Best Interstate Movers | 2024 Guide
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Moving across state lines comes with various unseen challenges, such as regulations and changing road conditions. We crafted a point scoring system and poured hundreds of hours into researching the best moving companies, including dissecting each mover’s expertise in interstate moves, service areas, and options for high-value or specialty items. We found that professional full-service moving companies such as International Van Lines and American Van Lines remove much of the stress of moving to a new state by understanding and tackling these challenges easily.
The 10 Best Interstate Moving Companies
Here are the best interstate moving companies you can hire today:
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What is an Interstate Move?
Interstate moves are relocations that involve crossing state lines, typically over long distances.
Interstate moves differ from other moves because they present unique challenges due to their logistical complexity and varying moving regulations between states.
Compare Interstate Moving Companies
We gauge each provider based on insurance plans, service options, reputation with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and more. International Van Lines came out on top, but use our tool below to see what other companies might fulfill your interstate move’s criteria.
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Service Model | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Moving | Carrier and broker | B | VISIT SITE | ||
| High-Value Goods | Carrier and broker | A | VISIT SITE | ||
| Major Cities | Broker | B | VISIT SITE | ||
| Coordinated Moves | Broker | B | VISIT SITE | ||
| Condos and HOAs | Carrier | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Mobile App | Carrier and broker | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Customer Experience | Carrier | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Appliance Moving | Carrier | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Home Office Moves | N/A | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Expedited Moves | N/A | A+ | VISIT SITE |
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Service Model | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Moving | Carrier and broker | B | VISIT SITE | ||
| High-Value Goods | Carrier and broker | A | VISIT SITE | ||
| Major Cities | Broker | B | VISIT SITE | ||
| Coordinated Moves | Broker | B | VISIT SITE | ||
| Condos and HOAs | Carrier | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Mobile App | Carrier and broker | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Customer Experience | Carrier | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Appliance Moving | Carrier | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Home Office Moves | N/A | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| Expedited Moves | N/A | A+ | VISIT SITE |
International Van Lines
American Van Lines
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Moving APT
Safeway Moving Inc.
JK Moving Services
North American Van Lines
Allied Van Lines
United Van Lines
Mayflower Moving
What Should You Look for in an Interstate Moving Company?
Before selecting a professional moving company to handle your interstate relocation, research the reputation of each provider. Service profile, customer reviews, and pricing structures should play a role in your decision
The Services You Need Are Offered
Each move should have a defined list of service needs. List your move’s service needs when creating your home inventory before getting moving quotes. Your needs can range from simple packing for everyday items to more specialized options. Moving services can include:
- Antique packing
- Crating
- Special furniture moving for pianos and pool tables
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Guaranteed delivery dates
- Packing
- Storage (climate-controlled or in outdoor units)
- Unpacking
Note that white-glove or customized options cost more but will lead to less stress on moving day. Inquire about any added services during the quote process.
The Company Provides Quick and Efficient Quotes
It’s a good idea to make a detailed list of the furniture and belongings you plan to take with you—and those you plan to donate, sell, or throw away—to expedite the quote process. A comprehensive list will help you organize your move and will be beneficial for companies such as JK Moving and North American Van Lines that require home assessments as part of the quote process.
Gauge how attentive the company is during the home assessment. If the representative rushes through the inventory survey or skips over certain items or areas of your home, it could lead to cost disputes on moving day.
Supplemental Insurance Is Offered
You should consider purchasing additional moving insurance if your move involves antiques, high-value goods, or similar items. Moving companies are required to provide 60 cents per pound per item in coverage for damaged goods. All moving companies offer baseline moving insurance. This is included in your base move cost but does not cover the value of most goods.
Most movers provide valuation coverage (or full-value coverage) at an added cost. This isn’t technically insurance because moving companies aren’t licensed to sell it. However, it functions similarly.
Inspect your homeowners or renters insurance policy before scheduling a move. Some insurance providers offer temporary moving insurance that can supplement or replace valuation coverage.
The Company is Available for Your Move Date and Location
We recommend starting the moving process eight weeks before your move date to find the best mover for your needs. Some moving companies can accommodate last-minute moves, so inquire about availability if you’re only a few weeks or days out from your move date.
For an interstate move, you also want to check a mover’s state availability to ensure they can service your move to a new state. Several of the movers on this list are available in all 50 states.
The Company has Necessary Licenses and Customer Reputation
All interstate moving companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate legally. Using this FMCSA portal, you can look up mover registration information with the given carrier’s U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers.
Interstate movers also carry licensing unique to their states. Most states have independent regulatory bodies that ensure movers carry the required insurance and meet minimum safety standards. In some cases, these governing organizations also regulate moving prices.
We recommend hiring a mover that rates highly among former customers. You want to “make sure you’re going with someone who has been around long enough to build up some positive reviews online,” notes Roland Foss, Senior Operations Manager of Bellhop. Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, and Trustpilot are all great review sources and can give you insight into a mover’s conduct aside from stated policies.
Derek Mills of Square Cow Movers in Texas notes, “I would say online reviews are great to read and get a feel for how a company treats its customers, but when possible it is always best to find a company that someone you personally know and trust can recommend.” If a family member or friend recently moved, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.
