The 8 Best Interstate Moving Companies (2023)

Whether you’re moving from San Francisco to New York City or are planning a 20-mile relocation that barely crosses the state line, you’ll be in the market for a licensed interstate mover. These movers are unique in that they must comply with federal licensing and accompanying regulations. They are also equipped to handle various moving needs and are the best options for getting you from point A to B.

We’ve done extensive research to make it easy for you to find the interstate moving company that meets your needs and budget. Read on to learn more about our picks for the best interstate movers in the business today and how to be fully prepared for the booking and moving process.

The 8 Best Interstate Moving Companies

Here are our top picks for the best interstate movers in 2023:

• International Van Lines: Our Top Pick
• American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing
• Safeway Moving: Best Overall Moving Broker
• Moving APT: Most Moving Partners
• Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options
• JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience
• U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service
• North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

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Compare the Best Interstate Movers

The following side-by-side comparison of the best moving companies gives you a better idea of what you can expect from each provider.

Company	Our Take	Our Rating	BBB Rating	Local Cost	Interstate Cost
International Van Lines	Our Top Pick	9.8	B	$650 – $1,350	$2,100 – $5,400
American Van Lines	Most Transparent Pricing	9.7	N/A	$550 – $1,100	$2,550 – $5,700
Safeway Moving	Best Flat Rate Pricing	9.6	N/A	N/A	$2,200 – $5,500
Moving APT	Most Moving Partners	9.6	B	Call for a quote	$2,750 – $5,200
JK Moving Services	Most Customizable Moving Experience	9.5	A+	Call for a quote	$2,750 – $6,000
Allied Van Lines	Most Vehicle Shipping Options	9.4	A+	$800 – $1,500	$2,000 – $5,000
U-Pack	Most Widely-Available Container Service	9.3	A+	N/A	$1,350 – $2,400
North American Van Lines	Best Pricing Options	9.2	A+	$800 – $1,500	$2,000 – $5,000

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International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

• Availability: All 50 states
• Service type: Full-service carrier and broker

Why We Recommend IVL

International Van Lines is one of the preeminent brands in the moving industry. With nearly 20 years of experience, IVL has built itself into a nationwide provider that services move as both a broker and a carrier. This allows for an almost unmatched diversity of service throughout all 50 states.

International Van Lines’ calling card is its customer service. Clients consistently report excellent communication and care throughout the moving process, regardless of destination or actual move requirements. With IVL, you can rest assured that you’ll be well-cared for.

Services

International Van Lines can offer clients in all U.S. locations the following services:

• Packing services
• Unpacking
• Storage services (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating for fragile items
• Debris removal
• Auto Transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight

Cost

IVL’s rates are typically a little under industry averages. We’ve analyzed data points from numerous recent moves of varying sizes with them and gotten the following average ranges.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,550 – $4,800	$2,100 – $5,400	$2,300 – $5,600	$2,600 – $6,000
4 BR	$3,600 – $6,800	$5,600 – $9,000	$6,300 – $9,500	$6,800 – $10,000

Read our full IVL review to learn more about moving with this trusted provider.

Get a quote from IVL here.

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American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

• Availability: All lower 48 states
• Service type: Full-service carrier

Why We Recommend AVL

American Van Lines is one of the industry’s most trusted pure moving carriers today. With over 25 years of experience, its highly-trained moving crews are primed and ready to render quality assistance to clients throughout the lower 48 states. Through a service package called the “AVL Advantage,” this quality mover provides flat rates, friendly moving crews, associated staff, and customized moving packages for all who book with them.

American Van Lines’ flat rate pricing sets it apart from many larger movers and shippers. While others offer flat rate pricing, AVL is one of the few to offer it exclusively for all moving packages. This eliminates hidden fees and upcharges and allows for more peace of mind throughout your move.

