All moves can be complicated and stressful, but there’s another layer of complexity that comes with long-distance moves. Whether you’re moving interstate, cross-country, or across the globe, there are often different regulations and laws that affect your movers and your property. The distance traveled can increase delivery times and the risk of broken items upon delivery. However, working with one of the best moving companies for long-distance moving can deliver peace of mind.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
We scored each of these long-distance movers on basic services, customization, reputation, and transparency. In addition, I reached out to each company regarding their costs and services while also researching their websites, reviews, and quoting tools. During my deep dive, I was able to uncover what moving companies did well during long-distance moves and where they were lacking.
It’s natural to be worried about your belongings during a move, especially if you’re moving hundreds or thousands of miles. To help put your mind at ease and make your moving process easier, I put together my choices for the top five best moving companies for long-distance moving below.
Top 5 Moving Companies for Long-Distance Moving
- For long-distance moves, I recommend International Van Lines. They have the experience and knowledge to handle almost every service a homeowner needs during their move, whether it’s interstate or international. They boast a solid reputation, and their website is very informative, offering things like tips for your move and sample prices.
- Long-distance moves are more complicated than local moves, so always discuss the specifics with your movers. You should understand what’s included in your quote and how long delivery will take. For most long-distance and interstate moves, it could take up to 21 days for your items to be delivered.
- Keep an eye out for scams, which are more common among interstate moves. Hostage loads, in particular, are prevalent. Fraudulent movers will demand more money for your items to be delivered after the items have been loaded onto a truck and left your home, but this is illegal. Always investigate your potential mover before placing a deposit.
Read our full Moving Methodology for more details.
My Expert Recommendation
If you’re looking for a long-distance mover, I recommend International Van Lines, as they can tackle every moving need. While many moving companies outsource their car shipping, IVL keeps it in-house with their own vehicle transports. IVL has a solid reputation backing them, with a 4.2 on Trustpilot and an A on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as of this writing. Their website also provides some excellent moving tips and resources, such as checklists, sample prices, and guides on additional moving fees.
Long-Distance Moving Companies I Didn’t Include
Two long-distance moving companies I didn’t include are Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines. As brokers/carriers, they both have the network to handle complicated moves, but getting a quote from them is difficult. Allied and NAVL require you to undergo an in-home or virtual assessment in order to get an estimate, and they won’t even give you a ballpark number over the phone. They also haven’t claimed their profiles on Trustpilot, where their reviews are both considered “poor” as of this writing.
Compare The Highest Rated Moving Companies for Long-Distance Moving
| Company | Rating | BBB Rating | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A |
$1,400–$9,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
A+ |
$1,700–$13,800 |
VISIT SITE | |
|
B |
$1,250 – $8,500 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
C |
$3,000–$11,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$600–$5,100 |
VISIT SITE | |
 JK Moving Services |
A+ |
$3,000–$6,000 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Companies for Long-Distance Moving
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
International Van Lines’s website breaks down exactly what you can expect from their long-distance moving services. Many moving companies assign one representative to your move, but IVL actually assigns two, so you can be sure your questions are being answered. Visit their webpage for long-distance moving, where you can see sample pricing, costs for additional services (such as shuttle service), and details on how to get a quote.
IVL also has most of the customization services you’ll need in a long-distance move. For example, if you don’t want to make the drive, they can help with car shipping. If you have trash you need to get rid of in your old home or need assistance removing packing debris at your new home, they can handle it with junk removal solutions.
Although it’s not clear on their website, International Van Lines no longer operates in Alaska. If you’re thinking about hiring IVL for long-distance or international moves, I highly recommend reaching out to them to make sure they service your origin and destination, as their availability can change.
Personally, I haven’t had the best experiences with IVL. Many reviews cite customer service as one of the best things about the company, but it initially took four calls to get through to a representative, even though I was promised a call back each time.
International Van Lines is our choice for best full-service mover and one of my choices for best moving companies for long-distance moving. With a 9.3 overall, IVL is backed by a solid list of services and customization options and a stellar reputation. Whether you’re moving from New York to California or Illinois to overseas, IVL likely has the moving solutions you’re looking for, whether that’s car shipping, antique moving, full-service packing, or custom crating.
The company has a website dedicated to explaining what you can expect when opting for IVL for your long-distance move. Unlike many competitors, it supplies sample pricing and a list of additional fees that could increase your final quote so you can plan ahead. Plus, while other moving companies only assign one representative to your move, IVL assigns you two so you can get your questions and concerns addressed and answered quickly.
