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Leap into adventure mode—it’s time to move across state lines and start your life in a new part of the country. But we know that with all that excitement comes anxiety, especially if you’re taking a big step and moving cross country. Luckily, there are many interstate moving companies with decades of experience that are experts at long-distance moving.
When looking for an interstate moving company, pay special attention to criteria like where each company operates—not every company serves all 50 states. Also, take a look at the services each company offers to see how they can make your lives easier; some provide nice-to-haves like packing and unpacking, debris removal, and vehicle transport. Finally, get out your reading glasses and check out some reviews to help you decide. Most moving companies have been in operation for multiple decades, meaning that there are plenty of customers out who have plenty to say about their experience.
Best Interstate Moving Companies of 2023
- Best Overall: United Van Lines
- Best Tracking Options: Atlas Van Lines
- Best for Corporate Moves: Allied Van Lines
- Best for Small Moves: Mayflower
- Best for Specialized Moves: Wheaton World Wide Moving
- Best for Large Moves: PODS
- Best for a Tight Budget: JK Moving
- Best for Long-Distance Moves: Colonial Van Lines
- Best for Self-Service Moves: U-Pack
- Best for Last-Minute Moves: Bellhop
Best Overall : United Van Lines
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United Van Lines
- Nationwide Availability: 50 states
- Moving Options: Local, long-distance, international
- Type of Quote: Binding
Personal move coordinator
Customizable full-service packages
Accommodates a wide variety of moves
Additional cost to secure exact delivery date
Full Value Protection costs extra for standard moves
United Van Lines is a true full-service mover, providing nearly any type of service you could ask of a mover when looking to book an interstate moving company. Before you’re even on the road, United Van Lines is there to help you with the packing and unpacking of your belongings, removing debris or all the items you’re not taking with you, and providing storage options for belongings that you want to keep but won’t have space for in your new place. Once your United Van Lines driver is on the road, you can track their progress and plan for their arrival. United Van Lines also offers item protection for its moves, meaning the company will replace or repair any items that were damaged or lost in transit.
Start your move with United Van Lines by requesting a quote online, and put in requests for any additional services you might need to make your interstate move easier (including car shipping) if you’re unable to drive to your new home. From a thorough first quote to the ability to track your driver, United Van Lines is with you every step of the way, from start to finish. It’s no wonder the company wrote, “We take care of it all” on its online homepage.
Best Tracking Options : Atlas Van Lines
- Nationwide Availability: 50 states
- Moving Options: Local, long-distance, international
- Type of Quote: Binding and non-binding
Accessible tracking via desktop or mobile device
Instant quote
Transparent driver information
Item protection costs extra
Hard to obtain packing materials through Atlas
One of the worst feelings in the world is not knowing where your stuff is and who may have it. If you book your interstate move through Atlas Van Lines, you won’t have that problem. Atlas goes above and beyond to provide you with comprehensive order tracking details. Log in to easily access details like the status of your move, your moving schedule—complete with your pickup date and your delivery date—and your professional van operator’s biography, photo, and recent reviews. You can even sign up for email and text notifications. Atlas also provides many other useful services as a full-service mover.
Get started with Atlas by requesting an instant quote online, giving the company a call, or contacting a local Atlas mover in your area. If you go the Instant Quote route, be ready to provide details like where you’re moving, your preferred contact information, and your preferred timeline. With this information, Atlas will be able to match you with the moving company closest to you in no time.
Best for Corporate Moves : Allied Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
- Nationwide Availability: 50 states
- Moving Options: Local, long-distance, international
- Type of Quote: Binding
Can help relocate employees anywhere in the world
Innovative corporate move tracking options
Lump sum customized move packages
No 24/7 customer service option
Website is hard to maneuver
Allied is the largest provider of corporate and relocating services and is confident in its abilities to help move an office and/or its employees to anywhere in the world. The company offers a 24/7 tracking tool, perfect for keeping a real-time eye on where your work equipment is. It also works with employees who were given a lump sum relocation package, allowing you to create a custom moving package according to your relocation budget.
