10 Best Long-Distance Movers Near Me

Differences Between Local and Long-Distance Moves

Local moves are moves within a short distance and usually within the same state. Long-distance moves cover a wider distance and include interstate moves. Long-distance movers have the knowledge, training, and equipment to move your possessions over long distances and across state lines. They typically charge by the weight of your items and the distance traveled instead of by hour. They often have different insurance options than local movers.

Cost of a Long-Distance Move

Long-distance moves are more expensive than local moves because of the additional time and travel distance. Some moves, such as Denver to Boston or Seattle to Austin, cover as much as 2,000 miles. American Van Lines (AVL) states that moving from San Francisco to Chicago—another 2,000-mile move—costs roughly $4,799.

You can ask your moving company about financing options or talk to your bank about a moving loan. We recommend doing thorough research to ensure the payments are reasonable and you don’t wind up paying exorbitant fees.

Factors Affecting Cost

• The total distance
• The weight of your items and the number of trucks needed
• Whether you have fragile items or items requiring special handling
• Whether you’re moving within your state or interstate
• The insurance you purchase
• The time of year

Licensing and Insurance for Long-Distance and Interstate Movers

Licensing requirements are different between interstate and local moves. Interstate movers are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and to have a USDOT number. The FMCSA requires interstate movers to provide written estimates and governs other mover rights and responsibilities.

Moving insurance is also important in case any of your belongings are lost or damaged during the move. The FMCSA requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: full value protection and released value protection. Full value protection is more expensive and requires your mover to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for anything lost, damaged, or broken during the move (certain valuable items may be exempt from this policy). Released value protection is less expensive but only covers your items up to 60 cents per pound.

Third-party moving insurance options are also available, but you’ll need to find them yourself. We recommend doing your research well before your move to determine if moving insurance is right for you.

Long-Distance Mover Red Flags

When looking for a long-distance mover, we recommend getting recommendations from trusted family, friends, and neighbors. If you’re conducting your own search, watch out for common red flags.

Check sites such as Google Reviews and the BBB to read up on long-distance movers near you. Avoid movers with a majority of negative reviews, a history of unresolved complaints, or no review history at all. Be wary of moving companies that are quick to give you a “too good to be true” estimate without a home visit or detailed list of goods, and don’t hire a mover who won’t provide an estimate in writing.