However, IVL fell short during my personal experience with the company in both phone calls and online chat functions.. During my initial interactions, I had to call the company several times to get a quote, even after promised callbacks “in 10 minutes.” I later reached out to the company about an Alaskan move, which is when I learned the company no longer operates in Alaska, though that isn’t made clear on their website.
International Van Lines earns a perfect score in basic services. They specialize in interstate, international, and long-distance moves (as well as local moves), and full-packing solutions are included in all of their quotes. They can help customers move from the United States to over 150 countries, and their website contains some helpful resources regarding regulations, planning, documentation, and more. If you’re looking for a mover to do the packing for you, this is a way you can save money on a long-distance move. However, if you want to do the packing yourself, you might be overspending. IVL lets you know that going with the self-pack option with them isn’t going to save you a lot. Although IVL offers storage facilities, they aren’t clear about how your items will be cared for in storage.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Full-packing services are included in most quotes from International Van Lines, and opting for self-pack won’t save you much. Their quotes also include disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture, loading, furniture wrapping, one flight of stairs, basic liability ($0.60 per lb per article), and 30 days of storage. There are additional charges for elevators, stairs, long carry, shuttle services, bulky items, pianos, unpacking, and motorcycles.
For a 2-bedroom home long-distance move between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC. a distance of 573 miles, I was quoted:
- Full-service option with packing: $4,000.52
- Bulky item: $150
- Unpacking service: $175.00/hour at a minimum of 4 hours
- Piano handling: $150 to 350
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home and a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
Since full-service packing is included in their quotes, you get a discount right away when working with IVL. Their website recommends asking for a quote, noting that this could save you between $200 and $500. IVL also offers discounts to seniors (15%) and to military members and veterans (10 to 15%).
International Van Lines offers a majority of the services we look for from long-distance movers but doesn’t perform home staging. This is why we scored them a 9 in customization. Assembly and disassembly of basic furniture, packing materials, and basic valuation coverage (at $0.60 per lb. per article) are included in their quotes. For additional fees, you can opt for higher insurance, piano moving, custom crating, antique moving, and junk removal. Many moving companies outsource their car shipping, but IVL handles its own auto transport, whether you’re moving long-distance or overseas, with enclosed trailers, open trailers, and ocean freight containers.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Thanks to their A on the BBB and 4.2 on their claimed Trustpilot profiles at the time of this writing, International Van Lines wins a perfect score for reputation. The company is also responsive to both positive and negative reviews on Google and Trustpilot. Representatives thanked the customers for taking the time to leave feedback and, if they had concerns or problems with the service, invited them to reach out to the company for further assistance. Reviews on BBB and Google are more mixed, with a 3.51 and 3.9, respectively. Customers with exceptional experiences cited great customer service and stress-free moves. 1-star reviews explain they had issues with IVL’s partner companies, items were delivered damaged and waterlogged, and costs were much higher than expected.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A / 3.51 out of 5 stars | 175 |
| Trustpilot | 4.2 | 55 |
| 3.9 | 825 | |
| Yelp | 1.7 | 573 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for International Van Lines
IVL is regularly praised for excellent customer service by their past clients. 5-star reviews stated that representatives and crews were polite, responsive, careful, and knowledgeable.
Most Common Criticism for International Van Lines
Previous clients leaving 1-star reviews for IVL explained that costs suddenly rose on moving day and, upon delivery, items were damaged, scratched, dented, and waterlogged. Some customers left photos of the damage, and it wasn’t pretty.
In transparency, IVL received an 8.7. For long-distance moves, the company’s website details sample pricing as well as additional fees you could see during your move, including costs for stairs, elevators, long carry, shuttles, and more.
However, there are some discrepancies between the email quote I received and the website’s listed fees. For example, the shuttle service is listed at $0.75 per cubic foot on the website, but this service is listed at $1.00 per cubic foot. I also discovered three different storage service prices. The website states $0.65 per cubic foot per month in one spot and $0.50 per cubic foot per month in two different spots, whereas the email said it was $0.60.
I’d highly recommend talking with IVL to nail down the specifics of these prices before signing a contract so there are no surprises. IVL also received some points in transparency thanks to their binding estimates, online and over-the-phone booking solutions, posted customer service hours, GPS tracking, and disclosure of their status as a broker/carrier. While the company also has a quick quote tool, you will need to enter your contact information to use it.
Safeway Moving
4.1
Our Rating
Safeway Moving only specializes in long-distance moves, including interstate and international, and they don’t offer local moving at all. Since this is their focus, they’re experts in the field and are equipped to handle any issues that could arise during a longer move. Their flat-rate pricing approach, where they base your moving quote on space rather than weight, also comes in handy as it’s easier to understand how they arrived at your estimate.
