Allied Van Lines
- Best for Customized Moves
- Favorable Cancellation Policy
- Auto Transport Services
North American Van Lines
- Best for Complicated Moves
- Highly Customized Services
- Live GPS Tracking
PODS
- Best for DIY Move
- Range of Options
- Solutions to All Situations
International Van Lines
- Best for State to State Moves
- Nationwide Coverage
- Estimate Breakdowns
Mayflower Transit
- Best for Full Service Moving
- Nationwide Coverage
- Lots of Package Options
An out-of-state move has enough hassles, obstacles and potential for chaos that it can make anyone shiver in their boots. Apart from the usual drill that moving homes brings, you also have the long transit hours and the changes in addresses and licences to worry about.
Making sure that you get your out-of-state movers right is the first step to ensuring you have a smooth move. Read up on our list of the best out-of-state movers to see just what they can bring to the table.
Get instant free moving quotes for your upcoming relocation with our moving cost calculator!
Moving Astute reviewed more than 20 popular out of state moving companies and analyzed more than 50 quotes to find the best professional and trusted movers in the United States.
Top 5 Trusted Out of State Moving Companies in the U.S.
| Moving Company | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines | PODS | International Van Lines | Mayflower Transit |
| Logo | | | | | |
| Ratings | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Best For | Best for Customized Moves | Best for Complicated Moves | Best for DIY Move | Best for State to State Moves | Best for Full Service Moving |
| DoT Number | 76235 | 70851 | N/A (Franchise) | 2247789 | 125563 |
| MC Number | 15735 | 107012 | N/A (Franchise) | 729978 | 2934 |
| Offers Auto Shipping | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| States Covered | All States Covered except AK and HI | All States Covered | 46 States, including D.C. and Hawaii | All States Covered | All States Except Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and West Virginia |
| Nationwide Availability | Excellent | Great | Good | Excellent | Great |
| Storage Available | Yes | Available Locally | Portable Services | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Experience and Happiness | Excellent | Great | Great | Great | Excellent |
| Company Type | Carrier | Carrier | N/A | Both Carrier and Broker | Both Carrier and Broker |
| Pros | Various Coverage Options Favorable Cancellation Policy Provides Auto Transport Services | Highly Customized Services Live GPS Tracking | Range of Options Solutions to all Situations | Nationwide Coverage Estimate Breakdowns | Nationwide Coverage Lots of Package Options |
| Cons | Poor Claim Policy Mobile App Not Available | Stringent Cancellation Policy Inconsistent Reviews Limited Storage Options | No Online Quote Higher Rates in Peak Season | No Online Quote 25% Deposit Required | No Instant Quote |
| Phone | 800-689-8684 | 800-228-3092 | 855-706-4758 | 877-647-1336 | 877-720-4066 |
5 Top-Rated Out of State Movers
1. Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines was founded in 1928 and is now owned by Sirva, Inc. The company is based out of Chicago and coordinates more than 400 moving agents in North America, serving all 50 states in the United States.
After being in operation for nearly 94 years, Allied Van Lines has earned a reputation for itself in the moving industry. They’ve served nearly 500,000 consumers in the last 15 years and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a consistent four-star rating from Consumers Affairs.
Allied Van Lines is the world’s largest mover network due to its dedication to providing services that matter, such as online moving quotes, Moving container services, shipment tracking, and GUARANTEED up-front pricing in all 50 states and beyond.
And the best part is you don’t have to deposit any money when you book them. Let’s look at a few prominent reasons why Allied should be your choice for your upcoming out of state move.
Reasons to Choose Allied Van Lines:
Flexible Storage Options: One of the many reasons you might choose Allied is their range of storage options. They understand that not everyone’s out of state move is going as planned, and sometimes you need a little extra time before you can settle into your new place. If this happens, they have both short-term and long-term storage options available in most major markets.
Additionally, if you need storage during your move to another state, they’ll load up one of their portable containers and store it for you until you’re ready for it. This is different from most other companies that only offer door-to-door service without any in-between storage options.
Award Winning Company: Allied has won multiple awards over the years and is a preferred moving company by many. The company has been honored with awards like ‘Quest for Quality Awards’ Recognition From Logistics Management, ‘Mover of the Year’ by Corporate Relocation, and has even been inducted into the American Moving & Storage Association’s (AMSA) ProMover Hall of Fame.
They’ve also been awarded with Women’s Choice Award for America’s Most Recommended Moving Company, which they won from 2015 to 2017. With all these awards, it’s no wonder that they’re one of the most recommended out of state moving companies in America.
