Who Are The Best Movers?
Do you need to find one of the best moving companies? Are you going to be relocating across the country? Maybe you just discovered you’d be transferred due to your job?
The first step in getting to your new place will be finding a highly-rated mover.
Making a long-distance move to a neighboring state can involve more complications and expense than a local move where you rent your moving truck. There will be more stress and more to think about to avoid problems.
Despite this, many people choose to try and do everything themselves.
Trying to save money is understandable, as the costs involved in hiring moving companies can be significant. However, moving over a longer distance will be more complex than people imagine.
It can be a daunting task to face after dealing with the selling process, and this is why using the best movers is a better option for many people.
We will highlight some of the best moving companies for long-distance moving and what you must consider making the process as stress-free as possible.
Best Moving Companies Reviewed
We will review the following long-distance moving companies due to their outstanding moving industry reputation.
If you are moving out of state, these will be the best moving companies to interview.
One of the best moving tips is to get online quotes from multiple companies and then select a few to visit for a closer visual inspection of your belongings.
You will better understand the price once the movers visit your home.
- Bekins Van Lines
- Allied Van Lines
- United Van Lines
- International Van Lines
- Mayflower Moving
Before reviewing these moving companies for long-distance, let’s examine some essential advice when hiring movers.
Trust is Critical With Long Distance Moves
You should be able to put your trust in your moving company. Losing your precious possessions and valuables could be devastating. They should be reputable and provide an excellent moving experience.
The movers we’ve selected have good customer feedback and industry awards. These top movers have been in business for a long time. You can consider all of these movers to be top picks.
Researching a mover is one of the wisest things to do when buying or selling a home. Getting stuck with the wrong moving company can make your life miserable!
Let’s take a deep dive into some things to consider when looking for moving services and a quote for movers.
What Should a Long-Distance Moving Company Provide?
When choosing a long-distance moving company, one of the most critical things is ensuring you get a binding estimate. If a moving company’s estimates are not binding, they can bump your price any time, even on moving day!
When a moving company provides a moving estimate, it should have the word binding. If you don’t see the terms binding estimate on the contract, signing it would not be advisable.
These kinds of moving quotes are known as binding not-to-exceed estimates. When you choose a binding not-to-exceed estimate, you won’t pay over the original quote even if your things’ weight exceeds the initial quote.
Most full-service movers will provide free quotes.
Check Moving Company Reviews and Insurance
You should check moving company reviews online like you’re looking at here. Most reviews should be positive, especially regarding pricing, punctuality, and moving services.
Lastly, pay attention to the insurance the moving companies offer. All of the top moving companies provide free insurance coverage. They should also offer something more than the basics. Basic insurance will not cover you if something gets lost, broken, or stolen.
Let’s go over some of the best moving companies without further ado. All of these companies will be able to handle long-distance moving services.
Moving Company Near Me
Many will research online to find the best option for a residential move. Lots of folks will do Google searches to find a mover. The most common for attempting to find excellent service is to find the best moving companies near me.
Additional search terms would be moving companies near me or best movers near me. All of these can be used to find good movers.
When doing this, you will likely see a mix of smaller moving companies and some of the top ones featured here.
You can save some time by looking over these reviews. We have compiled the best cross-country movers that are worth your time speaking with. You can expect excellent customer satisfaction with all of them.
These large companies all specialize in interstate moves. With smaller moving companies, knowing what you’re getting is harder.
Figuring out all of your required moving services is crucial before getting moving quotes.Click To TweetWho Are The Best Moving Companies Featured
Without further fanfare, here are the picks for the best moving companies of 2023.
Bekins Van Lines
Headquartered in Indianapolis, the Bekins Van Lines company has operated since 1891, covering 95 percent of the United States.
Their years of experience have contributed to them winning quality awards from the Logistics Management Magazine and having a customer rating of 4.8 out of 5. Bekins is an industry leader in residential moving.
Bekins offers long-distance moves across the country as well as internationally. They let you quickly assess the approximate cost of moving with them through their online calculator.
Bekins is one of a few moving companies that will give you an online moving estimate. Moving quotes online tend to be far less accurate than in-person quotes, so getting too fixated on them is not advisable.
However, the benefit of an online moving quote is that you can at least start with a ballpark estimate.
