Best Long-Distance Moving Companies of 2023

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If you really think about it, moving requires a special skill set. So although it’s common practice to reward friends with pizza for their help lugging boxes and furniture, it’s oftentimes better (and safer) to leave it to the pros—especially if you're moving across state lines or overseas.

To save you the trouble of endless Google searches, we've narrowed down the list of nationwide long-distance moving companies to nine, which were determined by assigning weights to essential criteria points such as services provided, types of estimates, tracking functionality, and valuation coverage.

Through this research, we singled out the best international moving company, the best car moving company, the best storage service, and more impressive providers.

Best Long-Distance Moving Companies of 2022

Best Overall: Atlas Van Lines
Best Interstate Moving Company: North American Van Lines
Best International Moving Company: Mayflower
Best for Online Quotes: 1-800-Pack-Rat
Best for Moving Containers: PODS
Best for Packing: Colonial Van Lines
Best Moving and Storage Service: Wheaton World Wide Moving
Best Car Moving Company: United Van Lines
Best Customer Support Score: JK Moving Services

Best Overall: Atlas Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Available in: 50 states
Type of quote: Binding and non-binding
Live tracking option? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Long list of services provided in-house
Customer portal keeps everything in one place
Dedicated move coordinator handles the logistics
Able to move specialty items like pool tables, swing sets, and more

Cons

Online instant quotes are approximate and don't always take into account additional service fees

Why It Made the List

Atlas Van Lines' wide range of services, extensive resources hub, and convenient customer portal make it our choice for the best overall long-distance moving company. In addition to packing and storage options, the team offers auto shipping, oversized furniture transport, and travel booking for clients who may require airline tickets or a car service to make it from point A to point B.

As for the company's customer portal, it's much more useful than other moving apps we've seen. It acts as a command center, allowing you to track your belongings, make payments, and get in touch with your assigned Atlas representative. Thanks to the video survey function, you can even receive accurate estimates without submitting to an in-home visit.

Atlas also provides a special discount for AAA members who are moving between states: They get Full Value Protection at no additional cost, meaning the company will repair, replace, or reimburse any lost or damaged items.

Best Interstate Moving Company: North American Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Available in: 50 states
Type of quote: Binding and non-binding
Live tracking option? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Impressive number of add-on services, including appliance installation
Personal move consultant will guide you through each stage of the process
Climate-controlled storage facilities are available for short- or long-term use
No hidden fees thanks to guaranteed and not-to-exceed pricing

Cons

In-home consultation required to receive an accurate estimate

Why It Made the List

Moving from one state to another requires a lot of planning, and North American Van Lines' services are designed to ease some of that burden. In addition to packing, loading, and storage options, the company offers to connect your appliances, assemble furniture, and even remove discarded boxes and other supplies once you've settled into your new place.

North American's 24/7 shipment tracking system is a particularly useful feature for long-distance moves because it keeps you updated on the location of your belongings at all times. The company is also transparent in the way that it prices its jobs. The written estimate you receive contains a guaranteed or not-to-exceed rate, meaning you'll pay exactly what's stated on the quote or less depending on what your move entails.

Best International Moving Company: Mayflower

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Available in: 46 states
Type of quote: Binding
Live tracking option? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Provides moving services to more than 150 countries
Move manager coordinates packing, customs clearance, and more
Clients receive a customized moving plan that fits their timeline, budget, and unique needs
Short- and long-term storage options are available

Cons

Full-service packing is included in the cost, which adds to the expense

Why It Made the List

Long-distance moves are hard enough, but traversing continents adds another layer of difficulty. Whether you’re moving for work or in search of adventure, getting your belongings from point A to point B takes plenty of forethought, which is why you need an experienced international moving company like Mayflower. The provider's services extend to more than 150 countries around the world.

What we like most about Mayflower's international operations is its attention to detail. Each job is assigned a move manager, who compiles the correct documentation, organizes the services needed, oversees the customs clearance process, and tracks the transportation of your items. The company can also arrange to have your vehicle shipped to your new location.