Services

AVL’s status as a carrier means that it directly handles all moves and associated services. These include the following:

• Residential and commercial moving
• Full-service or partial packing
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Antique moving

Cost

American Van Lines’ flat-rate pricing structure leads to slightly elevated rates. However, they are still well within reason for the service you receive with this mover. The following average ranges reflect typical price points from AVL:

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,900 – $5,200	$2,500 – $5,800	$2,900 – $6,100	$4,600 – $7,900
4 BR	$5,200 – $8,500	$6,100 – $9,400	$8,100 – $11,400	$11,900 – $14,900

Read our full American Van Lines review for more information.

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

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Safeway Moving: Best Overall Moving Broker

• Availability: All 50 states
• Service type: Full-service moving broker

Why We Recommend Safeway

Safeway Moving gets our vote for the best overall broker due to its customer service and communication ability demonstrated at all points in the moving process. Safeway team members are able to render pricing figures fairly quickly, with consistent flat rates making your final bill easy to understand. While it doesn’t directly provide moving services, Safeway’s expansive partner network allows it to provide plenty of diverse basic and add-on services.

Services

Safeway’s partner network can offer clients the following services:

• Packing
• Unpacking
• Packing materials (as a retailer)
• Short and long-term storage
• Piano moving
• Car shipping

Cost

Safeway’s flat rates are all-inclusive, which removes any “sticker shock” or surprises for customers when final bills are rendered. Reviews show that these rates are reliable, with the figures here reflecting typical pricing:

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$2,000 – $5,000	$2,300 – $5,600	$2,400 – $5,700	$2,900 – $6,200
4 BR	$3,500 – $6,800	$5,200 – $7,300	$6,000 – $8,200	$8,500 – $11,900

Read our comprehensive Safeway Moving review for more information.

Get a quote from Safeway here.

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Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

• Availability: All 50 states
• Service type: Full-service moving broker

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT is one of the most prominent move brokers in the country. It began as a small two-truck operation in 1999 and has since expanded to a network of more than 500 individual carriers and local agents spread through all 50 states. This company provides comprehensive provider summaries, making an informed decision far more straightforward for customers. Also, an advantage of Moving APT is the price-matching capability it provides. If you can get a competing offer, this mover will match it.

Moving APT’s numerous partners lend them a nearly unmatched diversity of service. These special offerings will vary between locations, but basic services, such as packing, provision of moving supplies, crating, and furniture protection, will remain similar across locations.

Services

Moving APT and its partners provide the following services to clients everywhere:

• Storage (one free month included with all moves)
• Piano moving
• Car shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies (included for some moves)
• Appliance connection services
• Some furniture disassembly and reassembly

Cost

Moving APT’s price points help to ensure that you’ll never overpay for service. You should peruse its pricing breakdowns for preliminary estimates before getting quotes. An average of $4,800 for a 1,200-mile, two-bedroom move is to be expected when you book with this broker.

Read our full Moving APT review to read up on this high-quality broker.

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

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JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

• Availability: All lower 48 states as a broker. Available as a carrier in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
• Service type: Full-service carrier and broker.

Why We Recommend JK

JK Moving Services has more than 40 years of experience providing service as both a carrier and broker. This mover can provide quality interestate moving assistance to clients across all lower 48 states.

JK’s 24-hour customer service, coupled with unmatched customization ability for moves, is where it shines as a national relocation expert. With a la carte service offerings, moving clients can entirely craft their own experience, eliminating any ambiguity as far as costs are concerned.

Services

JK’s status as both a broker and carrier lends it some flexibility as far as its service profile goes. These services include:

• Local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage options
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance

Cost

JK Moving Services doesn’t provide much in the way of pricing data on its website. The quote process is relatively streamlined for both local and remote clients. An AI-assisted virtual estimate tool leads to accurate pricing data, no matter where you are. For example, a $2,750 – $6,050 price range for a 500-mile, two-bedroom relocation is typical.

Read or full JK Moving Services review for more information on this broker and carrier.

