Allied Van Lines is our pick for the best interstate moving company. The company offers guaranteed binding estimates and transparent pricing, which can help ensure you don’t pay more than your quoted price. Allied also provides 24/7 customer support and lets you reserve your moving date without an upfront deposit, making it a flexible choice for interstate moves.
To choose the best interstate moving companies, we compared providers based on pricing, services, customer reviews, and federal licensing records. We also surveyed 1,000 recent moving customers, focusing on the experiences of those who completed interstate or long-distance relocations. Read on to compare our top moving companies and learn what to expect when planning an interstate move.
Key Takeaways
- Allied Van Lines ranks as the top interstate moving company because of its guaranteed binding estimates and no deposit requirement, making it budget-friendly for upfront costs.
- Interstate moves cost an average of $3,124, with prices varying significantly based on moving distance, home size, and service level.
- In our recent moving survey of 1,000 homeowners nationwide, 85% of respondents who completed an interstate move said their final cost matched their original quote.
Top State-to-State Moving Companies
If you’re moving to another state, choosing the right moving company is a big decision. Here’s a list of the best interstate moving companies in the industry:
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Best Specialized Labor
Comparing Our Top-Rated Interstate Movers
To help you find the best interstate moving company, we researched and ranked each provider based on important factors like customer service, value, reputation, and service offerings. We calculated average moving costs based on roughly 1,000 quotes we requested for two-bedroom moves ranging between 200 and 500 miles. See how our top interstate moving companies compare below.
| Provider | Our Score (Out of 5) | BBB Rating | Average Price | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A+ | $3,520 | None | ||
A+ | $3,601 | None | ||
A+ | $2,273 | $250 | ||
A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | ||
A+ | $2,944 | 20%–30% |
Our Reviews of the Best Interstate Moving Companies
See how our top interstate moving providers stack up against each other, and check out our glossary of key moving terms to brush up on some industry language before you start the research process.
Allied Van Lines
Company Overview
- Doesn’t charge a deposit, helping to lower upfront costs
- Offers 24/7 customer service
- Providers guaranteed rates with transparent pricing
Keep in Mind
- Charges higher prices than some competitors we reviewed
- Some customer reviews mention issues with damaged items and shipment delays
Our Review
With more than 95 years of experience, Allied Van Lines is one of the nation’s most established long-distance moving companies. Its network of more than 300 agents makes it a reliable choice for interstate moves. Unlike many competitors, Allied doesn’t require a deposit to reserve your moving date, making it a good option for budget-conscious customers. The company also offers convenient features such as virtual in-home estimates and online shipment tracking.
Allied provides binding estimates, so you’ll know your total moving cost upfront without hidden fees. While its prices may be higher than some competitors, the company offers a wide range of services, including packing, storage, portable storage containers, military moves, and corporate relocation.
Customer Experiences
To learn more about customer experiences with Allied Van Lines, we read through reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. Generally, customers praise Allied Van Lines for its thorough loading process, which has included covering floors, wrapping furniture, and listing a detailed inventory of all items. However, most complaints mention poor communication, broken items, and delays in shipment.
International Van Lines
Company Overview
- Offers one month of free storage with every move
- Performs moves throughout all 50 U.S. states and across 180 countries
- Allows customers to track their shipments in real-time online
Keep in Mind
- Requires a higher deposit of 25% for most moves
- Charges additional fees for moves that require navigating external stairs and elevators
Our Review
International Van Lines (IVL) specializes in long-distance and international moves, serving all 50 states and more than 140 countries. While it’s our top pick for international relocations, International Van Lines is also a strong choice for interstate moves thanks to perks like a free month of storage with every move, giving customers added flexibility between move-out and move-in dates. The company also offers real-time shipment tracking for domestic moves.
International Van Lines operates as both a carrier and a broker, meaning some moves may be handled by third-party partners through its broker authority, Ocean Star International (USDOT #2247789). While this helps expand scheduling flexibility and service availability, it can also lead to inconsistent service. Before booking, ask your relocation coordinator whether your move will be handled by International Van Lines or a partner company.
Customer Experiences
We looked at online reviews to learn more about customer experiences with International Van Lines. Most customers praise the company for its transparent prices, quality work, and stress-free operation. On the other hand, most complaints talk about the company’s role as a broker, which sometimes results in unresponsive agents, broken items, and unreliable sub-contractors.