Best for Online Quotes: 1-800-Pack-Rat

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Available in: 30 states
Type of quote: Binding
Live tracking option? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Estimates can be requested online for moving and storage
Quotes are binding, meaning the final price won't exceed the number you're given
No hidden fees applied at the time of your move
Customers get up to 10 percent off for long-distance moves

Cons

Many states only have one or two storage locations

Why It Made the List

It's a red flag when you have to jump through hoops to get an accurate quote from a moving company, so we appreciate 1-800-Pack-Rat's simple online process. It takes less than a minute (we timed it) to request a binding estimate on the website for moving services, storage, or both, but you can also use the live chat function to connect to a customer service representative right away.

Because you're renting a portable moving container that you load and unload yourself, 1-800-Pack-Rat's pricing is pretty transparent since the cost mainly depends on the distance you're traveling and whether the unit needs to be stored in one of the company's facilities. Currently, customers who book a long-distance move will get up to 10 percent off the total cost.

Best for Moving Containers: PODS

Pods Moving

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Available in: 44 states
Type of quote: Non-binding
Live tracking option? No

Pros & Cons

Pros

Multiple container sizes are available
Containers can either be moved to your new location or kept in one of the company's storage facilities
No initial deposit required
Contact-free delivery offers more flexibility

Cons

No way to track your container online during moves
Must hire a third-party provider for packing and loading/unloading assistance

Why It Made the List

When it comes to name recognition, not many movers have better visibility than PODS. It also has a really good product. The company's moving containers—which measure 8, 12, and 16 feet long—are conveniently delivered to your home, and there are no time restrictions for how long you can keep them. The smallest unit fits about one room's worth of items, or a studio apartment's worth, while the largest size is recommended for homes up to 1,200 square feet, or approximately a two-bedroom.

Once PODS drops off your container, you load it up on your own schedule. The rent cycle is 30 days, so if you need more time to pack your unit, you can simply pay for another month. When you're ready for the container to be transported, PODS can either move it to your new home or to one of its many storage facilities.

Quotes are provided online, but they’re non-binding, so make sure to ask the customer support team about any additional fees that may be incurred during the process. The website also has an extensive FAQ section that we found to be very helpful.

Best for Packing: Colonial Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Available in: 48 states
Type of quote: Binding
Live tracking option? No

Pros & Cons

Pros

Several different packing options, including full-service
The company supplies all of the materials
Convenient mobile app
Customizable packages are available for specialty items

Cons

Though its bread and butter is long-distance moves, Alaska and Hawaii are not included in the coverage area

Why It Made the List

If you dread the idea of packing up your home before a move, Colonial Van Lines can offer you some peace of mind. The company's packing services include full packs for customers who want to hand everything over to the professionals, kitchen packs for pots, pans, and dishware, and single-item packs for objects that need a little more care. Though Colonial lets you box up your own things if you want, we suspect that you'll appreciate the extra help come moving day.

To further assist with organization, the company has an app that allows you to create a virtual inventory of your belongings. Not only is this beneficial for tracking purposes, but the photos you upload can also be used by the Colonial team to provide an accurate estimate. This way, you don't have to schedule an in-home walk-through with one of the company's representatives.

Best Moving and Storage Service: Wheaton World Wide Moving

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Available in: 50 states
Type of quote: Non-binding
Live tracking option? No

Pros & Cons

Pros

Up to 180 days of in-transit storage
Items can be retrieved from the storage facility within 24 hours
Offers full replacement value protection, which starts at $6 per pound
Specialized moving services for fragile items like antiques

Cons

Estimates via the online quote system are subject to increase

Why It Made the List

Compared to other movers' storage services, Wheaton World Wide Moving's in-transit option is pretty generous. If you book the company for an interstate move, you can utilize its storage facilities for up to six months. Extended terms can also be arranged for customers who want to keep some of their belongings locked in one of Wheaton's secure warehouses for longer.

In addition to storage, the company provides the right equipment, packing materials, and manpower for a variety of specialty moves. Cars, appliances, pianos, and pool tables can all be moved on a Wheaton truck, and a range of value protection coverage is offered to accomodate higher-priced items.

Interested customers are encouraged to request a quote online, and while the company does not require an initial deposit, ask a Wheaton representative about additional fees that might pop up later.