Full-Service Packing: Packing is often one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of moving. Luckily, Allied Van Lines offers full-service packing for those who don’t have the time or energy to do it themselves.
Their team of professional packers will come to your home and carefully pack up all of your belongings, using the latest packing techniques and materials.
Not only will this save you a lot of time and energy, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are in good hands.
Pros
- Multiple Coverage Options
- Easy Cancellation Policy
- Auto Transport Service Available
Cons
- Lengthy Claim Process
- No Mobile App Available
Estimated Cost of Moving with Allied Van Lines
For an Out of State move from New York to Tennessee (which is roughly 500-miles) we got a quote of $3,700 for moving a 1-Bedroom house. These estimates are just for the sake of references and actual cost of moving can vary dramatically based on multiple factors, such as, distance, time of move, and the amount of stuff you are moving with you.
2. North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines was founded in 1933 and is now one of the largest moving companies in the world, with over 500 agents across the globe.
North American Van Lines is a full-service moving company that helps with relocation of all sizes, both within the state and out of state. It has an extensive network of more than 500 movers and is available in all 50 states and more than 130 countries.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, NAVL can help make the process easier.
North American Van Lines facilitate custom full-value release plans on your belongings when moving out of state, which means that you will receive coverage and compensation for your items that is based on the actual value of your items instead of a fixed amount.
If you need to cancel your move across the state lines, ensure you do it a minimum of three days before the moving date.
Reasons to Choose North American Van Lines:
Flexibility and Customization: North American Van Lines is one of the most flexible moving companies when it comes to out of state moves. They offer a wide range of services that can be customized to fit your specific needs. Whether you need full-service packing and unpacking, storage options, or just transportation, they can create a custom plan that’s perfect for you.
North American Van Lines is also one of the few moving companies that offer same-day and next-day service in some areas, so if you’re in a hurry, they can get the job done quickly.
Insurance and Coverage Options: North American Van Lines offers a variety of insurance and coverage options to protect your belongings during the move. They have different plans depending on the value of your belongings and how much coverage you need. You can also add on additional coverage for things like high-value items, antique furniture, and more.
Highly Reputed: If you’re looking for a reliable and reputable company for out-of-state moving, North American Van Lines is the ideal choice. With over 80 years of experience in the industry, NAVL is known for its quality and customer-centric approach to moving.
They were the first company to use crane vans, so you can be sure your large items will be handled with care. And with interactive driving simulators and WorldTrac® satellite tracking, you’ll always know where your shipment is and how it’s progressing.
Pros
- Highly Customized Services
- Live GPS Tracking
Cons
- Cancelling your Move can be Expensive
- Mixed Reviews
- Storage Options are Limited
Estimated Cost of Moving with North American Van Lines
We got a sample quote from North American Van Lines for relocating a 3-bedroom house from the state of Texas to California during the month of June, North American Van Lines quoted us an estimated moving cost of $7,900.
3. PODS
PODS started in 1998, when a man named Pete Warhurst decided to apply his genius in order to bring storage straight to the customer. Warhurst was the first to design and build the first ever portable container prototype. It took the moving industry by storm, and today, PODS has the experience, growth and expertise of over 20 years to help you with your move. Apart from serving nearly every state in America, this portable storage container company also has offices in 4 different countries worldwide.
PODS is the perfect middle ground bridging the inconvenience of a DIY move with the expenses of a full service move. They provide services for local and long distance moves, with add-ons like packing, loading, moving supplies and transporting vehicles.
Reasons To Choose PODS:
Flexibility: When planning an out-of-state move, you’re always juggling between options. The chaos that comes with moves means you’re probably cornered into thinking that you have to shell out for a good quality, safe move.
Enter PODS: it gives you all the flexibility to choose and prioritize as you wish; something rarely found with companies that service out-of-state moves. One problem many people face is that they always end up spending unnecessary money to transport their things.
But PODS has 3 different sized containers, which means you get to choose just the right amount of space you’ll need and pay for every last inch; no more, no less. And since you pay by space, not weight, there’s less chances of your final cost being shockingly higher than your initial quote (as seen with long distance movers).
| 7-Foot Container | 12-Foot Container | 16-Foot Container |
| 500 sq.ft. or less/Studio apt./Dorm room | 500-800 sq. ft. space | Up to 1,200 sq. ft. of space |
| Preferred by college students | 2 to 3 room apartments/houses | 3 to 4 room apartments |
| Comparable to a 5’x10′ storage unit or 10′ truck | Comparable to a 10’x10′ storage unit or 15′ truck | Comparable to a 10’x15′ storage unit or a 20′ truck |
At its most basic, you pay for your container rental. You get unlimited time to load it, and when you’re ready, PODS transports it for you. However, you also have an option to pay for packing and loading services; like we said, you pick and pay for what you need.
