Best long-distance moving companies for 2026 and 2027

Using data collected in 2007 by ACS (American Community Survey), the US Census Bureau has calculated that the average American moves more than 11 times over a lifetime. In 2024, 11.8% of the US population moved to a new home. Although most stayed in the same state, about 2.1% relocated across state lines. That works out to approximately 7 million people making interstate moves in just one year.

For those people moving hundreds or thousands of miles, getting everything from one home to another can be expensive and challenging to organize. A long-distance move might involve packing belongings, loading them, transporting them, and then unloading them at the final destination. One additional step before unloading might include storage. How much you have to pay for each of these steps is largely influenced by how many items you want to move, the route you want to take, the time of year, and how much help you need.

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is therefore vital and plays an important role in the moving process. There are many long-distance movers, regional operators, moving brokers, and container providers to choose from. The cost and level of service vary considerably, making it difficult to choose. It’s not always clear which companies offer the best value or have experience with a particular move. Which is why we thought we’d help you.

We’ve researched 10 of the best long-distance moving companies for 2026 and 2027 by comparing their services, estimated prices, online popularity, and customer feedback. The resources we used were Google, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp. The following guide explains what each company offers, its main advantages and drawbacks, and the type of customer it may suit best.

What is a long-distance moving company?

A long-distance moving company transports household belongings over long distances, often between cities or states. There isn’t a standard distance; however, many cross-country movers consider a journey of over 100 miles to be a long-distance move.

Typically, long-distance moving companies provide loading, transportation, and unloading. Full-service long-distance movers might also include packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, unpacking, temporary storage, and the moving of specialist items such as pianos or antiques.

All out-of-state moving companies that move household goods must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This includes having a valid USDOT number. The best interstate movers generally calculate their prices based on a shipment’s weight or volume, the distance traveled, and any additional services required. This is a little different from local moving companies, which tend to charge depending on the number of movers and hours spent.

List of the top 10 best long-distance moving companies:

Defining the best long-distance moving company is not an easy task, because everyone is looking for something different. Some want a full-service mover to manage almost every part of the process, while others might prefer a flexible container service that allows them to pack and load at their own pace. Other elements that can influence a person’s decision include cost, route coverage, storage requirements, and the type of belongings that need to be moved.

We’ve ranked 10 of the top long-distance moving companies for 2026/2027 to help make your comparison easier. We took into consideration their services, estimated prices, moving companies nationwide availability, online popularity, and customer ratings across Google, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp. Each review includes the company’s main strengths and limitations, along with details of who it’s best suited for.

Companies Ranked

1. PODS

Best for flexible self-service moving and temporary storage

PODS stands out from the other companies in this list in that it provides something a little different. It provides portable moving containers rather than a traditional full-service moving crew. The container is delivered to you. You load it with your belongings, and once you’re ready, PODS collects and transports it to your chosen location. One month of storage is typically included in the price of a long-distance booking.

Verified overage rating online: 4.0/5

Estimated Cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$1800-$3000

1500 miles

$2500-$4200

2500 miles

$3200-$5500

Main services

• Local and long-distance container moves
• Portable storage
• Residential and commercial containers
• Month-to-month storage
• Container delivery and collection
• Referrals to third-party loading and packing help

Pros

• You get to load and unload at your own pace
• Moving and storage are combined
• There’s no need to drive a rental truck
• It’s suitable when your move-in date doesn’t match your move-out date
• Often less expensive than a full-service move

Cons

• Loading and unloading aren’t included in the service
• You need to have enough space for a container
• Permits may be a requirement
• The service may not be available in more remote areas
• It’s your responsibility to ensure your belongings are secure inside

2. JK Moving Services

Best for premium moves involving valuable, fragile, or specialist belongings

JK Moving Services has earned a reputation for providing premium and white-glove full-service moves. This independent company serves interstate customers across the US, although its local moving service is concentrated in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

