What is cross country Moving?

Cross-country moving—also known as interstate or long-distance moving—involves relocating your household or business across state lines, often spanning thousands of miles. Unlike local or intrastate moves, cross-country moves require more planning, professional help, and often come with federal regulations.

At 10TopMovingCompanies.com, we connect you with the best-rated full-service cross-country movers who can handle every detail of your move—packing, loading, transportation, and even storage—so you don’t have to lift a finger.

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What Qualifies as a Cross-Country Move?

What Is Cross Country Moving?

A move is typically classified as cross-country when:

  • You move across state lines (regardless of distance)
  • Your move covers 1000+ miles
  • It involves coordination with federal transportation regulations (USDOT)

Some examples:

  • Moving from New York to California
  • Relocating your office from Florida to Texas
  • Shifting from Illinois to Arizona

Cross Country vs. Local Moving

Type of Move

Distance

State Lines Crossed

Regulation

Who It’s For

Local Moving

Under 100 mi

No

State-level only

Within the same city or metro area

         

Cross Country Moving

1000+ miles

Yes

Federal (FMCSA)

Across state lines (long distance)

Unlike DIY options like Pods, U-Pack, or U-Haul, cross-country moving with full-service professionals ensures reliability, safety, and zero hassle.

What Services Do Full-Service Cross Country Movers Provide?

Full-service movers take care of everything from start to finish:

  • In-Home Estimate: Virtual or in-person walkthroughs

  • Packing & Unpacking: Trained professionals protect every item

  • Furniture Disassembly & Reassembly: Expert movers carefully take apart bulky items for safe transport.
  • Loading & Unloading: Heavy lifting is done by pros

  • Transportation: Licensed, insured cross-country carriers

  • Storage Solutions: Short and long-term storage options

  • Moving Insurance: Basic or full-value coverage

“With a full-service mover, your move can be hands-free—from your doorstep in Boston to your new house in Los Angeles.”

Best Cross-Country Moving Companies

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Why Not Use Pods, U-Haul, or U-Pack for Cross-Country Moving?

While DIY or semi-DIY solutions like rental trucks, moving containers, or freight trailers may appear budget-friendly, they come with hidden risks:

Feature

Full-Service Movers

Pods / U-Pack / U-Haul

Packing Included

✅ Yes

❌ No

Labor Included

✅ Yes

❌ No

Insurance

✅ Available

⚠️ Limited

Tracking

✅ Yes

⚠️ Often Unavailable

Timeline Reliability

✅ High

❌ Variable

In short, full-service movers save you time, stress, and potential property damage, especially for long-distance, state-to-state relocations.

Moving Across the U.S.

No matter where you’re moving from or to, full-service movers handle the complexities of your unique route.

Popular Cross-Country Routes:

  • California → New York
  • Texas → Washington
  • Florida → Colorado
  • Illinois → Arizona
  • Georgia → Oregon

Each route may involve:

  • Varying toll costs
  • State regulations on what can be transported
  • Seasonal weather delays
  • Route optimization

How Much Does Cross Country Moving Cost?

Pricing varies based on:

  • Distance (miles traveled)
  • Home size or shipment weight
  • Service level (e.g., full packing vs. transport-only)
  • Season (summer moves can be more expensive)
  • Storage (if needed)

✅ Sample Estimates:

Home Size

Distance

Avg. Full-Service Cost

1-Bedroom Apt

1,000 miles

$2,300 – $4,000

2–3 Bedroom Home

1,500 miles

$4,200 – $7,000

4+ Bedroom House

2,000+ miles

$7,500 – $12,000+

Get Free Quotes: Use our trusted network to compare prices from top-rated cross-country movers with no hidden fees. Use Our Most Accurate Cross Country Moving Cost Calculator To Know Your Move Costs.

What is considered cross-country moving?

Any move that crosses state lines and typically covers 1000 miles or more. It is federally regulated and requires specific licensing and insurance.

How long does cross-country moving take?

  • State to State (500–1,000 miles): 2–5 days
  • Cross Country (1,500–2,500 miles): 5–14 days

Time depends on weather, route, and shipment weight.

FAQs About Cross-Country Moving