We picked Allied Van Lines (AVL) as the best interstate moving company because of its guaranteed rates and transparent pricing—so you won’t have to pay more than your binding estimate on moving day. It also offers 24/7 customer service for easy communication, and if you’re looking for a company that can accommodate your move without any upfront costs, Allied Van Lines doesn’t charge a deposit to hold your moving date.
Hiring interstate movers can feel like a big commitment because of the planning and risks involved, especially if you’re moving a long distance. Companies have to uphold federal moving regulations when crossing state lines, and may keep your belongings on a truck for days or weeks at a time if you’re moving across the country. To avoid any scams or moving nightmares, we recommend hiring one of the best moving companies in the industry for quality and experienced service. Read on to see our full list of top-rated interstate moving companies and find one that suits your move best.
Top State-to-State Moving Companies
If you’re moving to another state, choosing the right moving company is a big decision. Here’s a list of the best interstate moving companies in the industry:
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
- North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
- JK Moving Services: Best Specialized Packing
- International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Most Reliable Pricing
Comparing Top Interstate Movers
To help you find the best interstate moving company for your needs, we thoroughly researched and ranked each provider based on important factors like customer service, value, reputation, and service offerings. We calculated average moving costs based on roughly 1,000 quotes we requested for two-bedroom moves ranging between 200 and 500 miles. See how our top interstate moving companies compare in the table below:
| Provider | Logo | Our Score (Out of 5) | BBB Rating | Average Price | Deposit | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allied Van LinesGet Quote |  | A+ | $3,520 | None | Carrier/Broker | |
North American Van LinesGet Quote |  | A+ | $3,601 | None | Carrier/Broker | |
JK Moving ServicesRead Our Review |  | A+ | $2,273 | $250 | Carrier | |
International Van LinesGet Quote | | A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | |
Safeway Moving Inc.Get Quote | | A+ | $2,944 | 20%–30% | Carrier |
Note: The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of March 2025.
All the interstate moving companies on our list offer loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking services. However, each provider has its own list of specialty services, which may come in handy if you have any unique items. Browse the table below to see how the best interstate moving companies compare based on available services.
| Specialty Service | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines | JK Moving Services | International Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly and reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Junk removal | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Appliance and electronics disconnection | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Antique and specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Our Reviews of the Best Interstate Moving Companies
Moving is usually stressful, but interstate moves can feel especially overwhelming because they involve traveling long distances—sometimes for days at a time. If you just pick the cheapest company you find, you may end up paying for it in the long run with late shipments, unexpected fees, and broken items. So, when it comes to choosing a company for your interstate move, it’s best to choose wisely.
When ranking the best interstate moving providers, we prioritized important factors like average costs, available services, company reputation, and customer service. Read on to see how our top providers stack up against each other, and check out our glossary of key moving terms to brush up on some industry language before you start the research process.
Note: We calculated the following price estimates for each moving provider by averaging sample quotes for 2-bedroom moves with a distance of 200–500 miles.
Allied Van Lines
Company Overview
- Doesn’t charge a deposit, helping to lower upfront costs
- Offers 24/7 customer service
- Providers guaranteed rates with transparent pricing
Keep in Mind
- Charges higher prices than some competitors we reviewed
- Some customer reviews mention issues with damaged items and shipment delays
Our Review
With 95 years of experience, Allied Van Lines is one of the oldest long-distance moving companies in the U.S. and has more than 300 agents nationwide, making it a reliable choice for anyone considering an interstate move. It’s also one of the few providers that doesn’t charge a deposit to confirm your booking date, which is a perk for budget-conscious customers. Allied Van Lines stands out as one of the more customer-friendly companies in the industry, offering modern features like virtual in-home estimates and online shipment tracking, keeping up with moving technology trends.
AVL also offers binding estimates, so you will know your total bill before you move. The company prides itself on “transparent pricing with no hidden fees,” as seen on its website—with its guaranteed binding estimates being an example. However, Allied may charge higher rates compared to competitors. Still, the company offers almost any moving service you can imagine, including storage units, portable storage containers, packing services and supplies, military moves, corporate relocation, and more.