Like International Van Lines, Safeway Moving has a very informative email that they deliver after you request a quote. It explains your estimate, how they arrived at the number, and what you can expect when working with the brand. It also lists additional fees, terms and conditions, and more.
Safeway Moving does deliver informative emails, but their website is lacking compared to the competition, especially compared to IVL’s webpage. They have very little information about what long-distance moving services they actually offer or why you should go with them over the competition. Unless you call (or read reviews like this), you’re really not going to know if Safeway offers what you need in a move beyond the basics.
In addition, they have a quick quote feature on their website. It requires contact information to use it, but even if you enter that in, it won’t return with an actual quote. Instead, it lets you know a representative will be in touch.
Safeway Moving specializes in long-distance moves. They won’t even perform local moves. This gives them an edge over the competition as this is really their area of expertise. Safeway also offers a majority of the services you’re looking for in a long-distance mover, from car shipping to custom crating. Overall, we gave them an 8.2 — their website is lacking, but we feel their proficiency in being a specialized long-distance mover gives them a competitive edge.
Safeway delivers informative emails about your estimate after you speak with a representative. It breaks down how they arrived at the quote and plainly explains the additional fees you could have to pay during your move. They also give you the federally required “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, as well as the extremely helpful “Ready to Move? Tips for a Successful Interstate Move” checklist and FAQ sheet from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which showcases their credibility and trustworthiness.
Safeway Moving’s weakest point is their website. It contains little to no information about their services, crews, customization options, operating areas, or prices, as it uses mostly generic language to describe the company. They do have a quick quote tool, too, but it isn’t “quick.” Even if you enter your contact information, it returns with a notification that a representative will be in touch shortly. You’re really not going to get a lot of details about Safeway without giving them a call first, which is why I recommend doing just that.
Safeway Moving came in at just an 8 for basic services as they don’t offer local moving. However, they do specialize in long-distance, interstate, and international moving. Loading and unloading are included in the quote, but full packing and unpacking services will cost you extra.
Safeway also offers climate-controlled storage facilities to customers. The first 30 days are free, but I’ve been offered 45 days for free in the past. You may be able to get the same deal simply by asking. One downside of Safeway to note here is their potentially long delivery times. While other interstate moving companies state your items will be delivered within 21 days, Safeway says it could take up to 30 days.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | No |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Although their website doesn’t break down what you can expect from Safeway Moving during your long-distance move, their emails do. You’ll be able to clearly see what’s included in your price, the estimated volume and weight, and costs for additional services, as well as important contract information. My quote included the basic estimate price, fuel surcharge, basic valuation protection ($0.60 per lb per article up to $10,000), disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture, 30 days of storage, and furniture wrapping. Full-service can also be purchased between $1.00 and $1.50 per cubic foot (the exact price depends on your location and the time of year), and additional storage is $0.50 per cubic foot or a minimum of $200 a month.
A long-distance move between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC, for a 2-bedroom home was estimated at:
- Self-packing option: $3,275
- Full-service option: $3,896
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home and a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
Safeway Moving offers new customers their first-time customer discount. In my experience, this ranges between $200 and $700. Safeway also offers a 5% discount if you mention St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Foundation to your representative, according to their quick quote tool.
Safeway Moving offers most of the solutions homeowners are going to be looking for with their long-distance moves. Assembly and disassembly are included in both self-pack and full-pack solutions while packing materials can be purchased separately or through the full-service solution. Valuation coverage is included in the price, too, at $0.60 per lb per article up to a max protection of $10,000, but customers are welcome to opt for full valuation protection at three deductible levels: $250, $500, and $1,000.
On longer trips, accidents are more likely to happen. However, Safeway has solutions for that. For fragile items, such as antiques and heirlooms, they offer custom-crafted wooden crates to better protect your property as well as fire-retardant packaging options. In fact, Safeway won’t move fragile or delicate items without proper packing during long-distance moves. No items can be loose in the truck. Car shipping, piano moving, and junk removal are also available through this long-distance mover, but they don’t do home staging.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Although Safeway Moving has a 4.2 on Trustpilot as of this writing, they only have a B- rating on the BBB. Reviews on the BBB and Google are mixed. Customers leaving positive reviews on long-distance moves noted that moves of this type can be stressful, but Safeway and their representatives did everything they could to make it go as smoothly as possible. On Yelp, the brand has a low score but also a very low number of reviews. There, customers leaving negative reviews explained that items were lost, insurance policies weren’t honored, and they received poor cost estimates.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B- / 3.8 out of 5 stars | 139 |
| Trustpilot | 4.2 | 39 |
| 4.0 | 223 | |
| Yelp | 1.4 | 66 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Safeway Moving
Customers who left positive reviews for Safeway Moving talk time and time again about the outstanding customer service. Many 5-star reviews actually named the representative who helped them and thanked them for their time, kindness, and attention during their long-distance move.
