Best Interstate Moving Companies
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Moving to a new state comes with unique challenges, such as navigating regulations across state lines and securing your belongings for safe long-distance transport. This makes it crucial to find a mover you trust who understands these logistics and has experience navigating different terrains.
To help you narrow down your options, we reviewed 15 leading moving companies and chose our top five for interstate moves. Our recommendations are based on over 4,800 hours of research, including interviews with industry experts, direct insights from moving customers, and hundreds of customer reviews. Allied Van Lines tops our list thanks to its wide range of interstate services, competitive pricing, and large network of movers. North American Van Lines (NAVL) is another great pick, especially if you’re moving with unique or valuable items. Read on for detailed reviews of these and our other top interstate movers.
Top Interstate Moving Companies
Based on our extensive research, we recommend these five interstate moving companies:
- Allied Van Lines
- North American Van Lines
- JK Moving Services
- International Van Lines
- Safeway Moving Inc.
Comparing Top Interstate Movers
The table below shows how our top interstate movers compare based on cost and other key factors. To determine pricing, we requested five quotes for two-bedroom moves ranging between 500 and 800 miles and calculated averages.
| Provider | Our Score | BBB Rating* | Average Price | Deposit | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $5,370 | None | Visit site | ||
| A+ | $5,969 | None | Visit site | ||
| A+ | $5,250 | Up to 25% | Visit site | ||
| B- | $5,631 | Up to 40% | Visit site | ||
| A+ | $7,171 | $250 | Visit site |
*The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of November 2024.
Our top interstate movers each offer full and partial packing and loading services, but some have different specialty services. See a side-by-side in the table below.
| Specialty Services Offered | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines | JK Moving | International Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly/reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Crating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Appliance and electronics handling | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Antique/specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
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:
- Binding estimate vs. nonbinding estimate: A binding estimate locks your mover into a final price that won’t change, even if your move takes longer or weighs more than expected. However, your price may go up if you add more services. You may also see binding estimates referred to as flat-rate or all-inclusive quotes. A nonbinding estimate gives an estimated cost that may change depending on the final weight or specific details of your move. We recommend getting a binding estimate when possible to avoid surprise fees.
- Carrier vs. broker: A carrier is the company that actually handles your interstate move, transporting your belongings from point A to point B. A broker doesn’t directly move your items, it connects you with a carrier. Working with a carrier can give you more control over the process, while a broker may offer a wider selection of options. In our experience, brokers are generally less predictable since you don’t get to choose who handles your move.
- Interstate vs. intrastate move: An interstate move involves transporting your belongings across state lines, while an intrastate move is within the same state. Federal agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulate interstate moves.
- Inventory: Your moving company will create an inventory list of all your items before loading and note any preexisting damage. This list is especially important for interstate moves to track your belongings over long distances and multiple handling points.
Our Reviews of the Best Interstate Moving Companies
We picked each of our top five interstate moving companies for their quality and service offerings, but there are still differences to consider. We dive deeper into each company in the reviews below.
Allied Van Lines
North American Van Lines
JK Moving Services
International Van Lines
Safeway Moving Inc.
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.
How Much Does an Interstate Move Cost?
The average interstate move costs $5,878. We calculated this price from five quotes we got from each provider on our list for a two-bedroom home. However, your cost will vary depending on factors such as the weight of your belongings, the distance traveled, and the services you choose. Here’s a quick comparison of the quotes we received for each mover in this review:
| Moving Company | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Allied Van Lines | $5,370 |
| North American Van Lines | $5,969 |
| JK Moving Services | $7,171 |
| International Van Lines | $5,250 |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | $5,631 |
Single-Day vs. Multi-Day Moves
If you’re moving to a nearby state, your mover may be able to finish the job in one day. However, a cross-country move may take multiple days. Multi-day moves are generally more expensive due to the extra labor required and potential overnight stays for the crew.
Full-Service vs. Partial-Service Moves
A full-service move includes packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and sometimes even unpacking. These moves are the most convenient, but they’re also the most expensive. Partial-service moves allow you to handle some tasks yourself, like packing, while leaving the heavy lifting and transportation to the movers. This can save you a good chunk of money if you don’t mind a bit of work.
