A long-distance move is a life-changing event filled with stress and complexities. Why not simplify the process of finding long-distance movers by taking advantage of some insider knowledge? That’s where Moving APT comes in.
We have nearly 22 years of experience and know all about what it takes for a moving company to successfully handle the complicated logistics of a long-haul move.
Our experts have made it easy to find the best long-distance moving companies for your job with Moving APT’s top picks based on customer satisfaction ratings, services offered and overall experience.
We’re confident that you can trust any of these professional moving companies to do an outstanding job for you.
Our Most Recommend Long Distance Movers
Adams Van Lines
- Professional staff
- Flexible pricing
Two Men And A Truck
- 350+ locations
- Top franchise awards
Pricing Van Lines
- Network of expert movers
- Quick moving estimates
In this article
Things to Know Before Hiring Long-Distance Movers
Before beginning your search on Moving APT for the best movers for your long-distance relocation, it’s essential to understand some basic terms that will help you make an informed decision.
Binding & Non-Binding Quotes
Binding quotes are firm-moving estimates that can’t be changed, no matter what. Once you accept a binding quote from a mover, the price is set in stone and won’t go up, even if your shipment ends up being larger or heavier than expected. In contrast, non-binding quotes are flexible estimates that may change once your shipment’s final weight and size are determined.
Full-Service Movers vs. Self-Service Movers
Full-service movers will handle the most significant aspects of a long-distance move, including loading, transporting and unloading. Full-service long-distance movers may also be able to assist with other moving tasks such as packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly and storage. Self-service movers are generally only available to transport your belongings once you have loaded them into the truck.
Storage, Crating and Packing Services
Some moving companies offer storage, crating, and packing services in addition to transport for long-distance moves. Crating is ideal when you have valuable or delicate items that need to be protected during transport. Packing services can take a lot of the stress and work out of packing for a long-distance move. And storage is convenient if you need a place to keep your belongings before or after your move.
The 7 Best Long-Distance Movers 2023
Starting your search for a long-distance mover on Moving APT is easy. Simply enter your move date and location, and you’ll be presented with a list of the top-rated moving companies in your area.
From there, you can read customer reviews, compare quotes, and book your mover all in one place. To help get you started, here are our top 7 moving companies for long-distance relocations.
Overview
Adams Van Lines is a top choice for those looking for a stress-free moving experience, offering full-service long-distance moving services.
With over 18 years in the business, they have the experience and expertise to handle moves of all sizes.
Pros
- Experienced and professional staff
- Wide range of services offered
- Flexible pricing options
Cons
- Online quotes aren’t available
Why Choose Adams Van Lines
Adams Van Lines has completed over 100 thousand long-distance moves, so you can rest assured they have the experience and expertise to handle your move seamlessly.
They also offer a wide range of services to make your move as stress-free as possible, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and storage.
Overview
Offering full-service long-distance moving services, Two Men and a Truck is an excellent choice for those looking for a hassle-free move. With over 30 years of experience, they have the knowledge and resources to handle moves of all sizes.
Pros
- Multiple Top Franchise awards
- 350+ locations nationwide
- Junk removal services
Cons
- Moving rates may vary depending on the location
Why Choose Two Men and a Truck
Moving is more than just packing up and heading to your new location. It also requires junk removal, cleaning, and other services to get you out of your old place and into your new one.
Fortunately, Two Men and a Truck offers all of these services, making them a one-stop-shop for everything you need to get settled into your new home.
Overview
With a worldwide network of expert movers to get you across the country or just the next state over, Pricing Van Lines is a top choice for long-distance moves.
They offer a wide range of services to make your move as seamless as possible, including packing, loading, transportation, and storage.
Pros
- Worldwide network of expert movers
- Commercial and residential moving services
- Quick moving quote estimates
Cons
- No international moving services
- Increased delivery times during peak moving season
Why Choose Pricing Van Lines
Pricing Van Lines has a nationwide network of professional long-distance movers and can handle long-distance moves of all sizes no matter where you are in the country.
