9 Best Interstate Moving Companies (2023 Guide)

You need a moving company you can trust, especially when crossing state lines. Crossing state lines immediately throws curveballs like licensing requirements for movers, federal regulations, and other standards that moving companies need to meet to make your interstate move seamless and stress-free.

Our team has reviewed the best interstate movers in the United States to simplify your move. Using our specific review criteria, many hours of research, and expertise in the moving industry, we’ve compiled a list of the nine best interstate moving companies to help you select the ideal company for your needs.

What Are the Best Interstate Moving Companies?

Our top 9 recommended moving companies for interstate moves in 2023 are:

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing
Safeway Moving: Best Flat-rate Pricing
Moving APT: Most Moving Partners
JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience
Allied Van Lines: Best Vehicle Shipping Options
U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service
North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options
PODS: Best Solution for Local Moves

Compare the Best Interstate Moving Companies

Company	Superlative	Our Rating	BBB Rating	Cost (Interstate)
International Van Lines	Best Full-Service Mover	89 / 100	B	$3,400–$6,200
American Van Lines	Most Transparent Pricing	72 / 100	A	$2,500–$8,000
Safeway Moving	Best Flat-Rate Pricing	74 / 100	NR	$4,000–$10,000
Moving APT	Most Moving Partners	85 / 100	B	$4,000–$7,000
JK Moving Services	Most Customizable Moving Experience	80 / 100	A+	Call for a quote
Allied Van Lines	Best Vehicle Shipping Options	93 / 100	A+	$750–$1,350
U-Pack	Best Overall Container Service	71 / 100	A+	N/A
North American Van Lines	Best Pricing Options	87 / 100	A+	$2,500–$5,000
PODS	Best Solution for Local Moves	63 / 100	NR	$3,000–$4,500 (includes one-month storage)

International Van Lines (IVL)

Our Reason for Choosing International Van Lines

If avoiding stress is your number one priority during your interstate move, International Van Lines is an excellent choice because it offers nearly any moving or add-on service you could want. As a result, we’ve named International Van Lines the “Best Full-Service Mover” and given it a strong 4.5-star rating for its unmatched moving services.

We love IVL’s full-service moving options and white-glove service because you can hire the company to handle stressful, tedious tasks like packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, home staging, loading, and much more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Wide operating area (all 50 states and 180 countries outside the U.S.)
Nationally recognized customer service team
Unmatched moving services and add-on services available

Cons

Service quality may vary because moves are brokered out to partner moving companies
Depending on the region, it can be challenging to secure non-brokered services

What Services Are Available?

If you’re looking for a full-service mover that can handle nearly every aspect of your move, International Van Lines is an excellent choice with its many service options:

Loading and unloading services
Packing and unpacking services
Packing supplies
Crating
Short-term and long-term storage
30 days of free storage with moving
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Specialized packing services for fragile items

What Are International Van Lines’ Moving Options?

Regardless of how far you’re moving, IVL has you covered with a large selection of moving options that makes it a stand out in the moving industry:

Local moving services
Intrastate moving services
Interstate moving services
Overseas moving services
Auto transportation services
Cross-country moving services
Commercial moving services
Military moving services

Are Any Discounts Associated With International Van Lines?

IVL offers a 15% senior discount on many services. However, we recommend speaking directly with an IVL moving representative to secure this discount because its website doesn’t list the requirements for the discount.

American Van Lines (AVL)

Our Reason for Choosing American Van Lines

We stand behind American Van Lines with a solid 3.6-star rating because of its fantastic flat rate pricing model, price-matching discounts, and customizable service packages. As our pick for “Most Transparent Pricing,” AVL offers fixed up-front estimates and transparent flat-rate pricing, so you’ll always know exactly what you’ll be on the hook for at the end of your move. This can give you peace of mind that you won’t be hit with sneaky hidden fees or upcharges when booking a provider.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Price matching and flat rate pricing
Availability in 48 states, minus Alaska and Hawaii
Employees are trained in handling delicate and large items

Cons

High deposit costs
Doesn’t offer online moving quotes

What Services Are Available?

