Check moving prices in 30 secs

Best Cross Country Movers of 2024

Some independent moving companies can handle cross country moves at a fraction of the price. Moving APT did the research and built a list of the best family-owned movers for your long distance move.
Company Adams Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers Native Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers Pricing Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers Verified Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers iMoving - Best Cross Country Movers
Rating

4.9

4.9/5

4.8

4.8/5

4.7

4.7/5

4.6

4.6/5

4.5

4.5/5
Avarage Price
(2-3 Bed)
$3210- $7320$3300- $7900$2950 - $6650$3050 - $6820$2900- $8250
SuperlativeBest For Long DistanceBest Customer ServiceMost EfficientMost Experienced MoversBest for Online Booking
Get a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a Quote
Adams Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers

Adams Van Lines

4.9
4.9/5
Native Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers

Native Van Lines

4.8
4.8/5
Pricing Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers

Pricing Van Lines

4.7
4.7/5

Search Google for cross country movers, and you’ll find a handful of big corporate moving companies. They’re all great at their job, but they can hit your wallet pretty hard – and in some cases, they’ll subcontract your move to smaller companies, anyway.

At Moving APT, we want you to get the most for your money. That’s why we researched the best cross country movers to bring you state to state moves at mom and pop prices.

We relied on actual customer feedback and insider info to cultivate our list and bring you tips and tricks you can’t find anywhere else.

In this article

The Cost of Cross Country Moving

Hiring a cross-country moving company will cost anywhere from $1,800 for smaller moves to $19,100 and up for larger moves, depending on distance, time of year, and the number of items being moved.

Distance 1 Bedroom 2 – 3 Bedroom 4 – 5 Bedroom
1500 miles $1750 – $3200 $2950 – $7200 $4400 – $10200
2000 miles $1900 – $3700 $3100 – $8100 $4900 – $11900
2500 miles $2100 – $3900 $3500 – $8900 $5800 – $14800
3000+ miles $2400 – $4500 $3900 – $9800 $6500 – $19100

There’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re planning a cross country move. Read these articles to get a better picture of your moving costs:

What is the Average Delivery Time for a Cross Country Move?

The average delivery time for a cross country move can take a few days to a few weeks. It all depends on several factors – mainly the distance of the move and the amount of stuff you’re hauling, but also the availability of your movers and the route they take.

Distance ETA
1500 miles 4-10 days
2000 miles 5-14 days
2500 miles 6-21 days
3000+ miles 7-21 days

Think a smaller house means a shorter wait? Think again. Most people don’t know this, but movers don’t like to send half-empty trucks from point A to point B. You may have to wait for them to fill the truck up with someone else’s stuff before they send it your way.

If you’re looking for more information on delivery time, the article below can help

How Long Does it Take to Move Across the Country?

Why Choose an Independent Cross Country Moving Company?

If you’re moving on a budget, an independent moving company can help. Here’s why:

  • They’re less expensive. While they may not be as well-known as the huge moving corporations, these family owned cross country movers provide boutique moving services at a fraction of the cost.
  • You know who your movers are. Big name movers do a great job, but you pay a premium for branding. They also subcontract certain jobs, which means the movers at your door may not be direct employees of that larger company in the first place.
  • You pay for what you need. Corporate van lines may also include extra services in your quote – even if you won’t need them. While this practice prevents any surprise fees later on, it does mean a much bigger price tag.
  • You can customize your move. Fortunately, when you choose a family-owned mover from Moving APT’s network, you’re able to pick and choose the moving services you’ll need for a customized moving experience and a customized moving price.

When you connect with family owned movers, you know who’s showing up at your door – and you know who to call if you have any questions. Read on for some of our top picks.

Our Top 5 Mom and Pop Cross Country Movers

For nearly two decades, Moving APT has handled all the logistics for thousands of residential and corporate moves. We know our moving companies, and we’re proud to offer our top 5 picks for the best cross country moving companies in the U.S.

Adams Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers

Adams Van Lines

4.9
4.7/5

Adams Van Lines is a full-service cross country moving company with a serious dedication to customer service. Their movers go the extra mile to minimize all the stress and chaos that comes with a move, and they’ve got a whole variety of specialty moving options to sweeten the deal.