Customer Experiences
To learn more about customer experiences with Allied Van Lines, we read through reviews on the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. Generally, customers praised Allied Van Lines for its thorough loading process, which included covering floors, wrapping furniture, and listing a detailed inventory of all items. However, most complaints involved poor communication, broken items, and delays in shipment.
Here’s an example of a positive and negative review for the company:
“The moving team was top-notch. The team covered the floor to protect it as they moved our household goods out to the moving truck. [The] team communicated with me throughout the move, taking care with the smallest details like wrapping the door frame in blankets to protect it as they moved furniture out.”—James F. via Google Reviews, October 2024.
“This has been the worst moving experience of my life and I’ve moved a number of times. These people just do not care about your belongings. Most of my furniture was either damaged beyond repair or scraped up. The price was high, the packing was poor, the delivery was a week late, [and] the inventory was completely illegible and nondescript. All in all, this was a nightmare and we’re not through it yet. As of this date many items are lost and unresolved.” —Don R. via Trustpilot, August 2024
North American Van Lines
Company Overview
- Has more than 90 years of experience in the moving industry
- Has an intuitive website with helpful resources, like a mover checklist, relocation cost calculator, and virtual move survey
- Offers unique estimate options, including bottom-line pricing, guaranteed not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing
Keep in Mind
- Has fewer customer reviews than some competitors
- Offers limited storage options in certain service locations
Our Review
North American Van Lines has been in business for more than 90 years, making it one of the oldest companies on our list, and offers local, out-of-state, and international moves. North American Van Lines stands out for its ample service options and helpful website tools—like its moving cost calculator—but its limited customer reviews don’t paint a very big picture of the company as a whole, especially considering it’s been in business for so long.
Still, the company’s most beneficial perk is its pricing options. Unlike many other providers we’ve reviewed, North American Van Lines offers customers bottom-line pricing, guaranteed not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing options to budget for their move. Several cost factors that go into interstate moves, so these types of estimates can help protect customers from any surprise charges at the end of the process.
Customer Experiences
Reading through customer reviews helped us learn more about North American Van Lines. Most customers praise North American Van Lines for its convenient pricing options and employees. However, there were also plenty of complaints about damaged items and long wait times to receive shipments, leading to mixed reviews on most third-party sites.
We’ve included two examples of customer reviews for the company below:
“North American Van Lines did an amazing job moving us from New Jersey to South Carolina. The packing crew was very efficient and we received our furniture in our new home ahead of schedule. I highly recommend them.” —Debra R. via Google Reviews, February 2025
“After waiting a month and a half for our move-in date, we were finally able to get our furniture and belongings delivered to us. On the day of delivery, there were many issues with damaged furniture, including a microwave cart, coffee table, high-end speakers, and file cabinet. After opening the boxes, many of which were badly crushed, there were broken dishes, glasses, bowls, dinner plates, candle holders, etc. It was so disheartening that I was in tears after discovering so many damaged items.” —Kate P. via Google Reviews, March 2024
JK Moving Services
Company Overview
- Charges a lower-rate $250 deposit
- Provides modern features like GPS tracking and climate-controlled storage
- Offers financing options on its website through Enhancify
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer local moves outside of the greater Washington, D.C. area.
- Has fewer years of industry experience than companies like Allied Van Lines
Our Review
JK Moving Services is one of the best full-service moving companies in the industry, partially because of its convenient, modern features. The company has a fleet of GPS-enabled trucks that allow customers to keep tabs on their belongings at all times. It also offers climate-controlled storage options with video surveillance and motion sensors for optimal security. Plus, JK Moving has its own mobile app for virtual estimates and easy communication with move coordinators.