Most Common Criticism for Safeway Moving
Poor reviews talk mainly to problems with delivery. Items were damaged or completely lost, and claims on insurance policies resulted in little recourse, if anything at all. Others discuss issues with cost estimates and higher, unexpected fees on moving day.
Safeway Moving received a 7 in transparency. We docked some points as they don’t list sample prices on their website, and GPS tracking is only available on some of their trucks. The moving brand did receive some points due to their posted customer service hours, online and over-the-phone booking, clearly listed additional fees, and disclosure of their status as a broker/carrier. Safeway offers binding estimates as well as binding “not to exceed cost” quotes. Binding not-to-exceed moving quotes are similar to binding quotes, but it means if the final cost ends up being higher than their estimate, they can’t collect on the difference. Not many companies offer this option, but it can be a reliable way to avoid unexpected costs for your move.
Safeway does have a “quick quote tool” on their website, too, but there’s nothing fast about it. When you enter your contact information, instead of delivering you an estimate on your move, it lets you know a representative will be in touch shortly. The email you receive after this gives you some details about working with Safeway but still doesn’t contain a quote — you’ll still have to wait for a call.
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
All of the long-distance movers on this list offer a wealth of services, but Moving APT is the only one that earned a perfect 10 out of 10 in both basic services and customizations. For homeowners who need home staging, they’re the brand to call. They work with over 2,500 agents, so you can be sure you’re partnered with the movers that fit your unique needs. In addition, Moving APT serves more countries than any other moving company on this list, which is ideal for long-distance and international moves.
My own experiences with Moving APT have also been fantastic. They have an easy, straightforward quoting process over the phone, and the representative offered me nearly $1,500 in discounts without me even requesting any.
Moving APT is a broker, which can be a double-edged sword. While their over 2,500 agents can supply services all over the country and globe, it’s possible you could be partnered with the “wrong” one. The mover assigned to you may have an average of 2 stars on Google, for example. Or, you might get lucky and be paired with one that has a 4.7 rating.
I also don’t particularly like a majority of their website. Since they’re a broker, they can’t go into a lot of detail about their services and prices, as every partner brand is going to be slightly different. The site does have some helpful tips, but you won’t be able to get the specifics about their moving solutions or use the quick quote tool without entering your contact information.
Moving APT is a moving broker, and they partner with over 2,500 different brands to deliver the services tenants and homeowners need during their long-distance moves. In fact, they’re the only moving company on this list that offers home staging. However, working with brokers can cause complications. Carriers are movers who handle your entire move for you from start to finish. Brokers outsource the job to another company. You may get paired with a mover who has a history of poor communication, 1-star reviews, or mishandled property. I highly recommend asking Moving APT which agent you’ll be partnered with so you can research them ahead of time.
My own experiences with Moving APT, though, have been great so far. Their quoting process took only 10 minutes in total. Other brands, including carriers, kept me on the phone for over 40 minutes. Others made me wait a day for a quote, and others still refused to give me an estimate over the phone, informing me I had to go through a home or virtual assessment. Moving is already a lot of work. When you’re in the early stages of shopping around, it can be refreshing to have an answer to your pricing question so quickly, which is why I quickly warmed to Moving APT.
Where Moving APT doesn’t meet the mark is their website. It contains a lot of tips for moving and an excellent checklist, but it also doesn’t provide in-depth information on the actual services Moving APT offers. This could be due to the fact that they’re a broker, but even some basic details would be helpful. In addition, they have a quick quote tool, but it requires your contact details. Your phone number then needs to be verified before they’ll deliver a quote. In my experience, it may just be faster to call than to use this “quick tool.” Overall, we gave Moving APT an 8.2.
Moving APT landed at a 10 for basic services. With a network of more than 2,500 brokers, they’re equipped to handle just about everything you need, from long-distance moves to international transportation. In fact, they serve over 180 countries, the most out of any company on this list. Loading, unloading, and one month of storage are included in all of Moving APT’s quotes, but packing and unpacking cost extra.
