Best Long Distance Moving Companies 2025

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is essential for a stress-free relocation. Whether you’re moving across the country for a new job, lifestyle change, or family reasons, a trusted long-distance moving company can simplify the entire process. From affordable long-distance movers to top-rated companies with nationwide coverage, there are plenty of reliable options to match your budget and moving needs.

When choosing a long-distance moving company, it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions. A good mover can make your relocation smooth and stress-free, while the wrong one can lead to delays, damage, and unexpected costs. Here are some practical tips to help you make the right decision:

1. Verify Licensing & Insurance

When choosing a long-distance moving company, make sure they’re licensed by the FMCSA and have a valid USDOT number. This certification ensures that the long-distance moving company can operate legally across state lines and meet federal safety standards. Only reputable long-distance moving companies will be properly licensed and insured.

2. Check Reputation & Experience

Look for the best-rated long-distance moving companies with a proven track record. Reliable providers often have years of experience and excellent reviews on BBB, Yelp, and Google. Verified reviews from long-distance moving companies provide insight into customer satisfaction and help you avoid poor service.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

Always compare at least three quotes from top long-distance moving companies. This helps you evaluate pricing, services, and value. Be cautious of cheap long-distance moving companies that advertise unusually low rates; these often come with hidden fees or unreliable service. The best long-distance moving companies are transparent and provide detailed breakdowns of their services.

4. Request a Binding Estimate

Ask for a binding or not-to-exceed estimate to avoid surprise charges. Best long-distance moving companies typically offer in-home or virtual surveys before providing a final quote. This ensures accurate pricing and prevents cost fluctuations during the move.

5. Avoid Hidden Fees

Before hiring, ask about common additional charges like:

• Long carry distances
  
• Elevator or stair access
  
• Packing materials
  
• Storage fees
• Fuel surcharges

Top moving companies for long-distance moves explain all fees upfront. The most affordable long-distance moving companies still provide honest pricing without last-minute add-ons.

6. Choose the Right Service Level

Decide which type of long-distance moving service suits your needs:

• Full-service moving companies long distance handle everything—from packing and loading to transport and unpacking.
  
• Partial-service movers let you manage packing while they take care of the rest.
  

Some long-distance moving and storage companies also offer DIY hybrid options like moving containers, which are ideal for flexibility and budget-conscious customers.

When you hire one of the best long-distance moving companies, you’re investing in more than just transportation. Top long-distance moving and storage companies offer a wide range of full-service solutions to simplify your relocation. These services typically include:

• Packing & Unpacking: Trained teams from full-service moving companies long distance use professional-grade materials to protect your belongings.

• Loading & Unloading: Safe handling of heavy, fragile, or specialty items by experienced long-distance moving companies.

• Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly: Whether it’s beds, desks, or gym equipment, residential long-distance moving companies handle the setup with care.

• Storage Solutions: Leading moving and storage companies long-distance, secure, climate-controlled storage ideal for short-term or long-term needs.

• Insurance & Valuation: The best-rated long-distance moving companies offer multiple protection plans, from basic released value to full-value coverage.

Whether you’re searching for affordable long-distance moving companies or top long-distance moving companies with full-service capabilities, these offerings ensure a safer, smoother, and more reliable move across any distance.

Planning a long-distance move means understanding the potential costs involved. On average, long-distance moving prices start around $1,999 and can reach up to $9,999, depending on factors like distance, size of the move, and services required. 

Understanding how long-distance moving companies calculate prices can help you plan your budget more accurately and avoid unexpected costs. Below are the key pricing factors that affect both full-home and small-load relocations with long-distance moving companies.

1. Distance of the Move

A move from one side of the country to the other usually costs more than a move between nearby states. Top long-distance moving companies look at the total distance and how difficult the route is when they give you a price.

2. Total Weight or Volume of Belongings

Most moving companies that move long distances base their estimates on the total weight (in pounds) or volume (in cubic feet) of your shipment. More belongings, especially furniture and heavy items, mean higher costs with any long-distance moving company.

3. Type of Services Requested

Full-service moving companies offer long-distance end-to-end solutions, including packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking. Opting for partial service or DIY options from affordable long-distance moving companies may reduce your overall cost.

4. Time of Year

Peak moving season (May through September) often brings higher rates due to increased demand. The best long-distance moving companies may offer off-season discounts or lower rates for mid-week moves. Booking early helps secure better pricing.

5. Access and Logistics

Factors like:

• Stairs or elevators
  
• Long carry distance from the truck to your door
  
• Shuttle services (when access is restricted)
  

These logistical challenges typically result in extra charges, even with cheap long-distance moving companies.