JK Moving doesn’t perform local moves outside of the greater Washington D.C. area, which could affect interstate moves if traveling a distance of 50 miles or less. JK Moving is a carrier, not a broker, so it doesn’t outsource any moves to other companies and only uses its own trucks and drivers. Dealing with sub-contractor moving companies is sometimes risky, and with JK Moving, you won’t have to settle for third-party movers showing up at your doorstep.
Customer Experiences
Based on our review, customers generally praised JK Moving Services for its friendly employees, fast service, and communication. However, most complaints were about broken items and negligence from the crew.
Check out two reviews, one positive and one negative, about JK Moving below:
“The moving crew did a fantastic job of safely loading and unloading our furniture. They worked hard and were friendly and polite. The office staff let us know each step of the way what was next. I highly recommend JK Moving Services.” —Stull S. via Google Reviews, October 2024
“Just so heartbroken by this move. The team was so nice when they packed up my stuff (I paid to have them pack), but ultimately, it’s clear they didn’t care about my stuff. So many items were broken. None of [the items a] huge value, but multiple things per box.” —Amy H. via Google Reviews, February 2024
International Van Lines
Company Overview
- Offers one month of free storage with every move
- Performs moves throughout all 50 U.S. states and across 180 countries
- Allows customers to track their shipments in real-time
Keep in Mind
- Requires a higher deposit than some competitors of 25% for most moves
- Charges additional fees for moves that require navigating external stairs and elevators
Our Review
International Van Lines (IVL) stands out for its ability to handle interstate and long-distance moves of all kinds, whether you’re going across the country or across the globe. IVL handles moves to all 50 U.S. states and over 180 countries, making it our top pick for international moves. Still, even for interstate moves, International Van Lines offers a lot of practical perks for customers, like a free month of storage with every move. This can give you more wiggle room in terms of move-in and move-out dates by providing a place to store your belongings in the meantime.
Additionally, the company’s domestic move tracking tool allows you to track your items in real-time, a useful asset for anyone planning an interstate move. IVL functions as both a carrier and a broker, meaning it will occasionally outsource moves to other companies via its broker authority, Ocean Star International (U.S. Department of Transportation [USDOT] #2247789). This allows the company to take on more moves and create a more flexible schedule, but can also result in poorer service from using third-party subcontractors. If you’re considering International Van Lines for your interstate move, ask your relocation coordinator if the company plans on using any third-party movers before you book.
Customer Experiences
We looked at online reviews to learn more about customer experiences with International Van Lines. Most customers praised the company for its transparent prices, quality work, and stress-free operation. On the other hand, most complaints were about the company’s role as a broker, which sometimes resulted in unresponsive agents, broken items, and unreliable sub-contractors.
Here’s an example of a positive and negative review for the company:
“I recently used International Van Lines for a long-distance move and I couldn’t be more pleased with their service. From start to finish, they demonstrated a high level of professionalism and organization. The team was punctual, courteous, and handled my belongings with great care, ensuring everything arrived safely at my new home. Their communication was excellent throughout the process, keeping me informed every step of the way. The pricing was clear, with no hidden surprises, and the entire experience was smooth and stress-free.” —Aubree P. via Google Reviews, October 2024
“I am in the middle of a cross-country move from Washington to Virginia. My move coordinator will not reply to me by email or phone as to the status of my shipment. I have requested a call from a senior-level representative and have received no response. But I have paid them over $11,000. … All I want is an update confirmation on the status of my shipment. How hard is that? I feel like I am being held hostage by this company.” —Lee Ann W. via Google Reviews, August 2024
Safeway Moving Inc.
Company Overview
- Includes up to 30 days of free storage for all long-distance moves, including those across states
- Offers transparent, flat-rate pricing
- Provides USDOT, Florida state registration, and motor carrier numbers on its website
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer pricing information online
- Not as many years of industry experience as some competitors on our list
Our Review
Safeway Moving Inc. is one of the newer companies on our list, but it still offers quality service. Safeway has plenty of customer reviews on third-party sites, including 4.5 out of 5 stars or above on both Trustpilot and Google Reviews. While every moving company has mixed reviews, Safeway’s feedback is largely positive, making it a good choice for customers who feel leery of hiring movers with more negative reviews. We also like that Safeway displays its USDOT, Florida state registration, and motor carrier numbers on its website, offering full transparency to potential customers.