Tipping
Tipping is generally expected in the moving industry, especially for interstate moves. While it’s not mandatory, a general guideline is $20–$40 per mover per day, depending on the level of service. If your move is particularly challenging—like lots of stairs or heavy items—we suggest tipping on the higher end.
How To Get a Good Price
Here are a few tips to help you get the best possible rate:
- Ask about discounts: Many movers offer deals for seniors, military personnel, or students.
- Be flexible with your dates: If you can be flexible, some companies offer reduced rates for last-minute moves if there’s a slot to fill. Ask a company if it has any openings in its upcoming schedule and see what you can work out.
- Choose an off-peak time: Moving during off-peak times, like weekdays or during the fall and winter, may get you a better rate because there’s less demand.
- Do some of the work yourself: Packing or unpacking on your own can help trim costs.
- Downsize your belongings: The less you have to move, the less you’ll pay. Think about selling, donating, or giving away items you no longer need.
- Get multiple quotes: We recommend reaching out to at least three moving companies to compare prices and services. Some companies, like Safeway, even offer price-matching.
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.
Interstate Moving Regulations
Different states have different moving regulations, so you’ll need to be aware of the laws in both the state you’re moving from and to. Here’s what you need to know:
- Driver regulations: There are rules about how many hours movers can drive each day, which can affect your delivery timeline. Your moving company will handle this, but it’s good to be aware.
- Federal regulations: Since you’re crossing state lines, your move is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FMCSA.
- Licensing and insurance: Legitimate interstate movers must have a valid USDOT number and proper licensing. You can verify a mover’s credentials on the FMCSA website.
Note that some movers may require you to get parking permits for the moving truck. Make sure you ask about this before you move and take the necessary steps.
Advice From Real Moving Customers
Renting a moving truck is a cheaper alternative to hiring a full-service moving company, but there are some things to be aware of. We spoke to Alexus B., who rented a 20-foot U-Haul truck with an auto transport tow for her vehicle for her move from Georgia to Texas.
Alexus said she found driving the truck surprisingly easy, though she recommends getting additional help for loading and unloading. However, she did mention that you need a flexible schedule and should be comfortable adapting to last-minute challenges. For example, she had to go to a different U-Haul location 25 minutes away from where she made the reservation because it didn’t have the auto transport tow attachment, which pushed back her timeline. 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.
If you have a tight schedule, it might be worth it to hire a moving company that handles all the logistics. Another option is to move your belongings with a rented truck, but hire a moving company with auto-shipping services to avoid the damages that Alexus experienced.
How We Evaluated Interstate Moving Providers
We thoroughly research each mover we recommend by reading websites and sample contracts, reviewing customer feedback, and speaking to customer service representatives and industry experts.
Our Rating System
To pick the best interstate moving providers, we created a rating system based on six factors that reflect the overall quality and reliability of each company. Here’s a quick look at our moving methodology:
- Item protection: All movers are required to offer two insurance options, but many offer additional options to protect your belongings. We scored companies that offer at least three options the highest. We also awarded more points to movers that offer additional protections such as antique and specialty services, custom crating, and GPS tracking.
- Service offerings: We looked for companies with a wide range of services to meet different needs. The more services a company offered, the higher we scored it.
- Customer service: Great customer service makes a stressful time easier. Companies with high BBB ratings and high customer response rates received more points. We also awarded more points to movers with easy access to moving calculators, helpful checklists, and contact information on its website.
- Value: We gathered five quotes for the same size move from each mover to create an average price. Companies offering competitive rates, binding estimates, and flexible payment options scored higher in this category.
- Reputation: Besides customer service, we analyzed each company’s overall reputation in the industry. We checked each provider’s licensing status and gave higher marks to companies that operate as carriers rather than brokers. We also factored in background checking processes and how a provider’s inspection rate compared to the average FMCSA fail rate.
- Scheduling: A reliable mover makes scheduling straightforward, with flexible availability and clear timelines. We gave more points to companies that offered at least two contact options, had a mobile app for tracking, and offered virtual surveys for quotes for added convenience.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