Discounts on moving supplies are available through the company as well. Bekins Van Lines has over three hundred locations and employs over fifty-three hundred people. It’s no wonder they are considered one of the best movers.
Bekins is an excellent cross-country moving company that provides top-notch moving services. Bekins will be worth having on your list when looking for a quote for cross-country moves.
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines is one of the best full-service moving companies for long-distance moves.
The company has more than 88 years of moving experience and an award from Newsweek as one of America’s best customer service businesses of 2020.
You should be in good hands with these movers. They have one of the largest moving networks on the planet.
Allied provides a flexible approach to your cross-country move, with the stretch wrapping for your fragile items and a personal moving plan created by your relocation consultant.
You can check the progress of your items during the move through their online tracking service.
Allied Van Lines is ranked as one of the best moving companies. They boast over 750,000 moves in the United States over the last fifteen years.
Many of their customers rave about their moving experience with the company.
When looking for a top-shelf long-distance moving company, Allied Van Lines should be on your moving checklist for a company to interview.
United Van Lines
Tracing its history back to 1928, United Van Lines has helped over 1.2 million Americans move alone in the last ten years.
The business has recently become a cooperative, owned by its agents, and has received quality awards for its service.
A full-service long-distance move is offered, with extra assistance in cleaning your old home and packing your home electronics.
United Van Lines has a reputation for being one of the best moving companies for sure.
You can use their location service to see if there is a United Van Lines location in your area. United Van Lines is another excellent interstate moving company worthy of your consideration.
International Van Lines
A relative newcomer to the moving business, with only 20 years of service, International Van Lines has been rated number 1 in industry publications. Consumer Advocate has given them the title of #1 moving company for three years.
International Van Lines offers a free month of storage for each customer and easy access to customer support. They aim to provide the best moving experience ever.
A claim of having an excellent relocation service seems to be supported by great feedback from most customers. IVL provides both International and domestic moving services.
International Van Lines is a long-distance moving company that has made our list for good reasons. Many non-biased reviews have made them one of the best interstate moving companies.
As the name suggests, IVL can do all types of moving, including local, interstate, and international. The company is a moving broker and carrier that has over 3,000 partners throughout the world.
International Van Lines has an excellent array of moving services, including motorcycle, car shipping, boat, piano hauling, and full-service packing.
IVL provides these services in most areas of the country, but even in places that don’t provide service, they can offer a referral to their extensive network, where they have established moving partnerships. If you want a company that offers a complete moving service, IVL is tough to beat.
Regarding pricing, IVL prides itself on being transparent about your move’s cost with no hidden charges.
Atlas Van Lines
Atlas Van Lines was formed in 1948 by a group of entrepreneurs in the moving business. They have a Better Business Bureau A+ accreditation and have good customer reviews.
Atlas Van Lines gives you access to their network of 430 agents to help meet your moving needs. The moving company is slightly different because the local agents operate as independent business entities while still working under the Atlas brand name.
Atlas offers various moving services, including vehicle transportation, storage services, and packing for your possessions. They do everything from local moving to interstate moving to international moves.
So, if you are making a long-distance or interstate move, you can include Atlas on your list of moving companies to interview.
If you are a member of AAA, there are additional perks for using Atlas. Atlas will include full-value insurance protection for household goods at no extra cost when you’re a AAA member.
Their storage and packing services are also among the best in the industry.
Atlas is a well-known long-distance moving company with a solid reputation in the industry. You should have peace of mind when using any of their additional services. For your next move, put Atlas on your list for consideration.
Mayflower Moving
Mayflower moving taglines itself as the most trusted national moving company. The company has more than ninety years of leading the long-distance moving industry. Mayflower is federally licensed and promises to provide across-country or interstate moves. These long-distance movers don’t just cross state lines but will also do the international moving.
Mayflower provides services to more than one hundred fifty countries around the world. They will help you plan and manage all aspects of an international move.
Mayflower handles everything from packing to customs clearance management. Some of their moving services’ outstanding features include customizable packages, comprehensive insurance protection, and an extensive array of moving agents.
Their moving services include moving boats, car transportation, pianos, packing and unpacking services, furniture assembly/disassembly, and storage options.