Safeway also offers flat-rate binding estimates, meaning the quote you get for your move is what you’ll pay—no more, no less. Much like International Van Lines, Safeway gives customers 30 days of free storage with the purchase of a long-distance interstate move, which is a benefit for homeowners navigating a tricky timeline between moving out of their old home and into a new one. However, if you are considering Safeway for your move, go straight to the Safeway Moving Inc. website. If you just do a quick Google search for “Safeway moving,” you’ll see other companies like Safeway Move, Safeway Moving Systems, and Safeway Movers, which are all separate entities.
Customer Experiences
Safeway Moving Inc. has generally impressive online reviews, based on our research, including 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews as of this writing. Customers praised Safeway for its fast and efficient employees, sturdy packing and wrapping jobs, and overall professionalism. However, most complaints were about long wait times for shipments to arrive and difficulties with communication.
Read two reviews—one positive and one negative–about Safeway below:
“These movers truly went the extra mile to make my move as smooth as possible. They not only packed and loaded everything but also helped me rearrange furniture in the new place to optimize the layout. They offered to dismantle and rehang a heavy mirror that wasn’t originally part of the quote. The crew leader was fantastic—always checking in to see if I needed anything and ensuring my complete satisfaction.” —York M. via Google Reviews, February 2025
“We got sold on the company by [a representative] who seem[ed] kind. But after we booked, he was hard to get a response from. Then he disappeared altogether. Now we don’t know where our stuff is and we’re on the other side of the country without our beds, clothes, furniture, etc.” —Alycia via Google Reviews, December 2024
How Much Does an Interstate Move Cost?
After analyzing more than 1,000 moving quotes from across the country, we determined the average cost of a long-distance interstate move is $3,072. Interstate moving costs depend on how far you’re traveling, the services you choose, and the size and weight of your belongings. While local movers tend to charge an hourly rate, interstate movers usually charge based on the total weight of your shipment.
For a more in-depth look at interstate moving costs, compare each provider’s average rates in the table below:
| Moving Company | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| Allied Van Lines | $3,000 |
| North American Van Lines | $1,375 |
| JK Moving Services | $1,916 |
| International Van Lines | $1,890 |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | $2,625 |
Cost by Home Size
Depending on the size of your home and how far you’re moving, your moving costs can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Use the table below to get a better idea of how much your move will cost based on your specific situation.
| Home Size | Cost of a Local Move | Cost of a 50–200 Mile Move | Cost of a 201–500 Mile Move | Cost of a 501–800 Mile Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | $1,508 | $1,585 | $2,239 | $1,999 |
| 2-bedroom | $1,280 | $1,632 | $1,946 | $2,087 |
| 3-bedroom | $1,618 | $2,242 | $2,766 | $3,249 |
| 4-bedroom | $3,316 | $4,319 | $6,566 | $7,016 |
Single-Day vs. Multi-Day Moves
If you’re moving to a nearby state, your move may only take one day, which makes the billing process a lot simpler. However, a cross-country move may take multiple days, racking up a lot of additional costs. Multi-day moves cost more due to the extra labor required, added fuel costs, and overnight stays for the crew. If you’re moving more than 200 miles away, get a thorough estimate and ask your moving provider about the possibility of your move taking multiple days before you commit to anything.
Full-Service vs. Partial-Service Moves
The more services you purchase for your interstate move, the higher your total bill. Hiring full-service movers to pack, load, unload, and unpack your belongings will cost a great deal more than just a simple load and unload. If you’re looking to cut down on additional costs and can pack and unpack yourself, consider only hiring movers only for loading and unloading.
