Best Long-Distance Moving Companies of 2026

Our top 7 picks for the best long-distance movers

Our top picks for the best long-distance moving companies are:

1. Best overall: International Van Lines
2. Best for customer service: Roadway Moving
3. Best for international moves: Northern Moving Systems
4. Best for affordability: PODS
5. Best for moving crews: Colonial Van Lines
6. Best for storage: American Van Lines
7. Best for packing services: Perfectly Fast Moving

Compare the best long-distance movers

Compare our picks for the best long-distance moving companies:

Planning a long-distance move can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to choose the right moving company. Prices, services and reliability can vary a lot, and picking the wrong mover can lead to unnecessary stress. This guide breaks down what to look for so you can focus on settling into your new home.

What is a long-distance move?

A long-distance move is typically any move that requires traveling 400 miles or more, though some moving companies may define a long-distance move as any move that exceeds a specific mileage or crosses state lines. Some companies may also consider a move of at least 100 or 200 miles to be a long-distance move.

How much does a long-distance move cost?

A long-distance move typically costs anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. On average, it costs around $5,000 for a move of over 1,000 miles that crosses state lines. If you’re moving internationally, your costs are likely to be significantly higher.

You’ll also need to factor in other moving costs, such as packing materials or extra costs like fuel surcharges, insurance, tolls, taxes, specialized transport for large items and any crew fees.

Binding vs. non-binding estimates

A binding estimate guarantees the price of your move based on the inventory and services listed in the contract. A nonbinding estimate can change based on the actual weight of your belongings or additional services needed on moving day.

Factors affecting the cost of a long-distance move

There are a number of factors that affect moving costs, including:

Scheduling your move during the off-season or midweek may help you get a lower rate.

• Home size: Moving companies may ask for the number of rooms or the total square footage to estimate moving costs. Generally, larger homes will likely cost more.
• Distance: Moving companies may charge a set rate per mile plus additional fees and charges for long-distance moves.
• Number of stops: Extra stops will cost you, such as if you need to pick up items from a storage unit on the way to your new home.
• Types of items: Moving companies may charge extra to move heavy and bulky items, such as pianos or hot tubs. You could also be charged a fee if movers have to carry these items up flights of stairs.
• Time of year: Moving during peak season — typically May through August — can increase costs because demand for movers is higher.

Example: long-distance moving costs

Here are some long-distance moving quotes for a three-bedroom home.

» LEARN: Types of moving companies

How to choose a long-distance moving company

When choosing a long-distance moving company, consider the following:

Figure out your budget

Create a moving budget to determine how much you can afford to spend on the move so you can evaluate quotes. You’ll also need to think about any extra services you may want to add, like packing or storage.

Ask for recommendations and read reviews

Ask friends, family and coworkers for their recommendations based on previous experiences. It can also help to read customer reviews online. Make sure to analyze both positive and negative reviews so you can spot any red flags.

Research moving company credentials

You should verify that any moving company you're considering is licensed and insured, especially if you’re moving across state lines. You can search licensing information for interstate movers on the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) website with the company's name or USDOT number.

Moving companies that operate across state lines must be properly registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can review safety information and complaints online through the FMCSA database. You can also confirm that the company’s name and contact information match what appears in the database.

Have a company representative complete an in-house walk-through to get the most accurate quote.

Compare costs

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential moving companies, you can request a quote from each company to compare costs. It’s a good idea to ask for a walk-through of your home as part of the quote process. This ensures that you receive the most accurate quote because it lets the company see the exact items you plan to move.

How to avoid long-distance moving scams

Taking a few precautions can help you avoid fraudulent or unreliable companies.

• Verify registration: Interstate moving companies should be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a valid USDOT number. You can look up this information in the FMCSA database.
• Avoid unusually low estimates: If a quote seems far lower than others, it could be a red flag. Some scam companies offer extremely low estimates and then dramatically increase the price after your belongings are loaded.
• Get everything in writing: A legitimate mover should provide a written estimate and a detailed contract outlining services, pricing and delivery details.

Avoid any companies that request significant deposits before the move.

• Be cautious with large deposits: Reputable moving companies typically do not require large upfront payments.
• Check reviews and complaints: Read reviews across multiple platforms and check complaint histories.

Do you need moving insurance?

Some moving insurance is required by law, but your mover will likely include the legally required amount in the price of your move. Interstate movers must provide basic coverage, called released value protection, at no cost to you. For more protection, you can purchase full value protection.

• Released value protection: This is included at no extra cost and reimburses you at about 60 cents per pound per item. It offers minimal protection and may not cover the full value of expensive belongings.
• Full-value protection: This costs extra but covers the replacement value of lost or damaged items. Movers must repair, replace or compensate you based on the item’s current market value.

If you’re moving valuable or fragile items, it’s usually worth upgrading to full-value protection or checking whether your homeowners insurance or renters insurance provides additional coverage.

Tips: How to prepare for a long-distance move

Here are a few tips to help make your move a little easier:

• Get enough supplies: Gather the moving supplies you’ll need ahead of time, including boxes of multiple sizes, packing tape, paper and cushioning material.
• Pack less-needed items first: Start by boxing up items you won’t need to access until you reach your destination, such as out-of-season clothes, shoes and books.
• Make a schedule: Decide which rooms you plan to pack and when. You may want to set aside a few hours each day to complete these tasks. For example, kitchens typically take the most time to pack, so make sure to set enough time aside.
• Label items: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will help ensure movers place these items in the correct areas.
• Prep for moving day: If possible, plan to take time off work to pack, especially as moving day approaches. Also, if you have small children living with you, it might be worth hiring a babysitter to watch the kids while you pack.

» RELATED: Moving checklist

FAQ

Is hiring a long-distance moving company worth it?

For most people, hiring a long-distance moving company is worth the cost. While it’s possible to move on your own, professional movers can save you time, physical effort and logistical headaches. They handle packing, loading and transportation, reducing the risk of damage to your belongings.

If you’re moving a long distance, you’ll also need to factor in costs for a truck rental, fuel, lodging and potential vehicle transport. These expenses can add up quickly, and hiring a mover might be more cost-effective when you consider the time and effort involved.

Ultimately, whether it’s worth it depends on your budget, the size of your move and how much effort you’re willing to put in. If you’re moving a full household, need storage or have fragile or heavy items, a professional moving company can be a smart investment.

» COMPARE: Moving yourself vs. hiring movers

Methodology: How we found the best long-distance movers

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team evaluated long-distance moving companies using a structured scoring model. We assessed several metrics across three core areas: customer experience, service options and affordability.

How scoring works

Companies earned a zero to 10 score for every metric:

• The top-performing company for a given metric earned a 10.
• Other companies were scored relative to that leader.

This standardized system lets us compare satisfaction data, pricing and service features on the same scale.

How winners were determined

All companies were evaluated using the same metrics. Award categories apply different weightings depending on what the designation highlights.

For example, “best affordability” places greater weight on pricing and price satisfaction, while “best for customer service” emphasizes customer service and mover satisfaction. Other categories focus on service capabilities, such as storage options, packing services or international moves.

The company with the highest weighted score in each category earned the corresponding “Our pick for” designation. If a company ranked first in multiple categories, we awarded the designation to the next-highest scoring company in that category to highlight a broader group of top performers.