Making Out-Of-State A Breeze: When out-of-state movers are transporting things across state lines, they often transport the belongings of several different customers in one truck. This helps them save up on the number of journeys they’ll have to make. More often than not, this leads to messy situations with mix-ups, damaged items and lost items. With PODS, everything is loaded by you, locked by you, and transported by PODS, reducing the chances of mix-ups to zero.
Another major worry with out-of-state moves is having no backup in sticky situations. Lease on your current home is ending but your new home isn’t ready, or you haven’t yet found a new home? Make use of PODS’ storage facilities until you’re all set up.
Doing a DIY move? Take your time to load up the container and give them a call when you’re ready. Of their three containers, both the 7-foot and the 16-foot containers are available for long distance moves across the country. Which means all those knick-knacks from the attic and the (old yet never used) sports equipment can all make the move with you!
Finally, with numerous locations all across the United States, you can bet PODS will be available for your out-of-state move.
Pros
- Multiple Moving and Storage Options Available
- Cheaper than Full-Service Moving Company
Cons
- DIY Move
- Higher Rates in Peak Season
Estimated Cost of Moving with PODS
The average cost of packing and moving with PODS is around $3,810. Prices vary depending on the size of your home and the distance it has to be transported. For example, transporting personal belongings from a one-bedroom apartment 100 miles for less than $850 is possible. Moving stuff across the country costs more than $6,500 in this scenario.
Good To Know: According to their website, the cost of a long-distance move with PODS averages $999-$2,999. Prices are based on a range of factors including how many and what sized containers you use, the distance and time frame of your move, and whether you move in peak or off season.
Also Read: PODS Review
4. International Van Lines
Having been founded in the year 2000, International Van Lines has steadily risen up the ranks to become one of the best out-of-state movers in the US. IVL began primarily as an international moving company, and as their success grew, they expanded into providing services for local and long distance moves.
Today, they cover all of the United States, and also offer services for debris and junk removal, vehicle transportation, packing and storage.
Reasons To Choose International Van Lines:
Understanding Estimates: Transparency and openness is always a green flag, especially when it’s from an out-of-state moving company. The worry with out-of-state moves is always that for vague, unexplained reasons, your estimates and costs will be warped and you’ll be scammed of your money.
But IVL makes sure you understand not just what is included in your estimate, but what is excluded as well. For instance, their estimates include disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture pieces, one flight of stairs (7 steps), tolls, mileage, taxes, and Basic Liability Coverage up to $10,000 at $0.60/lb per article.
Things that are excluded and will get added to your final cost, should they arise, are elevator fees ($75.00 / each stop), shuttle services, bulky items ($150.00), piano and torbike handling and other such things. No only is it all listed out, but it also mentions the price you’ll have to pay. No worry of vague add-ons here!
Reassurance: Why do moving companies go to great lengths to assure their potential clients of how trustworthy they are? Reassurance. And we certainly feel reassured that IVL is one of the best out-of-state movers in town.
For one, they have the experience of servicing out-of-state moves: of the 10,000 annual moves they handle, 80% are long distance moves. It’s vast network covers all 50 states in America, which means no matter where you are, IVL can come to your assistance.
Recognizing that moving houses is full of last-minute, mostly unwanted surprises, they have 24/7 customer service and no penalty or fee to change your moving date.
Finally, with a slew of other services like multiple temporary storage options, full service moves or partial packing services, custom crating and even crane services, IVL ensures that the need to turn to anyone else never arises.
Pros
- Excellent Nationwide Availability
- Detailed Moving Estimates
Cons
- Online Quotes Unavailable
- 25% Upfront Deposit
Estimated Cost of Moving with International Van Lines
As per the estimated moving quote we received from International Van Lines, the cost to move a 1-bedroom from Denver, CO to Atlanta, GA is $1,550 depending on the services you choose.
Interstate Moving Companies 101: A must for any interstate, out-of-state or cross country moving company is federal authorization that is granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is a special license to transport goods and offer services across state borders. Always look this up on their websites or on the FMCSA website.
Must Read: International Van Lines Review
5. Mayflower Transit
Mayflower Transit first began business as Mayflower Transit, way back in 1927. Right from the get-go, founders Conrad M. Gentry and Don F. Kenworthy knew just how to serve their customers and fulfill their every need, which led to their sky-rocketing growth.
They are now a part of UniGroup Inc, having joined their fold in 1995. Alongside sister company United Van Lines, they are now one of the largest moving companies in America.