To get started with Allied, fill out the corporate relocation services form online with the services you need, your contact information, your timeframe, number of employees, and geographic scope of your move. Whether you’re being relocated as part of your job or you were put in charge of moving your company to a new headquarters, Allied Van Lines has plenty of corporate moving options available to make your life easier, no matter what your destination is.
Best for Small Moves : Mayflower
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Mayflower Movers
- Nationwide Availability: 46 states
- Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international
- Type of Quote: Binding
Dedicated small moves program
Full Value Protection included
Long- and short-term storage options
Shared transport with other customers’ belongings
Chat bot only responds to prewritten prompts
Mayflower operates a small moving program called Snapmoves, which combines all the company’s full-service moving benefits into an affordable package catered to those who have a more minimalist approach to stuff. Snapmoves is perfect for people who are moving out of a one- to three-bedroom apartment, one-bedroom house, or dorm room or need to vacate a storage unit. Each Snapmoves quote includes Full Value Protection, which will compensate customers if their belongings are damaged during the moving process through repairs or replacements. The quote also includes the cost of having a personal move coordinator; the loading, transport, and unloading of your items; disassembly and reassembly of bed frames; furniture placement; and more. Plus, if you’re on the brink of qualifying for a small move, you can always take advantage of Mayflower’s plethora of storage options.
Request your Snapmoves quote online in just a few minutes by providing your current and future ZIP codes, your ideal move-in date, and the size of your current place. Worried that Mayflower doesn’t service your area? Good news: United Van Lines is owned and operated by the same company and serves all 50 U.S. states.
Best for Specialized Moves : Wheaton World Wide Moving
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Wheaton World Wide Moving
- Nationwide Availability: 50 states
- Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international
- Type of Quote: Non-binding
Will move both residential and commercial specialty items
Exact scheduling
Locally owned and operated
Additional paperwork for extraordinary items
Must pay in full prior to unloading of items
Not all moves are created equal. Sometimes, you’re tasked with moving extra special or atypical belongings like your grandmother’s antique armoire, or heavy machinery like a bulldozer. Luckily, Wheaton World Wide Moving’s specialized moving services are some of the best in the business that can cover these types of items and carry them across the country. You can find a comprehensive list of what constitutes a specialty item and the ones it covers—both for personal and commercial moves.
Wheaton World Wide Moving is able to complete moves in 95 percent of the U.S., so you can feel confident about asking the company for help with your specialized interstate move. Get started by requesting an estimate online. A local agent will be in touch to schedule an in-person or virtual estimate with you soon. You can also receive an instant ballpark estimate by filling out a short form on the company’s website.
Best for Large Moves : PODS
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Pods Moving
- Nationwide Availability: 46 states
- Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international
- Type of Quote: Non-binding
Three different container sizes
Multiple off-site storage options
Free Moving and Storage Calculator
Inconvenient for apartment dwellers
Containers don’t come with locks/security device
For those who believe in a maximalist life of “more is more,” PODS may be your choice for an interstate moving company. They offer three different storage container sizes (8 feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet) that you can load and unload at your leisure. PODS container rental fees are billed monthly, giving you plenty of time to complete your move. Because let’s be honest, if you're tasked with unloading a large load, it’s nice to not feel rushed. PODS also offers storage in the company’s climate-controlled facilities, so if you’re needing to downsize, you have that option available.
If you’re unsure what size container would be the most appropriate for you, the PODS website has a free tool to help you calculate what container would be best for your items. Then, simply complete a quote request for your upcoming move online and start packing. Once your container arrives, you can start loading it whenever, and the PODS team will come get it once it’s finally time to move. Easily store your containers before or after transport in your driveway or a parking lot, which gives you unlimited access to your items even after they’re packed.