Verified average rating online: 4.6/5

Estimated cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$4500-$7500

1500 miles

$6500-$10500

2500 miles

$8500-$14000

Main services

• Interstate and cross-country moving
• Full and partial packing
• Unpacking
• Custom crating
• Residential and commercial moving
• International relocation
• Short- and long-term storage
• Government and corporate relocation
• Specialty and high-value item handling

Pros

• White-glove service
• Trained moving crews
• Financing available for qualifying customers
• Mobile inventory and move-management tools
• Suitable for complicated or high-value moves
• 24/7 customer support

Cons

• More expensive than many competitors
• No instant online price
• Deposit generally required
• Local service has limited regional availability

3. Colonial Van Lines

Best for customers who want structured interstate move management and flexible packing

Colonial Van Lines is a family-owned company focusing on interstate household and corporate moves across the United States. Alaska and Hawaii aren’t included in their service. Customizable packing and storage options are also available, along with digital move-management tools.

Verified average rating online: 4.3/5

Estimated cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$3000-$4800

1500 miles

$4300-$6800

2500 miles

$5400-$8500

Main services

• Interstate household moves
• Full and partial packing
• Loading and unloading
• Short- and long-term storage
• Corporate relocation
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Packing materials
• Move coordination and inventory management

Pros

• Focuses primarily on long-distance moves
• Flexible packing options
• Corporate relocation available
• App-based move management
• Detailed inventory process
• Storage services available

Cons

• Doesn’t serve Alaska or Hawaii
• No instant guaranteed online price
• Delivery timing may vary
• Detailed inventory preparation takes time

4. International Van Lines

Best for international moves or relocations requiring several transport services

International Van Lines is a carrier and a licensed moving broker. It can arrange local, interstate, cross-country, and international relocations, including moves to Alaska and Hawaii, as well as to international destinations.

Verified average rating online: 3.9/5

Estimated cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$3200-$5000

1500 miles

$4500-$7200

2500 miles

$5500-$9000

Main services

• Local and interstate moves
• International relocation
• Full and partial packing
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Short- and long-term storage
• Vehicle and motorcycle transport
• Military and government moves
• Office relocation
• Air and ocean freight

Pros

• Extensive international coverage
• Handles domestic and overseas moves
• Binding estimates available
• Storage may be included for a limited period
• Vehicle transportation available
• Wide range of additional services

Cons

• May operate as either a carrier or broker
• Some work may be subcontracted
• Deposit generally required
• Customer experiences vary by crew

5. Allied Van Lines

Best for customers who want broad nationwide coverage and multiple services from one network

Allied Van Lines runs one of the longest-established moving networks and is also one of the largest. Its local agents provide residential, commercial, interstate, international, and cross-country moving services.

Verified average rating online: 1.4/5

Note: The national profile of this company has very few online long-distance movers reviews and doesn’t reflect every local agent.

Estimated cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$4400-$6700

1500 miles

$6000-$8500

2500 miles

$6700-$9250

Main services

• Local, interstate, and cross-country moves
• International moving
• Full and partial packing
• Unpacking and debris removal
• Loading and unloading
• Storage
• Vehicle and boat transportation
• Corporate relocation
• Specialty packing and crating
• Shipment tracking

Pros

• Extensive national and international agent network
• Broad selection of services
• Vehicle shipping available
• Online cost calculator
• Long operating history

Cons

• Service quality can vary by local agent
• Pricing is higher than some competitors
• Exact prices require an inventory survey
• Claims are managed through the van line and its agents

6. North American Van Lines

Best for customizable full-service moves requiring several optional services

North American Van Lines is a full-service mover that has over 500 agent locations across North America. It caters to residential, corporate, interstate, international, and specialist relocations.

Verified average rating online: 1.6/5

Note: The national profile of this company has very few online reviews and doesn’t reflect every local agent.