When requesting a quote for moving on their website, you will provide your phone number, email, and basics about your move. A short time later, you’ll be contacted by a company representative who will set up an appointment for in-home viewing.
A short time after the visit, you’ll receive your moving estimate.
You can expect excellent moving service from Mayflower when looking for an outstanding long-distance moving company.
Every year, any one of these companies could have the highest rating.
Best of The Rest Cross Country Movers
While Bekins, Allied, United, International, Mayflower, and Atlas are all considered excellent service providers, you may find there are local moving companies that are just as good.
It makes sense to see if a moving company nearby might be an excellent fit.
You may want to ask your real estate agent for references for top-shelf moving companies in the area.
A real estate agent will usually have a pulse on what movers have outstanding reputations. It is worth asking.
Other Popular Moving Companies
Here are other well-known moving companies that may be worth speaking with as well:
- Two Men and a Truck
- American Van Lines
- Colonial Van Lines
- North American Van Lines
- Interstate Moving and Relocation Group
- Affordable Movers
- First National Van Lines
- U-Pack
Some of these moving companies are also considered more affordable options. So, when lining up moving quotes, you may want to consider adding them to your list.
The likelihood of finding affordable prices with these companies is higher.
Best DIY Moving Companies
Are you working on a tight budget? You’ll undoubtedly find more affordable rates doing the move yourself. Whenmoveoving a short distance, trying to some money can make sense.
Local moves are easier for everyone involved.
Renting a moving truck typically involves an hourly rate, one of the best ways to save money when moving.
It is usually not a good idea to make a DIY move when making a corporate relocation or cross-country move.
If you decide to tackle your move without a professional moving company, these are the best DIY movers:
- U-Haul – see an overview of everything you need to know about U-Haul, including the pricing for their truck rentals.
- Home Depot truck rental – get an in-depth review of what to know about renting a Home Depot moving truck.
What to Look For in a Moving Company
- When picking a moving company, the right mover will have excellent reviews online; you want to hear about good customer service.
- Recommendations from family and friends – online reviews are great, but there is nothing better than excellent advice from someone you trust.
- An excellent reputation – you should be able to count on all the best moving companies you’ve read about here.
- Being licensed and insured – like any other industry, you want to ensure your moving company has the qualifications. Anyone can slap a company name together and call themselves movers.
- Accurate pricing – the last thing you want with a mover is bait and switch or a company that does not give you the whole picture.
- Offers all of the moving services you need – you’ll want to ensure the mover you select can do the job for you.
- Watch out for scammers – The American Moving & Storage Association started a consumer protection program called ProMover on January 1, 2009. The ProMover program eliminates the worry and problems of moving by assisting consumers in locating professional movers. Here is a list of certified Promovers by The American Moving and Storage Association. You can check movers in every state with this resource. All of these movers have been vetted for the highest quality standards.
Video Review Best Long Distance Movers
Look at the excellent video review of the considerations when hiring a long-distance mover via Moving Authority.
Best Moving Tips to Improve Your Move
Even when you have selected the best movers, you can do things to ensure your moving experience is successful.
We’ll take a look at some of the factors which could affect how well your move goes.
Get Solid Estimates From Long Distance Moving Companies
Moving from home to home is expensive, so you should get a few different quotes. Getting quotes shouldn’t cost you anything. It only saves you money.
It will be wise to get anywhere from three to five moving quotes.
Make sure you have a complete understanding of the companies’ moving options so that you can make a fair comparison.
While most moving companies have an online estimate tool, this won’t be accurate, and only a visit from a representative will give you the complete picture.
Movers will estimate your possessions’ weight, determining the move’s distance and any extra moving services you require.
When you get the written estimate, just picking the cheapest might not be the best choice and could be a way to get your business with more charges to follow.
Types of Moving Estimates
There are three different types of estimates that you might encounter. You will find non-binding estimates, which could mean significant extra charges depending on your stuff’s weight.
The guaranteed price estimate could attract extra costs for anything not included in the calculation. And there is a guarantee not to exceed the estimate, which could cost you less.
As previously mentioned, the preferred moving quote to look for is the binding or guaranteed not-to-exceed estimate.
Understand The Bill of Lading (BOL)
Any reputable full-service moving company will have you sign the bill of lading. The BOL is your contract that spells out the estimated price, the delivery date, supplies needed, and more.