Adams Van Lines is a highly-rated moving company for a reason. Each move they handle is tailor-made for their customers, and they’re willing to adjust their services according to your needs and time constraints. Need packing? What about storage? From corporate moving to car shipping, they’ve got you covered.

Pros

Cons

Why we recommend Adams Van Lines

We’re big fans of any company that offers custom moving. Adams Van Lines allows you to pick and choose what services you’ll need for your move, and they have a great approach to customer service: When you book a move, they provide a single point of contact so you aren’t bounced around between different departments.

Native Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers

Native Van Lines

4.8
4.7/5

When people think “mom and pop moving companies”, they usually think local. Native Van Lines is anything but. With over 500 agents nationwide, they’re an independent cross country movers that can get you moved state to state or completely across country – and you don’t have to pay big name prices.

Aside from being a great option for budget-conscious customers, Native Van Lines offers great service and a whole variety of moving choices to suit your needs. 

They have their own network of movers, which means they can also act as a filter to find you the best in your area.

Pros

Cons

Why we recommend Native Van Lines

Native Van Lines gets bonus points for having their own network of trusted and verified movers. As an independent moving company, they know what it takes to provide the best move possible, and they can hold the others in their network to a higher standard. 

They have agents all across the US, which is especially impressive for a mom and pop mover.

Pricing Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers

Pricing Van Lines

4.7
4.7/5

Pricing Van Lines has a whole network of cross-country specialists, which means you get a custom-tailored move for your exact needs. Each of their partners is licensed and insured, and they’re all required to abide by Pricing’s code of ethics and good practices. 

If you need a custom move that doesn’t break the bank, Pricing Van Lines has you covered Since Pricing keeps close tabs on their carriers, it means you’re getting some serious peace of mind, too. 

Pricing Van Lines filters out the scams and sketchy guys, and you’ll be dealing with handpicked professionals who are well-reviewed, well-equipped, and well worth your time. Plus, Pricing ensures that the moving specialists who show up offer discounts for disabled, veteran, or senior customers.

Pros

Cons

Why we recommend Pricing Van Lines

If you’re paying for a long distance move, you need to be sure you’re in safe hands. Pricing Van Lines sorts out the best movers for the job, and the movers in their network are all required to meet strict requirements. It’s valuable peace of mind, and we’re grateful they can help.

Verified Van Lines - Best Cross Country Movers

Verified Van Lines

4.6
4.6/5

Verified Van Lines is an expert long distance mover. They provide national moves with the care, attention to detail, and easy customer support that you can expect from a hometown company – and they offer a ton of packing and shipping accessories to make your move easier.

If you need help with a corporate relocation or storage, Verified has you covered as well. Like the other cross country movers on our list, Verified Van Lines boasts a wide variety of moving services that can be tailored according to your needs. 

They put an added emphasis on clear communication, and when you need to book a move, they’ll be in touch with you every step of the way.

Pros

Cons

Why we recommend Verified Van Lines

Verified Van Lines puts the customer first, and they know that moves can be stressful. That’s why they put you in touch with representatives who can help you plan every detail of your move.

We really appreciate this kind of communication and advance planning, and their hands-on approach means their customers know what to expect on the big day.

Out of State Moving Companies - Cross Country Movers

Out of State Moving Companies

4.5
4.5/5

Out of State Moving Companies – as the name suggests – is all about handling interstate moves. They specialize in getting your stuff across state lines, whether it’s just the next state over, or all the way across country. 

Out of State can handle long distance moves with ease, and their trained movers won’t let you down. They also place a lot of emphasis on stress-free moving.

A move of any distance has the potential to get pretty chaotic, pretty quick. Fortunately, the Out of State Moving Companies team knows how to keep things streamlined, simple, and actually relaxing for their customers. Just let them know the specifics about your move, and they can take care of the rest.

Pros

Cons

Why we recommend Out of State Moving Companies

An article on cross country moving wouldn’t be complete without Out of State Moving Companies. We’re big fans of their stress-free approach, and if you’ve ever had to juggle a schedule, an inventory list, and packing, you’ll know what a huge positive it can be to just sit back and let the pros handle the whole operation.

Mayzlin Relocation - Cross Country Movers

Mayzlin Relocation

4.4
4.4/5

Mayzlin has a reputation for excellent service, and a broad range of services too. They keep their pricing transparent so you always know how much you’re paying, and they bring plenty of expertise to the table so you always know what you’re getting. 