Best for a Tight Budget : JK Moving
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JK Moving Services
- Nationwide Availability: 50 states
- Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international
- Type of Quote: Non-binding
0% financing available
Won’t affect your credit score
24/7 customer support
Deposit required
Difficult to book a self-service move
JK Moving isn’t joking; no matter your budget, the company is passionate about helping you with your interstate move. Available in all 50 states, JK Moving partners with Enhancify to finance your interstate move and transform the sticker price into low monthly payments. You can submit an application and in just 60 seconds see a list of rates and know if you qualify for financing—including 0 percent financing—without affecting your credit score. The moving process itself is also seamless with JK Moving, with GPS-enabled trucks and 24/7 video surveillance for storage to ensure a worry-free experience for your interstate move.
Before you apply for financing, submit a JK Moving quote right on the company’s website. Provide the standard information like where you’re moving, how many bedrooms you have, and when you’d like to hit the road. After you submit, JK Moving’s 24/7 customer support team will work on creating your estimate for your interstate move.
Best for Long-Distance Moves : Colonial Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
- Nationwide Availability: 48 states
- Moving Options: Long-distance
- Type of Quote: Binding
Over 50 years of long-distance moving
Free self-service moving app
Registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA)
Extra charge for carrying items up/down stairs
Does not service Alaska or Hawaii
Colonial Van Lines has been committed to providing quality service for long-distance moves for over 50 years in the continental U.S. And since long-distance moves are all Colonial Van Lines does, the company has had a lot of practice to get them right. In addition to getting your items where they need to go in a timely manner, Colonial Van Lines is committed to providing customers with a sleek user experience. The company’s industry-first moving service app allows customers to submit a virtual estimate, create a virtual inventory, order boxes, and more. Plus, its registration with the FMSCA and Department of Transportation ensures that you’re getting the safest transportation as you move across state lines.
The mascot of Colonial Van Lines’ website, Mover Bob, can calculate the cost of your move in just a few minutes. Just type in your current ZIP code and your future ZIP code, tell Mover Bob how big your place is and what day you’d like to move, and enter your contact information before you submit. In no time, Colonial Van Lines will get in touch with you to plan your long-distance move.
Best for Self-Service Moves : U-Pack
- Nationwide Availability: 50 states
- Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international
- Type of Quote: Non-binding
Dependable transit that completes your move within a week
Only pay for the space you use
No paying for fuel
Limited size options for equipment
Guaranteed on-time delivery costs extra
U-Pack gives the power back to the customers by providing a simple-to-understand self-service moving solution. U-Pack will provide you with the right amount of moving equipment you need to fit all of your belongings (trailer or moving container) and give you plenty of time to load at your leisure before your big day. You’ll have up to three days to load up and up to three days to unload too, giving you much more freedom. Then, when moving day arrives, a U-Pack driver will step into the driver’s seat and take it from there.
To get started, make your reservation online and wait for your trailer or containers to arrive. And lucky you, U-Pack services all 50 U.S. states. The best part is that you’re only charged for the amount of space you actually end up using. So, even if you have only two cubic feet left in your U-Pack trailer after loading up your stuff, you can bet your bottom dollar that it’ll be deducted from your bill.
Best for Last-Minute Moves : Bellhop
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BELLHOP
- Nationwide Availability: 25 states
- Moving Options: Local and long-distance
- Type of Quote: Binding and non-binding
Schedule your move online in under 15 minutes
Can execute same-day moves
No deposit required
May not serve your area
Can’t pay in cash or check
Bellhop should be your first call if you have to move (figuratively) at a moment’s notice. Because when life happens, you have to act. Luckily, Bellhop is an expert at pulling off last-minute moves in 25 U.S. states. The company’s website is also incredibly easy to maneuver, meaning you won’t waste any precious seconds trying to find your way around. In addition to being able to accommodate last-minute requests, Bellhop movers will help you load and unload all of your stuff.