They also offer a wide range of services to make your move as easy as possible, including packing, loading, transportation, and storage. Plus, their detailed moving quote estimates make it easy to get an idea of the cost of your move before you book.
Overview
As one of the leading long-distance moving companies in the USA, United Van Lines has the experience and resources to handle long-distance moves both nationally and worldwide.
They offer a wide range of services to make your move as seamless as possible, including packing, car transport, cleaning, and storage.
Pros
- Online dashboard provides full control over the moving process
- Excellent online moving resources
- Corporate moving services
Cons
- Visual inspection may be required for an accurate quote
Why Choose United Van Lines
United Van Lines makes it easy to control every aspect of your move, from tracking your shipments to canceling services.
Additionally, their online moving resources are top-notch, providing everything from packing tips to a database of storage facilities. And if you’re moving for work, they even offer corporate moving services.
Overview
Ranked one of the best long-distance moving companies in the USA, Allied Van Lines is a top choice for a move that covers a long distance with over 80 years in the moving business.
Providing commercial, residential, and international moving solutions, Allied Van Lines is more than capable of handling moves of all types.
Pros
- Transparent pricing
- Virtual estimate surveying
- Voted Best Customer Service 2021 by Newsweek
Cons
- Best suited for moves from large homes and offices
Why Choose Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines offers a variety of services to make a move as easy as possible, from packing and loading to transportation and storage.
They also have a commitment to providing outstanding moving assistance, which is evident in their award-winning customer service team.
Overview
Connecting people with the best long-distance movers in the country, iMoving is a one-stop shop for top moving companies, allowing you to search for, compare and purchase moving services through their secure online platform.
Pros
- Binding quotes
- Flexible cancelation policy
- View multiple estimates at once
Cons
- Services may not be available in every state
Why Choose iMoving
iMoving makes it easy to compare multiple moving companies at once, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible price and service for your move.
iMoving only lists fully licensed and insured long-distance movers, so you can be confident that your belongings are in good hands.
Overview
One of the longest-operating moving companies in the USA, Mayflower Transit provides top-quality long-distance moving services for residential, , military and commercial moves.
With a focus on customer service, Mayflower Transit is dedicated to making an interstate or cross-country move as easy and stress-free as possible.
Pros
- Free packing supplies
- Containerized storage option
- Additional services like auto transport and appliance dismantling
Cons
- Longer quote process than others on this list
Why Choose Mayflower Transit
Mayflower Transit offers a variety of services to make any move as smooth as possible, including free packing supplies, containerized storage and auto transport.
They also have a focus on customer service, with a team of dedicated professionals who will help you every step of the way.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Long-Distance Movers?
The cost to hire long-distance or interstate movers can be anywhere from $1200-$9000 or more.
here is the approximate cost you should expect long distance movers to charge you:
| # of Miles | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
| 250 miles | $1200 to $2,300 | $1,600 to $3,950 | $2,050 to $5,200 |
| Over 1000 miles | $1600 to $2,950 | $2,300 to $7,950 | $5,900 to $8,100 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1,900 – $3,950 | $3,800 – $9,400 | $9,100 to $18,500+ |
The actual price you will end up paying will depend on many factors that long-distance moving companies take into account when creating your final quote.
Factors that Affect Long Distance Moving Cost
The Total Weight of Your Belongings
The total weight of your household goods will be one of the main factors that moving companies take into account when giving you a quote. The heavier your belongings are, the more it will cost to move them.
Rates for the weight of your items will be charged on a per pound basis, with the average prices ranging from as low as $0.50 per pound to as high as one dollar per pound.
The factors that determine the specific price per pound will include whether or not you have large or heavy items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, etc.) that will require special handling and if the moving company offers a flat fee or cubic feet pricing option.
The Total Distance of Your Move
Another significant factor in the cost of hiring long-distance movers is the actual distance of your move. The greater the distance between the starting and destination points, the more it will cost to hire professional movers to complete the job.
Moving companies will charge based on the total mileage of your move, with prices typically ranging from $0.50-$1.00 per mile.