JK Moving Services
Company Overview
- Charges a lower-rate $250 deposit
- Provides modern features like GPS tracking and climate-controlled storage
- Offers financing options on its website through Enhancify
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer local moves outside of the greater Washington, D.C. area.
- Has fewer years of industry experience than companies like Allied Van Lines
Our Review
JK Moving Services is one of the best full-service moving companies in the industry, partially because of its convenient, modern features. The company has a fleet of GPS-enabled trucks that allow customers to keep tabs on their belongings at all times. It also offers climate-controlled storage options with video surveillance and motion sensors for optimal security.
JK Moving doesn’t perform local moves outside of the greater Washington D.C. area, which could affect interstate moves if traveling a distance of 50 miles or less. JK Moving is a carrier, not a broker, so it doesn’t outsource any moves to other companies and only uses its own trucks and drivers.
Customer Experiences
We found that many customers generally praise JK Moving Services for its friendly employees, fast service, and communication. However, most complaints mention broken items and negligence from moving crews.
North American Van Lines
Company Overview
- Has more than 90 years of experience in the moving industry
- Has an intuitive website with helpful resources, like a mover checklist, relocation cost calculator, and virtual move survey
- Offers unique estimate options, including bottom-line pricing, guaranteed not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing
Keep in Mind
- Has fewer customer reviews than some competitors
- Offers limited storage options in certain service locations
Our Review
North American Van Lines has been in business for more than 90 years, making it another experienced mover on our list. North American Van Lines offers local, out-of-state, and international moves. The provider stands out for its ample service options and helpful website tools, including a moving cost calculator. However, its limited customer reviews across multiple branches don’t paint a very big picture of the company as a whole, especially considering it’s been in business for so long.
Still, the company’s most beneficial perk is its pricing options. Unlike many other providers we’ve reviewed, North American Van Lines offers customers bottom-line pricing, guaranteed not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing options to budget for their move. Several cost factors go into interstate moves, so these types of estimates can help protect customers from any surprise charges at the end of the process.
Customer Experiences
Although North American Van Lines has fewer customer reviews overall when compared to other movers, we still managed to learn more about the overall customer experience. Most customers like North American Van Lines for its convenient pricing options and employees. However, complaints talk about damaged items and long wait times to receive shipments, leading to mixed reviews on most third-party sites.
Safeway Moving Inc.
Company Overview
- Includes up to 30 days of free storage for all long-distance moves, including those across states
- Offers transparent, flat-rate pricing
- Provides USDOT, Florida state registration, and motor carrier numbers on its website
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer pricing information online
- Not as many years of industry experience as some competitors on our list
Our Review
Safeway Moving Inc. is one of the newer companies on our list, but it still offers quality service. A standout feature we like is that Safeway displays its USDOT, Florida state registration, and motor carrier numbers on its website, offering full transparency to potential customers. Safeway also offers flat-rate binding estimates, meaning the quote you get for your move is what you’ll pay—no more, no less.
Much like International Van Lines, Safeway gives customers 30 days of free storage with the purchase of a long-distance interstate move, which is a benefit for homeowners navigating a tricky timeline between moving out of their old home and into a new one. However, if you are considering Safeway for your move, go straight to the Safeway Moving Inc. website. If you just do a quick Google search for “Safeway moving,” you may see other companies like Safeway Move, Safeway Moving Systems, and Safeway Movers, which are all separate entities.
Customer Experiences
Safeway Moving Inc. has generally positive online reviews. Customers praise Safeway for its fast and efficient employees, sturdy packing and wrapping jobs, and overall professionalism. However, most complaints talk about long wait times for shipments to arrive and difficulties with communication.
What Services Do Interstate Movers Offer?
The interstate moving companies on our list offer loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking services. However, each provider has its own list of specialty services, which may come in handy if you have any unique items.
Check out the table below to see how the best interstate moving companies compare based on available services.
| Specialty Service | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines | JK Moving Services | International Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly and reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Junk removal | ✔ | ✔ | – | ✔ | – |
| Appliance and electronics disconnection | ✔ | ✔ | – | – | – |
| Antique and specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
How Much Does an Interstate Move Cost?
The average cost of an interstate move is $3,124, which we determined by analyzing more than 1,000 moving quotes from across the country. Unlike local movers, which typically charge by the hour, interstate moving companies usually base their pricing on the total weight of your belongings. Your total cost will vary based on the distance of your move, the size and weight of your shipment, and any additional services you buy.