You can book your last-minute move online in under 15 minutes or by giving them a call. Bellhop doesn’t even need an in-home estimate to confirm they can move your stuff—just spend a few minutes entering your items into your personal online dashboard.
Final Verdict
Many moving companies would love to help you move out of state. But United Van Lines leads the pack. Not only can the company handle any size of move, but it also operates in all 50 states and can accommodate international moves as well. Plus, your items will be extra protected, thanks to United Van Lines’ tracking options and Moving Protection coverage, which are included in each and every one of their initial quotes.
Compare the Best Interstate Moving Companies
Company | Nationwide Availability | Packing & Loading Options | Vehicle Relocation? | Tracking Option? | Type of Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
United Van Lines | 50 states | Full service, partial service, and/or self-service | Yes | Yes | Binding |
Atlas Van Lines | 50 states | Full service, partial service, and self-service | Yes | Yes | Binding and non-binding |
Allied Van Lines | 50 states | Full service, partial service, and/or self-service | Yes | Yes | Binding |
Mayflower | 46 states | Full service, partial service | Yes | Yes | Binding |
Wheaton World Wide Moving | 50 states | Full service, partial service, and/or self-service | Yes | Yes | Non-binding |
PODS | 46 states | Partial service, self-service | Yes | No | Non-binding |
JK Moving | 50 states | Full service, partial service, and self-service | Yes | Yes | Non-binding |
Colonial Van Lines | 48 states | Full service, partial service, and self-service | Yes | Yes | Binding |
U-Pack | 50 states | Self service | Partial - motorcycle | Yes | Non-binding |
Bellhop | 25 states | Full service, partial service | No | No | Binding and non-binding |
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Interstate Moving Company
Before you start your search for an interstate moving company, you should have a few criteria in mind, including, but not limited to the price, moving company charges, availability of the moving company, and reputation of the moving company.
Price
Price is the most black-and-white of factors when choosing an interstate moving company. You can either afford a moving company or you can’t. It’s also incredibly easy to obtain prices from a moving company and compare prices between multiple moving companies. Going into your search with a hard number in mind allows you to rule out nonstarters early on in your search and dig into the nitty-gritty details.
Availability
There are a lot of interstate moving companies out there, but unfortunately, not all of them can assist you with your move. Some companies only operate in part of the U.S., and some companies will simply be already booked on the date you’d most like to move. However, you can maximize availability by providing moving companies with a date range that you’d be comfortable moving within. The more days you provide and the earlier you plan ahead, the less likely a moving company is to be already booked. On the bright side, many interstate moving companies operate nationwide, meaning they have crew members and affiliates all across the country.
Reputation
We know, putting your trust in a company you’ve never used before is a tough thing to ask, especially when you’re tasked with trusting them with your personal belongings. It’s important to read up on how an interstate moving company operates and treats its customers. Luckily, learning about an interstate moving company’s reputation isn’t super difficult. Many websites publish former customer testimonials directly to their website. The downside of these testimonials, however, is that they were most likely hand-selected by the moving company to feature. To get the full scope of a company’s reputation, look to see if it won any awards for customer service, read its Google and Facebook reviews, and research how long it has been in business.
What Impacts the Cost of an Interstate Move?
Two primary factors impact the cost of an interstate move. The first factor is the distance between your current residence and your future residence. The larger the distance, the more time your moving company has to spend on the road and the less time they have to take on other jobs for other customers.
The second factor that is likely to impact the cost of an interstate move is the level of service you require. Full-service moves will cost more since they require more labor during the move—for example, loading your belongings, unloading your belongings, and assembling your furniture. If you opt for a self-serviced move, it’ll cut your costs, but you’ll have more work to do.
How to Prepare for an Interstate Move
Let’s be honest. It’s incredibly daunting to move to a different state, especially if you’ve never lived in that part of the U.S. before. But before you freak out, consider taking it one step at a time. Tackling your interstate move in stages versus all at once is not only good for your mental health, but it’s also practical.