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

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Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

• Availability: All 50 states
• Service Type: Full-service carrier

Why We Recommend Allied

Allied Van Lines has been an industry power player since the early 1930s. With this wealth of experience, it can provide consistently excellent assistance for moves of all sizes. Allied serves all 50 states. You’ve likely seen one of its trademark orange and black moving vans on the road at some point in your travels or day-to-day life. As a trusted moving brand, Allied provides breadth and quality of service that any client can trust.

Allied provides large moving vans for most of its relocations. It can directly carry out plenty of special and oversized shipping needs. This includes everything from large antiques to family vehicles and boats.

Services

Allied can provide the following services to clients across the U.S.:

• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Car shipping
• Boat and specialty vehicle shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• Packing supplies

Cost

Allied Van Lines’ price points are a little above typical rates but are still well within reason for a full-service moving company. Here, we’ve assembled some average price points for moves of varying sizes:

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$2,000 – $5,000	$2,650 – $6,000	$2,950- $6,200	$4,800 – $8,200
4 BR	$3,600 – $6,600	$6,300 – $9,500	$8,200 – $11,600	$12,000 – $15,000

Read our full Allied Van Lines review for more information on what to expect from this provider.

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

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U-Pack: Best Overall Container Mover

• Availability: All 50 states
• Service type: Container provider and shipper

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack is our pick for the best overall container service in the U.S. today. With 240 locations spread throughout all 50 states, you’ll have ready access to DIY or semi-DIY moving assistance wherever you’re located. One aspect of this container provider that makes it unique is the equally cost-effective help it can offer for larger moves. Whether yours is a studio apartment or a four-bedroom home, you’ll be able to come by a reasonably-priced solution from U-Pack.

U-Pack provides a “pay for what you use” pricing structure which is unique among container providers. This applies mainly to its moving trailer offering. When you request a trailer from U-Pack, you’ll only have to pay for the space you use. This is quite different from other similar companies, which will charge flat rates for each vessel you order.

Services Offered

U-Pack’s service offerings are somewhat limited but reliable as a DIY moving solution. They include:

• Your choice of an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer
• Short-term and long-term storage solutions at U-Pack shipping hubs
• Moving help can be hired if needed through the U-Pack site

Cost

U-Pack’s costs are low, even when compared to other container companies. Below are some average rates for service.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$660 – $1,750	$1,300 – $2,400	$1,750 – $2,850	$2,300 – $3,400
4 BR	$880 – $2,000	$2,000 – $3,100	$3,000 – $4,100	$4,500 – $5,600

If you’re planning a DIY move, read our U-Pack review for more information prior to booking.

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

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North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

• Availability: All 50 states
• Service type: Full-service carrier

Why We Recommend NAVL

North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been in business since 1933. Over the intervening nine decades, it has evolved into one of the most expansive and reliable moving networks. It has more than 500 local agents and affiliated carriers throughout the U.S. and can provide nearly unmatched service. Whether your move entails some simple packing or a cross-country car shipment, this mover can help you.

North American Van Lines offers several different pricing options and structures, making it an affordable option for most customers. Its “bottom-line” and “not-to-exceed” budgeting options mean that you’ll receive a price point that won’t move unless your service needs or inventory change. This is a massive incentive for many to book with NAVL.

Services

North American’s basic and specialty services include the following:

• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage

Cost

We’ve analyzed move data from numerous recent NAVL clients and gathered the averages below. You should expect to pay between $2,400 and $5,400 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move, which is pretty reasonable based on current industry averages.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$2,000 – $5,000	$2,650 – $5,900	$3,000 – $6,200	$4,800 – $8,100
4 BR	$3,600 – $6,600	$6,200 – $9,500	$9,000 – $11,500	$12,000 – $14,900

Read our full NAVL review for more information about this widely-available moving company.