Plus, they have excellent customer support – and they even offer price matching! Moving can be pretty pricey, so it’s always good to make sure your mover offers transparent pricing that won’t break the bank. 

Unfortunately, there are a lot of sketchy movers out there who like to hit unsuspecting customers with surprise fees and add-ons they didn’t even need. Mayzlin keeps things honest, and their clear communication puts them on the map.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend Mayzlin Relocation

Mayzlin is a breath of fresh air. A mover that’s clear about your payment and services is always a plus, and we’re happy to recommend them for your cross country move. 

Plus, they have a wide variety of services you can pick and choose from. You can get a custom-tailored move, and no surprises when it comes to the bill. What’s not to like?

Roadway Moving - Cross Country Movers

Roadway Moving

4.3
4.3/5

Roadway Moving started out in New York City, but since their inception they’ve spread out their operations and can handle cross country moves with ease. While they’re a relatively young company, they’ve really carved out a niche for themselves by delivering punctual moves and excellent customer service.

Roadway never really got rid of their startup mindset. They’re driven, they’re attentive, and they’re still handling moves like they’re trying to make a name for themselves. That means you get a whole lot of service, and a quality moving experience that’s really hard to beat. Their whole operation is in-house, so you know you’ll be getting that mindset through every step of your move.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend Roadway Moving

Roadway makes it onto a lot of our “best of” lists, and for good reason. We’re big fans of their customer service, and their commitment to punctual, professional relocations. 

They have a broad selection of moving service, and since their movers are all in-house, you can be confident they’re held to strict standards and know their way around a cross country move.

Want to move with Moving APT?

Moving APT has the best deals with the best cross country movers, making us your trusted interstate moving company for twenty years. For all your corporate or residential relocation needs, our motto is simple: No stress. No worries.

What to Look for in the Best Independent Cross-Country Movers

Mom and pop moving companies need to be the best of the best if they want to compete with the big names in the industry. If you’re interested in supporting small businesses by choosing a family-owned mover, here’s how you can tell they’re the right fit for the job.

1. Certification

Researching a company’s licensing and certification is a great way to see if they’re the real deal. Anyone with a truck can call themselves a mover, but legitimate moving companies will have the paperwork to prove it. 

Make sure your cross-country mover complies with the USDOT’s registration requirements, and make sure their certification and licensing are all in order.

2. Insurance

Legitimate movers provide insurance. Moving companies are actually legally required to provide coverage for up to 60 cents per pound of belongings in the event of any accidental loss or breakage, but other companies can offer full coverage to sweeten the deal. Ask ahead about their insurance options to make sure your stuff will be safe.

3. Reputation

Thank goodness for Google and Yelp. If you’re dealing with a family owned moving company, you should still read up on what their customers are saying. Independent cross-country movers aren’t national names like their corporate competition, but that just means they should provide more attentive customer service to stay relevant.

4. Estimates

If you’re planning a move, get an estimate as soon as possible. A moving estimate gives you an idea of how much you need to set aside on moving day, and it also gives you a good idea of what you can (and should) get rid of before it’s time to pack everything up. 

Remember to read up on the different types of estimates before requesting a quote.

Factors Behind the Price of a Move

  • Distance and weight: When you’re planning a long distance move, your movers will calculate your price by determining how much your stuff weighs, and how far it needs to travel. These are the two biggest factors behind how much you’ll pay.
  • Access fees: If your movers have to navigate staircases, elevators, long hallways, or long driveways, expect to pay a little more in access fees. These are challenges that your movers need to plan around, so anticipate an extra cost.
  • Packing: Unless you feel like packing and boxing everything yourself, your movers will be taking care of the packing. However, packing equipment (and the actual packing itself) usually isn’t free. Packing costs extra, but you’ll be glad you paid for it.
  • Specialized moves: Do you have a piano, a pool table, or any other kind of large, bulky item? Your movers will need to figure out how to get them out of your house or apartment safely. This requires special planning and packaging, and this costs extra.
  • Disassembly: Disassembling all your stuff takes extra time, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Large pieces of furniture will need to be taken down and packed up tight to fit in a truck.
  • Shuttle fees: Moving in or out of the big city? Be ready to pay shuttle fees. Some cities don’t allow movers to park an entire semi outside of your building, so instead your stuff will have to be ferried back and forth from a staging area with a smaller truck.
Cross Country Movers - Moving APT

Insider Cross Country Moving Tips

At Moving APT, we know a thing or two about moving. We’ve been in the business for over 22 years, and we work with hundreds of movers to get the inside scoop about how you can make your move even easier. Check out these tips for your big move.

