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When it comes to moving your home or business over long distances, you’ll face challenges that are not commonly encountered in local moves. Long distance moving takes more time, and there are numerous variables to contend with before, during, and after the trip. Since the success of your move depends on seamless coordination, selecting one of the best long distance moving companies can truly make all the difference. Heavy Equipment& Construction Logistics
We’ve evaluated 47 competitors, narrowing it down to the top five based on 75 attributes and our own in-depth research, including services, availability, first-hand quotes, deposits, insurance, licensing and customer ratings and scored each company against a strict criteria.
Some moving companies may not have the capacity, or meet the legal requirements, to get you to a new location across the country. So for long-distance moving, finding the right company is crucial. We reviewed the top long distance moving companies in the industry and rated them based on several factors important to consumers.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. Read more about our editorial guidelines and the long-distance moving companies methodology for the ratings below.
On International Van Lines' Website
On American Van Lines' Website
The best long-distance moving companies in 2024 are Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines and International Van Lines. Allied Van Lines is our top pick with over 100 years in the moving business, the company offers a full suite of moving services its customers can pick and choose from to customize their moving experience fully. Allied Van Lines rates well among consumers and offers accurate price quoting and customer flexibility.
Allied Van Lines offers a full suite of long-distance moving options and throws in a few perks. Choose from the company’s long list of available services, including full-service packing and unpacking, storage options, vehicle and large item transport, handling of appliances and furniture and several others, while also enjoying discounts on airline tickets, hotels and rental cars from Allied’s business partnerships.
Allied Van Lines’ dedication to long-distance moving convenience also shows through in its container moving service, Allied Express. The program offers tailored container moving services with guaranteed pricing and delivery dates.
The company’s prices tend to be somewhat higher than some of its competitors. However, customers won’t need to put down a deposit to secure services, and a cancellation fee won’t apply if you change your mind before the movers begin working.
Learn more: Allied Van Lines review
Relying on our sample move criteria that includes moving the contents of a typical two-bedroom home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, the price quote we received from Allied Van Lines is $9,441.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
It’s not surprising to learn that our top pick’s sister company ranks high on our list. However, North American Van Lines brings its own skills to the long-distance moving arena, like the company’s offering of three pricing options for moving customers. Choose from a guaranteed price quote, a not-to-exceed price or your own custom price quote.
For an even more customizable experience, customers can choose from a long list of available moving services, including all of the standards plus a long-distance container moving service called BlueExpress. Guaranteed pricing and delivery dates define this full or partial-service container moving program from North American. The company also offers a moving cost calculator on its website to help you get started.
The company’s cancellation policy is restrictive in that customers must cancel within three days of signing the work order to avoid fees.
Learn more: North American Van Lines review
North American’s pricing estimate for moving the contents of a two-bedroom home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC is $9,440, according to our sample-move quote from the company.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Providing long-distance moving services in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and over 180 other countries worldwide, International Van Lines is virtually everywhere. In addition to its wide reach, the company offers competitive pricing and a long list of available moving services.
Starting in 2000, IVL has grown quickly and continues to do so. Despite some customer service complaints, the company has won several moving-industry and customer appreciation awards. IVL provides many service options regardless of whether your move is long-distance, interstate or international.
Expect to pay a 25% deposit to secure your moving services with IVL. And be sure to cancel your move, if necessary, within 48 hours of your moving date appointment to avoid a cancellation fee.
Learn more: International Van Lines review
International Van Lines quoted us $4,306 plus fees to move the contents of a typical two-bedroom home long-distance from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
After more than 130 years in business, the oldest moving company in the U.S., Bekins Van Lines still provides high-level customer service and delivers it in a way that keeps it scoring high ratings across numerous reviews platforms.
While Bekins doesn’t offer a container moving service, it offers other perks in its more traditional approach to long-distance moving. On request, the company can provide a dedicated move manager to help customers navigate the maze of variables and decisions required for a successful move.
Additionally, Bekins offers discounts and perks to federal employees and retirees and doesn’t charge a deposit to any of its customers. Be sure of your moving intentions when hiring Bekins. The company charges a fee for cancellations made beyond three days of signing the work order.
Learn more: Bekins Van Lines review
Moving the contents of a typical two-bedroom home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, costs $6,425.20, based on estimates provided to our team by the company.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
Choosing United Van Lines for a long distance move comes with some, perhaps, unexpected benefits. Instant price estimates are available on the company’s website. However, United Van Lines requires an in-home visit or virtual tour of your home and possessions to get an accurate quote. While the process takes time to complete, the company prides itself on minimizing final invoice surprises.
