Planning a move of any size is stressful, especially if you’re moving across state lines. Professional moving companies provide services that help make your move as stress-free as possible. Our team conducted in-depth research on the best moving companies and narrowed down our list to provide you with the best interstate moving companies.
Best Interstate Moving Companies of 2023
Based on our methodology and research, the best interstate moving companies include the following:
- International Van Lines: Best Overall Full-Service Mover
- American Van Lines: Most Experienced Moving Labor
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Customer-Oriented
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
- North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
- Moving APT: Best Customer Service
- JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
- Mayflower Moving: Best for Large Moves
- United Van Lines: Best Base Moving Coverage
Compare the Top Interstate Movers
Below, we compare our top-ranked interstate movers. Our team evaluated the pros and cons of each mover, analyzing services, average moving costs, customer experience, and more.
Star Rating | BBB Rating | Estimate Info | Link | ||
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International Van Lines |
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B | $2,500–$4,300 | VISIT SITE | |
American Van Lines |
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A | $3,200–$3,500 | VISIT SITE | |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group |
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B | $2,800–$4,000 | VISIT SITE | |
Safeway Moving Inc. |
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A+ | $6,300–$7,500 | VISIT SITE | |
Allied Van Lines |
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A+ | $4,730–$5,380 | VISIT SITE | |
North American Van Lines |
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A+ | $4,700–$5,350 | VISIT SITE | |
Moving APT |
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B | $2,968–$5,668 | VISIT SITE | |
JK Moving Services |
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A+ | $7,550 | VISIT SITE | |
United Van Lines |
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A+ | $5,169–$7,003 | VISIT SITE |
International Van Lines | |
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Logo | |
Star Rating |
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BBB Rating | B |
Estimate Info | $2,500–$4,300 |
American Van Lines | |
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Logo | |
Star Rating |
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BBB Rating | A |
Estimate Info | $3,200–$3,500 |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
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Logo | |
Star Rating |
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BBB Rating | B |
Estimate Info | $2,800–$4,000 |
Safeway Moving Inc. | |
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Logo | |
Star Rating |
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BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $6,300–$7,500 |
Allied Van Lines | |
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Logo | |
Star Rating |
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BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $4,730–$5,380 |
North American Van Lines | |
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Logo | |
Star Rating |
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BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $4,700–$5,350 |
Moving APT | |
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Logo | |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | B |
Estimate Info | $2,968–$5,668 |
JK Moving Services | |
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Logo | |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $7,550 |
United Van Lines | |
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Logo | |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Estimate Info | $5,169–$7,003 |
Note: The estimate info above is for a two-bedroom move from Chicago, Illinois, to Atlanta, Georgia.
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of September 2023.
- Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 2293832
International Van Lines (IVL) is our top pick for interstate movers. IVL is a full-service mover that helps with packing, loading, delivery, unpacking, and unloading. Other add-on services and protection plans can be added to these full-service options as well. No matter where you’re moving to or from, IVL is available to help with your move. Its service profile, speedy quotes, and qualified teams make it an excellent choice.
Our Rating
International Van Lines scored 4.8 out of 5 on our rating scale. Its extensive list of basic and add-on services and large service area largely account for this rating. IVL also earned points for its high BBB rating and provision of local, long-distance, and international services. It lost a few points because it lacks a rental truck option and move financing.
Pros and Cons
Services
In addition to its standard full-service packing options, IVL offers several add-on services, including the following:
- Bulky item relocation
- Large vehicle shipping
- Motorcycle shipping
- Piano moving
- Temporary or permanent storage
Cost
Your quote process with IVL will involve an in-depth phone estimate or in-person consultation. We used IVL’s online moving cost calculator to generate the following sample quote.
- Sample Quote: $2,015–$3,445 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: 25%
- Payment Accepted: Cash, cashier’s check, credit card (deposit only), money order
- Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Availability: 48 states
- USDOT #: 614506
*American Van Lines is not available in Alaska or Hawaii
American Van Lines offers full-service residential, military, and corporate moving services. Its movers average 10 years of experience in the industry and receive comprehensive training. American Van Lines’s experienced crews make the company a great choice for customers with concerns about an interstate mover’s reliability.