They offer a range of services for local, long distance, cross country, corporate, international and military moves. They also have options for full service moves, packing and unpacking, and storage services.
Reasons To Choose Mayflower Transit:
SnapMoves: One of the best parts about Mayflower Transit is that it recognizes that not all moves are the same. Small move being hauled across state lines? Snapmoves by Mayflower Transit is just the answer.
Like PODS, Mayflower stands out from the crowd by putting into place options that people with smaller moves can benefit from. Snapmoves is Mayflower’s small moves program, with special benefits like an easy and convenient quote process, a customized plan, guaranteed move dates and included Full Value Protection.
You qualify as a small move if your move is a 1 to 3 bedroom apartment, a dorm room or storage unit, a 1 bedroom house or a studio apartment. Additionally, anyone traversing long distances, whether to distribute family heirlooms, help your parents into assisted living, sending things across or moving a small shop, can opt for the Snapmoves services.
As with any other move, we recommend getting in touch with the company and asking them about the program and whether you’d qualify. A company looking to make their profit would simply take advantage of people making small moves across state lines.
The fact that Mayflower has a specialized option for people with smaller moves, helping them instead of exploiting them is a big tick from us.
Customized Full Service Moving Packages: Full service plans are almost always the preference for out-of-state moves. Having a company to depend on for all the tasks, from packing to transporting, is always a relief, yet comes with a price.
Mayflower is taking a different approach to full service moving packages. You have a range of options at hand to create your very own moving plan, which includes all services you deem necessary.
Mayflower has an interesting structure to customize your out-of-state moving plan, giving you three broad outlines to follow. The first is the Essential Plan: it includes Mayflower’s Gold Standard Protection, Claim Assistance, $5,000 Additional Valuation Protection and Identity Theft Protection.
A tier ahead of that is the Plus 1 plan; it has all the components of the Essential plan, plus two additional boons of $25,000 Additional Valuation Protection and increased destination waiting time. You also get to pick any one convenience service that gets included in your base price, which is $395.
Lastly, Plus 2 offers everything from the Essential and Plus 1 plans, with additional delay payment. As the name suggests, you can pick two services to go along with the rest, all at the base price of $595. You can always add in any other services that you need, and pay for them as well.
A company that has this much customization tailored to long distance moves is a company to be trusted.
Pros
- Premium Quality Services
- Varied Package Options
Cons
- Not for Budget-Oriented Customers
- Online Quotes Unavailable
Estimated Cost of Moving with Mayflower
Although, Mayflower Transit does not offer instant online moving quotes, we managed to get moving estimates over a call. The average cost of moving from one state to another with Mayflower is $5,150 for moving a 1-Bedroom apartment to a distance of approximately 500 miles.
Read Also: Mayflower Moving Review
Can I rent a truck for long distance moving? Yes, several truck rental companies rent trucks for long distance and interstate moves. Ensure you check things like how your cost is calculated and drop-off locations near your destination. Finally, make sure they are licensed to rent trucks that cross state lines.
What Is The Best Interstate Moving Company?
There isn’t one particular interstate moving company that is the best at what they do, though there are several top contenders as listed in this and our interstate moving companies article.
However, there are several requirements that the best interstate moving company would have to fulfill, the first being an FMCSA license to transport goods across state lines.
DOT license numbers, an accreditation by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and being certified as a ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) are other indicators of a reliable and trustworthy interstate moving company.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Move From State To State?
The cheapest way to go about an out-of-state move is to Do-It-Yourself. But you need some high-intensity levels of planning, organizing and time management to make sure you really do save up on every last dime without botching it.
A DIY move means you have to spend on packing supplies, labor (you can’t load it all yourself!) and a truck or portable storage compartment rental. Another alternative is going with cheap moving companies; the ones we’ve listed out in our article give cheap yet good services, despite the low costs.
How Much Does It Cost To Relocate To Another State?
Irrespective of whether it is a local move or a cross country move, moving costs can only be finalized once you’ve agreed to go ahead with the movers of your choice. It takes into consideration factors like how far you have to travel, how much you’re transporting and the services you opt for.
However, based on average estimates, an interstate move can cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Cross country moves, that cover the longest distances, can cost anywhere between $2,500 and $6,500, averaging at $4,500.
Also keep in mind that you have to transport your vehicles as well, which can cost anywhere between $700 to $2,000 depending on the transit distance and the type of vehicle you have.
Get instant free moving quotes for your upcoming relocation with our moving cost calculator!
Out of State Moving FAQs
What is the most reputable moving company?