Other benefits of working with United include not having to pay a deposit to secure your services and a generous cancellation policy stating that a penalty fee won’t apply to your move, provided you cancel services anytime before work starts.
United Van Lines also offers its Snapmoves container moving program that delivers long-distance moving solutions to those moving under 5,000 pounds of possessions. The program features full-service options, full-value insurance coverage and simplified pricing.
Learn more: United Van Lines review
The estimated cost to move a typical two-bedroom home from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, is $5,900 based on a sample quote provided to us by United Van Lines.
NOTE: The estimates in this article are examples that cover two specific types of moves and do not represent a national average. To receive an accurate or binding quote, reach out to the company directly and be prepared with a full list of items that you’re moving, or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation.
While evaluating moving companies that provide long-distance services, we determined the top performers in the industry. However, several other long-distance movers also scored well during our research process and could have made the list.
Mayflower Transit offers its customers a highly customizable moving experience by allowing them to choose from a long list of available services and leaving behind the less important ones. Some of the services the company offers include vehicle and large item transport, piano moving, numerous full-service options, fragile and valuable item handling, pool table transport and more.
Customers who receive a moving quote from Atlas Van Lines discover a primary difference in the company’s customer service approach. Each price quote includes full-service packing, unpacking and other essential services based on the project’s specifics. Customers must request to receive a quote without those items included if they wish to perform some of the tasks themselves.
JK Moving does offer some local and shorter-distance moves in select locations. However, its primary focus is on long-distance and international moving. The company receives high customer satisfaction ratings and is a perennial fixture on many lists of excellent moving companies.
Another long-distance moving specialist that steers away from much local moving is Colonial Van Lines. Colonial only offers long-distance moving services and takes extra care to ensure its customers have the tools they need to pull off a successful relocation. The company’s mobile app allows potential moving customers to input information regarding their move to help get an idea of how much it will cost and ways to manage those costs.
Long distance moving companies are reputable companies that possess specialized equipment and resources specifically tailored for handling lengthy journeys, usually greater than 100 miles or out of state, guaranteeing your belongings are safe and secure across vast distances. With their well-trained teams experienced in managing delicate and valuable items, they ensure extra care and protection throughout the moving process.
Also, the assurance of insurance coverage offered by trustworthy long-distance movers grants customers peace of mind, safeguarding against potential damages or losses during the move.
The total cost of a long-distance move depends on several factors. The primary costs revolve around distance, the quantity of your possessions and the specific services you choose to have the mover provide. Lesser, but still important, costs include the price of moving supplies, various fees and moving insurance. Extra services, such as storage, also play a significant role in determining cost.
Each long-distance move has its own unique set of circumstances that affect cost. However, typical costs range from around $1,400 to over $17,000. That’s a wide range.
To get to a closer estimate, consider the size of your home and your moving distance. Moving the contents of a single-bedroom home around 1,000 miles will be at the very low end of that scale and up to about $4,100 for a full-service experience with some extra add-ons included.
Moving a three-bedroom home a similar distance increases the price range to between $3,100 and $6,600. The price jumps to between $4,300 and $8,900 when moving a two or three-bedroom home 2,500 miles or more.
To move a four- or five-bedroom home 1,000 miles away, expect to pay between $5,700 and $13,700. The same home contents going more than 2,500 miles will cost $7,800 to $17,000.
Learn more: Moving Costs Breakdown
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Your relationship with a long-distance mover will be more intimate than the one you may have with a local moving company or other service providers. Long distance moving involves choosing a company that may handle every aspect of your move and is a part of your life for at least several days or possibly weeks. Take time to research and choose the best one for your needs.
Perhaps the best way to start your search for a long distance moving company is to talk to those who’ve been through the process. Ask friends, relatives and co-workers who have moved long distances about their experience and the company they hired.
Once you have a list of several candidates, you can check online for their licensing and registration status. If your move involves crossing a state line, the moving company must be registered with the FMCSA. Check there first. Also, check the Better Business Bureau website for the companies’ consumer standing and other customer review sites for their latest ratings.
Moving company schedules fill up well in advance. Once you’ve vetted several companies, check with them directly to ensure they can accommodate your moving day. Also, if you’re transporting any unusual or specialty items, such as a piano or collector vehicle, ensure the movers can handle that aspect as well.
Like with hiring any contractor, you should get a few price quotes from different moving companies. Ensure that you understand what kind of estimate you’re receiving. Moving companies can provide binding price quotes that won’t change, or they may offer an estimate that can change at any time.