If budget is your top priority, consider a partial-service move or only hiring movers for specific tasks. For example, you can do the packing yourself and rent a truck from U-Haul, one of the best moving truck rental companies, then just pay movers to help you load and unload the vehicle. Or, you can do everything yourself with the help of friends and family. You could also rent an affordable portable storage container from one of the best moving container companies. You can pack and load a container from a company like PODS at your own pace, and then the company will deliver the container to your new home on your selected date.
Luxury services like piano moving, junk removal, and furniture assembly and disassembly may offer convenience, but they come at a price. Your moving crew can still handle the heavy lifting, but if you’re willing to put in a little bit of elbow grease when it comes to packing, you could potentially cut your bill in half.
Tipping
If it’s your first time moving, you may not know that tipping movers is expected. Most movers earn a relatively low hourly rate, so tipping helps supplement their earnings. Plus, tipping is a good way to show your appreciation for a job well done. As a rule of thumb, you should aim to tip your movers roughly $10 per hour per mover or 10%–20% of your final bill for the whole crew. There are no hard-and-fast rules, but it’s important to budget for tips when you plan your move. Many movers prefer cash tips, so if you want to make it convenient for them, we recommend stopping by a bank or ATM between the pickup and the dropoff to have some money on hand.
If your movers go above and beyond to give you exceptional service, feel free to tip more. On the other hand, if you experience sub-par service or more than a few items break on the truck, talking to a supervisor may offer a better course of action than simply cutting the tip entirely. If the added cost of tipping feels like too much, you can consider either hiring movers with a cheaper rate or booking a do-it-yourself (DIY) move with a company like U-Haul or PODS. If you decide not to tip your movers just to save a buck, it could insult their hard work.
How To Save on Moving Costs
Here’s a few things you can do if you’re looking to cut down on your out-of-state moving costs:
- Ask about discounts and deals: Moving companies don’t often advertise available discounts, but many offer savings. If you want a cheaper rate, call a customer representative and ask about potential discounts. Some common deals include discounts for veterans, students, and American Automobile Association (AAA) members.
- Be flexible with your dates: Some moving companies have limited crews and tight schedules, so there’s a chance you may not get your ideal moving date, especially during the peak season of May through September. However, some companies offer reduced rates for last-minute moves if there’s a slot to fill. If you have the flexibility, you can ask your moving company if it has any last-minute openings and see if you can make the switch for a discount.
- Compare quotes: It’s never a good idea to settle for the first quote you get without also looking into a few other companies. We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers before you make your final choice. Then, you can see how prices compare and pick the company that best suits your needs and budget. Some companies like Safeway Moving Inc. offer price matching, so even if you get a quote from a provider you don’t end up choosing, you could still leverage the cost to get a better rate elsewhere.
- Downsize: Moving is a perfect occasion to downsize your belongings. If there’s anything in your house you don’t plan on keeping, it’s best to get rid of those items before you move. Regardless of whether your movers charge an hourly rate or based on your total shipment weight, unwanted items will add to your bill and take up space in the truck. Donate or sell anything you no longer want before you move in order to cut down on clutter and reduce your bill.
- Do your own packing and unpacking: One of the simplest and most effective ways to lower your moving bill is to do your own packing and unpacking. Buying packing materials like boxes and tape isn’t cheap, especially for a large move, but it’s still a small expense compared to hiring movers to pack and unpack all your belongings. If you give yourself plenty of time to pack in advance, not only can you save on moving costs, but you can make the process easier by organizing your items ahead of time and having everything ready to go on moving day.
Other State-to-State Moving Options
Full-service movers like those on our list are helpful because they handle every step of the process: packing, loading, and transport, plus unloading and unpacking at your new place. However, there are other options if you want to save money or prefer to do some steps yourself.
Moving Containers
Companies like PODS and U-Pack offer portable moving containers that can make your move more convenient. Here’s how it works:
- Delivery to your door: The company drops off a container at your home.
- Pack at your pace: You load up your belongings within your own timeframe.
- Transport to your new place: Once you’re ready, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new address.
This option is great if you want more flexibility since you can keep the container for as long as you need. It’s also handy if you’re downsizing or need temporary storage—you can keep the container at a storage facility until you’re ready to unload.