To get the most accurate rate per mile, it’s essential to provide the company with the most precise information about your move, including any detours or stops you may need to make along the way.
Additional Moving Services
When hiring full-service long-distance movers, you can expect the team to perform the loading, transport and unloading of your belongings from your old place to the new one. But, you will be charged an additional fee for additional moving services such as:
- Packing
- Car transport
- Furniture dismantling and reassembly
- Cleaning services
- Junk removal
These fees vary based on the particular service or services required and could add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to your total moving costs.
The Time of Year and Day of the Week
Most people try to plan their move during favorable weather and when they have time off (usually weekends). Unfortunately, while these times may be the most convenient for your schedule to organize and complete a long-distance move, they are also usually the most expensive times to hire long-distance movers.
Peak moving season from late spring to early fall can increase prices by 30% for some companies. Weekend moves can also see a significant increase in price due to demand for long-distance moving companies during this time.
If you want to keep your moving costs low, consider planning your move during an off-peak time such as mid-week or during the winter, fall, and early spring months.
Access fees, Insurance and Taxes
In addition to the actual move cost, there are a few other fees that moving companies will charge. These can include:
- Access fees: If you live in a home with multiple sets of stairs, an elevator, or one that requires disconnecting utility hookups to complete the move, long-distance movers may charge additional access fees for providing moving services. Access fees are charged on a per-service basis and could cost you an extra $50-$100+ or more in moving costs.
- Insurance: Most long-distance moving companies offer basic liability protection as part of their standard service. This coverage typically protects your belongings against damage or loss while in transit based on a percentage of the item’s value or weight. So, if you are moving things considered very valuable, you may need to purchase additional insurance coverage to protect them during the move.
- Taxes: When you are hiring long-distance movers, you may also be subject to state and local taxes depending on the location of your move. These taxes could add 10% or more to your total moving costs. Be sure to ask your long-distance moving company if taxes are included in their quote.
Pro Tip
By getting multiple quotes from different companies, you can be sure that you are getting the best price possible for your move.
Expert Packing Tips for a Long-Distance Move
Whether or not you have opted for additional packing or unpacking services from the long-distance movers you hire, it’s essential to be aware of essential packing tips that will help the moving process go smoothly.
1. Save on moving costs by finding second-hand packing materials
Packing materials can be hard to find and more expensive during peak moving season. If you can’t find or afford the packing materials you need for your belongings, look for second-hand packing materials from local retailers and online community forums that offer free or reduced-price moving boxes and other packing supplies.
2. Start packing early
It may seem like a daunting task, but starting the packing process early will help to make the overall moving process much smoother. Begin by packing up items that you don’t regularly use, such as seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, and extra bedding and towels. Then, as you get closer to the moving date, you can start packing up more of your everyday items.
3. Label all moving boxes clearly
When packing your belongings, clearly label all boxes with the contents and the room they belong in at your new home. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to unpacking and will help keep your belongings organized during the move.
4. Get rid of unwanted items.
Save yourself some time packing and fees from long-distance movers by getting rid of unwanted items before you start packing for the move. Whether it’s that old couch that’s too smelly to use, clothing you have outgrown, or appliances that are no longer working, getting rid of these items before the move will save you time and money.
Pro Tip
Long-distance moving companies recommend having a garage sale for unwanted items to help raise money for the cost of the move.
5. Pack heavy stuff at the bottom
To ensure that your moving supplies aren’t torn apart before they make it to the final destination, it’s essential to pack heavy items at the bottom of each box. This will also help keep your belongings more organized and less likely to shift during transit.
6. Use protective packing materials for fragile items
When packing fragile items, be sure to use plenty of protective packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam peanuts to keep them safe during the move. These materials will help cushion your fragile items and prevent them from breaking during transit.
7. Get creative with packing materials
It may save you on the cost of buying moving boxes and packing material from your long-distance movers to use items in your home as packing supplies. For example, blankets, shirts, pillowcases, and towels can be used to wrap and protect more delicate items, while socks are great for keeping things protected and together (think silverware).
