a specific date is not mandatory for you, we advise that you take your move away from a month-end or summer months. This period is known to be a highly expensive moving period. You can move when the month divides as moving companies are always working on one thing or the other during the first day and week of each month.
When should I place a call to my movers for moving quotes on my upcoming move?
Contacting your mover regularly to inform them of your move is a very nice thing. You can get them to give you a moving quote at about five to six weeks in advance of your exact moving date.
Be sure to decide on a mover at least 4 weeks before the actual day of the move. Remember to sign the contract service booklet and verify your packing, pick-up, and delivery dates. Moving to another state is never similar to a walk in the park.
What should my expectations be on moving day?
You will have a walk-in at your current home with a designated driver sent to you by your mover. Make sure you point out the items you are moving and the ones that are staying to the driver. The driver will then start working with his crew to protect the floors and doorways.
The driver will also take record of their conditions using an inventory form as they are being loaded onto the truck. They will apply padding to any of the things that need padding before loading.
The driver will ask you to sign documents like the bill of lading and the inventory, as well as highly valuable inventory.
How much does out-of-state furniture move cost?
An out-of-state furniture move will cost an average of $4,300, as stated by AMSA. However, each mover is at liberty of fixing prices.
What is the cheapest out-of-state moving method?
The cheapest out-of-state moving methods include using a moving container, renting an affordable moving truck, renting a small tow trailer, or getting a cheap moving company, taking a bus, or transporting your furniture items through shipping.
Conclusion
We are interested in knowing your moving experience no matter the out-of-state moving company you hire. Happy moving!