You should also expect the BOL to spell out the policy on any potential additional costs. There may or may not be an upfront deposit required. It is more likely necessary for the peak moving season than at other times of the year.
Planning For Your Move in Advance With The Best Moving Companies
You must prepare for your move at least six weeks before it happens. Contact movers for estimates early so you can book them for your desired date.
Most of the highlighted movers should provide some point of contact to help coordinate your move. If they have a staff member coordinating with you directly and overseeing your relocation, things will likely go very smoothly.
They will be able to address your concerns, keep you informed of progress, and set up extra moving services if you need them, among other tasks.
Make sure you start getting your moving boxes so you’ll be prepared to start packing. There are many types of moving boxes to choose from.
You’ll be amazed at the selection if you have not moved in a while. You can also ask the moving company you plan on hiring if they can provide some free boxes. Once your movers are firmed up, start packing some boxes daily.
As you pack, create an area of things you no longer want for a donation pick-up. Look at some charities that will come right to your home and remove what you no longer need.
It is also beneficial to have a junk removal company like 1-800-Got-Junk or another local company come by and take away anything that doesn’t have value before or when you start packing.
If you are unsure about things you may or may not want to keep, have a “donate later” box for these items.
Extra Help From The Best Moving Companies
Most movers’ basic services might not cover everything you need. Part of your move may require additional help. For example, you may need moving and storage containers for a short time during your move.
Consider the other moving services they offer and get an estimate of the price from their representative.
Top moving companies will provide ancillary moving services based on your needs. Make sure you ask upfront so you have an idea of what they charge.
There will be additional fees for extras provided.
Packing and Unpacking Services
While the movers will carry the boxes and furniture out of your old home and into your new one, house packing is usually an extra cost. You can take the stress out of packing your things securely by letting the experts do it.
They can also unpack your things if needed, with the most likely cost of around $25 per hour per person.
Vehicle Moves: Shipping a Car
Do you need to ship a car? Expect a charge of at least $500 to move extra vehicles to your new home.
Moving a car or truck pricing is based on a couple of factors, including how far a move is, the size of the vehicle, the weight, how it is transported, the time of year, and where it is picked up.
You can expect to pay between $500-$2000 for a long-distance move of a four-door sedan and $550-$2300 for an SUV or pick-up truck.
How the vehicle arrives at its destination will also play a significant role in the pricing. There are two options, including door-to-door shipping and terminal shipping.
Door-to-door will be the most convenient, but you will pay more to pick up your vehicle and drop it off at your house.
Terminal shipping can save some significant money. However, you will deal with the inconvenience of picking it up elsewhere.
Here are a few things to think about when moving your car across the country:
- Figure out the destination you want to ship to and from.
- Get your pick-up and delivery dates squared away early.
- Do your research on finding the best car delivery company if it differs from the mover you’ve selected.
- Get a quote and book your delivery order.
- Have the car picked up.
Insurance For Moving
Basic insurance for your items should exist when you relocate, but is it enough? If you have many expensive things, consider extra insurance to cover you adequately.
Let’s face it, when you least expect it, the worst of all possible scenarios happen. Insurance is there for you when you find out you’ve got a significant problem.
Moving insurance works similarly to car insurance. You can be as careful as a driver as possible, and it is still possible to get into an accident. The same holds when it comes to moving.
Moving insurance will protect your things that get damaged during a move. What your insurance covers will depend on your policy, but it can range anywhere from fires or floods to a mover accidentally dropping your China cabinet.
Moving companies cannot sell insurance but must provide valuation options under federal law. You can acquire insurance from third-party providers who will write your policy.
Look at this excellent resource on what you need to know about moving insurance. It will fill you in on all the considerations when hiring a mover.
Think About Storage When Moving
Do you need storage? Some companies offer free storage units when you use them, but this will only be for a limited time. You can use our guide on what you need to know about storage units and the expected cost.
A long-distance move can bring unexpected problems with it. If you use the most reputable and best movers, you should experience less stress, begin your time in the new home, and state the right way.
Consider Tipping Your Mover
If your mover does an excellent job, you should gratify them. Like any other service industry, movers love to get an appropriate tip.