The care your belongings will receive in storage isn’t clear, as every moving partner is likely to use different storage solutions, so be sure to ask your representative ahead of time. For example, you don’t want your fine art to go without temperature control for an extended period, especially when many long-distance moves can take up to 21 days to be delivered. Moving APT’s website may not go into detail about many of the services their partners offer, but it does supply some excellent long-distance moving tips for packing, getting estimates, and more.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Moving APT advises that long-distance moving quotes can fall into a wide cost range, so it’s always a good idea to know how much you’re moving to get a more accurate quote. I went into my call with them with a detailed inventory list and walked away with a number in just 10 minutes. Customers can opt between self-pack and full-pack when working with Moving APT. All moves include disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture, blanket wrapping furniture, basic limited liability protection, and one month of storage. If you choose the full-pack service, you’ll also receive custom packing, packing materials, and crating.
I requested a quote for a long-distance move of 573 miles between Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a 2-bedroom home. Here are the numbers I received for an estimated 5,274 lbs:
- Self-service option: $2,700
- Full-service option (without unpacking): $3,700
- Full-service option with Full Value Protection (without unpacking): $4,522.64
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home and a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
Moving APT offers a very generous three-day pickup window flexibility coupon. On my move, this saved me $1,275.87. As long as you don’t have to move on a single date, you can request this coupon and save quite a bit. They also granted me a 5% coupon discount off the basic price and fuel surcharge ($175.89).
Moving APT is the only mover on my list of best moving companies for long-distance moving to get a perfect 10 in customization. Unlike much of the competition, they offer home staging. This service can be fantastic if you want to attract more buyers to your home and potentially get more money during the sale. Assembly and disassembly of standard furniture are included in all of their quotes, but packing materials can be included in their full-pack service or purchased separately.
Moving APT sends a handy link to your email where you can purchase packing kits, custom boxes, packing tape, and more, so you don’t have to save all of those Amazon and Chewy boxes for your move. Valuation coverage is also included in the quote at $0.60 per lb per article, but you can also purchase additional full-value protection if you require additional coverage. Moving APT’s partners are also equipped to handle piano, antique, and special item moving, as well as car shipping, custom crating, and junk removal.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | Yes |
Scores for Moving APT on trusted review sites are mixed, with a 3.7 on Google and a 3.53 on the BBB as of this writing. They’re currently not on Trustpilot and have a B+ on the BBB, so this landed them at a 7.8 in reputation. This mixed bag of experiences could be largely due to the fact that Moving APT is a broker, and customers have vastly different experiences with the brand’s agents. Customers who had solid experiences said that representatives and crews were careful, friendly, and reassuring. However, on Yelp, where they only have a 1.3, past clients said there was poor communication, higher than expected costs, and serious problems with pickup and delivery that could have been solved easily ahead of time if communication was better. Moving APT does respond to positive and negative reviews on Google.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B+ / 3.53 out of 5 stars | 15 |
| 3.7 | 251 | |
| Yelp | 1.3 | 172 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Moving APT
Positive reviews regularly highlighted a great experience from beginning to end with Moving APT. Crews and representatives were said to be professional, communicative, responsive, and very helpful when questions or problems popped up.
Most Common Criticism for Moving APT
Poor reviews on Yelp explained that moving expenses kept getting tacked onto their initial quote, and by the end of the move, they had more than what they were initially quoted. Many others complained that they were paired with moving companies that were unresponsive and unhelpful.
Out of the moving companies I featured on this list, Moving APT came in the lowest in transparency at just a 5.3. Their website doesn’t feature sample pricing, additional fees that could incur during your long-distance move, or customer service hours. Additionally, their trucks don’t come with GPS tracking, so you won’t have the added peace of mind of knowing exactly where your belongings are, especially during longer transports. Moving APT did get some points, though, thanks to their online and over-the-phone booking options, binding estimates, and disclosure of their status as a moving broker. The company does have a quick quote feature available, too, but customers should note that you’ll have to add your contact information to use. You’ll also have to verify your phone number to get the estimate.
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
JK Moving Services’s quoting process can take a while, but they have an excellent application for your phone that can walk you through things. You’ll be able to upload videos of inventory, schedule a long-distance move, make payments, log inventory, and add, remove, or change customized services. You can even check on the status of your items while they travel.
Another great aspect of JK Moving is their in-house financing. Long-distance moving can be expensive, especially if you’re moving at the last minute. Very few movers offer in-house financing to their customers, so this can be a simple way to afford that last-minute move and not stress about money.
A glaring downside I’ve found when talking with JK Moving is just how much higher their quote was compared to other moving companies’ estimates for the exact same move distance and inventory. JK Moving’s quote was thousands more than the next highest. This could be because of a miscalculation of the weight to be moved, which might be cleared up after a virtual or in-house assessment, but it does make me hesitate.