Estimated cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$3000-$5000

1500 miles

$4500-$7500

2500 miles

$5500-$9000

Main services

• Local and interstate moves
• Cross-country and international moves
• Full and partial packing
• Unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Short- and long-term storage
• Vehicle transportation
• Corporate relocation
• Debris removal
• Appliance installation
• Custom crating

Pros

• Large nationwide agent network
• Many optional services
• Binding not-to-exceed estimated may be available
• Shipment tracking
• Vehicle transport available
• Flexible packing choices

Cons

• Customer experience varies between agents
• Quotes are not instant
• Some services may involve third-party providers
• Final cost depends heavily on the inventory survey

7. American Van Lines

Best for flat-rate moves involving antiques, pianos, fine art, or other specialist items

American Van Lines is a carrier specializing in long-distance household moves and the transport of antiques, fine art, and pianos. It’s known for offering flat-rate estimates and specialist moving crews.

Verified average rating online: 4.1/5

Estimated cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$3200-$5200

1500 miles

$4500-$7000

2500 miles

$5500-$8500

Main services

• Long-distance and interstate moves
• Full and partial packing
• Custom crating
• Piano moving
• Antique and fine-art moving
• Corporate relocation
• Military moving
• Climate-controlled storage
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly

Pros

• Flat-rate pricing structure
• Specialist antique and piano crews
• Climate-controlled storage
• Background-checked moving staff
• Weekly service on frequently traveled routes
• Operates as a carrier rather than solely as a broker

Cons

• A deposit may be required
• No instant online quote
• Limited service in Alaska and Hawaii
• Short-notice availability can be limited

8. Atlas Van Lines

Best for corporate, military, government, and international relocations

Atlas Van Lines is an established full-service mover that operates via a network of agents across the United States and overseas. It provides residential, corporate, military, government, and international relocation services.

Verified average rating online: 4.1/5

Estimated cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$3500-$5500

1500 miles

$5000-$8000

2500 miles

$6000-$9500

Main services

• Local, interstate, and cross-country moves
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking
• Storage-in-transit and long-term storage
• Corporate and employee relocation
• Military and government moving
• Vehicle transportation
• Special-item packing
• Shipment tracking

Pros

• Large domestic and international agent network
• Strong corporate relocation experience
• Vehicle transportation available
• Virtual and in-home estimates
• Storage and specialist handling
• Mobile move-management tools

Cons

• Service can vary between agents
• No instant online quote
• Some estimates include optional valuation costs
• Higher prices than budget cross country movers

9. National Van Lines

Best for customers who want personalized coordination without paying a booking fee

National Van Lines is a family-owned business with almost a century of experience. It handles domestic, interstate, international, commercial, and specialty moves through an extensive network of local agents.

Verified average rating online: 3.1/5

Estimated cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$3200-$5000

1500 miles

$4500-$7200

2500 miles

$5500-$8800

Main services

• Local and long-distance household moves
• Interstate and international moving
• Packing and unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Short- and long-term storage
• Vehicle transportation
• Corporate and commercial relocation
• Specialty and fragile-item moving
• Shipment tracking

Pros

• No deposit required for long-distance bookings
• Long industry history
• Dedicated move coordination
• Vehicle transport available
• Customizable services
• BBB-accredited headquarters

Cons

• Prices aren’t published clearly online
• Service may vary by local agent
• Limited instant quoting
• Premium services can increase the final cost
• Peak-season availability may be restricted

10. Roadway Moving

Best-rated long-distance moving company for customers prioritizing service quality, communication, and white-glove handling

Roadway Moving is a full-service carrier. Its headquarters are in New York City, from where it coordinates its local, interstate, commercial, packing, storage, and white-glove moving services. The emphasis is on in-house crews and bespoke relocation planning.