Our Rating
American Van Lines scored 4.5 out of 5 stars on our rating scale. It offers a full range of services, including intrastate, interstate, and international moving options. It earned high marks for its service offerings and comprehensive moving valuation coverage options. It lost points for its lack of customer-oriented options. AVL requires that you book over the phone and doesn’t provide a moving cost calculator on its site.
Pros and Cons
Services
One of American Van Lines’ standout services is its white-glove treatment for fragile items. As part of your full-service move, the company can assign its trained crews with the task of wrapping, padding, packing, and otherwise protecting your more delicate belongings. It also offers the following services:
- Corporate relocation
- Military relocation
- Online shipment tracking
- Temporary and permanent storage
- White-glove relocation of artwork and antiques
Cost
American Van Lines’ flat rates are great for clients on a tighter budget or those wary of added fees for any reason. This mover’s bottom-line estimates ensure you won’t have to pay more than expected.
American Van Lines publishes sample moving costs online for moves between major cities. We pulled the following estimate from AVL’s site.
- Sample Quote: $3,910 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: Up to 50% up-front
- Payment Accepted:
- Cash
- Cashier’s check
- Credit card
- Money order
- Traveler’s check
- Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 3034100
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a good fit for anyone who wants to take some of the legwork out of finding the right mover for their needs. Unlike many companies in this guide, IMRG is a broker. This means that IMRG does not directly provide moving services but helps coordinate relocations through its network of independent local, long-distance, and international movers.
IMRG stands out due to its informative website, a wide range of excellent partner companies, and its partners’ varied service profiles. Getting quotes is fairly easy, but customer service is limited on weekends.
Our Rating
IMRG scored 4.3 out of 5 on our rating scale. It shines for its service profile and flexibility, as it provides local, long-distance, and limited international moving help. It offers booking online or over the phone and provides moving checklists and guides for every step of the moving process. IMRG lost points for a lack of storage, truck rental, and financing options.
Pros and Cons
Services
IMRG offers both full-service and self-service moving help. Whether you’d like to handle the packing and hard work yourself or outsource it to a qualified pro, this broker can connect you with the right mover. Some of the services IMRG coordinates include the following:
- Cleaning services
- Junk removal
- Piano moving
- Temporary and permanent storage
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
IMRG provides a cost calculator tool for quick estimates. However, we recommend getting a personalized quote to set an accurate budget. This will involve a phone call or a virtual estimate and will take your service needs and inventory into account. We spoke to an IMRG move coordinator who provided us a written estimate with the following information.
- Sample Quote: $4,450 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: Up to 33%
- Payment Accepted:
- Credit card
- Check
- Our Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 237129
Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving carrier and broker that connects you with an interstate moving company that fulfills your move’s criteria when its own crews are unavailable. Safeway puts a premium on customer service, keeping customers up to date throughout a move and providing prompt responses to questions and concerns. You can contact the company seven days a week.
Safeway provides flat-rate estimates and backs its services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The company donates a percentage of its moving fees to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Our Rating
Safeway scored 4.4 out of 5 stars on our rating scale. It offers a full range of services, including packing and storage. It also provides online and over-the-phone quote accessibility. Safeway lost points for a lack of added benefits such as moving calculators and financing options. Specialized services may be available in certain areas but should not be expected in all Safeway moves.
Pros and Cons
Services
Safeway is a full-service relocation specialist, providing door-to-door service that includes packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. Safeway focuses chiefly on long-distance moves but can also coordinate international shipments. If offers the following additional services:
- 24/7 customer service
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Moving assistance for senior citizens
- Temporary and permanent storage
Cost
Safeway provides binding estimates for its moves. Because of this, the company does not provide exact cost information online. Safeway requires a detailed evaluation of each move to provide fixed-rate pricing that does not change once it is quoted to you. Your required services, the total weight of your move, the distance of your move, and insurance purchased through a partner carrier are all factors that influence your overall cost with Safeway.
We requested a Safeway quote online and submitted an inventory sheet to the company representative who responded. The representative provided the following quote.
