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Best Long Distance Movers of 2024

Moving APT researched dozens of long distance movers by looking at the stuff that matters: cost, transparency, customer satisfaction, services, and much more. Here’s our list of the best long distance movers (and some moving tips, too).
Adams Van Lines - Best Long Distance Movers

Adams Van Lines

4.9
4.9/5
Native Van Lines - Best Long Distance Movers

Native Van Lines

4.7
4.7/5
Pricing Van Lines - Best Long Distance Movers

Pricing Van Lines

4.5
4.5/5

Long distance moving means a fresh start, but it doesn’t always mean an easy start. For a stress-free move, you’ll need the help of the best long distance movers in the industry – and we’ve got the perfect list.

To find what movers were the best of the best, our experts searched through real reviews and drew from our own 22 years of face-to-face business with moving industry pros. We’ve got the inside scoop on what long distance moving company can meet your needs, and what movers aren’t worth your time.

Read on to see what the best long distance movers can do for you, and get some insider information about moving that you can’t find anywhere else.

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How Much Does it Cost to Hire Long-Distance Movers?

Long distance movers can cost you anywhere between $1,200 and $18,500, and the number may end up even higher. 

It’s a huge window, so it’s important to remember that the final cost of your move will depend on several factors, such as the weight of your stuff and the distance you’re traveling.

If you’re already worrying about the price, take a look at this table. You may end up spending less than you were expecting…

Approximate Cost of a Long Distance Move

# 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 final price of your move will vary. If you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment into the next state over, you’re going to pay a lot less than someone who has to move a five bedroom home across country. It all depends on how much stuff you’re hauling, and how many miles you have to travel.

You know what to expect in terms of price, but how long will it take for your movers to haul all your stuff to your new location? Let’s take a look at how soon you can expect a delivery…

Long Distance Movers - Moving APT

Average Delivery Time for Long Distance Movers

If you’re moving long distance, expect to wait anywhere from 1 to 21 business days for your belongings to be delivered. Despite what most people would expect, a house full of furniture may actually be moved faster than a relatively empty apartment.

Movers won’t directly send a truck for a small load – instead, they’ll have to wait until a truck is almost full with other peoples’ stuff to avoid any wasted space. On the other hand, if your stuff can fill a truck all by itself, you can expect a truck to be sent right away.

Take a look at this table to get a better idea of how long you might have to wait for your long distance movers to ship your stuff.

Average Delivery Times for Long Distance Moves

DistanceETA
100-500 miles1-5 days
500-1000 miles2-10 days
1000-2000 miles3-17 days
2000-3000 miles5-21 days

You may get your stuff in one day, one week, or (in extreme cases) one month. Check out the factors behind how long your move takes, and get in touch with one of the best movers of 2022 if you need a firm estimate on delivery times…

Compare Long Distance Moving Companies

Company Adams Van Lines - 10 Best Out of State Movers Around You Native Van Lines - Best Out of State Movers Pricing Van Lines - 10 Best Out of State Movers Around You iMoving - Best Out of State Moving Companies Verified Van Lines - Best Out of State Moving Companies
Rating

4.9

4.9/5

4.7

4.7/5

4.5

4.5/5

4.7

4.7/5

4.3

4.3/5
Avarage Price
(2-3 Bed)
$3210- $7320$3300- $7900$2950 - $6650$3500- $8250$3150 - $8100
SuperlativeBest For Long DistanceBest Customer ServiceMost AffordableBest for Online BookingMost Experienced Movers
Get a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a Quote

The 5 Best Long-Distance Movers 2024

Starting your search for a long-distance mover with 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 seven moving companies for long-distance relocations.

Adams Van Lines - Best Long Distance Movers

Adams Van Lines

4.9
4.7/5

Licenses Info:

DOT#: 2886867

MC#: 969195

Adams Van Lines is a top choice for those looking for a stress-free moving experience. They offer full-service, long distance moves, and they have the experience to back it up. With over 18 years in the business, you can trust Adams Van Lines to handle moves of all sizes.

Adams Van Lines has completed over 100,000 long-distance moves, so when they help you with your move, you know you’re getting an experienced and professional team.

They also offer a wide range of services to make your move as stress-free as possible, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and storage.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines

Adams Van Lines are some of the most experienced long distance movers in the country, and it shows. From packing and loading, to unloading and unpacking, Adams Van Lines is a reliable and professional long distance moving company we can trust.

Native Van Lines - Best Long Distance Movers

Native Van Lines

4.8
4.7/5

Licenses Info:

DOT#: 3586586

MC#: 01213334

Native Van Lines has been around for decades, and a company doesn’t stick around that long without a solid reputation to back them up. They’re an award-winning company that provides a whole range of moving services, and they also offer free storage for up to 30 days.

If you’re looking for long distance moving, Native Van Lines has your back. They offer packing services, and have a whole team dedicated to corporate moving in case you’re dealing with a commercial move.