Remember, the lowest bid may only seem like the best deal and could change later. There’s nothing wrong with accepting an estimate instead of a binding quote. Just be sure you know what conditions can alter the price and that your moving budget can absorb extra costs if necessary.
Moving, especially over long distances, can leave you vulnerable to illegitimate businesses out to take advantage of your situation. However, you can protect yourself by researching every company before hiring, even if the business is well-known. Hire someone else if you find notice of the following red flags.
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Is a move to a far-away city or state on your agenda in the coming months? If so, you are not alone. According to one survey, the number of individuals planning to move is up 20% over last year’s numbers and the trend continues.
Long distance moving or cross country moving requires more planning and organization than a local move. It’s much easier to make changes on the fly when you and your stuff are within the same few-mile area, which isn’t usually the case during a long move. Here are long distance packing tips to ensure your long move goes as smoothly as a short one.
Relocating is the perfect opportunity to declutter so, before you start packing for your move, set things aside to donate or sell. You should also throw away items that are broken or damaged. There’s no sense in dragging a malfunctioning toaster across the country with you. By taking these steps before you pack, you’ll cut down on the time you spend boxing everything up and you will also save money on moving-related supplies–fewer boxes, less tape, etc. You may even be able to rent a smaller moving van.
Pack early and often. Putting your entire life into boxes takes time. Set aside time well before your move and schedule packing a little each day or week. Getting started early will avoid burning out on the project and allow you to make adjustments as you go, such as purchasing more supplies or giving you additional time to declutter.
A single person living alone in a one-bedroom apartment won’t need to dedicate as much time to packing as a family of five with an enormous house, of course. But either way, allowing ample time to get the job done will ensure that all of your items are packed safely and securely. It will also alleviate stress because you won’t have so much rushing around to do at the last minute. How much time is enough time? Experts say it takes up to five full days to pack up the average three-bedroom house.
The packing process involves a lot more than just the actual packing, so it is best to begin as soon as you can. By starting early, you can take your time and ensure that everything is safely packed, and nothing gets accidentally left behind.
Go room by room, starting with the rooms you use the least.
Leftover boxes from your online shopping sprees are not going to cut it when it comes to packing up your belongings for a long-distance move. When you are moving, it is much better to use supplies that are made specifically for moving and packing. You can usually find these items at home improvement stores or at outlets dedicated to moving equipment and supplies. Some of the basic supplies you’ll need for moving include:
We don’t mean scrawling “kitchen” or “bedroom” across the top. Yes, you should indicate the room that the box belongs in, but you should also indicate the contents that are inside said box. This will save you the trouble of having to open multiple boxes in search of your coffee maker the morning after you arrive at your new place. Some people even like to catalog packed items with photographs or spreadsheets.
We also recommend labeling things like cords, wires and hardware so you know what goes where upon arrival.
If you are already taking your suitcases and dressers with you, you can save time and space by using them to transport your clothing. You can keep your dresser packed and shrink-wrap it to keep the drawers from sliding out in transport. And for your hanging items, consider buying some wardrobe boxes so the clothing can remain on the hangers during the move.
Disassembling your furniture will not only make it easier to transport, but it will also help save space in the moving van. Take your time while transporting these items, as they can be heavy, bulky and awkward to move. Consider using blankets and pads to protect the finish.
Be strategic with your packing and make sure that all of your boxes are of relatively equal and manageable weight. Each box should contain a mix of heavier and lighter items to make it easier to carry from point A to point B. Additionally, boxes of equal weight are safer to stack, as there is less risk of a heavy box being placed on a lightweight box and crushing it.
Moving vans will get the job done, however, if you want to take your time removing everything from your house, the moving container concept is the way to go. Essentially, the container is dropped off in your driveway and you pack it with your belongings at your leisure. When you are ready, the box is picked up and transported to your new place. Then you unload it and the company picks up the empty container when you are done.
If you decide to hire a moving company, make sure they have the proper credentials like a license and insurance. Also, follow the steps outlined by the United State Department of Transportation to help verify that the company is reputable.
Many homeowners are under the impression that their homeowner’s policy insures their belongings if they become damaged during a move. However, this is not always the case. Check with your insurance company to verify your policy’s details, and if you don’t already have sufficient coverage, consider adding more prior to your move, especially if you have items of value, like jewelry or fine art.
The protection offered by moving companies themselves is not insurance. It is called valuation, and the differences between the two are subtle yet important. Whether you need one or the other depends on the value of your possessions and several other factors.
The United States Department of Transportation prohibits certain household items from being transported in a moving van or truck, and some moving companies have their own stipulations as well.
Creating a checklist for your long distance move is one of the best ways to keep numerous things organized before and during your moving day.