For a more in-depth look at interstate moving costs, compare each provider’s average rates below.
| Moving Company | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| Allied Van Lines | $3,000 |
| International Van Lines | $1,890 |
| JK Moving Services | $1,916 |
| North American Van Lines | $1,375 |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | $2,625 |
Moving Cost by Home Size
The size of your home is one of the biggest factors affecting moving costs. Larger homes typically cost more to move because they require transporting heavier shipments and more belongings. Use the table below to compare general moving costs across different home sizes.
| Home Size | Average Moving Cost |
|---|---|
|
1 bedroom |
$2,356 |
|
2 bedrooms |
$2,437 |
|
3 bedrooms |
$3,450 |
|
4+ bedrooms |
$6,382 |
Multi-Day Moves
Long-distance moves often take multiple days to complete, especially for cross-country relocations. Longer trips can increase labor costs, fuel expenses, and other transportation fees. When comparing quotes, ask each moving company whether your move is expected to take more than one day and whether those costs are included in the estimate.
Additional Moving Services
Most interstate moving companies offer more than just loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings. Optional services like packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, appliance installation, and specialty-item moving can add to your final bill. If you’re looking to save money, consider packing your belongings yourself and hiring movers only for the transportation and heavy lifting.
Homeowner Insights
In our recent survey of 1,000 homeowners nationwide, professional packing was the most popular add-on service, with 50% of interstate movers purchasing it. Other common add-ons included packing supplies (41%) and temporary storage (28%).
How To Save Money on an Interstate Move
You can lower your out-of-state moving costs with a few simple strategies.
- Compare multiple quotes: Get estimates from at least three moving companies to compare pricing and services.
- Declutter before moving: Companies often price interstate moves based on shipment weight or volume, so donating or selling unwanted items can help reduce your costs.
- Pack yourself: Professional packing is convenient but expensive. Packing your own boxes can significantly lower your moving bill.
- Ask about discounts: Some movers offer savings for military members, veterans, students, seniors, or AAA members, though you may need to ask.
- Flexibility with moving dates: Moving during the off-season or on weekdays may help you secure a lower rate than peak summer weekends.
Homeowner Insights
While many homeowners worry about surprise charges, our recent moving survey found that 85% said their final moving bill matched their original quote. Comparing multiple estimates, providing an accurate inventory, and asking whether your estimate is binding can all help minimize unexpected costs.
Other Moving Options for an Interstate Move
A full-service moving company handles nearly every aspect of your move, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and sometimes unpacking. However, if you’re looking to save money or don’t mind doing some of the work yourself, consider one of these alternatives.
Moving Containers
Portable moving container companies, like PODS and U-Pack, deliver a container to your home so you can pack at your own pace. Once you’re finished, the company transports the container to your new home or stores it until you’re ready for delivery. This option offers more flexibility than a traditional moving company and can cost less if you’re willing to handle the packing and loading yourself.
Self-Truck Rentals
Renting a moving truck is typically the most affordable option for an interstate move. Companies like U-Haul and Budget let you choose a truck size and move on your own schedule, but you must handle packing, loading, driving, and unloading your belongings. This option works best for smaller moves or anyone comfortable driving a large moving truck and handling the physical labor.
How Are Interstate Moving Companies Regulated?
Federal regulations help protect consumers during interstate moves. Here’s a quick look at some of the most important regulations you should know about before booking your interstate move.
- Licensing: Interstate moving companies must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to operate legally across state lines. Before booking, verify the company’s USDOT registration through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If a mover can’t provide a valid USDOT number, consider it a red flag.
- Weight tickets: Many interstate movers base their pricing on the weight of your shipment. Federal regulations require these companies to obtain certified weight tickets, and you can request a copy if you have questions about your final bill.
- “Your rights and responsibilities” booklet: Federal law requires interstate movers to provide the FMCSA’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” before you move. The guide explains moving estimates, valuation coverage, dispute resolution, and your rights as a customer. We recommend reading this document in its entirety before booking a move or signing any contracts.
- 110% rule: If you receive a non-binding estimate, federal law limits what the mover can collect at delivery to 110% of the estimated cost, even if the final charges are higher. If you receive a binding estimate, you generally pay the agreed-upon price unless you request additional services or make changes to your move. Understanding the difference between these estimate types can help you avoid unexpected charges.
Insights From Real Interstate Moving Customers
We recently surveyed 1,000 homeowners who hired professional full-service movers within the past two years to better understand their moving experiences. Here’s what respondents who completed an interstate or long-distance move reported about moving day.