American Van Lines is a full-service mover more than equipped to handle hassle-free interstate moves in 48 states. These are its serving offerings:

Loading and unloading services
Packing and unpacking services
Moving supplies
Delicate cargo transportation (glass, pianos, antiques, etc.)
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Crating for large items
Storage options (climate controlled and secure)

What Are American Van Lines’ Moving Options?

AVL’s moving options will suffice for nearly any interstate move unless you live in Hawaii or Alaska:

Local moving
Long-distance moving
Military moving

Are Any Discounts Associated With American Van Lines?

American Van Lines stands out among moving providers for its advertised price matching services, which allow you to save even more money if you find an online or in-person quote for comparable moving services at a lower price.

During our research, we also found that AVL offers a senior discount. However, we couldn’t confirm the requirements or exact percentage.

Safeway Moving

Our Reason for Choosing Safeway Moving

We’ve recognized Safeway Moving for offering “Best Flat-Rate Pricing” because of the 3.7-star rated company’s pricing transparency. Its clear, flat-rate pricing quickly puts you at ease as you know that you’ll only be charged what you were quoted.

For interstate moves, the company shines because it’s available in all 50 states, so location is not something you need to worry about. The company has extensive experience navigating rigid roles set by condo and homeowners associations. So, if you’re moving to a neighborhood with strict HOA rules, Safeway Moving is an excellent choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Available in 50 states
Recommended for moves that need to meet rigid HOA and COA regulations
Ideal for senior citizen relocation as the company provides extra resources and staff support to seniors

Cons

More expensive moving costs
Service offerings vary because it brokers move services

What Services Are Available?

Safeway Moving brokers its moving services to local companies, so its services vary more than many other providers in our guide. Still, these service options are sufficient for most homeowners making small moves or interstate moves:

Packing and unpacking services
Loading and unloading services
Storage options
Junk removal
Custom crating
Packing supplies
Specialty item moving, such as antiques and pianos

What Are Safeway Moving’s Moving Options?

Safeway Moving is more than equipped to handle your interstate moving needs as the company offers long-distance and interstate moving options:

Local moves (limited)
Interstate moves
Long-distance moves
International moves

Are Any Discounts Associated With Safeway Moving?

Safeway Moving offers some of the best discounts on moving services for specific groups, like veterans, first responders, seniors, teachers, students, and many more.

Moving APT

Our Reason for Choosing Moving APT

Unlike most moving providers in this guide, Moving APT is a brokerage that connects you with local movers for your interstate move. While this can mean that quality and services vary based on the local provider, it gives you a unique opportunity to save more money because of Moving APT’s price-matching deals, early booking discount, and ability to help you shop around among its many moving partners.

As a result, we’ve given Moving APT the superlative “Most Moving Partners” and an impressive 4.3-star rating for its unmatched network and ability to supply you with a great deal for the services you need.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Excellent option for homeowners on a tight budget
Huge nationwide network of over 2,500 moving partners
Offers nearly every moving service you could want

Cons

Brokers all moves, so quality and services vary
Negative reviews and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports mention price changes by local partners

What Services Are Available?

Moving APT works with a huge nationwide network, meaning it can connect you with just about any moving service you need:

Full-service packing
Packing materials
Appliance connection services
Auto shipping
Junk removal
Limited furniture disassembly and reassembly
Custom crating
Home staging
Delicate item transportation for fragile items like pianos, TVs, and even hot tubs

What Are Moving APT’s Moving Options?

Moving APT’s options can vary based on what local partners offer, but these are the moving options Moving APT is best known for offering:

Local moves
Long-distance moves
International moves
Commercial moves

Are Any Discounts Associated With Moving APT?

Moving APT provides early discounts, so always speak about this with your Moving APT representative to see if you qualify.

During our research, we found that Moving APT offers price-matching discounts, which are one of the best ways to save extra money if you receive a better quote from another provider for comparable services.