Verified average rating online: 4.9/5

Estimated cost

Distance & Estimated cost

500 miles

$4500-$7000

1500 miles

$6500-$10000

2500 miles

$8000-$13000

Main services

• Local and interstate moves
• Cross-country moving
• Residential and commercial relocation
• Full and partial packing
• Unpacking
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Short- and long-term storage
• White-glove handling
• Fine-art and high-value item moving

Pros

• In-house crews rather than broker handoffs
• Flat-rate estimates
• White-glove service
• Packing and storage are available
• Strong communication

Cons

• Premium pricing
• Strongest operational presence is in major metropolitan areas
• No instant standardized quote
• It may be excessive for a simple budget move
• Availability can tighten during busy periods

How to choose the best long-distance moving company?

A good place to start is to think about what you want from a mover and make a list. Consider how much you want to move, where you want to move it, and whether you’ll need help packing and unpacking, disassembling and reassembling items. The need for storage and vehicle transport is another thing to keep in mind. With a clear set of requirements, you’ll find it much easier to compare companies that provide the right long-distance moving services rather than deciding on price alone.

Here are some of the things to check when you’re making a list of possible long-distance moving companies.

Check whether the company is registered

Out-of-state movers that transport household goods across state lines have to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Once registered, they’ll get a USDOT number that you can check using the FMCSA mover database.

Information you’ll find in the database includes whether the company is authorized to provide interstate moves, its contact details, operating status, business type, complaint information, and safety records. Make sure the company name, address, and USDOT number match those on your estimate and contract.

Is the company a carrier or broker?

A carrier uses its own vehicles and crews to complete a move. A long-distance moving and storage broker arranges the service with another company. You’ll find there are a few businesses that are authorized to provide both services.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with using a broker. But you need to ask and check who will be handling your belongings. Ask the broker whether another company will be completing any part of the move and request its name and USDOT number before agreeing to the booking. That way, you can check out the company for yourself.

Ask for a long-distance moving quote and compare a minimum of three written estimates

Request long-distance moving quotes from at least three companies using the same inventory and service requirements. That makes it easier to compare prices.

A reputable mover will carry out an in-home or virtual survey before providing an accurate estimate. Be aware that if a company offers a firm price without asking for specific details, it’s likely not an accurate quote, so there could be additional charges further down the line.

Ask whether the estimates are binding, nonbinding, or binding not-to-exceed. With a binding estimate, you pay the exact quoted amount even if your belongings weigh more than expected. Non-binding estimates are approximate prices based on estimated weight and may increase or decrease depending on the actual weight of your items. With a binding not-to-exceed estimate, this is the highest amount you’ll ever pay.

Other things to look for include additional charges for packing materials, stairs, elevators, long carries, shuttles, storage, bulky items, and difficult parking.

Visit several review sites and check out the customer feedback

Long-distance moving companies often publish customer feedback on their website, but you should look further afield than that. Compare recent feedback on sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google.

When you’re reading reviews for the highest-rated long-distance movers, pay close attention to repeated comments about communication, pricing accuracy, timing, missing belongings, and the claims process. If the company operates through local agents, check long-distance movers reviews for the particular agent who will be managing your move. These service records are often more relevant than national ratings.

Compare services

The best cross country moving companies typically provide a variety of services. Some might just provide basic loading and unloading, while other full-service long-distance movers might pack, unpack, dismantle furniture, arrange storage, and handle specialist items.

Make sure you check what’s included in the quote and which services might cost extra. If you want to move something like a piano, antique furniture, artwork, or other valuable items, confirm whether they have the correct equipment and experience.

What is valuation coverage?

An important element of a moving service is liability protection. The best interstate movers offer two levels:

• Full Value Protection: The mover is liable for the actual replacement or repair cost of your items, but there is generally an additional fee. This is the best option for expensive, heavy, or irreplaceable items.
• Released Value Protection: This option is usually free, but your compensation is limited to $0.60 per pound per item. This is best for low-cost or easily replaceable items.

You should also check whether your homeowners or renters insurance offers any protection during a move.