- A crew of two to four movers: About 84% of homeowners said their moving crew consisted of two to four movers. Larger homes or moves involving specialty items may require additional crew members.
- One moving truck: Nearly 69% of respondents completed their move with a single truck. However, larger homes or shipments may require two or more trucks, so ask whether additional vehicle fees are included in your estimate.
- A full walkthrough before loading: Your crew will typically inspect your home, confirm your inventory, identify fragile or high-value items, and answer any last-minute questions before loading begins.
- Items loaded strategically: Movers generally load heavier furniture and boxes first, followed by lighter or more delicate belongings. This helps maximize truck space while protecting your possessions during transit.
- Final paperwork before departure: Before the truck leaves, you’ll review and sign the required paperwork, including your inventory and bill of lading. Keep these documents handy until your belongings have been delivered and inspected.
Advice From a Moving Customer
Interstate moves often involve transporting your belongings hundreds or even thousands of miles, making it important to protect valuable items. In our survey of recent interstate movers, 52% purchased full value protection, also known as valuation coverage, for their move.
We also spoke with Alexus B., who completed an interstate move from Georgia to Texas using a 20-foot U-Haul truck with an auto transport trailer. She found driving the truck easier than expected but recommends having extra help available for loading and unloading. During the move, her vehicle sustained minor damage while being transported, requiring her to file a claim for repairs.
Alexus’s experience is a reminder to review your coverage options before moving day. Whether you’re hiring professional movers or renting a truck, understanding what is and is not covered can help you avoid unexpected expenses if your belongings or vehicle are damaged during the move.
FAQs about Interstate Moving Companies
How far in advance should I book an interstate move?
We recommend booking an interstate move at least four months in advance whenever possible. This gives you more time to compare quotes, secure your preferred moving date, and avoid peak-season availability issues. If you’re moving during the summer, booking even earlier can help you find better rates and more scheduling options.
How accurate are interstate moving estimates?
In our recent moving survey, 85% of interstate movers said their final moving cost matched their original quote. To reduce the risk of unexpected charges, request a binding estimate and provide your mover with a complete inventory of your belongings.
What is the cheapest time of year to move interstate?
The cheapest time to move is typically late fall through early spring, when demand is lower. January and February often offer some of the best rates. If possible, avoid moving during the busy summer season, when prices and demand tend to be highest.
Do I need moving insurance for an interstate move?
Moving insurance can provide additional protection if your belongings are lost or damaged during transit. While interstate movers include basic liability coverage, many homeowners choose full value protection for expensive or fragile items such as electronics, artwork, and family heirlooms.
How We Ranked the Best Interstate Moving Companies
To fairly and thoroughly evaluate moving companies, we developed a 100-point rating system grounded in real customer feedback, regulatory data, and hands-on testing. We gathered quotes, verified licensing and safety records, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and even conducted secret shopping to get a full picture of the customer experience. Each company was scored across six essential categories and then given a final rating out of 5 stars.
Our Rating Methodology
We used a 100-point scale to rank moving companies according to the most important factors customers consider when booking a move, which we then converted into 5-star ratings for each company. Learn more about the categories we looked at during our review:
- Here’s how we broke down our review:
- Customer service (18%): We read more than 7,500 reviews on Google Reviews, the BBB, and Trustpilot, surveyed more than 3,000 recent customers, and tested each company’s website and support team ourselves. Companies earned higher marks for having clear communication, responsiveness, and a helpful, user-friendly online experience.
- Reputation (14%): We verified that each mover has proper licensing through the USDOT and checked FMCSA safety records, specifically truck maintenance data. We also gave extra credit to companies that publicly commit to background-checking their crews, showing they prioritize customer safety.
- Value (18%): Using real quotes for 3-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles, we compared average prices across providers. We also considered whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they have a clear and simple billing process.
- Service offerings (19%): We evaluated the range of services available, from packing and unpacking to piano moving and junk removal. Movers that offer more options, including do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions like portable storage, scored higher for flexibility and convenience.
- Item protection (20%): We reviewed each company’s insurance offerings and how well they prevent damage during the move. Higher scores went to movers that offer full-value protection and use best practices like shrink wrap, padding, and floor guards.
- Scheduling (11%): We assessed how easy it is to request a quote, speak to a representative, and manage a move from start to finish. Companies with multiple contact options, digital tools like apps or customer portals, and streamlined booking processes stood out from the rest.
