Best Cross Country Movers of 2024
- Introduction
- Here’s How We Found the Best Movers
- Summary of Best Moving Companies of 2024
- Best Moving Companies of 2024
- 1: Moving APT
- 2: Adams Van Lines
- 3: Pricing Van Lines
- 4: Mayzlin Relocation
- 5: Native Van Lines
- 6: iMoving
- 7: Out of State Moving Companies
- Costs of Moving in 2024
- Cost Calculator
- Delivery Times for Moving
- How to Choose a Cross Country Moving Company (What to Look For)
- Moving Company Features Breakdown
- Types of Moving Companies
- How to Prepare for a Move
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Wrapping Up
Introduction
Whether you’re trading New York for LA or vice versa, you’ll need all the help you can get. Long distance or cross country moves take a lot more than just a local or short distance relocation. Fortunately, our friends at Moving Feedback did the research and put together a guide to the best cross country moving companies of 2024.
Here’s How We Found the Best Movers
We worked with Moving Feedback to put together a list of the best cross country movers. To make sure we were dealing with the best companies on the market, we checked out customer feedback, pricing, and delivery efficiency. We also took notes on service ranges, and whether each mover had a reputation for reliability.
Moving cross country takes a lot of research. It’s why we dug deep to find the best in the game. With thorough research (and input from pros with over 20 years in the industry), we put together a roadmap to your relocation. Let’s dive in.
Summary of Best Moving Companies of 2024
Name | Average Rating | Average Price * | Moving Services |
---|---|---|---|
Moving APT | 4.8/5 | $3,410 - $7,920 | Loading and hauling, Storage, Packing, Car Shipping, Furniture Assembly and Disassembly |
Adam Van Lines | 4.7/5 | $3,210 - $7,520 | Loading and hauling, Storage, Packing, Full Service Options |
Pricing Van Lines | 4.6/5 | $2.950 - $6,950 | Loading and hauling, Storage, Packing |
Mayzlin Relocation | 4.5/5 | $3,710 - $8,320 | Loading and hauling, Storage, Packing, Real Time Tracking |
Native Van Lines | 4.3/5 | $3,300 - $7,900 | Loading and hauling, Storage, Packing, Car Shipping |
iMoving | 4.2/5 | $3,100 - $8,250 | 1000+ verified movers, Easy online shopping platform |
Out of State Moving Companies | 4.1/5 | $3,300 - $8,175 | Loading and hauling, Storage, Packing |
Name | What kind of moving? | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Moving APT | Local moving, Long distance moving, Cross country moving, Corporate moves, Military relocations | Best customer feedback, Strong moving network, Price matching, Easy moving cost calculator, Tidy, Itemized estimates | Annoying online chat |
Adam Van Lines | Local moving, Long distance moving, Cross country moving, Corporate moves, Military relocations | Experienced and professional staff, Wide range of services offered, Flexible pricing options | You’ll have to submit personal info before getting a quote |
Pricing Van Lines | Local moving, Long distance moving, Cross country moving | Wide network of movers, Commercial and residential moving services, Quick moving quote estimates, Services won’t break the bank | No international moving services, Increased delivery times during peak moving season |
Mayzlin Relocation | Local moving, Long distance moving, Cross country moving, Corporate moves, Military relocations | Great customer service, Safe and secure services, Punctual, Flexible with customer requirements | No international moving services |
Native Van Lines | Local moving, Long distance moving, Cross country moving | Broad range of moving services, Custom moves available, 30 Days of free storage, No hidden fees | Email address required for free moving quote |
iMoving | Local moving, Long distance moving, Cross country moving, International moving | Binding quotes, Flexible cancellation policy, View multiple estimates at once, No phone calls needed | Services may not be available in every state, More like a marketplace |
Out of State Moving Companies | Local moving, Long distance moving, Cross country moving | Experienced teams, Excellent customer service, Broad service range, They’ll handle all the stressful stuff | No international moving services, Premium services come at a higher price |
* For 2-3 bed, 1250 mile move
Best Moving Companies of 2024
1: Moving APT
Average Rating: 4.8
Average Price (2-3 Bed): $3,410 - $7,920
Superlative: Best Overall
Why We Picked Moving APT:
Moving APT offers a great balance between price and quality. They have thousands of partners across the US (and even international carriers!), and they make the whole process easy by putting you in touch with your nearest moving pros. They also closely vet all the movers in their network, so the guys who show up to do the heavy lifting will be professional, courteous, and experience. An added bonus: the Moving APT website is super easy to use.