- Sample Quote: $5,695 (3-bedroom move from Austin, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee)
- Deposit: Up to 40%
- Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card, certified check, money order
- Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 076235
Allied Van Lines is a full-service mover that was founded in 1928. The company provides a majority of its services in-house, including packing services, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. This also includes providing in-house vehicle relocation services, which is a rare perk in the moving industry.
This nationwide carrier has more than 500 individual locations around the country and can provide almost any add-on service customers could need.
Our Rating
Allied scored 4.7 out of 5 on our rating scale. Its local, long-distance, and international service profiles help it rank among our top moving companies. It provides packing, crating, storage, and more. It lost a few points under our rating criteria due to a lack of DIY moving options and move financing.
Pros and Cons
Services
In addition to its professional packing and vehicle-shipping services, Allied has several specialty options for customizing your move plan. This includes Allied Express, its moving container service with expedited shipping for smaller moves. You can choose self-service packing and loading or request professional moving labor with your Allied Express shipment. Allied also offers these services:
- Corporate relocation
- Crating for fragile items
- Packing supplies for sale
- Temporary and permanent storage
- Third-party cleaning services
Cost
Allied offers an InstaQuote feature on its site for quick ballpark pricing. However, you should contact a moving company representative for a more comprehensive and customized quote. We used Allied’s InstaQuote tool to generate the following price range for our move.
- Sample Quote: $5,019–$5,798 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: None
- Payment Accepted: Cash, certified check, check, money order
- Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 070851
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a full-service mover that provides comprehensive insurance coverage for your belongings in transit and an easy claims process if something goes wrong. This makes the company a great choice for those looking to transport expensive belongings during interstate or cross-country moves.
This mover was founded in 1933 and now provides quality moving help across all 50 states. Its protection plans, variable pricing structure, and 500 locations make it a good fit for any moving need and budget.
Our Rating
NAVL scored 4.6 out of 5 in our rating system. We gave this mover points for the breadth of its full-service moving options. It provides moving help across a wide range of distances, complete with packing and storage help. It lost points due to more restrictive booking practices, which require a phone call with a moving representative.
Pros and Cons
Services
For its packing services, North American Van Lines offers customers flexibility with its options for full or partial packing assistance. You can also have NAVL’s moving teams pack only your fragile items or other belongings that need maximum protection. Here are some of NAVL’s additional services:
- Appliance installation
- Debris removal
- Packing supplies
- Temporary and permanent storage
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
NAVL offers bottom-line pricing options for all moving quotes. This can help customers in any location avoid sticker shock when the final bill is due. That pricing model equates to all-inclusive rates, which won’t shift unless service needs or inventory do. We got a preliminary estimate for an interstate move, which we included here.
- Sample Quote: $5,067–$5,770 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: None
- Payment Accepted: Cash, certified check, money order, check
- Our Rating: 4.2 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 2247863
Moving APT is a moving broker that has been providing premium interstate service since 1999. It now operates through partners in all 50 states and can offer specialized services for long-distance and interstate moves of all sizes. Customers consistently rate this mover’s responsiveness and service profile highly and find that getting quick quotes and personalized estimates is easy through its informative website.
Our Rating
Moving APT scored 4.2 out of 5 on our rating scale. It primarily lost points due to its lack of online booking capabilities and less comprehensive insurance options, which vary between its partner companies. In addition to its local and long-distance moving services, it gained points for its moving calculator and other online moving resources.
Pros and Cons
Services
Moving APT can provide full-service assistance to all clients moving across state lines. Services include packing, loading, custom crating, and more. It also partners with leaders in the self-service moving space, allowing you to rent a moving container and handle the packing yourself. Moving APT can also arrange the following services:
- Cleaning services
- Commercial moves
- Shipment tracking
- Temporary and permanent storage
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
We used Moving APT’s cost calculator tool to yield the figure below. You can get a sample quote like this in a few minutes, but Moving APT will require a phone or in-person consultation for accurate pricing. Three of Moving APT’s partners contacted us after we shared our move details with a sales representative. You should prepare to field conversations with several interested movers.