JK Moving also doesn’t have the lowest transparency on this list (Moving APT does), but it is one of the lowest. They don’t disclose their status as a broker/carrier, and their website features no sample prices or additional fees. This lack of information doesn’t help to clear up the high quote I received when I contacted the brand.
JK Moving Services is our choice for “best customizable moving experience,” and a big reason for this is thanks to their unique app that allows you to schedule, change, and track your move. Not only does this make your long-distance move quoting experience much easier, but it also delivers peace of mind during your move. While some other moving companies do offer apps, theirs just aren’t on par with JK Moving’s program.
Another aspect unique to JK Moving is their in-house financing options. In my experience, very few movers actually offer financing solutions to their customers. Long-distance moves are already expensive, sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars. If you have an unexpected, last-minute move or your move ends up being much more expensive than you budgeted for, this financing option can be an easy way to afford the move and avoid the stress of having to pay a high bill right away.
However, JK Moving Services’s quote was much, much more expensive than other companies’ estimates. Even for the same distance to be moved and the exact same inventory, the quote differed by thousands of dollars and doubled the weight of my belongings. This brand doesn’t post sample pricing on their website, and they didn’t provide me with a breakdown of the quote, so I’m not exactly sure how they arrived at this number. I was advised that I would need to undergo a virtual assessment in order to receive a binding estimate; however, a walkthrough could fix the price discrepancy.
JK Moving Services has been in business since 1982 and has the experience to handle long-distance, interstate, and international moves to over 170 countries around the world. Their website is extremely informative when it comes to their services, including packing, unpacking, storage, and more. JK Moving can handle full-service packing if you want someone to do it all for you, or they can only focus on delicate items with their fragile-only packing solution. Their storage facilities come with humidity and temperature control vaults and 24/7 video security.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
During my secret shopping, I requested both self-pack and full-pack quotes from JK Moving Services. While the company did give me a ballpark estimate, they don’t give out binding estimates without a virtual assessment. This requires the tenant or homeowner to submit 30 to 60 videos of their home and the belongings to be moved. Since they didn’t send me an itemized quote, it’s not entirely clear how much additional services like stairs, bulky items, and pianos would cost customers. I also want to note that JK Moving Services’s quote was much higher compared to other companies. This could be due to a discrepancy in weight estimations, but Moving APT’s weight estimate was not far behind JK Moving’s estimate, yet Moving APT’s quote was much more affordable.
For a two-bedroom home from Mobile, AL, to Dallas, TX, a long-distance move over 588 miles, and with an estimated weight of 6,050 pounds, the representative sent me the following estimates:
- Self-service option: $7,522
- Full-service option: $9,388
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home and a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
For some long-distance moves with JK Moving Services, full-service packing is baked into the price and doesn’t cost extra. It never hurts to ask for additional discounts. Their financing option also starts at a promotional 0% APR if approved (with an APR starting at 3.99% after the promotional period).
JK Moving Services doesn’t offer home staging, but they offer a number of customization services homeowners need for long-distance moves. Customers can mix and match services to fit their unique needs. Disassembly and reassembly of furniture are included in the quote. Gently used boxes from JK Moving are also free, but you are more than welcome to purchase packing supplies or kits if needed. These movers do also offer carrier-based liability at $0.60 per lb, but full replacement valuation is available as well if you want to fully protect your property. JK Moving Services does partner with third-party vendors for car shipping and crating, but they can also assist with piano and antique moving as well as junk removal. As a result, we gave them a 9 in customization.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Thanks to their A+ on the BBB and presence on Trustpilot with a 3.6 as of this writing, JK Moving Services earned a 9 in reputation. However, they only have a single review on Trustpilot. It’s a different story over on Google, where they currently have over 1,300 reviews and an average of 4.5. Testimonials of the brand speak of excellent communication at every point of the move, the care given to their belongings, and professionalism from both the crews and the representatives. Negative reviews, however, show pictures of damaged or poorly packaged items. JK Moving is responsive to all positive reviews on Google but only replies to some 1-star reviews.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 3.89 out of 5 stars | 75 |
| Trustpilot | 3.6 | 1 |
| 4.5 | 1,339 | |
| Yelp | 3.5 | 378 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for JK Moving Services
Customers who had positive experiences with JK Moving Services praise the entire experience from start to finish. They claim there was constant communication from the representatives and crews before, during, and even after the move. Quotes were also on point, and there were no hidden fees on moving day.
Most Common Criticism for JK Moving Services
Complaints on trusted review sites for JK Moving Services showcase photos of damaged, dented, or scratched items and furniture. Some even posted pictures of the items exposed to the elements on the back of the trucks rather than inside the trailer.
