Native Van Lines
- Custom-tailored moves
- No hidden fees
Adams Van Lines
- Price matching
- Personalized moves
iMoving
- Streamlined booking process
- Vetted and certified movers
Moving from coast to coast means a completely new start and a completely different lifestyle. Fortunately, the best coast-to-coast movers can make your move stress-free, quick, and efficient – and Moving APT did the searching for you.
To bring you a list of the best coast to coast movers, the experts at Moving APT researched real customer feedback and pulled from our over 22 years in the moving business.
We deal with movers on a daily basis, negotiating for our clients and ensuring movers always honor their contracts.
Doing real, face-to-face business with the movers in our network means we get insider information you can’t find anywhere else.
Read on for our list of the best coast to coast movers, and get some important tips for your long distance move, too.
In this article
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Coast to Coast Movers?
The average cost of coast to coast movers ranges from $1800 to $19100 and beyond. This may seem like a huge window, but it’s important to remember that the price of your move depends on the distance you’re traveling, and the overall weight of all your stuff.
Average Cost of Coast to Coast Movers
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| 2000 miles | $1800 – $3500 | $3100 – $7800 | $4500 – $11000 |
| 2500 miles | $2100 – $3900 | $3500 – $8700 | $5800 – $14800 |
| 3000+ miles | $2400 – $4500 | $3900 – $9800 | $6500 – $19100 |
These numbers are all averages, and your final price may fluctuate a little based on whether or not you needed any specialty services.
Check out what factors may affect the cost of your coast to coast move, and read on to see how long your move might take.
Compare Coast to Coast Moving Companies
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| Rating | 4.9 4.9/5 | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.6 4.6/5 | 4.7 4.7/5 | 4.5 4.5/5 |
| Avarage Price (2-3 Bed) | $3150 - $6920 | $3050 - $6770 | $3310- $7420 | $3900- $8400 | $3000- $6650 |
| Superlative | Best For Long Distance | Best Customer Service | Best for Online Booking | Most Experienced Mover | Most Efficient |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
The Average Delivery Time of a Coast to Coast Move
Expect a coast to coast move to take anywhere from five to 21 days, and occasionally longer. Keep in mind a coast to coast move involves a lot of moving parts, and shipping speeds depend on your availability, and how much stuff you’re moving.
Average Delivery Times for Coast to Coast Moves
| Distance | ETA |
| 2000 miles | 5-14 days |
| 2500 miles | 6-21 days |
| 3000+ miles | 7-21 days |
Most people think that a smaller load means an easier move – but sometimes that means a longer wait. Movers won’t send half-empty trucks across country.
Instead, they’ll wait for the truck to fill up with other people’s stuff to avoid any wasted space. A small load might take more time, but if you can full a truck by yourself, it may be sent ASAP.
Read on to learn about the factors that may influence the duration of your move.
Best Coast to Coast Movers
Native Van Lines is an award-winning company with glowing customer reviews, and they’ve been providing long distance and coast to coast moving for decades. Whether you’re moving from the West Coast to the East Coast or vice-versa, they’ve got you covered.
If you’re dealing with a complicated move with some specialty items (pool tables, statues, valuable antiques, and more), Native provides custom moving options to make your life a little smoother. They also offer packing, storage, corporate relocations, and a whole range of other services for you to choose from.
Pros
- Excellent variety of different moving services
- Custom-tailored moves
- Free storage for up to 30 days
- No hidden fees
Cons
- Personal info required before requesting a free moving quote
Why We Recommend Native Van Lines
Moving coast to coast requires an experienced company, and Native is exactly what you need. We love that they tailor their services to meet your exact needs, and their award-winning reputation speaks measures for their attention to their customers.
Adams Van Lines is an excellent choice for coast to coast moving. They have a solid reputation for punctuality and organization, and they’re known for going the extra mile to ensure your stuff is packed and secured as safely as possible.
As an added bonus, Adams Van Lines is also known for their great customer service. It can be chaotic trying to get ahold of your movers when you’re moving down the street, much less across the country – but Adams provides a single point of content to keep communication streamlined and easy.
Pros
- Punctual delivery service
- Price matching
- Personalized moves
- Certified and professional
- Flat-rate moving available
- Follow-up phone calls
Cons
- Unclear about distribution of offices
Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines
Adams Van Lines has a great reputation when it comes to coast to coast moves, and their professional approach to customer service means you won’t be left scratching your head and wondering where your stuff went. We appreciate their attention to detail and extra services too.
Licenses Info:
DOT#: N/A
MC#: N/A
iMoving is different than other state to state movers. Instead of directly carrying out your move themselves, iMoving is more like Expedia or Kayak, but for moves.
You can use their website to create a custom move, and then select from a whole network of hundreds of verified movers – all screened and vetted by iMoving to ensure you’re getting quality service.
One of the innovations from iMoving is their entirely-online booking process. You won’t have to make a single phone call while you’re planning out your move, and you can do it all from the comfort of your web browser.
