Best Long-Distance Moving Companies of 2026

Compare the best long-distance 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.

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.

How much does a long-distance move cost?

Long-distance moves can range from a few thousand dollars to closer 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.

The costs can add up. You need packing materials and might have to pay for extras like fuel surcharges, insurance, tolls, taxes, specialized transport for large items — like pianos or large furniture — and any crew fees.

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

Factors affecting the cost of a long-distance move

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

• Size of your home: Moving companies may ask for the number of rooms in your home or the total square footage to estimate moving costs. However, you’ll want to have a company representative complete an in-house walk-through to get the most accurate quote. Generally speaking, those with larger homes will pay more for moving services.
• Distance: Moving companies may charge a set rate per mile plus additional fees and charges for long-distance moves. You could pay 75 cents a mile or more in addition to a rate per pound (maybe 50 cents per pound) for your belongings.
• Number of stops: Extra stops along the way will cost you. If you need to pick up some items from your storage unit on the way to your new home, you can expect to be charged an additional fee.
• 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. Scheduling your move during the off-season or midweek may help you secure a lower rate.

» LEARN: Types of moving companies

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.

How to choose a long-distance moving company

When choosing a long-distance moving company, first consider your moving budget. Once you determine how much you can afford to spend on the move, you can evaluate quotes. You’ll also need to think about any extra services you may want to add, like packing or storage.

1. Ask for recommendations and read reviews

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

2. Research 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 website with the company's name or USDOT number.

A move is usually considered long-distance if it requires traveling 400 miles or more.

Moving companies that operate across state lines must be properly registered with the U.S. DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The online database is also helpful for reviewing safety information and complaints.

3. Compare costs

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential companies, you can request a quote from each 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.

Moving insurance

There are two main types of moving insurance to understand before booking:

• Released value protection (basic coverage): 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 or renters insurance provides additional coverage.

How to prepare for a long-distance move

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

• Gather the moving supplies you’ll need ahead of time, including boxes of multiple sizes, packing tape, paper and cushioning material. Start by boxing up items you won’t need to access until you reach your destination (e.g., out-of-season clothes, shoes and books). Having fewer items lying around unpacked may help ease the stress and anxiety of moving.
• Make a schedule for packing that indicates which rooms you plan to pack and when. You may want to set aside a few hours each day to complete these tasks. The kitchen typically has the most fragile items and takes the most time to pack up, so keep this in mind when you make a schedule.
• Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will help ensure movers place these items in the correct areas.
• 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: Our moving checklist

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 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 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.
• Be cautious with large deposits: Reputable moving companies typically do not require large upfront payments. Avoid companies that request significant deposits before the move.
• Check reviews and complaints: Read reviews across multiple platforms and check complaint histories.

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 like 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