Planning an out-of-state move can feel overwhelming. You’re not just moving down the street — you’re crossing state lines, which means you’ll need a reliable, experienced moving company to help you make this transition smoothly. 

We’ve researched and analyzed the top moving companies to help you find the perfect fit for your interstate relocation.

International Van Lines — Best Overall

International Van Lines stands out as our top pick for out-of-state moves. With service across all 50 states and over 20 years of experience, they’ve built a reputation for excellence in long-distance moving. What sets them apart is their dedication to customer service — each move gets assigned two representatives, ensuring you’ll always have someone to contact if questions arise.

You’ll need to put down a 25% deposit to book your move with IVL, but they offer a generous 48-hour cancellation policy with a full deposit refund. They’re also one of the few companies that include a month of free storage with your move — a huge plus if your new home isn’t ready right away.

Their services include:

• Full-service packing and unpacking
• Vehicle transportation
• Online tracking of your shipment
• Multiple insurance options
• Moving supplies

Allied Van Lines — Best for Availability

Allied Van Lines earns our second-place spot thanks to their massive network of over 500 locations nationwide. They’re one of the few companies that operate as a carrier rather than a broker — meaning they handle your move directly instead of outsourcing to other companies.

One of Allied’s biggest advantages is that they don’t require an upfront deposit to schedule your move. This can be a significant benefit when you’re managing moving expenses. They also offer container moving services through their Allied Express program, perfect for smaller moves or if you need a more flexible moving timeline.

Their vehicle shipping service stands out because, unlike many competitors who outsource this service, Allied handles it in-house. This means better coordination and communication throughout your move, whether you’re shipping a car, motorcycle, boat, or RV.

United Van Lines — Best Full-Service Experience

United Van Lines brings over 95 years of moving experience to the table, making them one of the oldest and most established companies in the industry. They offer three comprehensive moving packages with different levels of protection and services, letting you choose exactly what you need for your move.

Their standout feature is the Snap Moves program — a specialized service designed for smaller moves from studios up to three-bedroom homes. This program offers streamlined service with guaranteed pricing, making it perfect if you’re not moving a full house.

Each full-service move includes:

• An assigned move coordinator
• Full-value protection (unless waived)
• Standard appliance transport
• Professional loading and unloading
• Furniture assembly/disassembly
• Standard furniture placement

Colonial Van Lines — Best Training and Expertise

Colonial Van Lines sets itself apart with its commitment to professional training. Every employee goes through an extensive program at Colonial Van Lines University, spending two to four weeks learning the best techniques for packing, lifting, and handling various items.

They offer binding estimates with price matching, which means you won’t have to worry about surprise costs on moving day. While they do require a deposit (usually around 40% of the total cost), they make up for it by assigning a dedicated Account Manager to guide you through every step of your move.

Their highly trained staff specializes in:

• Antique and fine art moving
• Custom crating
• Piano transportation
• Climate-controlled storage
• Commercial relocations

JK Moving Services — Best for Customization

JK Moving Services takes a unique approach by customizing every move based on your specific needs. They’re not just moving your belongings — they’re creating a personalized moving plan that fits your situation perfectly.

What really makes JK Moving stand out is their commitment to professional training. Every mover goes through extensive training at their fully-furnished facility before heading out to customer homes. This means you’re getting experienced professionals who know exactly how to handle your belongings safely.

They offer financing through Enhancify — a rare find in the moving industry — which lets you break up your moving costs into manageable monthly payments. Their GPS tracking system keeps you informed about your belongings’ location throughout the move, providing peace of mind during the transition.

American Van Lines — Best for Reliability

With over 500 locations nationwide and 24/7 customer service, American Van Lines excels at providing reliable moving services. Their movers, on average, have about 10 years of experience in the moving industry, and they require their moving crew to take routine certification courses and training workshops on various topics related to moving. One of the training workshops includes how to move antiques and delicate items properly. 

One standout feature is their transparent pricing model — they offer “not-to-exceed” pricing, which means your final cost won’t surpass the quoted amount. Like Allied, they don’t require an upfront deposit, which can help with your moving budget.

Moving APT — Best for Price Shopping

Moving APT operates differently from other companies on our list — they’re a broker that partners with over 2,500 moving companies nationwide. This unique position allows them to help you find the best rates for your specific move.

Their website features detailed information about their moving partners, helping you make an informed decision about who’s handling your move. They also offer price matching against competing quotes, which can lead to significant savings on your move.

A 30-day storage period comes free with their services, and they maintain transparent communication about which partner company will handle your move. Just keep in mind you’ll need to put down a deposit — typically around 33% of your total moving cost.

Planning Your Out-of-State Move

When you’re preparing for an interstate move, timing is everything. Start planning at least 8 weeks before your move date. Here’s a basic timeline to follow:

8 Weeks Before:

• Research and compare moving companies
• Get at least three different quotes
• Start decluttering your home

6 Weeks Before:

• Book your chosen moving company
• Begin packing non-essential items
• Contact utility companies at both locations

4 Weeks Before:

• Continue packing room by room
• File your change of address
• Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities

2 Weeks Before:

• Finish most of your packing
• Prepare a “first day” box with essentials
• Confirm all details with your movers

Understanding Moving Costs

Out-of-state moving costs typically range from $2,500 to $11,000, depending on various factors. Distance and the weight of your belongings are the primary cost drivers — but timing matters too. Moving during peak season (May through September) usually costs more than moving during off-peak months.

Most companies determine your cost based on:

• Total distance of your move
• Weight of your belongings
• Additional services (packing, storage, etc.)
• Insurance coverage
• Season and date of your move

Protecting Your Move

Don’t forget about insurance — it’s a key part of any interstate move. Basic liability coverage (usually around 60 cents per pound per item) comes free with your move, but it might not be enough protection for valuable items. Consider purchasing full-value protection for better coverage.

You should also verify your moving company’s credentials. Check their USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website and read reviews from previous customers. This extra step can help you avoid moving scams and ensure a smooth relocation.

What Should You Look for in a Long-Distance Moving Company?

Choosing a long-distance moving company can feel like trying to pick a needle out of a haystack. But don’t worry, here are some key things to keep an eye out for:

Experience and Reputation

If you wouldn’t trust a rookie to perform surgery on you, then the same should go for moving your belongings across the country. Look for companies with a solid track record. Check out online reviews, but don’t just skim the surface. Dive deep into what real customers are saying about their experiences.

Licensing and Insurance

This is definitely non-negotiable. Your moving company should be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have proper insurance. It’s like wearing a seatbelt – you hope you won’t need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.

Transparent Pricing

Nobody likes surprises, especially when it comes to their wallet. A reputable company will provide a detailed, written estimate. If a company is being secretive about costs, that’s a major red flag.

Services Offered

Look for moving companies that offer packing services, storage options, or furniture disassembly and reassembly. Essentially, make sure the company you choose meets all of your needs.

Customer Service

Give them a call, and pay attention to if they are friendly, or if they sound like they’d rather be elsewhere. Good communication is key in any relationship, including the one with your movers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right out-of-state moving company comes down to your specific needs. If you want comprehensive service and don’t mind paying a deposit, International Van Lines might be your best bet. If you’re looking to avoid upfront costs, Allied Van Lines or North American Van Lines could be better options.

Take time to compare quotes and services, but remember — the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Consider factors like insurance options, storage availability, and customer service when making your final decision. Your peace of mind during this big transition is worth the investment in a reliable moving company.