JK Moving Services

Our Reason for Choosing JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services is our pick for “Most Customizable Moving Experience” with a 4.0-star rating because of its many customizable service options offered by its moving partners. If you haven’t found the offerings you need, reach out to your JK personal moving coordinator because they can often customize and create a moving service or moving package just for you. The company can even connect you with the right moving partner to handle specialty archive services, protecting your files and giving you peace of mind that nothing will be compromised during the move.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Financing options available through Enhancify (even for small-load moves)
User-friendly mobile app
Excellent coverage and value protection

Cons

Higher prices than most competitors
Not transparent with pricing

What Services Are Available?

JK’s services vary based on its partners’ offerings and availability. However, it can connect you with a massive number of services, including:

Packing services (full-service or fragile-only)
Loading and unloading services
Crating
Freighting
Archive services
Furniture wrapping
GPS shipment tracking
Financing assistance
Auto relocation
Transportation and delivery on moving trucks
Climate-controlled storage options (short-term and long-term)
Optional full-value protection

What Are JK’s Moving Options?

JK Moving Services, along with its moving partners, has you covered for most moves, including:

Long-distance moving
Local moving (limited local moves in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.)
Government moving services
International moving
Specialized corporate relocation for organizations like hospitals and law firms

Are Any Discounts Associated With JK Moving Services?

While we couldn’t find any special discounts associated with JK Moving Services, the company does provide unique financing services through Enhancify. Enhancify is a specialty home improvement financing service providing loans with various interest rates and repayment terms. Some applicants can get rates as low as 0%, depending on their credit score.

Allied Van Lines

Our Reason for Choosing Allied Van Lines

If you’re concerned about your vehicle making it safely across state lines, look to Allied Van Lines, our top choice for “Best Vehicle Shipping Options.”

Allied’s professional movers handle in-house vehicle shipping, which is where it shines because it can ship nearly any type of vehicle, including specialty vehicles like oversized vehicles and boats. This 4.7-star rated company is the ideal choice for vehicle transportation because it’s the only company we’ve found that guarantees its vehicle transportation services.

Pros & Cons

Pros

GPS tracking on all moves
Rental car provided free of charge if your vehicle shipment is late
Doesn’t outsource vehicle shipping

Cons

Intensive claims process for damages
Pricier short-term storage solutions

What Services Are Available?

While best known for its in-house vehicle transportation services, Allied does offer far more than that, including full-service moving options and a DIY moving container service.

Here are Allied’s available services:

Moving vehicles across state lines
Auto and boat transportation
Packing and unpacking
Loading and unloading
Storage for in transit items
Specialty packing for fragile items
Vehicle guarantees
Extended insurance coverage
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Offers long-term storage arrangement

What Are Allied Van Lines’ Moving Options?

If you’re moving your vehicle across state lines, Allied Van Lines is an excellent choice for simplifying the process:

Vehicle transportation
Local moving
Interstate moving
International moving

Are Any Discounts Associated With Allied Van Lines?

Allied Van Lines isn’t a standout in the industry regarding discounts other than reported cash discounts for up-front payments. However, it does offer a senior discount that is reported to be between 10% and 15%.

U-Pack

Our Reason for Choosing U-Pack

If you’re on a tight budget for your interstate move, U-Pack is an excellent choice and our 3.6-star choice for “Best Overall Container Service.” As a moving container service provider, you’ll work with the company to choose how many containers you need to pack up your home, then arrange a time for the qualified driver to drop off and pick up the container at your home.

Overall, U-Pack is a clear winner regarding its moving container services, which will save you significant money on your interstate move. You also only “pay what you use,” as opposed to many companies that charge a flat rate, so you don’t need to worry about overpaying for larger containers if you overestimate your needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

240 locations across all 50 states
Pay-what-you-use pricing
Affordable DIY packing option

Cons

Three days to load and unload moving containers
Moves must be a minimum of 150 miles

What Services Are Available?

As a moving container company, U-Pack doesn’t offer traditional moving services like packing, packing supplies, or home staging. It only provides moving container services.

What Are U-Pack’s Moving Options?

If you’re making an interstate move over 150 miles, U-Pack’s moving container services will be enough.

Are Any Discounts Associated With U-Pack?

U-Pack is already an excellent deal because its moving container services are much cheaper than hiring long-distance movers. However, our research shows that the company may offer a senior discount adjusted to your move.