8. Pack an essentials bag
Be sure to pack a bag of essential items you will need during the first few days after the move. This should include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, phone chargers, and snacks. Having this bag packed and ready to go will help to make the transition to your new home much smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest way to move long-distance?
The cheapest way to complete a long-distance move is to do everything by yourself. But after you add the cost of your time and effort to the costs of the rental truck as well as gas and other moving-related expenses, you’ll probably find that hiring full-service movers are actually cost-effective. Plan your move well in advance of moving day and you’ll have a better chance of securing a lower rate from long-distance moving companies.
2. What is the average cost of a long-distance move?
The average cost of a long-distance move is typically between $2500 and $5700. Remember that additional services, the time of year, the weight of belongings, distance traveled, and access fees may increase or reduce the price for your particular long-distance move. When requesting moving quotes from long-distance movers, be as detailed as possible to get the best and most accurate pricing information.
3. How far in advance should I hire movers?
Due to the high demand for movers during peak moving season, it’s recommended to start your search for and hire movers no less than eight weeks in advance, and ideally, a minimum of 12 weeks before the moving date. While it is possible to hire last-minute long-distance movers, the prices will likely be significantly higher than if you had booked in advance.
4. What other moving services can a professional mover offer?
Long-distance movers may be able to offer a wide range of additional moving services, including pet relocation, car transport, junk removal, cleaning services, and temperature-controlled storage solutions. Additionally, long-distance moving companies may also be able to provide online tracking of your belongings, real-time updates on the status of your move as well as a dedicated customer service team to answer any questions you may have along the way.
5. How long does a long-distance move take?
Depending on the actual distance between locations, long-distance moves typically take between 2 and 5 days to complete. The time required will also depend on the size of your home, the number of belongings being moved, the time of year, and weather conditions along the route. For example, multi-room houses being moved during the winter season when roads are snowy or weather causes other delays can take up to ten days to complete.
6. How do I prepare for a long-distance relocation?
Staying organized is the best way to prepare for any move, especially a long-distance move. Create a moving timeline with checklists of all the tasks that need to be completed, such as packing and changing your address. Additionally, be sure to declutter your home before packing to help reduce the amount of belongings you’ll need to move.
7. What is the difference between a carrier and a moving broker?
Long-distance movers that are considered carriers are those that own their own fleet of moving trucks and employ their own team of professional movers. Moving brokers, on the other hand, are local and long-distance moving companies that contract with other carriers to transport your belongings.
While there are benefits to working with both types of moving companies, it’s essential to do your research to ensure you’re getting the best possible price and service for your particular move.
8. What does moving insurance cover?
The basic moving insurance offered by long-distance movers will usually cover a small percentage of the item’s value if it is damaged or lost during loading, transport, or unloading. Reimbursement under a basic moving company insurance plan can range from $0.30 to $0.90 per pound, depending on the state in which you reside.
Full value protection insurance is typically an additional cost but will cover the full value of your belongings in the event that they are damaged or lost during the move. If you have valuable items you’ll be moving, it’s recommended to purchase additional moving insurance to ensure they are fully protected.
9. What is considered a long-distance move?
Long-distance movers typically consider moves greater than 100 miles away from the starting point to be long-distance moves. Additionally, any move crossing state lines are usually considered long-distance even if it is within the mileage typically considered a local move (50-100 miles).
Long-distance moves come with other cost factors and specialty licensing, movers, and trucks which is why it’s important to choose reputably and experienced moving companies capable of handling your specific moving needs.
Here’s How We Rank Our Long Distance 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.
The Best Long-Distance Movers Available
Finding the best moving companies to handle every aspect of your long-distance move can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.
By understanding what to look for in a long-distance mover and asking the right questions, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible price and service for your next big move.
Save yourself time, energy, and money searching for and comparing moving services by hiring any of the seven best long-distance movers on this list.
Moving APT has done extensive research into their licensing, insurance, customer reviews, and more to ensure that each company is up to the task of completing your long-distance move.