- Sample Quote: $3,566–$6,266 (2-bedroom move from Portland to San Francisco)
- Deposit: Varies between partners
- Payment Accepted: Cash, check, money order
- Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 1065394
JK Moving Services is a full-service mover that customizes each moving package to each customer’s moving needs and budget. The company can also provide financing for interstate moves, which is a rare option in the industry.
Our Rating
JK Moving Services rates 4.6 out of 5 on our grading scale. Its financing options and long-distance and international moving offerings stand out. Its lack of DIY moving offerings or a moving cost calculator knocked its final rating down slightly.
Pros and Cons
Services
JK Moving offers comprehensive packing assistance, partial packing for fragile belongings, or a DIY packing option. It also offers these services:
- Government moves
- International moves
- Office moves and IT removal
- Shipment tracking
- Temporary and permanent storage
Cost
JK Moving Services features one of the best mobile apps in the business. With this tool, you can get quick AI-assisted mobile estimates without waiting for an in-person consultation. That tool and its 24/7 customer service make pricing and general information easy to get. We contacted a JK Moving sales representative to discuss our move and received the following quote.
- Sample Quote: $6,622 (2-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco)
- Deposit: $250 up-front
- Payment Accepted: Cash, credit card
- Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Availability: 46 states*
- USDOT #: 125563
*Mayflower is not available in Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, or West Virginia.
Mayflower Moving is one of the oldest and most-trusted moving brands in the country. Mayflower has offered leading moving service since its founding in 1927. Today, it provides local, interstate, and international relocation assistance. It gets our vote for the best option for large moves due to its fleet of more than 800 trucks.
Our Rating
Mayflower Moving has a 4.8 out of 5 on our proprietary rating scale. Its comprehensive basic and add-on service profile makes it a solid choice for most residential or commercial moving needs. It offers tiered insurance options and has a solid customer service reputation, which boosted its overall rating.
Pros and Cons
Services
Mayflower Moving provides local, long-distance and international moving assistance. Its variety of service offerings includes the following:
- Crating
- GPS tracking
- Loading and unloading
- Packing
- Packing supplies
- Storage
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
Mayflower’s quote process is similar to other large movers. You submit a quote request form online or call to speak with a move coordinator to get your estimate. Have a full inventory list prepared of all major items to be moved. Mayflower will give you a binding estimate for your move with no deposit required for booking.
- Sample Quote: Contact for pricing
- Deposit: None required
- Payment Accepted: Cash, traveler’s check, cashier’s check, money order
- Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Availability: 50 states
- USDOT #: 077949
United Van Lines is a long-standing leader in the moving industry. It has been in business since 1928 and offers local and long-distance service in all 50 states. It offers international moving services in 150 countries. We like that it provides specialized services for commercial moves and residential home offices. This helps ensure your valuable tech items make it to their destination unscathed.
Our Rating
United Van Lines earned 4.5 out of 5 points on our rating scale. It won high marks for its service offerings, valuation coverage, and scheduling options. We deducted some points because it doesn’t provide packing materials, truck rentals, or financing options.
Pros and Cons
Services
With more than 4,000 registered trucks in its fleet, United Van Lines can offer direct service as a carrier. Its local, long-distance, and international service offerings can include the following:
- Moving labor
- Packing and unpacking
- Storage
- Tech breakdown and installation
- Vehicle shipping
Cost
United Van Lines provides flat-rate estimates for all long-distance moves it provides. Local moves are priced out at hourly rates, so pricing varies greatly depending on the ease of access to your old and new homes. We recommend calling United Van Lines for your own customized quote before booking.
- Sample Quote: Contact for pricing
- Deposit: None required
- Payment Accepted: Cash, traveler’s check, cashier’s check, money order
Interstate Moving Cost Factors
At first glance, your move estimate can be confusing. You may be wondering how the moving company breaks down its pricing. Here, we’ve listed two basic pricing structures for different interstate moves.
Single-Day Interstate Moves:
Shorter, single-day interstate moves are typically billed hourly. This is similar to local moving cost structures. Any added services you request, such as packing, are baked into the final total via more billable working hours. You could incur material costs for packing supplies or crating or be billed flat fees for piano moving, pool table moving, and similar add-ons.