- Book your move. You may be thinking “duh,” but in the hubbub of your needing to relocate, booking a moving company may fall down your list of priorities by accident. The sooner you can get your move on the books, the more mental space you’ll have for your other moving priorities—like parting with neglected belongings.
- Sort your belongings. There’s no point in paying extra for boxes that you end up filling with stuff you don’t actually want to keep. This is the time to practice tough love with yourself. Do you really need to keep your dried-up senior-year prom corsage? Probably not. And when was the last time you donated clothes? It’s probably about that time. Create piles of things you need to throw away and give away.
- Get rid of things you don’t use. Whether you need to make a run to Goodwill or take a trip to the landfill, the sooner you rid your apartment of clutter, the better. Plus, you’ll have more room to store boxes. If you’ve already decided on a moving company, see if they offer storage options or debris removal. That’s one less thing you’ll have to concern yourself with!
- Create a packing schedule. We all say, “We’ll get to it,” but do we ever not pack last-minute? You don’t need that stress. Take out your phone or rip out a sheet of notebook paper and write down when you’re going to pack, down to the minute. We recommend adopting a strategy: pack up room by room or pack your least-used items first and your most-used items last. The key is to stick to the plan you’ve created.
- Patch up your place. This is a bigger deal if you’re a renter versus a homeowner, but regardless, it’s good to survey your place and see if there are any glaring repairs you can take care of before turning in your keys. If you’re a renter, fixing up any dings and dents will increase your chances of getting your deposit back. For homeowners, small repairs can speed up the selling process and increase the value of your home.
- Submit a change-of-address notice. This is super easy to do, but it’s best to get it out of the way before moving day so you don’t have any mail hiccups at your new residence. Simply go to usa.gov/post-office to get started.
- Hit the road! That’s all she wrote for now. View additional preparation tips here.
Types of Interstate Moving Companies
There are three different types of interstate moving companies, characterized by the level of service they provide to customers: full-service movers, partial-service movers, and self-service movers.
Full-Service Movers
Full-service movers do it all—and more! A full-service moving company will handle the loading, transport, and unloading of your items with a few nice-to-have luxuries like moving protection, tracking services, and furniture placement. Companies also offer many add-on services like packing, unpacking, debris removal, storage, and vehicle transport to help cover all your bases. While full-service movers typically cost the most, the services they provide to their customers leave little to be desired when it comes to an interstate move.
Partial-Service Movers
Partial-service movers offer the services of a full-service move, but at a lower price due to a smaller-than-standard sized move, like for a small loft. Some moving companies have dedicated small moves programs that operate under a company umbrella, like Mayflower and United Van Lines, both of which operate Snapmoves, a small moves solution. In some cases, a partial-service move may also refer to a military relocation, where responsibilities are split between a moving company and the government. Many moving companies note whether or not they accommodate military moves right on their website.
Self-Service Movers
Self-service movers handle the actual moving of your items. They’ll happily drive your belongings from your old home to your new home, but other responsibilities like packing, loading, and unloading are up to you to complete. Self-service movers are typically the most cost-effective and provide a no-frills professional transport service to their customers. Some popular self-service movers include U-Pack and PODS, both of which provide you with a truck and storage container for loading and unloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Interstate Move?
An interstate move refers to a move that requires you (and your movers) to cross state lines. It can be as simple as moving from Des Moines, Iowa, to Kansas City, Missouri, which is under 200 miles. It can also encompass much larger, cross-country moves, like moving from San Francisco, California, to Washington, D.C.—a whopping 2,800 miles and 42 hours in the car. That’s why it’s best to book an experienced interstate moving company that can pull off a coast-to-coast move like it’s just another day. Because for them, it is.
What Is an Intrastate Move?