Ask about pick-up and delivery

Long-distance delivery dates tend to be given as a window rather than a guaranteed day. Ask about how wide the window is, when it starts, and whether the company keeps you fully informed of any delays.

Also, find out whether your belongings will travel directly to the destination, share a truck with other shipments, or spend time in a warehouse. Ask if tracking is an option and who to communicate with during transit.

What are the deposit and cancellation terms?

Does the company ask for a deposit up front? When do you have to pay the remaining balance? What payment methods are accepted?

Warning signs to be aware of include large cash deposits, pressure to pay immediately, and requests for untraceable payment methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps, and mailed cash.

Check the small print in the cancellation and refund policies, as these generally differ between cross-country moving companies. Read the terms carefully, particularly if your dates or destination may change.

Common warning signs to be aware of

Think carefully before using a mover that:

• Can’t provide a USDOT number
• Refuses to do an inventory survey
• Gives a quote that’s much lower than its competitors
• Asks you to sign incomplete or blank documents
• Doesn’t provide documented rights and responsibilities information
• Has a different company name on its website, estimate, and truck
• Demands a large cash deposit
• Can’t provide details of the mover
• Has no physical address or verifiable business details

The best moving companies long distance will be properly registered, clear about who will perform the move, and willing to explain their prices and terms. When you’re choosing a company for your move, take the time to compare credentials, written estimates, services, and recent customer feedback. That way, you’ll reduce the risk of unexpected problems.

Types of long-distance moving companies

The best moving companies for long distance provide a range of services, and understanding the differences will help you find the right company in terms of experience, equipment, and authority for your move. Some specialize in household moves within a specific area, while others operate nationwide or internationally. You’ll also find companies that dedicate themselves to business relocations, specialist items, and vehicles.

Local moving companies

Local moving companies tend to operate within a limited area, such as the same city or within a 50 or 100-mile radius. Local moves take a day or less, and customers usually pay by the hour. The final price depends on the number of movers, the time it takes, the truck size, and local travel fees.

Compared with moving companies that move from state to state, local movers are regulated at the state level and must meet licensing requirements imposed by that state. Local companies are only authorized to operate within one state and can’t transport across state lines. State-to-state movers must be authorized on a federal level.

Long-distance moving companies

The best long-distance movers transport household goods between cities, across a state, or from one state to another. A move of more than 100 miles is commonly treated as a long-distance move.

Moving companies that move long distance must register with the FMCSA and have a valid USDOT number. Long-distance moving companies' prices are calculated according to the weight or volume of the shipment, distance, moving date, and any additional services.

Some long-distance moving companies have their own trucks and crews. Others work through a nationwide network of local agents. Moving brokers arrange moves with a separate carrier rather than transporting items themselves. Which of these is the best way to move cross-country depends on your preferences.

International moving companies

International moving companies transport household goods from one country to another. Often, they will include sea or air freight, customs documentation, port handling, and delivery services in a destination country.

International movers are well-versed in import restrictions, shipping document preparation, packing, and coordinating different companies required for the journey. Shipping rates are based on volume, weight, destination, transportation method, and the level of service required.

If you want to move your belongings internationally, check that the company has the necessary international credentials and experience.

Commercial moving companies

Commercial moving companies relocate commercial establishments such as offices, shops, warehouses, and similar business premises. The best out-of-state moving companies might find themselves moving IT equipment, machinery, files, office furniture, stock, or other equipment.

Reducing disruption is a priority for this type of company, which means they may have to work out of regular business hours, move departments in stages, label equipment by workstation, and coordinate furniture installation at the new premises.

Prices depend on volume, weight, distance, number of employees, access, and the complexity of the move. The price will be higher if you choose long-distance moving and storage companies, evening or weekend work, or specialist handling.

Specialty moving companies

Specialty movers transport belongings that are a little out of the ordinary, such as pianos, antiques, artwork, safes, pool tables, wine collections, large appliances, and unusually heavy furniture. Generally, these items can’t be packed or lifted using standard moving methods.