Services Offered:
Loading and hauling
Storage
Packing
Car shipping
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Types of Moves Offered:
Local moving
Long distance moving
Cross country moving
Corporate moves
Military relocations
International Moves
Pros:
Best customer feedback
Strong moving network
Price matching
Easy moving cost calculator
Tidy
Itemized estimates
Efficient and effective
Cons:
Annoying online chat
2: Adams Van Lines
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Average Price (2-3 Bed): $3,210 - $7,520
Superlative: Awesome Specialty Moving
Why We Picked Adams Van Lines:
Adams is our top choice for extra long distance moving (think Seattle to the Florida keys). They’re old hands at long hauls, and with over 18 years of experience under their belt, Adams Van Lines offers plenty of experience and efficiency. Plus, they have a pretty impressive menu of extra add-ons. Storage, packing - whatever you need, they’ll make sure you get a custom move.
Services Offered:
Loading and hauling
Storage
Packing
Full service options available
Types of Moves Offered:
Local moving
Long distance moving
Cross country moving
Corporate moves
Military relocations
Pros:
Experienced and professional staff
Wide range of services offered
Flexible pricing options
Cons:
You’ll have to submit personal info before getting a quote
3: Pricing Van Lines
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Average Price (2-3 Bed): $2,950 - $6,950
Superlative: Best Price Point
Why We Picked Pricing Van Lines:
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality. We don’t know how they do it, but Pricing Van Lines somehow delivers full service moving at a fraction of the cost of the other guys. Their network of movers can handle long distance moves of all shapes and sizes, and they go to great lengths to keep their pricing transparent. This way, you always know what you’ll owe, and you’ll always know what you’re saving.
Services Offered:
Loading and hauling
Storage
Packing
(All of the above at great prices!)
Types of Moves Offered:
Local moving
Long distance moving
Cross country moving
Pros
Wide network of movers
Commercial and residential moving services
Quick moving quote estimates
Services won’t break the bank
Cons
No international moving services
Increased delivery times during peak moving season
4: Mayzlin Relocation
Average Rating: 4.5
Average Price (2-3 Bed): $3,710 - $8,320
Superlative: Excellent Menu of Services
Why We Picked Mayzlin Relocation:
Mayzlin offers fully customizable moves, all over the United States. With experienced in-house teams and tons of great options, you get a custom-tailored move with all the services and packing supplies you’ll need. Every move is different, so if you have a lot of specialty items (pianos, pool tables, and more), Mayzlin is your best bet for your cross country mover.
Services Offered:
Loading and hauling
Storage
Packing
Real time tracking
Types of Moves Offered:
Local moving
Long distance moving
Cross country moving
Corporate moves
Military relocations
Pros:
Great customer service
Safe and secure services
Punctual
Flexible with customer requirements
Cons:
No international moving services
5: Native Van Lines
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Average Rating: 4.3/5
Average Price (2-3 Bed): $3,300 - $7,900
Superlative: Great Customer Service
Why We Picked Native Van Lines:
Native Van Lines is great at customer service. They’ve been around for years, and they’ve won quite a few awards during all that time. Since moving can be pretty overwhelming, it’s nice to know your movers have a seal of approval from the other players in the industry - and all their satisfied customers. Native really delivers, and they have no problem handling complicated moves, either. Ask them about their storage!