Pros
- High online presence
- Streamlined booking process
- Vetted and certified moving companies
- Customized moves
- Options available for deferred payment
Cons
- Individual companies require separate research
- High number of customers (early reservations recommended)
Why We Recommend iMoving
In this day and age, there’s a lot to be said for convenience. iMoving streamlines your state to state move as a one-stop shop for everything moving, and the fact that you don’t need to deal with any phone calls is an awesome bonus.
We’re huge fans of iMoving, and if you’re trying to minimize your stress, they’re the perfect choice.
Don’t worry – with Two Men and a Truck, you’re getting a lot more than the name suggests. Two Men and a Truck is a nationwide, top-notch coast to coast mover, and they provide way more service than just packing and hauling.
Two Men and a Truck boasts a wide variety of extra services to make your move easier. Got extra junk lying around? They’ll help you get rid of it.
Not sure if you actually want to get rid of that junk in the first place? They’ve got storage options available. Two Men and a Truck even provides GPS tracking so you know where your stuff is, and when it’ll arrive.
Pros
- Nationwide offices
- Storage options available
- Junk removal
- 3,000+ moving trucks and GPS tracking
Cons
- May have to dig for details about the price of extra services
- Personal info required for free quote
Why We Recommend Two Men and a Truck
When we talk about Two Men and a Truck, we usually talk up their storage and junk removal services, but they’ve got a serious commitment to customer support, too.
With Two Men and a Truck, you get mom-and-pop attention in a nationwide network, and it’s hard to beat that kind of customer service and communication.
Pricing Van Lines connects customers with a select network of trusted carriers. They do all the screening ahead of time to make sure you’re only getting service from the best coast to coast movers in your area, and they act as a valuable go-between for organizing your move.
This doesn’t mean Pricing Van Lines is totally hands-off, though. They have a whole network of agents across the country, and their commitment to customer service means that they’ll be pulling out all the stops to make your move as smooth as possible.
Check out their website for some helpful moving info, too!
Pros
- Nationwide agents
- Personalized moves
- Filters out and finds the best movers in your area
- Competitive prices
- No-obligation quotes
Cons
- Not a totally hands-on moving company themselves
Why We Recommend Pricing Van Lines
When it comes to finding you movers in your area, Pricing Van Lines has you covered. We’re big fans of any company that filters out and finds the best movers for your specific needs, and the fact that they’ve got agents pretty much everywhere means you’ll always have someone to contact if you have questions.
What Factors Can Affect Your Coast to Coast Moving Cost?
The final price of a coast to coast move depends on a number of factors. Here’s a quick breakdown of what may make your move cost a little more, and some additional fees you should be aware of before moving day:
- The size of your move. Long distance moving companies charge by the weight of your belongings and the distance everything needs to travel. If you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment instead of a five-bedroom house, expect a much smaller price tag.
- The distance traveled. Coast to coast means a long haul, but some coast to coast moves are longer than others. A move from Seattle to Miami is going to cost much more than a (relatively) straightforward move from Jacksonville to Los Angeles.
- The time of year. It’s a matter of supply and demand. Most people want to move during the summer, when their leases end, or during the holidays when they have free time. Avoid peak moving season to avoid peak prices.
- Packing services. If you want your stuff to survive your move, you’ll have to invest in packing. Professional movers can pack your belongings and keep everything secure so you don’t have to worry about it yourself. You can also request packing materials to DIY.
- Access fees. Expect to pay a little more if your movers need to jump through more hoops to load and unload your stuff. Long carries (anything over 75 feet), stairs, elevators, parking, and shuttle services all mean extra fees.
- Special items. Pianos and pool tables are not easy to move. Your movers may have to come up with a special plan to get these big, awkward items out of your apartment or home without knocking down a wall. This costs money, but it’s an essential service.
When you get in touch with your coast to coast movers, it’s always a good idea to communicate with them about any challenges that might come up for the moving team. Clear communication means less unpleasant surprises on the big day.
Factors That Affect Delivery Time for a Coast to Coast Move
Your Availability
Your movers can’t deliver to an empty home. If you’re flexible enough to meet your coast to coast movers when they arrive with your stuff, expect a shorter wait. Otherwise, there may be a delay while movers put your belongings in storage.
Straight Delivery Service
If you’re okay with spending extra money for extra speed, choose a straight delivery service. Otherwise, you may be left waiting while the moving truck drops off someone else’s stuff that was transported alongside your own.
Shipment Size
Smaller doesn’t always mean faster. If you’re just moving a few items, a moving company will wait until they can fill up the rest of the truck with someone else’s move, too. This means more of a delay.
The Time of Year
Peak moving season falls across June, July, and August. During these months, you’ll have to compete with families and students taking advantage of the summer break to move, and it’ll take longer to get a truck lined up for you.
Moving is stressful, and it involves a lot of moving parts (pun intended). To avoid any unpleasant surprises such as delays, make sure you stay in close contact with your chosen coast to coast moving company – and make sure you choose the best of the best.
What is the Cheapest Way to Move Coast to Coast?
The cheapest way to move coast to coast is to load up a truck yourself and completely DIY it. However, aside from being a huge challenge (and a major time commitment), moving all by yourself isn’t as cost-effective as many people think.