Many people will ask how much to tip the movers. You can use the guide for tipping a mover to understand an appropriate amount. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules about how much tip you should provide.
FAQs For Moving Companies
Given how vital moving is, asking many questions before committing to a moving company makes sense.
Here are some of the popular questions to ask.
1. How do I Know if a Moving Company is Legitimate and Not a Scammer?
The federal government requires all interstate movers to be registered and found in the U.S. DOT system.
Local movers are regulated by the state in which they are registered. Be sure to check your state’s requirements to make sure the local mover can be found.
2. If I am Not Making a Long-Distance Move, is Looking For Moving Companies Near Me Online a Good Way to Search?
Yes, as long as you do your homework once you have a few moving companies in hand.
3. What is Included in a Moving Company Quote?
When making a long-distance move, the estimate should include the moving company’s name, the miles traveled, minimum weight, estimated weight, tariff cost, packing and unpacking fees, transportation charges, fuel charges, insurance surcharges, storage fees, and any accessory services.
4. How Much Does a Moving Company Charge Per Hour?
When hiring a moving company, you can expect to pay between $60-$80 per hour. Rates can vary depending on where you are located. The zip code can make a difference in the pricing.
Remember that paying a mover is not just the time moving you from point A to point B but the time spent helping you pack and load them onto the truck.
5. What is The Cheapest Day of The Week to Move?
Moving any day during the week will be cheaper than the weekend. Moving on the weekends is much more popular than during the week.
Due to supply and demand, moving companies can charge more for weekend moves. Many moving companies will recommend any other days but Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
6. What is The Average Cost a Moving Company Charges For a 3-Bedroom Home?
The cost a moving company will charge for a 3-bedroom home will vary tremendously based on the distance traveled, the home’s size, and when the move is made.
You can expect to pay somewhere between $2,500 to $10,500.
7. Do Moving Companies Provide Discounts?
Yes. Quite a few moving companies will provide discounts to AAA members and those serving or who have served in the military.
8. How Long Does it Take For a Moving Company to Move You?
On average, you can expect a small apartment to take two hours. A tiny home can take roughly three hours. A 3-bedroom home takes around four to five hours.
Depending on the size, a 4-bedroom home can take six hours or more.
9. How Much Does Hiring Someone to Pack Your House Cost?
The cost to pack a home depends on how much needs to be loaded. Rough estimates for packing costs range between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. The price generally includes packing and moving furniture.
10. Is it Worth it to Hire a Professional Moving Company?
Whether it makes sense to hire a moving company is a personal decision. Professional moving companies charge significant money, but it is back-breaking work.
You can save a lot of money by making a DIY move.
11. Can You Hire a Moving Company to Pack and Load a Truck?
Yes. Most moving companies will be open to just offering some services.
12. Do You Pay a Mover Before or After Your Move?
Professional long-distance moving companies do not charge you before your move is completed. You should not expect to pay a large deposit to the most reputable moving companies like those mentioned here.
Be leery of moving companies that want an upfront payment. You will lose complete control of the process when doing so. Shady moving companies will scam people this way.
13. Will Movers Move Things, Not in Boxes Other Than Furniture?
Yes. You can expect a moving company to move items, not in boxes.
14. What is a Full-Service Move?
A full-service move is precisely what professional movers do for you. You can expect them to do everything from start to finish, including packing, loading, unloading, and driving from point A to point B.
Long-distance moving companies specialize in full-service moves.
Other Valuable Moving Resources
Use these previously published articles to get even more helpful moving advice.
- How to forward your mail – get a detailed explanation of what you must do to get your address changed and your mail delivered appropriately.
- Where to donate clothes and furniture – see what companies will accept donations of furniture and clothing before your move.
- Who are the best self-storage companies – get a rundown of some of the companies with the best storage facilities and business reputations.
Final Thoughts on The Best Moving Companies
When buying or selling a home, moving is usually the part that most people dread the most. Without a doubt, it is a lot of hard work.
Choosing a mover will be one of your most vital tasks. Make sure you take the time and do your homework. Having a great moving company for long-distance will be worth your time researching.
Hopefully, this guide on selecting the best moving company has been helpful.
About the author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided the above Real Estate information about the best local and long-distance moving companies. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for 37+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about Real Estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