Create a list of everything that’s moving with you, big or small. The list will help your moving company provide a better price estimate and allow you to keep track of where everything is throughout the move.
Start gathering moving boxes, blankets, packing tape and markers early to ensure you have enough when it’s time to pack up the last few items before moving day.
It’s crucial before and during moving day to have all of your important and personal documents with you instead of buried in a box somewhere. Keep your driver’s license, ID, moving company documents and any other vital documents on hand until the move is complete.
Before the moving day arrives, double check that your moving insurance is adequate and that you’re comfortable with the coverage. It’s good to revisit the subject more than once as you pack before moving day, as your comfort level can change along the way.
Make as many lists as necessary to keep things organized. List items to remember, items in particular boxes, items that you’re leaving behind or anything else you can think of including. The more checklists, the better. Moving Companies By State AlabamaAlaskaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsin
To determine the best long distance moving companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 39 companies, with each company’s rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
A portion of our ranking scores were awarded for the number of years each company has been in business.
Quoted prices for sample moving scenarios and moving insurance options were used to score each contending company in our ranking. Other factors included pricing details, such as online quotes, discounts, price and service guarantees and price matching availability, as well as quote types and deposit requirements.
Move types offered, including long-distance, local, interstate and international, made up our scoring for this category. We also awarded a small percentage to companies acting as carriers instead of brokers or agents.
The services and options each company offers made up 21% of the score awarded to each competitor, including full-service packing and unpacking, shipment tracking, storage availability, container moving, packing supplies availability, furniture assembly and others.
We evaluated multiple review platforms, including the BBB, FMCSA database, Consumer Affairs, Facebook, Google Maps and Trustpilot, to help determine our customer reviews and experience category scoring.
Each company’s availability of customer support options, such as a live chat function, phone service specifics, an FAQ page and other helpful consumer information, made up a small scoring percentage.
Companies in our review earned points based on the number of states, countries and regions they serve.
The editorial team looks deeper into categories like excess complaints, add-on services, insurance coverages and other miscellaneous factors that set a company above the competition.
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
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DIY moving is the cheapest way to move long distances by renting a truck and handling the logistics yourself. However, the task can become quite complex. The next best options include shipping your belongings by freight to your destination or using a moving company just for transportation while you do the packing and unpacking.
A long-distance move typically refers to a move longer than 400 miles. However, the name may change to intrastate if the long-distance move occurs within the same state. Interstate moves involve crossing a state line regardless of the distance.
Moving companies generally prohibit moving hazardous items and materials. Explosives, gasoline, chemicals, some fertilizers, paints and similar things aren’t typically allowed onto the moving truck.
Also, leaving behind unnecessary items that don’t need to go with you can reduce your moving costs. Consider moving precious items yourself to keep them safe while movers take the rest of your stuff.
A moving broker doesn’t provide the actual moving services. Instead, a moving broker matches moving customers with appropriate moving companies depending on several factors, such as the type and scope of the move.
A moving carrier is the company that will perform the actual moving labor. The pros to using a moving broker include less shopping effort for the customer. The cons include having a limited say in which carrier will provide services for your move.
A binding estimate and a non-binding estimate are similar in many ways. Both require a moving company to closely estimate your moving project’s cost. The difference between them is that a binding estimate is a promise from the company that the price it gives you is the price you’ll pay under normal circumstances. A non-binding quote is subject to change depending on the final cost tally at the end of the job.
Moving companies must take some responsibility for protecting your belongings. However, that protection is limited in scope and value. To determine if you need moving insurance, consider the replacement cost of your possessions, distance of your move and potential circumstances that may arise during the project.
Professional movers can often provide numerous services beyond simply getting your stuff from one place to another. Storage solutions, additional insurance coverage and extra services, including full-service packing and unpacking, vehicle and large item transport, valuables packing and moving, cleanup services and many more may all be available depending on the moving company you hire.
The cost of a move depends on the quantity of stuff, how far it’s going and the services chosen. Moving a long distance typically costs between $1,000 to move the contents of a small home roughly 400 miles to $6,500 or more to move a mid-sized home over 1,000 miles. The actual cost of each move depends on many variables unique to the situation.
Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and consultant for several publications. Throughout his career, he strived to assist his clients in finding the potential hidden within the walls of every home and empowering them to take control of their household repair and remodeling endeavors. Deane’s primary career goal involves sharing home-related knowledge and providing self-sufficiency tools to as large an audience as possible.
Super Movers Lexie is a Deputy Editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. She has over five years of experience in the home improvement space and harnessed her expertise while working for companies like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie’s List).