North American Van Lines (NAVL)

Our Reason for Choosing North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines has over 85 years of experience completing high-quality, full-service moves throughout the United States. This 4.4-star rated company is our favorite for “Best Pricing Options” because of its unique pricing structure.

We love NAVL’s pricing structure with its “not-to-exceed” and “bottom line” options. These options ensure homeowners who set a specific price limit won’t pay more than that limit unless their inventory or services change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

WorldTrac GPS software
Excellent pricing structure
Each move has a relocation specialist to help you plan and field questions about your move

Cons

Specialty services vary by location
Customers report struggling with a lengthy claim process for damaged items

What Services Are Available?

This full-service moving company offers outstanding moving coverage options, which can give you peace of mind during your big interstate move. Here are its most common services:

Auto transport
Basic liability coverage
Full-valuation coverage
Full-service and fragile packing
Loading and unloading
Storage services
Crane van for oversized items
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Appliance disconnection and reconnection
Moving supplies

What Are North American Van Lines’ Moving Options?

North American Van Lines handles nearly every type of move, including:

Local moves
Long-distance moves
Interstate moves
International moves (over 175 countries)

Are Any Discounts Associated With North American Van Lines?

Of all the providers in this guide, NAVL offers the best senior discount with a massive 40% to 65% off local and long-distance moves. These senior discounts are available through the Senior Citizens League.

PODS

Our Reason for Choosing PODS

While U-Pack is our top choice for moving container services, it doesn’t offer local, smaller moving options. PODS offers both local and interstate moving options, making it our 3.2-star rated choice for “Best Solution for Local Moves.”

We love that PODS has flexible cancellation criteria, giving you some wiggle room if your move date may change. You only need to cancel your move before 4:00 p.m. the day before your move to ensure you get a full refund on the moving container services.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free month of storage with your move
User-friendly online booking process
Offers simple cancellations with full refunds

Cons

Interstate moves are more expensive than other moving container companies
Doesn’t have transparent pricing

What Services Are Available?

PODS isn’t a full-service moving company. Instead, it specializes in moving container services:

Storage services
Moving container services
Loading and unloading

What Are PODS’ Moving Options?

For homeowners looking for interstate moving options, PODS’ services should cover your needs:

Local moves
Long-distance moves

Are Any Discounts Associated With PODS?

PODS offers excellent discounts, including seasonal discount codes of up to 10% for service members. Check out the company’s current deals on its promotional page for more information.

How Much Do the Best Interstate Moving Companies Typically Charge?

Moving estimates vary by location, the type of services you need, the weight of your shipment, and the company you choose for your move.

Naturally, interstate moves will be more expensive than your average local move because of the difference in distance and the extra detail needed to execute the move without a hitch.

Type of Move	Average Cost
Local move (Within the Same City)	$600–$2,400
Local move (Within the Same City)	$4,000–$6,000
Long-distance move	$600–$10,000+
International move	$8,000–$15,000
Full-service move	$2,300+
Auto moving	$1,000+ per vehicle

Another factor is the size of your home. The bigger your home, the more personal belongings you’ll have to move. Here are some moving estimates from some of the best moving companies for interstate moves to give you a ballpark idea of what to expect:

Moving Estimates for 2- To 3-Bedroom Homes

Distance	Home Size	Moving Estimate	Average Provided By
Interstate Move (Over 1,000 Miles)	2–3 bedrooms	$3,400–$7,900	Moving APT
Interstate Move (Over 1,000 Miles)	2–3 bedrooms	$3,000–$4,000	U-Pack (DIY move)
Interstate Move (Over 1,000 Miles)	2–3 bedrooms	$3,500–$5,000	International Van Lines
Interstate Move (Over 1,000 Miles)	2–3 bedrooms	$4,300	Allied Van Lines

How Can You Negotiate With the Best Interstate Moving Companies and Get Discounts?

Negotiating is your key to saving money and getting better service. However, few people do it because they feel awkward or are worried about being rude.

Ask your movers about any discounts, promotions, or special offers they have going on before you book with them. You can also bring up any better-priced moving estimates you received from other companies for similar services and ask if the representative can price-match the other company. Another great way to negotiate is by offering to move during the week instead of a busy weekend or asking about bundling services for a better price.