Either way, you’ll likely be quoted a ballpark figure. This will include all services rendered, an hourly rate based on mover demand, and a rough estimate for the total time your move will take.
Multi-Day Interstate Moves:
Longer interstate relocations will be billed at flat rates or ballpark estimates based on the following factors:
- Move distance and shipping weight: These two factors are used to calculate “line-haul fees,” which account for the majority of any long-distance move’s cost. Movers should have defined weigh-in processes for their trucks and stable per-mile rates to determine these fees.
- Add-on services: Added services, such as packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and more will inflate your cost. These may have flat fees attached, or they may be folded into your line-haul fee. This will depend on the mover you use.
- Move date: This is a cost factor for all moves. Moving between May and September will often come with higher rates, which are raised in response to heightened demand.
- Advance booking: Booking your move at least six weeks to a month in advance will help ensure that you don’t incur higher rates. Some movers will bill higher rates when you book within a week of your move date.
How To Prepare for an Interstate Move
An interstate moving company streamlines your move to a new home across state lines, but you still need to prepare ahead of moving day for the most successful moving experience.
- Downsize: The less you have, the less your move will cost. When you create your home inventory list, keep track of the items you plan to sell, donate, or throw away.
- Create an inventory list: Write up an inventory list by room. If you’re packing yourself, roughly estimate how many boxes you’ll need for each room.
- Research moving companies: Start assembling a list of reputable moving companies that serve your area. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a great government resource to find a company’s insurance information and see whether it has any active red flags, such as revoked licensing.
- Get quotes and book your move: Get quotes from all of the moving companies you’re considering between six weeks to one month ahead of your move date. Aim to book your move at least a month in advance. Get copies of your moving contract when you confirm your move date. Also, read the FMCSA’s Rights and Responsibilities documentation; your mover should provide you with a copy.
- File a change of address: File change-of-address forms with your local post office. Then, change your contact information with your bank, place of employment, and any other relevant institution.
How To Choose the Best Interstate Moving Company
Here, we’ve listed a few key steps to take when evaluating any mover.
- Research customer reviews: Look up reviews before getting quotes. Even the best national moving companies have locations in some areas that provide subpar service. Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and social media are great sources for customer feedback.
- Ensure your service needs will be met: Make a list of all services you’ll need your movers to handle before getting a quote. Then, inquire about these services and accompanying rates during your in-person consultation.
- Evaluate your movers’ quote processes: Request quotes from any mover you consider for your relocation. Ask about deposit requirements and whether they provide flat-rate or binding estimates.
Our Conclusion
We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies before booking your move. Doing so is the best way to properly vet your options and get the best price for the job. International Van Lines gets our vote as the best mover for anyone crossing state lines, as its ample service profile should make for an easy move in any situation.
IMRG’s unmatched reach and partner network helped it rate highly on our list. If your move requires specialized packing or added protection for your goods traveling to another state, IMRG’s partner companies in your area could help.
Get quotes six to eight weeks before your move, and book at least a month in advance. This is the best way to ensure that you lock in a low rate and that all needed services will be handled.
FAQ About Interstate Movers
After our team researched numerous moving companies across the nation, we found the best interstate moving company to be International Van Lines.
An interstate move is when you move from one state to another. It is regulated primarily by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
An intrastate move is a move that takes place within the borders of one state, such as moving within California from Sacramento to Los Angeles.
It is typically a better idea to keep your furniture if you are moving locally or a shorter distance. If you are moving cross-country, it can be more cost-effective to sell your furniture and get new furniture once you are settled in. You will cut down on the size and weight of your move and reduce your overall cost with the moving company.
Our top pick for best overall interstate mover, International Van Lines, made Newsweek’s 2021 list of companies with the best customer service.
The following items should not be placed in a portable moving container or a moving truck:
- Acids
- Aerosols
- Batteries
- Fertilizer
- Fire extinguishers
- Gasoline
- Loaded guns
- Nail polish remover
- Paints
- Perishable foods
- Pesticides
- Poisons
- Pool chemicals
- Propane tanks
- Vehicle oil
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.