Self-Truck Rentals
If you’re up for a bit of grunt work and want to keep costs as low as possible, renting a moving truck could be your best bet. Companies like U-Haul and Budget allow you to do the following:
- Choose your truck size: Pick a truck that fits your load.
- Set your schedule: Rent the truck for the time you need.
- Handle the move yourself: You’re in charge of packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
This option is cheaper than hiring a full-service mover. We recommend it if you have a smaller load or like the idea of managing the process yourself. However, you’ll need to be comfortable driving a larger vehicle, and you may want to enlist a friend or family member to help you with loading and unloading, especially if you have some heavier items.
Key Interstate Moving Terms Explained
When researching an interstate move, you’ll likely run into some industry jargon. Knowing the following terms can help you better understand what each company is offering:
What Is Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance protects your belongings if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen. While professional movers do their best to handle everything carefully, the journey across state lines can involve rough roads, heavy lifting, and occasional mishaps. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of moving insurance and which situations they’re best suited for.
- Released value protection: This is the most basic coverage, and it’s included at no additional cost. It reimburses you for damaged or lost items based on weight—usually around 60 cents per pound per item. This option is best for those moving less valuable items.
- Full value protection: This option offers more comprehensive coverage by reimbursing you for the item’s full replacement or repair cost. However, it comes with an extra charge. We recommend this insurance if you’re moving high-value or fragile items such as electronics, artwork, or family heirlooms. It’s also ideal if you prefer more security in case anything is damaged or lost.
- Third-party moving insurance: If you want more coverage than what your selected mover offers, you can buy third-party insurance for added protection. Some third-party policies also cover incidents movers don’t, such as natural disasters or water damage. This option is best for those with particularly valuable or delicate items that need extra protection or if you want coverage for risks outside the mover’s control.
- Declared value protection: This insurance sets a dollar amount for the value of your entire shipment rather than per item. Reimbursement is based on your items’ depreciated value, not the full replacement cost. This coverage is usually offered for longer moves or larger loads. We recommend it for large, mixed-value shipments where some coverage is needed but not at full replacement costs. It’s a solid middle ground between released and full-value protection.
Moving Regulations To Know
First-time movers may not know all the rules and regulations that moving companies have to follow, but learning these facts can help you avoid scams during the booking process. Here’s a quick look at some of the most important regulations you should know about before booking your interstate move:
- Licensing: Interstate and long-distance movers—or any companies that cross state lines—need a USDOT number to operate. You can verify your company’s licensing information on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website using the company snapshot tool. If your moving company doesn’t have a licensing number or is registered under an unfamiliar name, that’s a red flag.
- Weight tickets: Many long-distance and interstate moving companies charge you based on the weight of your shipment. This means the moving company is legally obligated to receive certified weight tickets for transparency each time the moving vehicle is weighed. If you have any questions about the breakdown of your bill, ask for a copy of the weight ticket.
- “Your rights and responsibilities” booklet: For interstate moves, moving companies are required by law to provide you with a booklet called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move during the booking process. This document contains important information about your rights as a customer, moving estimates, liability, and dispute resolution. We highly recommend you read this document in its entirety before booking a move or signing any contracts.
- Interstate moves and the “110% rule”: The FMCSA has a rule that companies can only charge up to 110% of a non-binding estimate, providing wiggle room of 10% to account for any cost variance. However, some companies may give you a reasonable estimate upfront and then charge you 2–3 times as much once the work is done, citing unexpected costs that came up during the move. No matter the reasoning, if a moving company doesn’t give you possession of your shipment after you pay 110% of a non-binding estimate—or 100% of a binding one—it’s against federal law.
Insights From Real Moving Customers
We surveyed 1,000 people who hired professional full-service movers over the last two years in order to get a better understanding of their experiences. Based on our survey, 26% of people moved across states—and every respondent hired a professional, full-service moving company for their interstate move. Allied Van Lines was the most popular provider among interstate movers in our survey, aligning with our top pick. The most common home size among interstate movers in our survey was three bedrooms.