Services Offered:
Loading and hauling
Storage
Packing
Car shipping
Types of Moves Offered:
Long Distance
Cross Country
Local or Short Distance
Pros:
Broad range of moving services
Custom moves available
30 Days of free storage
No hidden fees
Cons:
Email address required for free moving quote
6: iMoving
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Average Price (2-3 Bed): $3,100 - $8,250
Superlative: Streamlined Online Booking
Why We Picked iMoving:
iMoving isn’t a typical moving company. They’re more like Expedia or Kayak, but for booking movers. Their online platform makes it super easy to plan your move and shop your movers. It’s an entire marketplace of movers, and each one is closely screened to meet iMoving’s strict standards. All you have to do is tell iMoving where you’re going and what you’re moving, and you can pick from the best of the best.
Services Offered:
1000+ verified movers
Easy online shopping platform
Types of Moves Offered:
Local moving
Long distance moving
Cross country moving
International moving
Pros
Binding quotes
Flexible cancellation policy
View multiple estimates at once
No phone calls needed
Cons
Services may not be available in every state
More like a marketplace
7: Out of State Moving Companies
Average Rating: 4.1
Average Price (2-3 Bed): 3,300 - 8,175
Superlative: Stress Free Relocations
Why We Picked Out of State Moving Companies:
Moving is stressful, but with Out of State Moving Companies, it doesn’t have to be. Their whole angle is making moving easy, efficient, and fuss-free. They can handle every step from planning to unpacking - pretty much every part of the process that can give you a headache. With over 10 years of experience and more than 100,000 happy customers, it’s clear that this approach has really paid off.
Services Offered:
Loading and hauling
Storage
Packing
Types of Moves Offered:
Local moving
Long distance moving
Cross country moving
Pros:
Experienced teams
Excellent customer service
Broad service range
They’ll handle all the stressful stuff
Cons:
No international moving services
Premium services come at a higher price
Costs of Moving in 2024
Moving across country can cost you anywhere from $3,500 to $22,500, although certain moves may cost a little more or a little less. The biggest factors behind the price of a long distance move? Distance, and the amount of stuff you own.
A studio apartment is going to be a lot cheaper to move than a 5-bedroom McMansion. If you’re not sure how much cash you should set aside, take a look at this chart for a ballpark figure:
Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 - 3 Bedroom | 4 - 5 Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
1500 Miles | $1850 - $3500 | $3050 - $7300 | $4500 - $10500 |
2000 Miles | $2200 - $3900 | $3200 - $8200 | $5000 - $12000 |
2500 Miles | $2500 - $4500 | $3600 - $9000 | $5900 - $14900 |
3000+ Miles | $2800 - $3500 | $4000 - $9900 | $8500 - $18000 |
Cost Calculator
Moving APT spent over 2 decades compiling moving data and competitor quotes. Why? To build a tool that helps customers budget their moves. If you want a quick and accurate estimate, check out the Moving APT cost calculator for a more exact figure.
Delivery Times for Moving
Moving can take anywhere from 1 to 21 business days. Like the price, it all depends on the size of your load, and how far your movers have to transport everything. Take a look at this table, and see how long you may have to wait:
Distance | Days |
---|---|
1500 Miles | 4-10 business days |
2000 Miles | 5-14 business days |
2500 Miles | 6-12 business days |
3000+ Miles | 7-21 business days |
How to Choose a Cross Country Moving Company (What to Look For)
If you’re shopping for a cross country mover, here’s what to look out for:
Reputation: Google and Yelp are your friends. If you want to gauge reliability and quality, see what customers are saying.
Licenses and Insurance: Look for a DOT (Department of Transportation) and an FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) number on their website.
Experience: You don’t want rookies handling your stuff. Look for companies that have been in the game for a few years.
Services Offered: Every move is different. Do you need packing, storage, or extra care for fragile items? Make sure your mover offers the services you need.
Price and Transparency: Avoid hidden fees. Get a detailed quote, and make sure your mover is clear about their pricing structure.
Customer Service: If a mover’s customer service department gives you the runaround, how do you think their actual moving teams will treat you?
Moving Company Features Breakdown
There’s a lot of ground to cover from coast to coast. Fortunately, lots of cross country movers offer helpful add-ons and extras to make life easier:
Packing and Unpacking Services: DIY packing is a pain. Book packing services, and you won’t have to touch a single packing peanut.