An intrastate move refers to a move that occurs within the state you currently live in. For example, if you live in Dallas, Texas, and are planning to move to Houston, Texas, that would be an intrastate move. Depending on the size of your state and the distance you’re traveling, an intrastate move may not look that different from an interstate move from a logistical standpoint.
What Are the Benefits of Using an Interstate Moving Company?
One of the biggest benefits is experience. Interstate moving companies have moves down to a science. Many companies have been running for decades, making them experienced in having innovative company practices on how to pack, the best routes for travel, and security. For example, companies like JK Moving provide 24/7 video surveillance for storage, and Wheaton World Wide Moving’s experienced movers know how to handle unique items like pianos and antique goods.
How Far in Advance Should I Schedule Interstate Movers?
You should schedule interstate movers at least four to six weeks in advance of your ideal moving date. Interstate moves are a large time commitment, oftentimes taking days to complete. Plus, if you’re looking to book additional services like packing or debris removal, it’s best to work those dates out with your moving company well in advance. Bottom line: The more flexible you can be when it comes to an interstate move, the better off you’ll be when it comes to being satisfied with your interstate move.
How Do I Know If an Interstate Moving Company Is Reputable?
The best way to know if an interstate moving company is reputable is to read real customer testimonials that apply to your situation. For example, if you’re looking to move coast to coast, don’t waste your time reading reviews for customers that booked a local move. Many moving companies host customer testimonials right on their website for you to read through, but if it doesn’t, look on Facebook Business pages, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau’s website. If you aren’t in a rush, review testimonials on multiple websites in order to get a well-rounded opinion.
Should I Purchase Moving Insurance?
You should purchase moving insurance if there are certain items that you deem irreplaceable and that you can’t transport yourself. You can save yourself some money by driving your valuables yourself, but that’s not always possible. Luckily, you don’t have to look too far when it comes to insuring your items. Moving companies like United Van Lines and JK Moving offer Moving Protection, which is designed to protect your items while they’re in the hands of your moving company. Unlike insurance, you don’t have to prove negligence with United Van Lines’ Moving Protection policy; it will take full responsibility for damaged or lost items. Plus, some moving companies, including United Van Lines, include the price of their version of moving protection in their initial quote.
Is It Cheaper to Buy New Furniture or Pack Up for an Interstate Move?
In general, it is not only cheaper to pack up for an interstate move but also more convenient. While it may be appealing to start fresh with a new place and new furniture, the supply chain can be unpredictable. In some instances, you may be waiting on certain furniture pieces for not just days, but months, especially if you ordered a custom piece. The most variable part of an interstate move is typically fuel prices or scheduling, but most interstate moving companies include fuel in their quotes anyway and try to accommodate your moving date as best they can. Plus, many moving companies offer tracking, so you’ll always know where your items are while en route to your new state. And unlike ordering furniture, it won’t take months for your driver to make it across state lines.
What Should You Not Move Long Distance?
Here are some items that should not be transported in a moving truck:
- Perishables
- Priceless valuables
- Plants
- Nail polish
- Firearms
- Pets
- Cleaning supplies
- Liquor
- Paint
- Pesticides
- Motor oil
What Are Some Other Services Interstate Movers Offer?
Additional services include:
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Debris/trash removal
- Loading
- Unloading
- Packing materials
- Item protection
- Tracking
- Furniture assembly
- Local moves
- Commercial moves
- International moves
Methodology
To find the best interstate moving companies, our research team reviewed 19 nationwide services, collecting a total of 589 data points. Ratings were created by assigning weights to each of the 31 moving criteria we considered.
Our top picks received high scores in heavily weighted areas such as customer experience (23 percent), coverage and long-distance capabilities (20 percent), moving services (20 percent), and pricing structure (20 percent).
The information presented here was verified by at least two data collectors through customer service calls. If we were unable to fill in data due to multiple failed attempts to contact a company, the company in question received a zero for any pieces of criteria that couldn’t be confirmed. For more details on our research process and scoring system, head to our complete moving methodology page.
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