What Influences Interstate Moving Costs?
Interstate moving costs are influenced by various factors that can affect the overall expense of relocating from one state to another. Understanding these factors can help you plan and budget effectively for your move.
- Accessibility: The accessibility of your current and new residence can impact moving costs. Factors such as stairs, elevators, narrow hallways, or long carrying distances can require additional labor and time, leading to higher expenses.
- Additional services: Additional services such as storage, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and temporary housing arrangements can add to the overall cost of your interstate move.
- Distance: The distance between your current location and your destination is one of the most significant factors influencing interstate moving costs. Longer distances typically mean higher transportation expenses, as more fuel, time, and resources are required to move your belongings.
- Insurance and liability coverage: Opting for additional insurance coverage or liability protection for your belongings can increase the overall cost but provides peace of mind knowing your items are financially protected during transit.
- Special handling requirements: Items that require special handling, such as fragile or valuable items, oversized furniture, or sensitive electronics, may incur extra charges. Special packing materials or handling procedures may be necessary to ensure their safe transport.
- Time of year: The time of year you choose to move can affect your cost. Peak moving seasons, such as spring and summer, and around holidays, may result in higher prices due to increased demand for moving services.
- Weight: The amount of belongings you’re moving and their weight play a crucial role in determining costs. More items or heavier items require larger vehicles and more labor to transport, which can increase the overall cost of the move.
How to Plan an Interstate Move
We’ve broken down a basic timeline for your upcoming relocation to help you plan ahead.
- 8 Weeks Before
Begin taking a room-by-room inventory of your home. Make lists of the goods you plan to take with you and what you plan to get rid of. Consider planning a yard sale to dispose of unwanted items. Research movers in your area and schedule quotes with movers whose offerings match your needs. - 6 Weeks Before
Field quotes from movers in your area. Have your inventory lists on hand to help your move coordinator render an accurate estimate. Begin packing between the six- and eight-week mark, and aim to pack a few boxes per day. Start packing nonessential or out-of-season items first. - 4 Weeks Before
Aim to have your move booked by this time. Get copies of your moving estimate and contract. Call your utility companies to schedule service turn-on and shutoff dates at your new and old home. File a change of address form with the post office and continue packing. - 2 Weeks Before
Be on track to finish packing during moving week. Schedule child and pet care arrangements for moving day. - Moving Week
Finish packing your clothing and kitchenware. Plan to leave essential items unpacked until the day before your move to ensure you have enough to wear and eat. The day before your move, pack your bag for your road trip to your new home, which may encompass several days
Is an Interstate Moving Company Worth It?
Aside from ample advance planning, hiring a professional interstate moving company is the best step to take to ensure a smooth transition to your new home in a new state.
We launched a consumer survey of 1,000 individuals and found that more than 88% of customers agreed that movers handled their belongings with care during the moving process. Eighty-eight percent of respondents were also satisfied with the customer service they received.
This shows that choosing the right interstate moving company can promote a more stress-free moving experience overall. You work with a company representative to plan your move and choose your services, and the company addresses any issues that arise. On your moving day, a good company will send trained crews to pack and load your items using the appropriate protective materials. This frees you up to focus on other priorities when relocating to a new home in a different state.
Our Recommendation
If you prefer an all-inclusive moving experience, we recommend International Van Lines. In addition to typical full-service offerings, IVL offers comprehensive all-risk coverage, which reimburses you for the full value you claim on damaged or lost belongings at a cost of 4% of the declared value.
American Van Lines’ experienced moving labor impressed us, and it offers specialty services for moving artwork, antiques, and other fragile items. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group is an excellent option if you’re moving between major cities and need a company with reliable full- and self-service movers.
Whatever your specific needs, we suggest getting quotes from at least three professional long-distance movers. This allows you to properly vet your options and negotiate lower rates if price-matching is available.
Interstate Moving FAQ
What is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration?
The FMCSA is the lead federal government agency responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), FMCSA’s mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. You can view all licensed and insured professional movers on their website.
What are the most common states that people are moving to in the U.S.?
The most common states that people moved to in 2022 were Florida, South Carolina, and Montana. Read our moving statistics guide for a comprehensive breakdown of the most-moved-to and most-departed states.
How do I know what my estimated moving cost will be?
To determine what your estimated moving cost will be, you need to provide details about your home size, move distance, and household inventory to your mover of choice when requesting a quote. Many moving companies host online moving cost calculators to generate a rough estimate, but this will most often not be an accurate figure.
What is the best way to find a good moving company?
The best way to find a good moving company is to put aside time to research several providers before making a hiring decision. You should look over the company’s website for any missing information and contact a representative to ask questions. Use the FMCSA’s website to make sure it is licensed and insured. It’s also important to read customer reviews from multiple sources for a clearer picture of the company’s strengths and weaknesses.
What is the difference between a broker and a carrier?
Moving carriers are companies that directly provide service to clients. They own and operate their own trucks and employ their own workers. Brokers, on the other hand, carry licensing that allows them to book moving services through third-party carriers.
How We Chose the Top Interstate Moving Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international) and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.
We also gathered pricing data from each company and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. Finally, to determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and their overall score on Google Reviews.