JK Moving Services isn’t the lowest on this list for transparency, but they’re one of the lowest. Their website doesn’t showcase sample pricing or clearly listed fees. While the brand does have a quick quote tool on their website, it’s actually not quick. After you enter your contact information, they will let you know that a representative will be in touch with you rather than give you an estimate on their website. This can be frustrating when you just want to know how much an average move with the company costs for your origin and destination.
They also lost some points as they didn’t disclose their status as a broker/carrier, which means JK Moving Services may outsource some of their long-distance moves to partner companies. However, the brand did get some points thanks to their GPS tracking availability on their trucks, online and over-the-phone booking solutions, binding estimates, and posted customer service hours. It’s important to note, though, that JK Moving Services won’t deliver a binding estimate until you complete an in-home or virtual assessment with the company.
Mayflower Moving
4.1
Our Rating
Mayflower Moving’s website definitely goes into detail when it comes to long-distance moving. Their dedicated page breaks down exactly what customers can expect when working with the brand, from packing to storage and beyond. It also explains how Mayflower is equipped to handle longer or interstate moves.
And if you’re really moving long-distance, such as internationally, full packing is included in their quotes. This is to ensure a streamlined customs clearance process, but it can be a great way to save money and time, especially during the chaos of an international move.
One aspect of Mayflower that gives me pause is their lack of reviews. They’re not on Google or Yelp. Their BBB profile is actually owned by their parent company, Unigroup, and as a result, their BBB rating and many of the reviews are actually for Unigroup and their subsidiaries, not just Mayflower. They are on Trustpilot as Mayflower, but at the time of this writing, they’re ranked “poor.”
Every other moving company I’ve spoken to when researching this article delivered a follow-up email. Some included information about their company, others broke down the binding estimate, and others did both. However, with Mayflower, I received nothing, which can make the next steps of a move more complicated than they need to be. In general, I’ve found communication with this mover to be lacking.
Mayflower Moving has been in business since 1927, and thanks to this length of experience, they have a majority of the services and customization options homeowners are going to need when moving long-distance. Their website even has dedicated pages for long-distance and international moves, breaking down exactly what you can expect when working with the company. There are details about their full-packing solutions, storage facilities, technology, representatives, and more. This can provide some great insight when you’re in the beginning stages of getting quotes for your moves. In addition, the Mayflower can help with moves to over 150 countries and has a clear strategy for international moves, including consultation, clearance management, full packing, and personal move plans.
However, reviews for the brand are extremely difficult to find, and the ones that are available don’t paint a pretty picture. This is likely due to the fact that Mayflower is a subsidiary of UniGroup, and a majority of the reviews are actually for UniGroup, not Mayflower, in particular. Communication with Mayflower has also fallen short in my experience. Representatives have not been the most helpful when answering my questions and I haven’t received any follow-up emails to check in about my move, give me more information about my quote, or details about what it’s like working with Mayflower.
Overall, we gave Mayflower Moving an 8.1
In basic services, Mayflower Moving received a 10. As a broker/carrier, they and their partners are able to assist with long-distance, interstate, and international moves. Their website details what you can expect when working with Mayflower, from the quoting process to the move itself. For international moves, they operate in more than 150 countries. Full-service packing and unpacking are available for any move, but full-packing is included in all international moves due to customs requirements. Mayflower also offers short and long-term storage options to customers if their new home isn’t quite ready.
| Service | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Mayflower Moving will only give ballpark quotes over the phone. They won’t give binding estimates or packing costs without a virtual or in-home assessment. However, this ballpark quote can give you a good idea of how much you’ll be spending. There are several moving companies out there that won’t even give you an estimate without an assessment. To schedule a Virtual Survey Assessment, you will have to request one from a brand representative.
For a long-distance move of a two-bedroom home between Mobile, AL, and Dallas, TX, I received the following estimates:
- Transportation without packing: $2,000 to $2,900
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home and a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
As of this writing, Mayflower Moving doesn’t offer customers any specific discounts. However, I fully recommend asking for a lower quote. You can also try to get a better estimate by starting the quoting and booking process as soon as possible, as moves tend to get more expensive the closer you are to your moving date.