The most reputable moving company in the US is undoubtedly Allied Van Lines. Allied has been in business since 1929 and has a nationwide presence, with more than 500 agents across the country. They are also rated A+ by the BBB, so you can be sure that you’re hiring a reliable company if you choose them.
What is the most cost-effective way to move to another state?
If you’re looking to save money on your move, one option is to pack up everything yourself and make the drive to your new home. This can be a great way to save money on labor costs, but it’s important to factor in the cost of renting a truck or trailer and your time investment. If you don’t mind doing some of the work yourself, this can be a great way to keep costs down.
How do you know if a moving company is good?
Here are a few things to consider when trying to determine if a moving company is good or not:
- Are they BBB accredited?
- Do they have any positive Reviews? For example, are there any Google Reviews, Yelp Reviews, etc.?
- What is their insurance policy? Are they insured and licensed?
- How long have they been in business?
- What type of services do they offer? Is it just local or long-distance moves? Do they also do storage units, etc.?
- Do they have any hidden fees? Make sure to read the fine print!
How much does it cost to move out of state?
The cost of an out-of-state move is between $3,400 to $8,900, the cost can vary significantly depending on the distance of the move, the size of the moving truck, and whether you hire movers or do it yourself.
What is the cheapest way to move from NY to FL?
The cheapest way to move from New York to Florida would be to rent a moving truck or container service. Both of these options would allow you to pack and load your belongings on your own time and then transport them to your new home. This would be the most economical option, as you would only have to pay for the rental truck or container, plus any associated fees (fuel, tolls, etc.).
Do movers pack for you?
Yes, professional movers will pack your belongings for you. They are trained in how to properly and securely pack household items so that they arrive at your new home safely. Packing services typically cost an additional fee, but it’s worth it to have the peace of mind knowing that your belongings are being packed correctly.
Do moving companies ask for a deposit?
No, moving companies do not ask for a deposit. They may ask for a credit card or other form of payment in order to hold your reservation, but they will not require a deposit. If you are asked for a deposit, we recommend finding another company to move with. There are plenty of reputable companies that do not require a deposit.
How do you prepare for a long-distance move?
Planning is key when it comes to long-distance moves. You’ll want to start by making a list of everything you need to do and by estimating how much everything will cost. You’ll also need to decide what method of transportation you’ll be using and book your reservations well in advance.
How do I move to a new state?
There are a few things to keep in mind when moving to a new state. First, you’ll need to research the cost of living in your new state and compare it to your current state. You’ll also need to find a job or career opportunity in your new state, as this will help offset the cost of living. Finally, it would help if you familiarized yourself with the laws and regulations of your new state so that you can be prepared for any potential changes.
How much does it cost to move from Florida to California?
The cost of moving from Florida to California varies depending on the size of your move, the distance you’re moving, and the services you need. For example, if you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment from Florida to California, it may cost around $4,000-$6,000 total. However, if you’re relocating a large home or office, the cost could be much higher.
How much does it cost to move from Washington state to Texas?
Moving from Washington state to Texas typically costs between $2000 and $4000, depending on the size of your home and the distance you are moving.
How much does it cost to move from NY to NC?
It all depends on how much stuff you have to move. If you have a one-bedroom apartment worth of belongings, it would cost an average of $2,550 to move from New York to North Carolina. However, if you own a four-bedroom house, the cost goes up to an average of $4,874.16.
Methodology
To evaluate and identify the best out-of-state moving companies, Moving Astute’s editorial and research team analyzed more than 20 movers operating in the United States. Here are a few factors that we look for in a professional out-of-state mover:
- Nationwide Availability
- Customer Satisfaction
- Pricing
- Storage Availability
- Insurance Coverage
- Packing Services
- Tracking Facility
In order to ensure accurate and reliable information for our users, we research several moving companies using the following research method:
Transparent Pricing: To ensure that each moving company’s pricing is reliable, we collect moving quotes, verify binding estimates, and read users’ reviews on price.
Authentication: We verify the registrations of each moving company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database to ensure that they are validly licensed to carry and relocate household items.
Review and Feedback: We analyze every moving company’s website, impersonate customers during conversations with them, and read client reviews to evaluate each moving services provider, transit protection, and customer service. We also talk to actual customers about how their moves went from beginning to end.
Periodic Reviews and Updates: Every year, we repeat this procedure to keep our recommendations up-to-date with current information. We also make modifications throughout the year to our periodic reviews.
Conclusion
When you’ve got an out-of-state move on your hands, the best approach is organization. Ensure you have your moving checklist all listed out, and keep ticking things off according to your timeline. Now that you know some of the best out-of-state movers, begin the process of contacting them to better get to know their offerings, and getting estimated quotes for your move.