Advice From a Moving Customer
Regardless of whether you’re renting a moving truck or hiring professional movers for your interstate move, there’s always a risk for damage. According to overall survey responses, only 33% of customers purchased extra “valuation coverage” or “full-value protection” for their items. Most respondents claimed this coverage cost an additional $500.
For more insights, we spoke to Alexus B., a mover who rented a 20-foot U-Haul truck with an auto transport tow for an interstate move from Georgia to Texas. Alexus said she found driving the truck surprisingly easy, though she recommends getting additional help for U-Haul loading and unloading. Her car was also slightly damaged by the auto transport tow, so she had to make a claim to get compensation for her car’s undercarriage.
While full-value protection or any kind of added insurance may not offer the right solution for every customer, it’s worth considering whether extra insurance is a good choice for your move. Having insurance helps by adding a layer of protection so you can avoid paying out of pocket for damages—like the situation with Alexus and her damaged car.
FAQs about Interstate Moving Companies
When should I start planning for an interstate move?
We normally recommend beginning your interstate move planning several months before your target moving day. However, for long-distance or interstate moves, we recommend pushing the timeline up to at least four months. When in doubt, earlier is always better.
What is the most reliable moving company?
Generally, we recommend Allied Van Lines and the other companies on our list for reliable interstate movers. For example, JK Moving has a very low percentage of out-of-service trucks according to the FMCSA and is registered as a carrier only, not a broker. This means the company won’t outsource services to local movers with lower ratings.
What is the cheapest month to move out of state?
It’s usually cheapest to book your move during the off-season, which is anywhere from late fall to early spring. January and February are two of the best months to book your move because they’re directly in the middle of this time period. Avoid busy summer months, as moving companies will have higher demand and more expensive rates as a result.
How We Evaluated Interstate Moving Providers
We rated each provider in this guide according to our moving review methodology. To find the best interstate moving companies in the industry, we read customer reviews and analyzed consumer survey data, requested more than 1,000 moving quotes from across the country, and talked to company representatives.
Our Rating System
We used a 100-point scale to rank moving companies according to the most important factors customers consider when booking a move, which we then converted into 5-star ratings for each company. Learn more about the categories we looked at during our review:
- Customer service: To get a better understanding of how each company treats its customers, we read customer reviews on third-party review sites such as the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. Companies with a high ratio of positive reviews and those that responded to more than 90% of complaints received the most points.
- Reputation: Reliable moving companies tend to gain a good reputation among customers, which is often a sign a company is legitimate and worth hiring. We reviewed each moving company’s profile with the FMCSA to see how many inspections it has failed in the past two years for drivers and moving trucks. Companies with a failure rate lower than the national average of 22.26% received the most points.
- Value: Moving can get expensive, but some of the best providers offer competitive rates in exchange for quality service. To rank each provider’s costs, we requested five or more quotes from each provider for different two-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles in distance. The best companies offered affordable quotes of less than $2,000–$4,000, while providers with quotes between $4,000–$10,000 received fewer points.
- Service offerings: Most moving companies offer loading and unloading services, but others can provide even more services. We awarded the most points to companies that offer loading, unloading, vehicle shipping, fragile-only packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, appliance and electronics handling, office moves, and piano moving.
- Item protection: Purchasing moving insurance may seem like a waste of money if your move is a success, but if you end up needing it, you’ll likely feel glad you bought it. We gave the most points to companies that offer additional coverage through customizable full-value insurance plans or third-party insurance. We also awarded points to companies that offer GPS-tracking technology and specialty storage options to help customers keep tabs on their belongings.
- Scheduling: Booking your move can feel difficult if you’re working around packed moving schedules during peak season, but it’s a lot easier when your moving company is responsive and flexible. We awarded points to providers that offer multiple communication channels, including mobile apps, websites, telephone, and 24/7 chat, as well as options for in-person and virtual estimates to get an accurate quote.
