Moving long distances takes careful planning and trust. You need movers who’ll treat your belongings like their own. We’ve analyzed thousands of customer reviews, pricing data, and service offerings to find the best long distance moving companies that make long moves feel like local ones.

Our Top Picks for Best Long Distance Moving Companies

1. Safeway Moving – Best overall value
2. Allied Van Lines – Best for vehicle shipping
3. North American Van Lines – Best storage options
4. International Van Lines – Best full-service experience
5. United Van Lines – Best custom packages

Let’s dive into what sets each of these long distance movers apart.

Safeway Moving: Best Overall Value

BBB Rating: A+

A relative newcomer, Safeway Moving quickly earned its spot among the best long distance movers through transparent pricing and exceptional service. Their military-trained crews know how to handle everything from antique furniture to modern electronics.

What We Love:

• Fixed pricing with no surprise fees
• Military-trained moving crews
• Price matching with major competitors
• Climate-controlled storage options

The company really stands out for moving from areas like Florida to Texas, where their climate-controlled trucks protect belongings from extreme weather changes.

Watch Out For:

• 40% deposit needed upfront
• $200 fee for bulky items
• Some areas have limited availability

Pricing Example: 2-bedroom home, Dallas to Chicago (925 miles): $4,800-$5,600

Customer Review: “The Safeway team wrapped everything perfectly. Not a single scratch on our furniture after a 1,200-mile move.” – Sarah M., Phoenix to Portland

Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Shipping

BBB Rating: A+

With nearly 100 years of experience, Allied Van Lines ranks among the best moving companies for long distance relocations. They’ve moved families from California to Washington and everywhere in between.

What We Love:

• GPS tracking on all shipments
• In-house vehicle shipping
• Both full-service and container options
• Custom crating for valuable items

Their cross country expertise shows in how they handle coast-to-coast moves, with special attention to climate changes and road conditions.

Watch Out For:

• Premium pricing
• Mixed reviews on claims handling
• Delivery delays during peak season

Pricing Example: 3-bedroom home, Boston to Miami (1,500 miles): $8,500-$10,000

North American Van Lines: Best Storage Solutions

BBB Rating: A+

North American Van Lines offers some of the most flexible storage options of any long distance moving company. Their climate-controlled facilities keep your belongings safe whether you need storage for a week or a year.

What We Love:

• Advanced satellite tracking
• Climate-controlled storage
• Binding estimates available
• Specialized packing services

Watch Out For:

• Third-party movers sometimes used
• Shared truck space common
• Storage fees add up quickly

Pricing Example: 4-bedroom home, Seattle to Austin (2,300 miles): $12,000-$15,000

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Experience

BBB Rating: A+

International Van Lines stands out among the best long distance moving companies by offering true full-service moves. They handle everything from custom crating to coordinating complicated moves with multiple stops.

What We Love:

• Virtual and in-home estimates
• Custom packing solutions
• 0% financing options
• Online shipment tracking
• International moving expertise

Their online estimate calculator gives you quick pricing without a phone call, and they’re known for handling delicate items with extra care. The company manages about 20,000 moves each year, and they’ve got experience with every kind of relocation challenge you can imagine.

Watch Out For:

• 25% deposit required
• Fees for stairs and long carries
• No local-only moves
• Extra charges for bulky items

Pricing Example: 2-bedroom home, NYC to LA (2,800 miles): $6,500-$8,000

United Van Lines: Best Custom Packages

BBB Rating: A+

United Van Lines earns its spot among the best moving companies for long distance relocations through their customizable moving packages. They let you pick exactly what services you need instead of forcing you into preset options.

What We Love:

• Customizable moving packages
• Specialized services for seniors
• Real estate partnership program
• Small shipment program
• Dedicated move coordinator

Their small shipment program works great for apartment moves or partial home relocations. Plus, if you’re moving from Florida to Texas, they’ve got tons of experience with this route and know all the challenges.

Watch Out For:

• No instant online quotes
• Limited weekend availability
• Higher prices than some competitors
• Strict cancellation policies

Pricing Example: 3-bedroom home, Atlanta to Denver (1,400 miles): $7,500-$9,000

How to Get the Best Moving Quote

Using a moving app like Agoyu simplifies getting accurate quotes. You’ll snap photos of your items, and qualified movers will provide detailed estimates based on your specific needs.

Understanding Moving Costs

Long distance moving costs depend on several factors:

Distance and Weight: 1 Bedroom (2,000-4,000 lbs):

• Under 1,000 miles: $3,500-$4,500
• 1,000-2,000 miles: $4,000-$5,500
• Over 2,000 miles: $5,000-$7,000

3 Bedroom (7,000-10,000 lbs):

• Under 1,000 miles: $7,500-$9,500
• 1,000-2,000 miles: $10,000-$12,500
• Over 2,000 miles: $12,500-$16,000

Extra Services and Their Costs:

• Full packing: $500-$2,000
• Custom crating: $100-$900 per item
• Storage: $150-$350 per month
• Vehicle shipping: $1,000-$2,000
• Stairs/elevator fee: $75-$150
• Long carry fee: $50-$100

Insurance Options for Long Distance Moves

Basic Coverage: Released value protection comes free but only covers $0.60 per pound per item.

Full Value Protection: Costs extra but covers the full replacement value of damaged items.

Third-Party Insurance: Additional coverage for high-value items.

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Don’t get caught off guard. Common extra charges include:

• Peak season rates (summer months)
• Fuel surcharges
• Stair and elevator fees
• Long carry charges
• Shuttle service fees
• Storage fees
• Expedited delivery fees

Planning Your Move

Start Early: Begin planning 8-12 weeks before your move date. Get moving quotes online to compare prices and services.

Create a Timeline: 8 Weeks Before:

• Research movers
• Get estimates
• Start decluttering

6 Weeks Before:

• Book your mover
• Order supplies
• Begin packing non-essentials

4 Weeks Before:

• Sort important documents
• Change address
• Schedule utility transfers

2 Weeks Before:

• Pack room by room
• Label everything clearly
• Confirm details with movers

Moving Week:

• Pack essentials bag
• Clean as you go
• Do final walkthrough

Choosing Your Long Distance Mover

Look Beyond Price: The cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal. Consider:

• Company reputation
• Insurance options
• Service quality
• Delivery timeframes

Check Credentials: Verify the company’s DOT number on protectyourmove.gov. Make sure they’re licensed for interstate moves.

Read Reviews Carefully: Look for patterns in customer feedback, both positive and negative.

Making Move Day Easier

Pack Smart:

• Color-code boxes by room
• Take photos of electronics setups
• Keep essentials separate
• Document valuable items

Stay Organized: Keep important documents in a separate folder:

• New home documents
• Moving contract
• Insurance papers
• Inventory list

Getting Started

Ready to start planning your long distance move? Begin by getting quotes from qualified movers through Agoyu. Our platform connects you with the best long distance moving companies in your area, making it easy to compare services and prices.

Remember, the right mover makes all the difference in a successful long distance move. Take your time comparing options, asking questions, and understanding exactly what each company offers. With proper planning and the right moving company, your cross-country move can be a smooth transition to your new home.