Long distance moving companies have unique qualifications that make them adept at handling longer moves. Our team researched and reviewed the best moving companies by vetting their services, reviews, and overall quality. From that list, we’ve ranked the best long-distance moving companies to help you choose the best option.
10 Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
Most companies you’ll encounter have different definitions for long-distance moves. There is no set mileage requirement, but moves that exceed 100 miles or take multiple days to complete often fall into this category. Here are our best long-distance moving companies for a range of relocation needs:
- 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
- Mayflower Moving: Best for Large Moves
- Moving APT: Best Customer Service
- JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
- United Van Lines: Best Base Moving Coverage
Compare the Best Long-Distance Movers
To rate the top long-distance movers, we used a comprehensive methodology that factors in services, reputation, online resources, and more. Here’s how each company compares:
| Star Rating | BBB Rating | Estimate Info | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines |
|
B | $2,500–$4,300 | VISIT SITE | |
| American Van Lines |
|
A | $3,200–$3,500 | VISIT SITE | |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group |
|
B | $2,800–$4,000 | VISIT SITE | |
| Safeway Moving Inc. |
|
A+ | $6,300–$7,500 | VISIT SITE | |
| Allied Van Lines |
|
A+ | $4,730–$5,380 | VISIT SITE | |
| North American Van Lines |
|
A+ | $4,700–$5,350 | VISIT SITE | |
| Moving APT |
 |
B | $2,968–$5,668 | VISIT SITE | |
| JK Moving Services |
|
A+ | $7,550 | VISIT SITE | |
| United Van Lines |
|
A+ | $5,169–$7,003 | VISIT SITE |
| International Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Estimate Info | $2,500–$4,300 |
| American Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A |
| Estimate Info | $3,200–$3,500 |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Estimate Info | $2,800–$4,000 |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Estimate Info | $6,300–$7,500 |
| Allied Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Estimate Info | $4,730–$5,380 |
| North American Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Estimate Info | $4,700–$5,350 |
| Moving APT | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Estimate Info | $2,968–$5,668 |
| JK Moving Services | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Estimate Info | $7,550 |
| United Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Estimate Info | $5,169–$7,003 |
*Note: Estimate info above is for a two-bedroom move between Chicago, Illinois, and Atlanta, Georgia.
**Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of September 2023.
Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Detail
From pros and cons to customer reviews, we outline all the details of the best long-distance moving companies below.
International Van Lines
Best Full-Service Mover
American Van Lines
Most Experienced Mover
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Most Efficient
Safeway Moving Inc.
Most Customer-Oriented
Moving APT
Best Customer Service
JK Moving Services
Most Customizable
Allied Van Lines
Best for Vehicle Relocation
North American Van Lines
Best for Claims
Mayflower
Best for Large Moves
United Van Lines
Best Base Moving Coverage
What Impacts Long-Distance Moving Costs?
Our research found that the main factors impacting the total cost of a long-distance move are the distance traveled and the size of the move. A 700-mile, two-bedroom move typically costs between $2,015 and $7,500. The initial quote process calculates your move distance based on your current and destination addresses. Remember that shipment weight, measured after loading the truck, can change the cost if it’s more than estimated.
Other factors like service requirements for packing and crating and the move date also impact the cost. For budget-friendly options, consult our guide on moving costs. For moves with high-value items or antiques, see our guide on moving insurance.
In our recent survey,
we found that 65% of people who have moved within that last five years hired a full-service mover. Of those who hired movers, half purchased additional liability coverage, and nearly 66% ended up filing a claim for damage. However, most were satisfied with the outcome of those claims.
How To Choose the Best Long-Distance Moving Company for You
We’ve listed steps to take to consider when vetting a moving company.
- Check each mover’s service offerings: Determine if a given moving company provides the services you need for a seamless move.
- Ensure movers are fully licensed: Use a mover’s U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to look up its licensing status via this FMCSA link.
- Understand customer reviews: Read customer reviews on multiple sources, including Google Reviews and Yelp.
- Request quotes: Get customized pricing estimates from each moving company you consider for your move.
Long-Distance Moving Checklist
It can be a challenge to keep everything in order leading up to moving day. Below is a quick checklist to help you get started and prepare for some of the major steps in the moving process.
- Choose between a DIY or full-service move: First, decide whether to hire professionals or take a do-it-yourself approach. If you’re able to pay the higher cost of full-service movers and need all of the help you can get, a full-service moving company may be the right option for you. However, if you prefer doing things yourself and have a tight budget, then self-service may be a better option.
- Get rid of unwanted items: Planning a long-distance move gives you the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Since the weight of your belongings impacts the cost of your move, you should declutter before contacting a moving company for an estimate.
- Hire a moving company: Do some research on moving companies near you and read customer reviews to vet the company. It’s best to start the process of hiring a mover three months before your anticipated move date. Some movers will give discounts for early reservations, so the sooner you get started, the better.
- Create a detailed inventory: While you create an inventory of your belongings, make note of the condition of your items and take pictures of them. These photos and notes will come in handy if you have to file a damage claim for reimbursement.
- Start packing: If you’re not paying for packing services, you’ll want to start the process of packing as soon as possible. Read about packing tips beforehand to get ideas for streamlining the process, and use your inventory list to determine the boxes you’ll need. To make the unpacking process easier, label your boxes and consider using specialty boxes, such as wardrobe boxes.
- Inform key entities of your move: Be sure to inform insurance companies, tax agencies, utility companies, the post office, the Social Security Administration, and your internet service provider about your move. By notifying these parties of your upcoming move, you can avoid potential issues and help ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Do I Need Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance will pay for or replace your items if the moving company damages them during your move. If you plan on moving a long distance and have valuable items in transport, we recommend looking into moving insurance options.
How Are Moving Companies Regulated?
Long distance moving companies are regulated by the FMCSA* and a state-level governing body, depending on the state. State regulatory bodies range from independent agencies to suboffices of a state’s Department of Transportation (DOT). Texas and Illinois are examples of states with such regulatory bodies.
*The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates interstate moves, ensuring that all companies adhere to safety standards, and it provides a dedicated database of moving company complaint history.
How Far in Advance Should You Schedule Long-Distance Movers?
Depending on the time of year, you should book your move four to six weeks ahead of your move date.
Our Conclusion
In many ways, a long-distance move entails more risk than relocating locally. There are more miles to cover and more room for issues to arise. However, several companies come out ahead of the competition in terms of the quality of their service.
We found International Van Lines to be a reputable provider, conducting full-service moves nationwide and offering a broader range of contents coverage plans than is customary. American Van Lines stands out for its moving teams that average 10 years or more of moving industry experience. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group is another top pick, using vetted carriers for its services and providing helpful online resources.
We recommend that you get quotes from three or more providers to compare prices and details about each company’s services.
FAQ About Long-Distance Moving
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.