A long-distance move exceeds 100 miles or crosses over a state line, and there’s no getting around it — planning a long-distance move is stressful. Working with the best moving company to get into your new home can make your big day much easier.
We’ve reviewed and ranked the best long-distance moving companies using several criteria like service add-ons, customer satisfaction, and years of experience. With our research, we’ve compiled a detailed roundup of the moving industry’s top 9 best long-distance moving companies.
- International Van Lines is the best full-service mover.
- Allied Van Lines has the most transparent pricing.
- North American Van Lines has the best pricing options.
What Are the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies?
Our top 9 recommended long-distance moving companies for 2023:
Compare the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
The table below outlines data for the best moving companies on the market for your long-distance relocation. We constantly update these ratings and price estimates to reflect industry changes. Continue reading in-depth reviews of several top providers.
Company | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-distance Cost |
 | 4.5 | B | $650–$1350 | $2,100–$5,400 |
 | 3.6 | B- | $550–$1,100 | $2,550–$5,700 |
 | 3.7 | Not Rated | Not available for local moves | $2,200–$5,500 |
 | 4.3 | B | Call for a quote | $2,750–$5,200 |
 | 4.0 | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750–$6,000 |
 | 4.7 | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
 | 3.6 | A+ | Not available for local moves | $1,350–$2,400 |
 | 4.4 | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
We ranked International Van Lines as the best full-service provider for long-distance moves. Scoring 4.5 out of 5 stars, we like IVL for its wide array of service offerings, well-reviewed customer service, and flexible storage options. Originally founded as an international moving company, IVL has decades of experience in long-distance moves, making it a reliable choice for your move.
As a full-service moving company, IVL can meet many long-distance moving needs.
Customers can use the following moving services available through International Van Lines:
- Auto shipping
- Crating services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading services
- Packing supplies and services
- Specialized packing services
- Storage solutions
International Van Lines has various moving options available to suit your needs:
- Air and ocean freight
- Commercial and office moving services
- Government and military moving services
- International moves
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
International Van Lines offers a 15% discount to seniors year-round. While other promotional discounts may be available, you’ll need to ask about them when you speak to a representative.
American Van Lines
3.6
Our Rating
We chose American Van Lines because it offers the most transparent pricing among our top-rated providers. American Van Lines has multiple pricing options, including flat-rate. This makes it simple to budget for your move without worrying about potential hidden fees that some other companies may include. AVL earns 3.6 out of 5 stars and is an excellent choice for customers who value transparent and fixed pricing.
American Van Lines markets itself as a full-service mover and currently offers the following services:
- Antique and fine art handling
- Custom crating options
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Packaging supplies
- Packing and unpacking services
- Piano moving services
- Storage options
Though slightly more limited than some other providers, the following moving options are available from AVL:
- Corporate and office moving services
- Cross-country and interstate moving
- Government and military moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
There aren’t any discounts advertised with American Van Lines. However, the company offers price matching. We recommend calling multiple providers for a quote to get the best rate possible. With multiple quotes, you can negotiate the best price for your move with AVL.
Safeway Moving
3.7
Our Rating
Though other companies offer a flat-rate pricing option, Safeway Moving provides one bottom-line price for your move, earning 3.7 out of 5 stars and recognition as the best flat-rate moving company. Regardless of your service requirements, Safeway Moving’s flat-rate model means you won’t see anything unexpected on your final bill — something that can happen with other providers.
Safeway Moving acts as a moving broker, meaning your move is subcontracted to another company that executes the moving services. As such, available services vary depending on which carrier performs your move. Though you’ll generally have access to basic labor like loading and unloading, other add-ons may be available, such as:
- Auto transportation
- Crating services
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Moving supplies
- Specialty services for fragile items
- Storage options
Safeway Moving doesn’t offer any options for local moving, though it does provide these other services:
- International moving services
- Cross-country and interstate moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Military moving services
Safeway Moving discounts services for first responders, seniors, students, teachers, and veterans. The company also has early booking promotional offers if you plan your move at least 30 days in advance. To receive these discounts, you must inquire about them at the time of your booking.
Moving APT
4.3
Our Rating
Moving APT has over 500 partners across the United States, with 2,500 moving trucks in its network. Though the company doesn’t provide any in-house services, it does connect you to a mover that best suits your needs and budget. For its vast network offering a range of services and availability, Moving APT earns 4.3 out of 5 stars and recognition for having the most moving partners.
Additional moving services can be booked through Moving APT, though exact services may vary based on the moving company you’re paired with. These are some of the most frequently booked services:
- Appliance connection
- Car shipping
- Crating services
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Junk removal
- Moving supplies
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Storage solutions
Moving APT acts as a broker, pairing you with a moving company. Because of this, moving options can be variable but usually include the following:
- Cross-country moving
- Interstate moving
- International moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military moving
Moving APT offers early booking discounts, senior discounts, and discounts for active, reserve, and retired military personnel. Similarly to other moving companies, Moving APT will price match, though you must solicit quotes from other companies beforehand to negotiate the lowest price for your move.