Companies providing this type of service will use custom crates, lifting straps, dollies, protective covers, ramps, and climate-controlled trailers or storage facilities. The staff may also be specially trained in dismantling, packing, lifting, and reinstalling valuable or bulky items.

If you think you need a specialty moving service, make sure you describe the item and provide all measurements, weight, value, and location. If there are narrow staircases, upper floors, restricted doorways, and limited parking, make sure the company is fully aware, as they may need additional equipment and movers.

Auto shipping companies

An auto shipping company provides car shipping for people who want to move cars and other vehicles separately from their household belongings. This type of service is useful if a family has more than one vehicle, is flying to their new location, or doesn’t want to drive thousands of miles.

Open car shipping and enclosed auto shipping are the two options for anyone who wants to ship a car across country.

• Open car transport: This is more widely available and the most affordable form of car shipping.
• Enclosed auto transport: Costs more but provides additional protection from road debris and weather. This is the preferred option for classic, exotic, luxury, or other types of valuable vehicles.

You might find auto transport is offered as an additional service by some household moving companies, but they may also arrange this service through a third-party auto transport company.

How much does car shipping cost? The price depends on the distance, vehicle size and condition, transport method, route, time of year, and truck availability on the route.

Types of long-distance moving services

The level of help you get from the best relocation companies depends on the type of moving service you choose. You might choose a long-distance mover who manages the entire relocation, or one that provides transportation but leaves the packing, loading, or driving to the customer.

Which of the following options is most suitable depends on your budget, timeframe, physical ability, and how many belongings need to be moved.

Full-service moving

Full-service long-distance moving companies manage most elements of a relocation. Services included in the price might be packing, furniture disassembly, loading, transportation, unloading, reassembly, and unpacking. Storage and specialist handling may also be options.

Generally, you can expect to pay more for this option. However, it’s best suited for large households, short-notice moves, and for customers who aren’t physically able or have the time to pack and load everything themselves.

Partial moving service

A partial moving service will give you several options you can pay for. You might pack everything yourself, but let the professionals load and unload the truck. Other options might include:

• Packing fragile or unusually shaped items
• Dismantling and reassembling furniture
• Moving heavy or specialist items
• Providing storage
• Transporting a small load

Self-service moving

With a self-service move, the moving company provides the transport while the customer takes care of the packing, loading, and unloading. A common example might be portable containers. The company delivers the container to your home and collects and transports it once loaded.

This tends to be a much cheaper option than full-service moving, and it also means you don’t have to drive a truck. However, you’re responsible for lifting, loading, and making sure your belongings are secure.

Rental truck services

With a rental truck, you have complete control over the move. You pack, load, drive, unload, refuel, and return the vehicle once you’re done. Additional equipment might be available to rent, including dollies, furniture pads, and trailers.

Truck rental is one of the cheapest ways to move cross country, but there is more than the rental price to budget for. Additional expenses include fuel, tolls, insurance, accommodation, and possibly hired labor.

This option is best suited for people who feel confident driving a large vehicle and independently managing the move.

Do these companies offer car shipping services?

Most of the long-distance moving companies in our ranking either provide car shipping or arrange it through an auto transport partner. In these cases, you should be aware that the company moving your household belongings may not be the one that physically transports your vehicle.

PODS

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Car shipping is provided through partners, as vehicles can’t be placed inside a PODS container

JK Moving Services

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Open or enclosed transport is arranged through a partner

Colonial Van Lines

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Vehicles are shipped using third-party agents

International Van Lines

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Offers domestic and international door-to-door auto transport for cars, SUVs, trucks, boats, and other vehicles

Allied Van Lines

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Offers domestic and international door-to-door auto transport for cars, SUVs, trucks, boats, and other vehicles

North American Van Lines

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Provides door-to-door vehicle shipping for cars, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, and other vehicles

American Van Lines

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Using transport partners, it coordinates vehicle shipping as an additional part of a household move

Atlas Van Lines

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Offers open transport through third-party partners and enclosed transport through participating Atlas agents

National Van Lines

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Connects customers with domestic and international auto transport companies

Roadway Moving

• Is car shipping available? Yes
• How is the service provided? Coordinates vehicle shipping using a third-party network of contracted carriers

If you need to ship a car across country, compare the mover’s vehicle quote with prices from dedicated auto transport company like WeShipCars.