Plus, if you need movers near you, Native Van Lines is the answer. Whether you need quick transport or long-term storage, you can’t go wrong with Native Van Lines.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend Native Van Lines

We love Native Van Lines’ versatility. Their range of different moving services is super useful if you have a complicated move, and their free 30-day storage policy is especially helpful if you don’t have a firm move-in date set just yet.

Pricing Van Lines - Best Long Distance Movers

Pricing Van Lines

4.7
4.7/5

Licenses Info:

DOT#: 2569749

MC#: 885193

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.

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 some valuable information about moving if you take the time to look through their website.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend Pricing Van Lines

Pricing Van Lines offers 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. We’re also big fans of their moving network: it makes your move easy wherever you’re going.

Verified Van Lines - Best Long Distance Movers

Verified Van Lines

4.3
4.3/5

Licenses Info:

DOT#: 3797646

MC#: 1365628

Verified Van Lines is a long distance moving company that specializes in providing moving services for customers who are moving out of state. They offer a range of services tailored to each customer’s needs, along with competitive pricing and professional staff.

The company places a strong emphasis on safety and reliability, adhering to regulations set by the FMCSA and maintaining proper licensing and insurance. Customers can trust that their belongings are in good hands with Verified Van Lines.

In addition to their moving services, Verified Van Lines also provides storage solutions for customers who need to store their belongings during the moving process.

Pros

Cons

Verified Van Lines brings a lot to the table. They’re a customer-oriented long distance moving company that offers tons of different services, and we love that kind of versatility. They also have a heavy focus on customer service, with a team of dedicated professionals who will help you every step of the way.

iMoving - Best Out of State Moving Companies

iMoving

4.2
4.2/5

Licenses Info:

DOT#: N/A

MC#: N/A

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.

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.

Additionally, iMoving only lists fully licensed and insured long-distance movers, so you can be confident that your belongings are in good hands.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend iMoving

iMoving is like the Expedia of moving. You’re able to search movers, get quotes, and book services for your long distance move without having to make a single phone call. You can’t beat that kind of convenience, and we definitely appreciate them for it.

Things to Know Before Hiring Long-Distance Movers

Before searching for long distance movers, it’s important to do a bit of research beforehand. Here are some important things you should know before you hire your movers:

There are Different Types of Quotes

A moving quote tells you how much you’ll pay, and what services you can expect. However, there are a few different types of quotes you should keep an eye out for.

  • Binding quotes. These are concrete estimates, and can’t be changed after they’ve been issued. If your mover gives you a binding quote, the price of your move won’t be any higher (or any lower) after your move.
  • Non-binding quotes. If your mover gives you a non-binding quote, it means they’re reserving the right to change the overall price of your move before, during, or after the job. Don’t worry – they can only increase the total price by 10%.
  • Non-binding, not-to-exceed quotes. Like a non-binding quote, a non-binding, not-to-exceed quote can be changed over the course of your move. However, the price can only move down. This means if a job is easier or faster than expected, it’s cheaper.

If You Want a Binding Quote, You’ll Have to Invite the Mover Over

A binding quote means your price will stay the same, no matter how much time the move takes or how far your movers have to drive. Because of the concrete nature of a binding quote, moving companies usually send a representative to scout out your location and map out any challenge areas.

If you’re thinking of changing plans after receiving your binding quote, we advise against it. Don’t try to sneak in any furniture after your mover has issued your quote. They’ll know, and they’ll scrap the contract for a new one that reflects how much they have to move.

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 moving companies may also be able to assist with other moving tasks such as packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly and storage.

On the other hand, self-service movers are generally only available to transport your belongings once you’ve loaded them onto their truck. They’ll take care of the hauling, but unpacking, furniture disassembly, and any kind of careful carrying is all up to you.

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 reduce your workload (and your stress) if you’re dealing with a long-distance move. It can be difficult to plan out the exact day of your move a few months in advance, so storage can be super convenient if you need a place to keep your belongings before or after your move

Factors that Affect Long Distance Moving Cost

  • The Total Weight. The total weight of your household goods is one of the biggest factors behind your 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.
  • The Total Distance. The greater the distance between point A and point B, the more it will cost. It’s essential to provide the company with precise information about your move, including any detours or stops you may need to make along the way.
  • Additional Moving Services. Expect to be charged extra for any services that go beyond just loading a truck and carrying boxes. Packing, car transport, furniture disassembly or reassembly, cleaning services, and even junk removal can cost more.
  • The Time of Year and Day of the Week. Peak moving season is from late spring to early fall, and can increase prices by 30% for some companies. Weekend moves also see a significant price increase. Plan your move for an off-peak time to save more.
  • Access fees. If you live in a home with multiple sets of stairs, an elevator, or one that requires disconnecting utility hookups, movers may charge additional fees. These access fees could cost you an extra $50-$100+ or more per service.
  • Insurance. Most long-distance moving companies offer basic liability protection as part of their standard service. But, if you’re moving valuable stuff, you may need to purchase additional insurance coverage to cover your fragile items during the move.
  • Taxes. 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 Tips

Pro Tip

By getting multiple quotes from different companies, you can be sure that you are getting the best price possible for your move.