The first hurdle to moving DIY is finding a truck. If you don’t have a moving truck of your own, you’re going to have to rent one. These trucks cost money, typically per mile – and you’ll have to pay for gas, too.
Aside from renting a truck, you’ll need to enlist (or coerce) your friends and family into helping. You’ll also need to shell out for food and hotels on the way.
Full-service movers can be expensive, but when you factor in the price of a truck rental, the gas, the room and board, and all the other expenses that come with DIYing a coast-to-coast move, you may find yourself looking up movers who can spare you all the trouble.
But, if you’re feeling brave, rent a truck and get moving!
Coast to Coast FAQ
How Much Does it Cost to Move From the East Coast to the West Coast?
The average cost of a move from the East Coast to the West Coast is about $2000, but it can cost as much as $20000 if you’re moving a lot of stuff. Remember that some coast to coast moves are longer than others, and your moving company will charge by the weight of your stuff and the distance it needs to travel.
How Much Do I Tip Coast to Coast Movers?
Tip your movers between 15 and 20% of the total moving bill, to be divided up across the all the movers who’ve helped. Unless a company explicitly declines gratuity, a tip is expected – and an especially good idea considering how hard your movers have worked. Don’t forget to include the driver, either!
How Long Does Moving from Coast to Coast Take?
A coast to coast move can take anywhere from 5 to 21 days or more. It all depends on what coast you’re traveling to, how your stuff is being transported, and whether you’re flexible enough to meet your movers the day they get into town.
When is the Best Time to Move?
The best time to move is midweek, mid month, and far away from major holidays or vacations. As a general rule of thumb, think about those days you weren’t in school (Christmas break, summer vacation, long weekends) and avoid them completely when you schedule your move. Your wallet and your sanity will thank you.
What is the Difference Between a Binding and Non-Binding Estimate?
A binding estimate is a concrete moving quote that isn’t subject to change, and a non-binding estimate can be adjusted by your movers up to (and beyond) your moving day. Both estimates give you an idea of how much your move will cost, but only a binding estimate tells you exactly how much you’ll be paying when the move is all finished.
Do I Really Need Moving Insurance?
Movers are legally required to offer some kind of insurance plan for their customers, and it’s a good idea to take them up on the offer if you’re moving coast to coast. Aside from protecting your extra fragile items and covering the cost of lost goods, you’ll also want to look into insurance coverage in case anyone is injured on your property.
What is Considered a Long Distance Move?
Anything across state lines or longer than 100 miles is considered a long distance move. Long distance moving companies need to have federal certification to prove they’re up to the task, so make sure you look at their licensing before committing to a mover.
How Far in Advance Should You Schedule Movers?
Schedule your move two to four months in advance, and no later than four weeks before moving day if you feel like procrastinating. This will give you plenty of time to communicate with your mover and fill out your moving checklist before it’s go-time.
What Items Will Professional Movers Not Move?
At the top of the non-transportable list:
- Hazardous materials. This can include fireworks, ammunition, and gasoline, but it also covers certain household cleaners and cosmetics. Got a grill? Don’t count on the movers (although they may be able to help if you remove the propane canister).
- Firearms. Each law has its own rules about gun storage and transport, so movers don’t want to be held legally responsible for your guns. You’re better off shipping through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder if you want to avoid the headache.
- Plants. If you’re planning a coast to coast move, remember that the Department of Agriculture restricts certain plants from coming into certain states. Read up on the local laws before you pack your car full of plants.
- Pets. No, your movers will not ship your pets for you. It won’t be fun for your pet, and it won’t be fun for your movers. You’re better off taking your pet with you directly, anyways.
Certain movers may also have their own restrictions about what they can and can’t ship, so make sure you get in touch with them beforehand to iron out any questions.
Here’s How We Rank Our Coast to Coast Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in local and long distance moving, and we do real business with movers to get data that’s more in-depth and reliable than anything else online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Reputation: Reviews and profiles show if movers are highly-rated and experienced.
- Industry-Insider Info: We see what the best companies in the industry are doing.
- Mystery Shopping: We call and pose as complete strangers to keep movers honest.
Licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: We ensure movers provide arbitration for lost or damaged items.
- Active Claim Department: We monitor how quickly movers help with compensation.
- Safety Record: We get up-to date safety information about accidents and inspections.
- Moving Insurance: We make sure movers provide full or released-value protection.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: Client testimony tells us which movers are worth your time.
- Online surveys: We read about each completed move to see how movers perform.
As a moving broker, Moving APT deals with movers on a daily basis. We negotiate for our clients, and we ensure movers always honor their contracts. It’s how we help you get moved, and it’s how we maintain clear communication between clients and moving companies.
More customers for better movers If a mover is exceeding expectations, we send them more business. If a mover needs to improve, we don’t. It’s simple.
Get Packing and Get Started with Your Move
A coast to coast move is a huge adventure, but it doesn’t have to be a huge pain. With the a list of the best movers in the industry (and some helpful tips and tricks) you can make sure your brand new start happens without the headache.
Check out our moving cost calculator to get started, and reach out to one of our recommended coast to coast movers today!
