What to Look for in a Long Distance Moving Company Before Selecting?
Before you pick any moving company, there are a few things you definitely want to keep in mind.
Here are some key things to look for when selecting the best long distance moving companies in the USA:
Reputation and Reviews
You wouldn't trust a restaurant with terrible reviews, right? The same goes for moving companies. Take a look at what people are saying. We're talking about customer reviews. Those reviews will give you an idea of their punctuality, customer service, and whether their trucks actually show up.
Pricing Transparency
You need a company that gives you an honest estimate upfront. Avoid companies that try to lure you in with a cheap initial quote only to surprise you with hidden fees later. Look for companies that offer moving estimates and are upfront about long distance moving costs.
Insurance and Protection
Accidents happen, and you want to make sure your stuff is covered. Check if the company offers insurance options to cover potential damages. The best long distance movers always offer this to give you peace of mind.
Availability and Scheduling
You don’t want to book a company only to find out they’re unavailable when you need them. Make sure they have availability that matches your timeline. Best long distance moving companies will work around your schedule and provide flexible dates.
Experience and Specialization
Have you ever heard of a local moving company offering cross-country moves? Probably not. That’s because top cross country movers usually have the right expertise and equipment to handle long-distance moves. Check their experience, especially with moves similar to yours.
If you're still unsure about which company to choose, check out our guide on how to find cross-country movers and make the best decision for your long-distance move.
How Much Do Long Distance Movers Charge in the USA?
Now you must be wondering, “How much does a long distance moving company actually cost?”
Let’s break it down so you can get a better idea of what to expect when you hire the best long distance movers.
Some of the key things that will affect the final price include:.
Distance
The further you move, the more you'll pay. A cross-country move will cost significantly more than a local one. For example, a move from New York to Los Angeles will cost a lot more than a move from New York to New Jersey.
Request Quotes
Contact moving companies to get estimates on moves. Give specific details about your needs and the mileage of your move.
Size and Weight of Your Belongings
The more stuff you have, the more it costs to move. Movers usually charge based on the weight of your items or the space they take up in the truck. So, if you've got a 5-bedroom house with tons of furniture, it'll be more expensive than a small studio apartment.
Time of Year
The time of year you move can also affect the price. Summer is peak moving season, so the demand for movers is higher, which can increase the price.
Additional Services
Many of the top cross-country movers offer extra services, such as packing, unpacking, temporary storage, and specialty services, which are charged extra.
Average Costs for Long Distance Moving in USA
Service Type |
Average Cost |
Move within the same state (less than 100 miles) |
$300 - $1,500 |
Move between states (cross country) |
$2,000 - $5,000 |
Packing Services (full-service) |
$500 - $2,500 |
Loading/Unloading Services |
$100 - $500 per hour |
Storage (per month) |
$100 - $500 |
Moving Insurance |
$50 - $200 for basic coverage |
How to Save Money During Long Distance Move in the USA?
Moving can get pricey, especially when it’s a long-distance move. But with a little planning and some smart strategies, you can save a decent amount on your move.
Declutter Before You Pack
One of the best ways to cut costs is to move fewer things! Take a look around your home and start decluttering. Donate, sell, or toss anything you don’t use anymore. The less you have to move, the less you’ll pay.
Pack Your Own Boxes
Hiring movers to pack everything for you sounds tempting, but it’s also one of the priciest options. If you’re looking to save, try packing everything yourself. It’ll take some time, but it’s definitely cheaper.
Move During Off-Peak Season
If you have some flexibility with your moving dates, try scheduling your move during the off-peak season. The summer months are the peak moving season, so prices tend to be higher due to demand.
Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t just go with the first moving company you find. Get at least three quotes from different long distance moving companies. This will give you a better idea of the going rates and help you identify any outliers.
Consider DIY Moving
If you’re up for a little more work, rent a truck and do the move yourself. Of course, this is more labor-intensive, but it’s one of the cheapest options.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Some moving companies offer discounts for things like military service, student moves, or senior citizens. Ask if there are any special deals or promo codes you can use to lower your bill.
FAQs
When looking for the best long distance moving companies, it’s important to consider reputation, customer reviews, and pricing. Some of the top movers in the USA include United American Moving And Storage, Two Men and a Truck and Summit Van Lines.
The cost of long distance moving typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.00 per mile per item. For example, if you’re moving from New York to California, the long distance movers cost could range between $2,000 to $5,000 for a standard 2-3 bedroom home.
To move on a budget, rent a moving truck and do the packing and driving yourself. Alternatively, moving container services offer affordable solutions by providing a container that you load yourself.
To find the most reliable long distance movers, start by reading customer reviews on My Moving Journey. Also, ask for recommendations from friends or family who have moved recently. Make sure the movers you choose are licensed and insured for your protection.
Yes, many long distance moving companies charge hidden fees, such as fuel surcharges, additional packing services, or fees for handling fragile items. To avoid surprises, ask for a clear breakdown of all charges before committing to a company.
Methodology
You must be wondering how we compiled this list of the Best Moving Companies in the USA. We don’t just pull names out of a hat.
We’ve carefully evaluated and compared dozens of moving companies to make sure you only get the top-rated options. We have used a transparent and thorough process to bring you the best of the best.
Here’s how we’ve done it:
- Customer Reviews & Feedback: First, we analyzed 1,000+ customer reviews to get a clear understanding of what real people think of these moving companies. We looked for consistent positive feedback regarding reliability, customer service, and satisfaction.
- Licensing & Insurance: We’ve ensured that each moving company on our list is licensed and insured. This is a crucial factor because it means the company adheres to industry standards and regulations. We only include movers who are fully compliant with these legal requirements.
- Experience & Expertise: We’ve given higher weight to companies with years of experience and a proven track record in handling different types of moves. We focus on companies that excel in various aspects of moving with extensive expertise.
- Cost Transparency & Value: We’ve assessed companies based on the clarity of their pricing structure. We also took into account the value they provide for the price, making sure that the companies we recommend offer a balance of affordability and quality service.
- Customer Support & Responsiveness: We’ve factored in how responsive and helpful each company’s customer service team is, especially when you have questions or need assistance before, during, or after your move.
- Monitor their Performance: Our work doesn’t end once we’ve found the right movers. We stay on top of their service quality to ensure they consistently deliver outstanding experiences for their customers.