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

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How to Pick an Interstate Moving Company

Getting free quotes is necessary to plan a move of any size. Whether you’re moving a studio apartment just over state lines or planning a large house move across the country, getting estimates should be your top priority. This will help you manage your exact moving costs while ensuring you won’t have to pay any hidden fees. Here are a few key points to consider when getting quotes from any mover.

Full Registration

All professional movers must carry a few different forms of registration, which you should ask for during the estimate process. These include the following:

• FMCSA Registration: Interstate moving companies fall under federal jurisdiction and are regulated accordingly. Registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ensures safe conduct and insurance standards for any mover. Such movers have to carry active USDOT and MC numbers as well. These can be used to look up any professional mover’s registration status and complaint history through this link.
• State Registration: Most states have their own regulating body for moving companies. Some will have no requirements besides basic business licensing and a USDOT number. Look into this when booking, and request proof of registration when you get a quote.

Insurance Coverage

All professional moving companies have to meet minimum insurance requirements. Aside from business licensing and vehicle coverage, this includes the following:

• Workers Compensation: This protects your interests if a worker suffers an injury during your move. You could be held liable for damages or medical expenses without such coverage.
• Released Liability Coverage: This provides reimbursement for lost and damaged goods. The industry minimum rate provided is $0.60 per pound per item and can be supplemented with full-value coverage from most moving companies. Note that most movers also have defined windows in which claims are considered valid. You’ll need to report any damage immediately after your move.

Provides Your Required Services

When you draw up your moving checklist during the research process, you’ll want to include a list of all add-ons and basic service requirements your move could entail. When you get quotes, ensure that they have a visual component — a thorough FaceTime or video call is fine — and go over each item on your list with your customer service representative. Packing, crating, vehicle shipping, debris removal, and more should be discussed ahead of time.

Positive Reviews

All moving companies depend on customer reviews to establish the reliability and to land future customers. You should look into reviews from the following sources to verify whether your mover is a credible and honest operator. Social media is becoming an increasingly popular avenue for companies to spread the word via customer testimonials and video reviews.

• Google
• Yelp
• BBB
• Social media

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Find the Best Interstate Moving Company in Your Area

Click on your state for a curated list of the top moving companies.

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What Influences Interstate Moving Costs?

A primary concern when planning a move of any scope is budgeting. Aside from avoiding scams and fly-by-night movers, this is the primary motivator for getting quotes from the best movers in your area. Here are some factors to consider when budgeting ahead of your move.

Learn more: Cheapest Moving Companies

Shipping weight and move distance

These combined factors are used to determine any interstate moving price. These “line haul” fees will require a moving truck weigh-in of some form immediately after your goods are loaded. Most movers will have defined processes for this, which you should inquire about during any quote you receive.

Service requirements

Add-ons like full-service packing or crating will hugely impact your total cost. A full pack could potentially double your expenses for any shorter multi-bedroom home. You should have a list of service requirements drawn up before any in-person or online quote.

Type of move

The three main kinds of moves — full-service, container, and DIY — all come with varied price points. Full-service moves will always be the most expensive option. Such movers will expedite your moving process by handling all your service needs.

Container (or PODS) and DIY relocations will have far more limited service options. You’ll need to handle all labor on your own for these moves. Hiring local movers to help is always an option. However, bear in mind that they will charge a minimum of two to four hours of labor for their services. If you’re hiring movers to move one or two items from your home to a trailer or container, or vice versa, you should budget accordingly.

Season

May through September is the peak of the moving season for any relocation company. If you’re booking movers now, know that you may run into issues about the availability of movers or elevated rates in response to demand.

Advance booking

Booking your move well in advance is always a good idea if you want to avoid some of the hassle associated with moving day and week. Booking your move at least a month ahead of time will almost always give you the requisite buffer to plan your move in as stress-free a manner as possible. Aside from that, you’ll avoid elevated rates or added convenience fees that can come with last-minute booking.