Best Car Moving Company: United Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Available in: 50 states
Type of quote: Binding
Live tracking option? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Customers have a choice between open-sided or enclosed car carriers
Arrangements can be made for specialty vehicles, such as antique cars
Deliver-by date is firmly set before shipping commences
Storage options are available

Cons

Domestic auto shipments can take up to 10 business days

Why It Made the List

If you need assistance transporting your car across the country, many moving companies will put you in touch with a third-party carrier. But United Van Lines handles the shipping themselves. Prices depend on whether you choose open-sided or enclosed transport—the latter is recommended for vehicles over 25 years old or exceeding $60,000 in value.

The company has a separate quote request system for customers who are only interested in its car shipping services, and our research team found the process to be quick and straightforward. One analyst described the United representatives as "incredibly patient and knowledgeable" when explaining the various options available.

In terms of its traditional moving package, United offers a number of different add-ons to make your long-distance move as painless as possible. These include full-service packing, short- and long-term storage, debris removal, and custom crating for fragile items.

Best Customer Support Score: JK Moving Services

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Available in: 50 states
Type of quote: Non-binding
Live tracking option? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Customer service line is operated by a live person 24/7
GPS-enabled trucks allow for accurate tracking
Storage facilities are heavily monitored by a surveillance team
Mobile app lets you make payments, review documentation, and more

Cons

A deposit is required, and your initial quote may not account for additional fees

Why It Made the List

Moving brings its fair share of frustrations, but your experience can turn from mildly stressful to downright horrible if you're dealing with a support team that won't return your calls. JK Moving Services sets the standard for quality customer service thanks in large part to its 24/7 support line and easy-to-use mobile app.

The app is particularly useful because it keeps everything in one place, including your service details, valuation coverage documentation, and payment information. You can also contact your dedicated move coordinator and leave notes for your movers, like asking them to take special care of the antique china set you received from your grandmother.

To get started, call for a quote or fill out the online request form. Since the initial estimate is non-binding, additional services—like packing and short- or long-term storage—may be factored into the cost at a later date.

Final Verdict

With the right help, moving doesn’t have to be an overwhelming event. Atlas Van Lines is our pick for the best long-distance moving company due to its comprehensive services, specialized expertise, and thoughtful technological solutions. The provider has refined its processes over the 70+ years it's been in business, allowing for a more seamless experience at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Plan a Long-Distance Move?

Preparations for a long-distance move should start as soon as you know it's happening. A simple yet thorough approach is to generate a list of every task that needs to be handled before, during, and after the move. Items on the list can be organized by deadline, tasked out to different family members, and checked off as they're completed. Some moving companies also match you with a move coordinator who'll help manage the entire process.

A successful long-distance moving plan typically involves seeking out multiple estimates, booking a reputable company, purchasing moving insurance, making an inventory list, getting rid of or donating items you no longer need, organizing boxes by category or room, and finalizing a delivery schedule.

When Should I Start Packing to Move Cross Country?

Packing up a home is tricky because if you start too soon, you risk living out of boxes for weeks, and if you wait too long, you may not finish before the movers arrive. Start by packing up objects that aren't essential to your everyday life; belongings that wouldn't be missed for a month or more. Then set aside boxes for items that can be packed two or three weeks in advance, followed by week-of boxes. Labeling is key, both for the packing and unpacking stages.

If, for instance, you're waiting to pack up ceramic cereal bowls until a day or two before the move, make sure the correct materials are prepped so that you're not rushing to properly secure breakables.

How Much Should I Tip a Mover?

Movers are professionals who deserve a gratuity. The recommended amount is 15 to 20 percent of the total bill, and it should be paid in cash. When deciding what to tip, consider the complexity and length of the move as well as the quality of service.

Methodology

In order to compile a list of the best long-distance moving companies, our research team made dozens of customer service calls and enlisted the help of data collectors to fill in the blanks for more than 30 criteria points. These included nationwide availability, storage options, valuation coverage offerings, and customer support channels.

Each criteria point was assigned a weight, then grouped into one of six categories:

Customer experience (23 percent)
Coverage and types of moves offered (20 percent)
Moving services (20 percent)
Pricing/price transparency (20 percent)
Insurance/protection (10 percent)
Reputation (7 percent)

Scores were calculated based on these weights, and companies were ultimately given a rating out of five stars. To ensure that the information presented is accurate, two or more data collectors verified the research. This page will be updated with any changes to the highlighted companies' offerings.

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