JK Moving Services
4.0
Our Rating
JK Moving Services is our choice for the most customizable moving experience. Unlike any other relocation specialist, the company offers niche add-on moving services and financing plans, making it possible to tailor your moving experience to your unique financial and service needs. JK Moving Services ranks among our top providers with 4 out of 5 stars.
JK Moving Services doesn’t only move you from point A to point B. The company also provides the following services:
- Car transportation services
- Climate-controlled storage options
- Crating for large and oddly shaped items
- File archiving services
- Fine art and antique handling
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading services
- Packing and unpacking services
- Transport and delivery
JK Moving Services is a high-end moving company. It’s one of the most trustworthy relocation services in the industry for specialized moves like legal and medical offices. In addition, the company also provides the following moving options:
- International moving services
- Interstate moving services
- Local moving services for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
- Long-distance moving services
- Office and data center moving services
JK Moving Services doesn’t provide discounts, price matching, or promotions to its customers. Although, with its customizable services, you can be sure you’ll only pay for what you need.
Allied Van Lines
4.7
Our Rating
Allied Van Lines makes our list with 4.7 out of 5 stars and takes the title for best vehicle shipping options. A lot of companies outsource their vehicle shipments, but not Allied. Keeping tabs on the status of your vehicle shipment is simple and doesn’t require talking with a third party. The company also has a policy that covers the cost of a rental car if there are any delays in your vehicle shipment.
Allied Van Lines has a range of additional moving services to choose from, including the following:
- Car, boat, and recreational vehicle transport
- Fragile item packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Packing and unpacking services
- Shipment location tracking
- Storage options
As well as vehicle shipping, Allied Van Lines has plenty of other moving options, such as:
- Cross-country moving services
- Interstate moving services
- International moving services
- Local moving services
- Office and commercial moving services
According to our research, there are discounts available from Allied Van Lines, though they aren’t advertised. When you call to book your services, simply ask if there are any applicable discounts for your move and ensure they’re applied to your bill.
U-Pack
3.6
Our Rating
Customers seeking flexible moving schedules are better off choosing a container service. U-Pack is a practical choice if you want to pack on your own time and schedule pickup and delivery for your individualized needs. In addition to small moving containers, U-Pack provides trailer services, making DIY moves possible even for large homes. Rated as our best overall container service, U-Pack earns 3.6 out of 5 stars.
U-Pack has limited services available — specifically, long-distance moves and storage services. Though services like packing and unpacking can be obtained through a third party, services directly from U-Pack are minimal.
U-Pack has the following moving options available:
- International moves (Canada and Puerto Rico)
- Long-distance moving services
- Military moving services
- Senior moving services
- Student moving services
While U-Pack accepts third-party coupons, no discounts are associated directly with the company.
North American Van Lines
4.4
Our Rating
With North American Van Lines, customers can choose a pricing structure that best suits them, which is why it gets 4.4 out of 5 stars and is recognized by our team as having the best pricing options. The company offers “bottom line” and “not-to-exceed” pricing options, which can offer peace of mind for customers on a strict budget.
North American Van Lines has the following add-on services available for your move:
- Appliance hookup
- Crating services
- Fragile item packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Moving supplies
- Oversized item moving
- Packing and unpacking
- Storage options
The following options are available to NAVL customers:
- Corporate moving
- Cross-country moving
- International moving
- Interstate moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
North American Van Lines has discounts available for American Legion members and members of labor unions. If you think you qualify for a discount, ask a representative for details when you book your move. You could enjoy perks like packing and storage discounts and replacement coverage protection of up to $100,000.
PODS
3.2
Our Rating
PODS scores 3.2 out of 5 stars and is an excellent choice for customers seeking a container moving service. While some container services only offer one container size, PODS has multiple sizes. This is ideal for homeowners with varying capacity needs for their long-distance move. Additionally, there is no time limit to pack or unpack your PODS container, making the company our choice for the most flexible container service.
PODS has minimal services available to its customers — you can have your items transported from one location to another and store your items short or long-term. You’ll need to hire a separate company if you want additional services like packing or help moving heavy items.
PODS customers have the following moving options available:
- Cross-country moving
- Interstate moving
- International moving — Canada only
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
PODS always has several promotional offers on its website. Discounts range from 30% off of the cost of your move to free storage. At the time of your move, explore available discounts under the promotions tab on the website, and double-check that any discounts are applied to your final bill.
How Much Do Long-Distance Moving Companies Typically Charge?