Factors Behind Your Delivery Time

A long distance move doesn’t happen overnight. Here are a few factors that affect how quickly your movers can transport everything:

  • Distance. A longer drive is going to take longer than a shorter drive. If you’re only moving 100 miles, it’s going to take much less time than a move to the opposite coast.
  • Size. It takes more time to load more stuff, and it takes more time to unload it upon arrival. If you have a lot of furniture, it takes more coordination and more time to get it moved from point A to point B. However, some movers may prioritize bigger shipments.
  • Your availability. Your movers won’t want to deliver all your stuff when you aren’t there to open the door for them. Ultimately, your own availability will affect how soon you can receive your shipment.
  • Straight delivery. Is your stuff being delivered immediately, or will it be bundled with someone else’s belongings for cost-efficiency? This is called less-than-truckload (LTL) freight – and while it’s a common practice to save you some money, it can mean delays.
  • Time of year. When there’s more demand for movers, you might have to wait in line. Holidays and summer months are peak moving season, so avoid these times if you want to get your stuff with minimal delays.

There are a number of factors that affect the timing of your long distance move, and every mover is different. Get in touch with a mover ahead of time to avoid any surprises, and see if you can pack ahead of time to shave off a few hours…

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 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 in which they belong. 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 and money 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 your wallet (and your sanity).

5. Pack the Heavy Stuff at the Bottom

To ensure that your boxes 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 keep your belongings more organized and less likely to shift during transit.

6. Improvise Protective Packing Materials for Fragile Items

When packing fragile items, it’s important to use plenty of protective packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam peanuts to keep them safe during the move. But, if you can’t get ahold of the professional stuff, you can always improvise with clothes, newspaper, and pillows. When in doubt, keep those fragile items separate from everything else.

7. 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

What is the Cheapest Way to Move Long Distance?

The cheapest way to complete a long-distance move is to do everything by yourself. It sounds straightforward, but it may still end up costing more than you’d expect. Remember, you have to factor in the costs of the rental truck, the fuel, the food and lodging, and how much work you’ll miss when you’re DIYing your move.

What is the Average Cost of a Long Distance Move?

The average cost of a long-distance move is typically between $1,200 and $9,100, but some bigger moves can cost up to $18,000 and beyond. Remember that the distance traveled and the weight of your stuff are the two biggest factors behind your price. When requesting moving quotes from long-distance movers, be as detailed as possible to get the best and most accurate pricing information possible.

How Far in Advance Should I Hire Movers?

Due to the high demand for movers during peak moving season (mainly the summer and holidays), it’s recommended to start your search for movers no less than eight weeks in advance, and ideally, a minimum of 12 weeks before your moving date. While it is possible to hire a long distance moving company last-minute, the prices will likely be significantly higher than if you had booked in advance.

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.

How Long Does a Long Distance Move Take?

A long distance move will usually take between two and five business days to complete, but depending on how much stuff you’re moving and how far it needs to be moved, you can expect it to take up to 21 business days or more. You should also account for the time of year and weather conditions when you’re planning out your move.

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.

What is the Difference Between a Carrier and a Moving Broker?

Carriers are long distance moving companies 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.

What Does Moving Insurance Cover?

The basic moving insurance offered by long-distance movers will usually cover a small percentage of an 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, it’s recommended to purchase additional moving insurance to ensure everything is fully protected.

What is Considered a Long Distance Move?

Any move that’s over 100 miles or across state lines counts as a long distance move. Long distance moves require specialty licensing, movers, and trucks, so it’s important to choose reputable and experienced moving companies capable of handling your specific moving needs.

What is the Best Way to do a Long Distance Move?

Everyone’s move is different, but if you value your time, money, and sanity we recommend paying for full-service movers. When you contact full-service movers, you can have all of your stuff packed safely, loaded carefully, and transported easily – all without doing more than booking online or making a few phone calls for quotes.

When Should I Start Packing for a Long Distance Move?

As soon as possible – and unless you’re counting on a long distance mover’s packing services, we recommend boxing everything up before they scout out your home for a moving estimate. Pack room by room, and pack the stuff you don’t use as much first. Make an essentials bag that has your clothes, medication, and anything else you’ll definitely need, and get used to living out of it before, during, and after your move.

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 service (and best possible price) for your next big move.

The experts at Moving APT searched through real reviews and pulled from over 22 years of moving industry experience to ensure each of the movers on this list have the licensing, know-how, and customer care that matters on your move. Save yourself time, energy, and money by hiring any of the seven best long distance movers on our list.

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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.
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