Storage Solutions: Storage can give you some much-needed flexibility. Some movers offer 30 days free!
Specialized Moving Services: If you have pianos, art, antiques, or extra cars, these will all take some extra elbow grease.
Flexible Scheduling: You’ll get the best price by planning ahead, but if you don’t have an exact date in mind, flexible scheduling can really help.
Tracking: GPS tracking adds some much-needed peace of mind to the whole moving process.
Types of Moving Companies
It’s not just bubble wrap and big trucks. There are different types of movers, and they all specialize in different types of jobs.
Local Movers / Short Distance Movers: Local movers exclusively handle moves that are under 100 miles and within the same state.
Long Distance Movers or Cross Country Movers: On the other hand, long distance movers handle moves that are over 100 miles, across state lines, or both.
Commercial Movers: Also known as corporate movers, commercial movers specialize in relocating businesses. Some are geared towards mom and pop shops, and some can handle whole warehouses and office complexes.
Military Movers: Military movers specialize in relocating military personnel and their families. They’re well-familiar with all the rules and regulations that come with these moves - as well as the tight deadlines.
How to Prepare for a Move
It takes a lot to plan a move, but Moving Feedback shared a few key steps:
Create a Checklist: Write up all the tasks you need to take care of before, during, and after moving day.
Declutter and Donate: Want to save time AND money? Get rid of your old, unwanted, and unused items.
Gather Supplies: Lock down your boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies. Always get extra.
Start Packing Early: If you’re doing your own packing, start early, and start with the stuff you use the least.
Change of Address: Don’t forget to forward your mail to your new address.
Prepare an Essentials Box: Pack a suitcase or a backpack with all your daily necessities. This way, you won’t have to search through boxes to find your toothbrush.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far in advance should I book a moving company?
You should book 2 to 3 months in advance for a long distance move. If you’re moving local, you can get away with 4 to 6 weeks. The earlier, the cheaper.
What is the average cost of a move?
Your cost depends on how far you’re going and how much you’re hauling, but the price of a move averages from as low as $650 to over $18,500.
How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?
To see if a mover is legit, you should check for their credentials. Ask for their USDOT number and FMCSA number for a start. Then, check them out on Google, Yelp, and the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
Can I pack my belongings myself?
You can totally pack your belongings yourself. But it’s a frustrating, time-consuming process, and movers may not offer full-value insurance for boxes you’ve packed yourself.
What happens if my items are damaged during the move?
Sometimes it happens. In these cases, you’ll have to file a claim with your moving company to get compensation for your damaged items. Just to be safe, look into full-value insurance coverage before you book.
How do moving companies calculate the cost of a move?
Local movers will charge per hour, per mover (and it’s about 2 movers per room). On the other hand, long distance movers will charge based on the weight of your belongings, and the distance of your move.
Do moving companies disassemble and reassemble furniture?
Furniture disassembly and reassembly is a great add-on, but not every mover offers it. If they don’t mention it on their website, give them a call.
What should I do if I need to move on short notice?
Some movers offer last-minute moving, but it’ll cost you extra. Get in touch with the movers on our list to see if they had any recent cancellations!
Can I track my shipment during the move?
GPS tracking is becoming more common in the moving industry. While it’s not totally the norm, it’s a growing trend. Contact your movers ahead of time to see if it’s offered.
Are there items that moving companies won’t transport?
Movers don’t transport anything that can damage a truck. That means nothing flammable, pressurized, perishable, or alive. They may also avoid transporting high value items (priceless art, etc.), so you’ll need specialists for that Monet or Picasso.
Every move is different, and so is every moving company. If you ever have any doubts about their services or operations, give them a call. At the very least, you’ll be able to judge their customer service while you’re at it.
Wrapping Up
You’re all caught up on cross country moving! From top picks to insider tricks, we hope you’ve learned a little about what to expect on the big day. All you have to do next is get in touch with one of our recommended moving companies, and let them handle the rest.
More and more people are packing their bags and getting out of town. If you’re ready to get started, contact a professional mover - or just check out some more of our helpful guides.