The average cost of your move depends on various factors, like how far you’ll be moving and the size of your home. If you get any add-ons or specialty services, that will also affect the final bill. Below, you can find the average price ranges for long-distance moves.
| 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,575–$5,387 | $2,850–$5,631 | $3,987–$6,825 |
| 4 Bedroom | $5,512–$8,062 | $7,250–$9,525 | $9,587–$12, 037 |
Our research team gathered online quotes for different types of long-distance moves. Moving a two-bedroom home from New York to San Francisco costs, on average, between $2,000 and $10,000. A full-service move for a four-bedroom home from North Carolina to Maryland costs between $1,800 and $8,300. Clearly, distance and the size of your move greatly impact the overall cost.
How Can You Negotiate With the Top Long-Distance Moving Companies and Get Discounts?
Negotiating with your moving company can equate to big savings for you. But how do you do it?
The most basic tactic is to shop around and get quotes from multiple movers. Once you’ve done that, you can try your hand at bargaining and see if your preferred company will match any of the prices you’ve been quoted.
Another way to save is to avoid any unnecessary services. If you don’t need help packing, don’t pay for it. Ensure that additional service charges haven’t been included in your bill. They can get rolled into a final moving estimate, so be explicit that you don’t want them included. Sometimes, it works to simply ask for a discount. Some may be available even if a company hasn’t advertised a particular discount.
Although getting turned down on your first call can feel discouraging, following up is to your advantage. Call back a few days later and politely ask about negotiating a lower price again. Worst case scenario, the company gives you a firm “no,” but your tenacity may save you hundreds or even thousands if the movers agree to bargain with you.
How Can You Avoid Moving Scams From Bad Long-distance Moving Companies?
When you’re low on patience and time, opting for the first good moving deal that comes your way can be appealing. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is — scams are unfortunately common in the industry. These are some of the most common scams, according to our research:
- Bogus credentials: Some companies may provide documents that look credible but are fake. You should double-check that the company’s USDOT number is official on the FMCSA site.
- Low initial estimate: Movers that give a very low initial estimate often do so as a bait-and-switch tactic. Once they’ve secured you as a customer, you’ll get a bill padded with hidden fees.
- Hostage shipments: This is a scam where movers refuse to deliver your belongings unless you pay a fee, literally holding your items hostage.
- Disappearing movers: Some movers will load a truck with your belongings and drive off, never to be seen again and taking permanent possession of your household goods.
To protect yourself, you should be vigilant about any red flags. Ensure that any mover you choose to work with has been well-researched, positively reviewed, and willing to provide references.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Top Moving Company?
Choosing the best long-distance movers depends on several factors, such as:
- Your budget: Budget is a primary factor for most long-distance moves. If you’re looking to save, choose a mover that will match your required price, and don’t sign up for unnecessary add-ons.
- Your timeline: If your timeline is flexible, you’ll have more moving companies to choose from. If you need to move at the last minute or in a hurry, your choices may be more limited.
- Your distance: Some companies have deals for long-distance moves or moves between major cities. Shop around to find the best mover based on the distance of your move.
- Your items: Certain movers are trained to move specialized items. If you have fragile or sensitive belongings, it may dictate your choice of moving company.
- Your preferences: Sometimes, your preferences can win over other deciding factors, like a budget. Your top pick may be a particular company simply because it fits your preferences.
While these are the primary factors, other things you should consider before moving are how well-established the company is and other customers’ experiences. Real customer testimonials, transparent prices, and the company’s standing with the Better Business Bureau are all good indications of whether or not a moving company is reputable.
Need more tips on finding the best provider for your long-distance move? Today’s Homeowner’s Moving Expert, Sean Donnelly, explains how to distinguish between good and bad moving companies.
So, What Is the Best Long-Distance Moving Company?
The best long-distance moving company will be the one that suits your specific needs, like budget and timeline. To make your move easier, thoroughly review the offerings of our top-rated companies and be aware of potential scams.
Before committing to a moving date, get quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers. Though the process can be tedious, ensuring you get the best long-distance moving company for your needs is worth it.
FAQs About the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
What items are not worth moving long distances?
Remember, long-distance movers charge per pound for your move. It’s best to cut down on bulky items like clothing, books, and old furniture.
How much should I save for a long-distance move?
If hiring professional movers, you can expect to spend at least $1,000. If you can make a plan in advance, you’ll get a better idea of how much your move will cost and how much you need to save.
What time of year is best to move long-distance?
Spring and fall are the best times of year to move. The weather is generally temperate in most places, and you can often find off-season discounts that will help you score a cheap move.
What is the best way to pack for a long-distance move?
The best way to pack for a long-distance move is to make a moving plan and timeline. Sticking to a schedule can help ensure your move is stress-free.
Methodology: How We Ranked The Best Long-distance 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 up-front 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.