1. Pack Your Essentials Separately.

It’s a good idea to have all of your essentials packed in one bag for easy access. When we say “essentials”, we mean your toilet kit, your toothbrush, razor, soap, and a few changes of clothes. Imagine you’re going on a trip, and pack accordingly.

Packing an essentials bag means you won’t have to spend time digging through box after box for that lucky shirt or your toothpaste. We recommend living out of your luggage for a few days before the move, too: It eases you into the arrangement, and gives you plenty of time to figure out what you’ll always need, and what can be boxed for now.

2. Set Aside a Moving Room.

If you have the space to spare, set aside a room (or just a corner of your apartment) for your packed boxes. This prevents your living space from becoming a maze, and it also gives you a chance to see what’s been packed. As an added bonus, it’s a convenient staging area for your movers when they come to haul everything away.

If you’re doing your own packing, great – you’re saving some money and getting packed up before the movers even arrive. Packing is more than just tossing stuff in boxes, though – it can be bulky, and leaving those boxes all over your house can make things a little frustrating. Try setting aside a staging area. You won’t regret it.

3. Downsize.

Get rid of the stuff you don’t need. Since out of state movers charge by weight and distance traveled, you’ll be throwing money away by hauling furniture or appliances you don’t have any use for. Instead, see if you can pawn anything off to family and friends.

If you can’t convince anyone to take your old couch or dresser, you can donate it or sell it off for a bit of extra money. Some moving companies also offer free junk removal, in the event that you absolutely can’t find any takers.

4. Avoid Peak Moving Season.

June, July, and August are the worst months to move. Families are taking advantage of the summer break to get moved without missing any school, university students are moving in and out, and you won’t want to deal with moving in muggy summer heat anyway.

We recommend avoiding any major holidays if you want to save money on your move. Remember that leases usually end on the first or last day of the month, so those days are usually more expensive, too. Shoot for a mid-week, mid-month move that’s far away from summer.

5. Keep Your Important Documents in a Safe Place.

As safe as movers are, don’t ask them to transport your important paperwork. Your birth certificates, passports, and other important forms don’t belong in a box in the back of a truck – they belong somewhere safe, where you always have eyes on them.

If you want to be extra safe, we advise getting some kind of fireproof lockbox. Overkill? Maybe. But it’s better than losing all those important papers. At the very least, look into getting a plastic container to keep the water out.

Here’s How We Rank Our Cross Country Movers

Moving APT has 22 years of experience in the long-distance moving field, serving more than 250,000 clients to date. Unlike other recommendation sites, we do real, face-to-face business with the movers in our network. 

This makes our data more in-depth and reliable than anything else you’ll find online.

Our rating methodology is based on the following:

Reviews

  • Online Reputation: We sort through reviews and company profiles to make sure your movers are highly-rated and backed by plenty of experience.
  • Industry-Insider Information: We work with movers to get a full picture of the services provided by other companies across the field.
  • Mystery Shopping: We make sure movers are giving you the same rate they give us. Sometimes we call and pose as complete strangers to make sure they’re honest.

licensing and Accreditation

  • Arbitration Program: Movers are legally required to have an arbitration program in place to compensate for lost or damaged items. We make sure it’s up to date.
  • Active Claim Department: We check to see if movers have any outstanding claims to see how they handle customers who’ve reported damages – and how quickly they help.
  • Safety Record: The FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System provides us with up-to-date information about a mover’s safety track record, including accidents and inspections.
  • Active Moving Insurance: Long-distance movers are legally required to provide full or released-value protection on all of your items. We make sure of it.

Client Feedback

  • Video and phone reviews: We ask our own clients for short video testimonies detailing their experiences with their movers. It shows which movers are exceeding expectations.
  • Online surveys: We take the time to read about each completed move to get the full picture of how a mover performed.

As a moving broker, Moving APT actually deals with drivers and movers on a daily basis. We negotiate deals for our clients and ensure that movers always honor their contracts – no last-minute upselling, no overcharging, and no funny business. 