How Can You Avoid Moving Scams From Bad Companies for Interstate Moves?

Moving scams can ruin your move and bust your budget all at once. Unfortunately, there are less than reputable moving companies looking to scam you. Here are some of the most common moving scams:

Withholding information: The company should provide proof of insurance, licensing and bonding information, physical address, and contact information.
Holding onto your belongings until you pay more: Always take a physical inventory of your belongings with photos and carefully review your contract before allowing movers to take them. This makes it simpler to argue potential disputes if any of your items go missing or if the company keeps your things until you pay more.
Large down payments: Twenty percent is a typical down payment amount in the moving industry. If a company demands a much larger amount, such as 40% or 50%, this is a major red flag that you should avoid.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

There is truth to “you get what you pay for.” Steer clear of companies with low-ball estimates because this can be a moving scam to get you to choose its services, then you may be charged with hidden fees, taxes, or tacked-on service charges to make up the difference in the end.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Company for Interstate Moves?

Choosing the best moving company for your interstate move depends on several factors, such as:

Type of moving services: Consider what services are must-haves for you and your family, then narrow down your options based on which companies offer everything you need.
Licensing and reputation: Does the company have good customer reviews or accreditation through the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? A reputable company will always happily show that it’s licensed, bonded, and insured. To double-check its claim, go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and search for the company via its USDOT number.
Your timeline: Consider your timeline and start shopping around for a company at least eight weeks before your move date for the best selection and pricing.

So, What Is the Best Interstate Moving Company?

A professional moving company should simplify your life with its services, follow interstate moving regulations when crossing state lines, and have a strong track record of fantastic customer service. We recommend International Van Lines, American Van Lines, and Safeway Moving for your interstate move because of their unmatched customer service, moving options, and unique services.

While these companies are objectively the best, you should always pick professional movers that best meet your moving needs. Get free quotes from at least three reputable companies before making your final decision.

FAQs About the Best Interstate Moving Companies

What is an interstate Vs. an intrastate move?

An interstate move crosses state lines, so it’s a long-distance or cross-country move involving moving your belongings over at least one state line. In contrast, an intrastate move occurs within a single state and doesn’t cross state lines.

What is the best long-distance moving company for seniors?

Safeway Moving is our top pick for long-distance or interstate moving for seniors because of its substantial senior discount and specialized relocation services, including additional staff support and resources. The company also provides many moving services, like loading and unloading, which can help you avoid injury from lifting heavy furniture or boxes.

Do interstate movers have to carry individual state registration?

Yes, interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and any other official bodies of the state it passes through. Always verify that the long-distance company you’re interested in offers services in the states you’ll pass through to avoid hiccups.

Is it cheaper to buy new furniture or pack it for an interstate move?

Unless you’re moving from a small home, like a dorm room or studio apartment, it’s almost always cheaper to pack and move your furniture rather than buy new furniture when you arrive at your new home.

Methodology: How We Ranked The Best Interstate Moving Companies

At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our moving company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — reputable, affordable companies able to tackle a wide range of packing and moving tasks.

Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with former and current professional movers.

A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across four categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and developed the following formula:

]

Transparency (30 Points): We awarded top points to companies that supplied quotes quickly and provided easy-to-read moving contracts. We used the availability of sample pricing and quick quote features, GPS tracking, and clear customer service hours to determine this metric. Points were also awarded for upfront communication regarding policies, licensing, insurance, and the clear listing of added fees.
Basic Service Options (20 Points): While this may seem like a given for most movers, a strong basic service profile is not guaranteed when you book your move. Movers that offer local, long-distance, and international moving, while providing packing and loading with their basic service packages rate highly here.
Customization Options (30 Points): Aside from basic services, a comprehensive list of added services indicates a mover’s quality. Assembly and disassembly, valuation coverage, piano moving, car shipping, and similar add-ons indicate a mover that puts customer service first.
Reputation (20 Points): We assessed each mover’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. We weighed BBB ratings and the company’s complaint response rate to calculate this metric.

We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.