6. Storage Needs

Many long-distance moving and storage companies provide both short-term and long-term options, including climate-controlled storage. While convenient, these services can increase your total cost, especially if storage is required between move-out and move-in dates.

7. Insurance & Protection Plans

Long-distance moving companies usually include basic liability coverage, but Full Value Protection is recommended for high-value or fragile items. The best-rated long-distance moving companies often provide multiple insurance options to fit your needs.

8. Special Items or Fragile Goods

Transporting specialty items like antiques, gym equipment, or artwork may require custom crating. These services are commonly available from top-rated long-distance moving companies and are priced based on the complexity and materials used.

We used a detailed, research-based process to select the most reliable, affordable, and best long-distance moving companies of 2025. Our goal was to highlight the top-rated long-distance moving companies that truly stand out in a highly competitive industry.

FMCSA Licensing & USDOT Compliance

Every long-distance moving company on our list is fully licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and holds an active USDOT number. These certifications are mandatory for all moving companies that move long distances, ensuring legal and safe operation across state lines.

Verified Customer Ratings on Trustpilot, Google, and BBB

We analyzed thousands of verified reviews from platforms like Trustpilot, BBB, and Google. Best rated long distance moving companies with strong reputations for professionalism, transparency, and reliable service earned top spots. Movers with consistent complaints about hidden fees or poor delivery timelines were removed from consideration.

Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees

Top long-distance moving companies offer honest, clear pricing. We prioritized providers that give binding or not-to-exceed quotes, preventing surprise costs. The best moving companies long distance explain all charges up front, including those for fuel, stairs, elevators, storage, and packing supplies.

Full Range of Moving Services

To meet the needs of various customers, we focused on full-service long-distance moving companies that offer:

• Full and partial packing services

• Climate-controlled long-distance moving and storage solutions

• Special handling for fragile items like antiques, pianos, or artwork

Strong Coverage in Major U.S. Cities

We favored long-distance moving companies with a strong presence in key metro areas, improving availability and local expertise in:

• New York State: New York City, Buffalo

• Texas: Dallas, Houston

• California: Los Angeles, San Diego

• Arizona: Phoenix, Scottsdale

• Colorado: Denver, Boulder

Reliable Scheduling & Timely Delivery

The best moving companies for long-distance moves must stick to their schedules. We prioritized those with dependable pickup and delivery windows, and flexibility in handling weather issues, last-minute changes, or closing delays.

Responsive Claims & Damage Resolution

Even the top-rated long-distance moving companies can encounter issues. That’s why we rated providers based on their claims process. Companies with fast communication, responsive claims teams, and flexible insurance and valuation options received higher scores.

Choosing a moving company is a big decision, and we take that seriously. Here’s why you can rely on our recommendations:

• Independent Research: Our rankings are based on verified data, customer reviews, and service quality, not advertising or sponsorships.
• Verified Movers Only: Every mover we list is fully licensed, insured, and registered with the FMCSA for moves.
• Customer-First Focus: We prioritize your needs, affordability, transparency, and reliability, and only recommend movers that deliver on those promises.
  
• Regular Updates: We continuously update our content to reflect current industry standards, pricing trends, and customer feedback.
  

Our mission is simple: to help you find a trusted, stress-free moving experience with no guesswork involved.

When planning a move with long-distance moving companies, it’s important to understand the extra costs that may affect your final quote. The best moving companies for long-distance moves clearly outline these charges upfront to avoid surprises.

• Packing Materials: Many full-service long-distance moving companies provide materials like bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and wardrobe boxes. These help protect your items but may come at an added cost.
  
• Stairs/Elevator Use: Top-rated long-distance moving companies may charge additional labor fees if movers need to navigate stairs or elevators, especially in apartment buildings.
  
• Expedited Delivery: If you need your items delivered quickly, moving companies that move long distances offer rush or guaranteed delivery services for an extra fee.
  
• Storage Solutions: Some long-distance moving and storage companies provide short- or long-term storage if your move-in date is delayed. Climate-controlled storage may cost more, but it adds peace of mind.
  
• Crating & Custom Handling: Moving fragile or high-value items like antiques, artwork, or pianos. The best-rated long-distance moving companies offer custom crating and careful handling for added protection.
  
• Fuel Charges: Long-distance moving companies often include fuel charges in your quote, but prices can vary based on the total distance and current fuel rates.
  

Understanding these common extras helps you choose from the best long-distance moving companies without hidden surprises.