It’s how we help our clients get moved with minimal fuss, and it’s part of maintaining 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.

Cross Country Movers FAQ

Can family-owned movers handle long-distance moves?

Yes! A lot of people assume mom-and-pop moving companies only focus on local moves, but many independent companies can handle state-to-state moving. You don’t need to be a national chain to provide national service – and family-owned movers can do it at a fraction of the cost.

What won’t my movers transport?

General rule of thumb: nothing explosive, nothing pressurized, nothing flammable. Movers don’t want to haul around hazardous materials, either. Be sure to look into state-specific restrictions, before your move. Certain plants and animals are a no-go, and firearms are better off shipped between different FFLs.

What’s the difference between brokers and movers?

Brokers put you in touch with movers in your area, and movers do the actual hauling. Both are on your side to make sure your move goes smoothly, but brokers act as a valuable filter. They  usually have a network of movers that they trust – and to get into that network, those movers need to satisfy strict requirements.

Should I tip cross country moving companies?

Tipping is expected by moving companies of all sizes. Actually, unless a moving company explicitly denies tips, you should always budget out a gratuity for your moving team. 15% to 20% of the price of the move is a good amount. Make sure it’s divided evenly between everyone who’s helped.

What counts as a long distance move?

Any move that’s over 100 miles or across state lines counts as a long distance move. If you’re traveling over 100 miles but staying within the same state, you’re moving long distance.

And if you’re traveling less than 100 miles, but crossing state lines, you’re moving long distance as well. If you’re moving within 100 miles and within the same state, it’s a local move, instead.

How do I know I can trust a long distance mover?

Long distance movers need to be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA enforces rigorous standards, and you can check a mover’s safety record by looking up their license number. Interstate movers also need to have a DOT number, which you can check with the FMCSA as well.

How much does it cost to move cross country?

The national average cost of a cross country move is between $1,600 and $16,000 and beyond. This cost depends on the method you choose.

Doing it yourself by renting a moving truck is the cheapest option, while using a container service costs a bit more. If you want the most convenient method, hire professional movers.

How do cross country moving companies work?

Cross country movers provide a whole range of services that can make your life easier on moving day. They offer packing, disassembly, and transport, and many companies offer storage services as well. 

When you book a move with a major cross country mover, they’ll sometimes subcontract a job to other movers. It’s all the more reason to get in touch with a family-owned moving company who can keep you in the loop about who’s hauling your stuff.

How far in advance should you schedule cross country movers?

It’s a good idea to schedule a cross country move between 3 and 6 months in advance

This will give you plenty of time to pack and prepare, and it’ll also give you a bit of wiggle room in terms of picking a date. We recommend avoiding the summer (it’s peak moving season) and any major holidays if you want to save big.

What is the cheapest way to move cross country?

DIYing a move is always going to be the cheapest option – but it’s not as cheap as you may think. Sure, you’ll save some money by renting a truck instead of paying for full service movers, but don’t forget you’ll also have to pay for gas, packing supplies, food, and even lodging if your move is long enough. 

Most people forget to factor in the amount of work (and pay) they’ll be missing as well. If you’re still feeling adventurous, rent a truck and get moving.

How do I prepare for cross country relocation?

If you want to prepare for a cross country move, plan ahead of time, and pack ahead of time. We always recommend downsizing as much as possible so you have left to haul (and less to pay for) on moving day. 

Shop around for solid cross country movers, and book your move well in advance so you can avoid peak moving season.

Get Big Name Service at Family-Owned Prices

Mom and pop movers, independent moving companies, family owned movers – call them what you like. They’re all committed to customers, and provide national moving services without the big name price tag. If you’re looking to make your move as stress-free as possible, they can help.

You’ve seen our list of the best cross country movers in the industry, and you’ve seen some tips and tricks brought to you by moving pros. The only thing you have to do now is to pack your essentials bag, choose a mover, and get a quote.

Happy Customers Share Their Experience

Joey Sasson

Joey Sasson

Joey Sasson is an executive and author with over 30 years of experience in the moving industry. As president of sales and logistics at Moving APT, Joey’s been a driving force behind our company’s success. He’s known around the office for his expertise and dedication, and he’s probably working on another article right this moment. Joey has a lot to say about the moving industry, but he also writes about other elements of business, leadership, self-improvement, and more.
Green Group

Related Articles

Dot Group