How much does long-distance moving cost?

In 2026, a professional long-distance move typically costs between $2200 and $1000, although large full-service relocations can cost far more. Moving the contents of a two- to three-bedroom home approximately 1000 miles costs around $4890 on average.

The exact amount you pay depends on the total weight or volume of the shipment and the distance between pick-up and delivery. Packing, storage, difficult access, stairs, shuttle vehicles, moving dates, and specialist items can all increase the final price.

The most reliable way to estimate your costs is to request a written quote from a minimum of three long-distance moving companies based on the same inventory and services.

How long do long-distance movers take?

A long-distance move typically takes between 3 and 14 business days once your belongings have been picked up. However, a coast-to-coast shipment could take up to 21 business days. As a general guide, moves covering up to 1000 miles take 2 to 5 days, those up to 2000 miles take 5 to 10 days, while moves over 2000 miles can take 10 to 21 days.

Distance is a major factor, but shipment size, route, traffic, weather, storage requirements, and the time of year can also affect delivery. In addition, some of the best-rated long-distance movers combine several shipments in one truck. This results in additional stops or time spent waiting. If you book a dedicated truck, it’s usually much faster and comes with a narrower delivery window, but costs more.

Moving checklist: before transport, at pick-up, and at delivery

To finish up, we thought it might be useful to provide a checklist so you can keep track of important tasks and documents during your move.

Before transport

• Confirm the moving company’s USDOT number and its current status
• Find out whether you’re dealing with a carrier, broker, or both
• Check important details of your booking, such as the estimate, service, fees, cancellation policy, and estimated pick-up date
• Ask for the company’s “Rights and Responsibilities” documentation
• Compile an inventory and be certain to include everything, even if the items are tucked away in your garage, shed, basement, or attic
• Take clear photos of valuable items, including furniture, antiques, and electronics
• Decide whether you want Full Value or Released Value Protection
• Label and box items according to the room they’re in
• Make sure to clearly identify boxes that contain fragile items
• Keep separate medications, identification, keys, financial documents, jewelry, and other essential items, and carry these with you
• Dispose of prohibited items such as fuel, propane tanks, chemicals, and perishable food
• For both addresses, confirm availability of parking, elevator reservations, permits, and property access

At pick-up

• Check that the company name and USDOT number on the truck and paperwork are the same as your booking
• Confirm the full inventory as you walk through the property with the driver
• If there’s a change in the estimated price, ask for clarification before loading starts
• Make sure contract details such as the pick-up and delivery windows, addresses, agreed services, and charges are correct
• Make a note of the condition of unboxed items, like furniture, on the inventory sheet
• Keep safe all copies of signed documents, receipts, and contact information
• Undertake a final check of every room, including closets, cupboards, garage, attic, and outdoor area

At delivery

• If you can’t be available for the delivery and unloading, pick a trusted adult to act on your behalf
• As items are unloaded, check them against the mover’s inventory
• Closely inspect furniture, boxes, and specialist items before signing the delivery paperwork
• If there are any missing or affected belongings, record this on the inventory sheet or delivery receipt
• Take photographs before unpacking or moving items
• Let the crew know where to place the furniture and labeled boxes
• Check that the reassembled furniture is complete
• Pay the outstanding amount
• Keep the Bill of Lading, inventory, photographs, and payment receipt
• If you need to make a claim, contact the mover in writing promptly, generally within nine months of delivery