Ease of access

Many movers charge fees for excessive flights of stairs (more than one) or a longer-than-usual distance between their truck and your old or new home. Many large moving companies can accommodate challenging circumstances in this regard via shuttle services, but this will come with a hefty added fee.

Average full-service costs

These average ranges should help you establish pricing expectations before you get quotes:

	1 BR	2 BR	3 BR	4 BR
Local	$1,300	$1,650	$2,200	$3,000
250 mi	$3,000	$4,150	$5,600	$6,600
500 mi	$3,400	$4,500	$6,600	$7,300
1000 mi	$3,850	$4,950	$7,000	$9,200
2000 mi	$4,700	$5,300	$7,400	$9,900
2500 mi	$5,200	$5,600	$7,800	$11,000
3000 mi	$5,600	$6,600	$9,600	$12,500

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How to Prepare for an Interstate Move

Here, we’ve included a basic timeline to help ensure that your interstate move goes smoothly. You’ll find that planning in advance and being generally organized will make sure that moving day is a success.

Eight Weeks

You should begin the research process if you’re lucky enough to have eight weeks of lead time before your move. Look into movers near you that provide interstate service and schedule quotes with all providers who offer your desired range of services.

Take a full inventory of your home at this juncture and begin to pack. At this point, you should be packing between one and four boxes per day, depending on home size.

Six Weeks

Get multiple pricing estimates and compare each. Be sure to obtain written copies of the estimates you’re given, along with a confirmation that the estimates in question are valid for a certain period of time.

Begin packing nonessential goods, like out-of-season clothing, decorations, or similar items.

Four Weeks

Aim to book your move by this time. Once you’ve locked in your moving date with your mover of choice, you should get hard copies of your contract and estimate. Review these with your moving company customer service representative to ensure that all line-item charges are in order.

Continue packing, and arrange to get rid of any items you won’t take with you. At this point, you should begin arranging for all utility services to be transferred to your new address.

Two Weeks

Arrange for any necessary child or pet care on moving day. This could mean scheduling time with a relative or friend to care for them or clearing a single room in your home for them to occupy while your movers are working.

File a change of address form with your local post office, and change your address on any subscriptions, bank documents, or on other relevant places.

Moving Week

You should be packing the last of your nonessential goods by the time moving week begins. At this point, you’ll begin packing essential goods. Aim to leave enough changes of clothing to last through the final few days before your move and enough kitchen utensils to get through the last few meals before your movers arrive.

In the days before your move, pack a moving bag and a couple of boxes of essentials to be placed in your car. These should include the following:

• Changes of clothing
• Some kitchen utensils, plates, and glasses
• Toiletries
• Food
• Identifying documents
• Moving documents
• Laptop
• Cash and checks

Finally, ensure that all furniture and boxes are labeled with their correct destination room in your new home.

Moving Day

Be prepared to conduct a full walkthrough of your home once your movers arrive. During this, indicate which items are coming with you and which items are staying. Also, point out your labeling scheme to your moving crew.

Your moving crew chief will often take a full inventory list on a bill of lading during the loading process for an interstate move. Be sure to get a copy of this upon completion of your load-up.

Ready to start planning your interstate move? Find more tips in this guide by House Method’s Moving Expert Sean Donnelly:

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Final Thoughts

Our experts recommend International Van Lines, American Van Lines, or Safeway Moving Services for all interstate moves. Each of these providers offers several services sure to fit the needs of any relocation, as well as top-notch customer services and pricing.

First and foremost, planning and early booking are the keys to a successful move. This should begin around eight weeks before your state-to-state move. At this point, research movers in your area while compiling your home’s thorough inventory and service lists. Schedule quotes with the best movers in your area, and aim to have several pricing offers in hand five or six weeks ahead of your move date.

Once you have these offers, you should know which movers can adequately service your exact needs. Book your move a month in advance, and procure copies of your ballpark or binding estimate and moving contract when you do. Having these documents will help you ensure that your exact service needs are met at an agreeable price.

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