Assembly and disassembly of furniture and minimum valuation coverage ($0.60 per lb per article) are included in your quote with Mayflower. For an additional cost, you can also opt for full value protection, but they advise that you record any items that are valued at $100 or more per pound, such as collectibles, artwork, and jewelry. This will help ensure your items have the proper protection if something goes wrong. Packing materials will be included in your quote if you opt for full-packing services, too. Other services Mayflower offers include piano moving, car shipping, antique moving, custom crating, and junk removal. Also, the company has an interesting page where they detail the specialty items they have experience moving and how the items will be cared for. For example, taxidermy mounts will be placed in custom crates. If you have a suit of armor, they also have protective coverings for it. When you’re packing up your life and moving long-distance, knowing your most unique items will be cared for properly can deliver peace of mind.
| Customization Options | Availability (Yes or No) |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Mayflower Moving and their parent company, UniGroup, currently have a B on the BBB and have claimed their profile on Trustpilot (where they have a 2.4 as of this writing). As a result, we gave them an 8 in reputation. Tracking down reviews for this brand, though, is difficult. The brand isn’t on Google or Yelp at the moment. Plus, many of the reviews on the BBB are for their parent company, not specifically Mayflower. On Trustpilot, there are only six reviews. There are testimonials on Mayflower’s website, however, that speak of attention to detail, on-time delivery, and great overall experiences with the brand. Negative reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot, however, state that items were damaged, insurance claims went nowhere, and deliveries were significantly delayed.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 1.3 out of 5 stars | 33 |
| Trustpilot | 2.4 | 6 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Mayflower Moving
Testimonials on Mayflower Moving’s website talk about a great overall experience. Communication was proactive, crews were professional and efficient, and the online process for booking the company was straightforward and easy.
Most Common Criticism for Mayflower Moving
Many of the reviews for Mayflower Moving on the BBB and Trustpilot are poor. These customers complain about significant damage to their belongings and lengthy delays during delivery. They also state trying to get answers to their questions or concerns feels impossible.
According to our criteria, we gave Mayflower Moving a 7.3 in transparency. They received some points thanks to their posted customer service hours, binding estimates, online and over-the-phone booking availability, and disclosure of their status as a broker/carrier. On the other hand, they lost some points as they don’t supply any information about prices, including sample moves or fees that could be tacked onto your final bill for things like stairs, elevators, long carry, or shuttle services. Mayflower does have a quick quote tool, but like JK Moving’s quick quote tool, they don’t give you an estimate right away. They let you know a representative will be in touch, but even though I let them know I preferred email, their follow-up response let me know I’d be receiving a call. However, using the quick quote tool gives you access to the MyMayflower portal, which contains customizable checklists, secure payment options, milestone timelines, and moving documentation.
What To Look for in a Reputable Company for Long-Distance Moving
Reputable long-distance moving companies adhere to all federal and state laws for movers. State and country requirements can vary from location to location. For example, Connecticut law requires movers to adhere to certain statutes and have the correct permits and certificates in order to operate within the state. Always double-check your state’s requirements before hiring a long-distance moving company.
All legitimate moving companies in the United States should:
- Have a USDOT number
- Be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Supply you with a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet
- Give you a copy of your bill of lading
How To Avoid Scams for Long-Distance Moving
Hostage scams, bait prices, no-shows, and mover fraud are all common moving scams. In fact, interstate moves are more likely to be targeted by scams, and there is a network of what many refer to as “rogue operators” that prey on people making long-distance moves. If you believe you were the victim of a moving scam, report the company immediately to your state’s Department of Consumer Protection and the FMCSA.
Common signs of scams include:
- They only accept cash.
- Legitimate moving companies will accept more than just cash, including cash transfers, credit or debit cards, and cashier checks. If the mover only accepts cash or demands more than 50% to place a deposit, it could be a fraudulent company.
- They demand more money after loading and before delivery.
- This is known as a hostage load or scam. It is illegal for companies to hold your items for ransom.
- They don’t have branded trucks.
- All legitimate moving companies will have branded trucks. If they show up with vehicles that don’t have logos, their USDOT number, or other identifying information, they’re likely a scam mover.
- They have a history of complaints.
- Always check the BBB for reviews and complaints regarding the mover. In addition, you can check the FMCSA’s Household Good Program website to see a list of total complaints per year.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
FAQs
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost for Long-Distance Moving?
The average cost of a moving company for long-distance moving is $3,989.50, but every long-distance move is different, and longer distances or more inventory will result in higher prices. Negotiating with your moving company may net you a better price.
Do You Need a Moving Company for Long-Distance Moving?
You need a moving company for long-distance moving because long-distance moves are complex and require advanced planning, especially if you’re moving internationally.
Are Long-Distance Moving Companies Worth It?
A moving company is worth it for long-distance moving for most homeowners as reputable movers are experienced in handling longer moves across state lines or to different countries. However, if you don’t have a lot to move, it may be possible to do it yourself.
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