Best Cross Country Movers of 2023
Alex Sherr is the founder of 9Kilo Moving. He has been in the moving and relocation industry for more than 17 years, making him an expert in his field. Alex started as a helper, dispatcher, and driver and has worked his way up to owning his own company. He takes great pride in his work and enjoys helping people relocate.
Our Top Pick
Colonial Van Lines is our pick for the best-moving company in the cross-country category. This relocation group has been providing long-distance moving services for over 50 years and has a good reputation in the industry.
They offer a range of services to meet different moving needs, including packing, loading, and unloading, as well as short and long-term storage solutions. They also offer various moving packages to fit different budgets, and their pricing is transparent and upfront. Colonial Van Lines is fully licensed and insured, which gives customers peace of mind during the moving process.
Additionally, the company has a responsive customer service team that can assist with any questions or concerns before, during, and after the move. These factors make Colonial Van Lines a strong contender for those seeking cross-country moving companies.
| Our Take | Price | Rating | Minimum Shipment Size | Storage | Booking Deposit | Cancellation Policy | Quoting Options | Discounts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Industry Reputation GET QUOTE | 2.1 | 1+ bedrooms | 30 Days | 20% | Free up to 72 hrs | Phone / Facetime | Seniors Discount | ||
| Best Overall Value GET QUOTE | 1.8 | 2+ bedrooms | Free 30 Days | 10% | Free up to 72 Hrs | Phone / FaceTime / Text | Senior / Same day Booking | ||
| Highest Quality Service GET QUOTE | 4.5 | No Minimum | 30 days Free | | Free Up to 7 Days | OnSite Estimate | Same Day Booking | ||
| Best Customer Service GET QUOTE | 2.9 | 1+ bedrooms | | 30% | Free up to 72 hrs | Phone / Virtual | |
What You Need to Consider When Picking Cross Country Movers
Moving is always challenging, but moving across the country is on another level! To help ensure that your long-distance move is as smooth and stress-free as possible, we’ve created a comprehensive list of the key factors you need to consider when choosing a cross-country moving company:
📦Good reputation and reviews.
Choosing a professional moving company can be difficult with so many options available. You want a company that will suit your needs and provides good service. Unfortunately, you can’t always trust what a company says about itself.
This is where public review platforms like Yelp and Google are helpful because people don’t hold back. To get a sense of the company’s reputation, take some time and read its reviews.
Reading reviews could teach you important information you didn’t know, good or bad. So don’t skip this crucial step in the moving process.
📦Additional insurance coverage is essential.
Finding a provider with good insurance coverage is vital when choosing moving services. Mishaps can and do happen – even with the best movers.
So you must be prepared. Licensed interstate movers are required by law to offer two types of moving insurance: full value protection and released value protection.
➡️Released value protection
Released value protection provides basic coverage at no extra cost, typically calculated based on the weight of your belongings.
This level of coverage means that your long-distance mover is only liable for 60 cents per pound per article if any of your belongings are lost, damaged, or destroyed during the move.
➡️Full value protection
Full value protection is a more comprehensive level of liability coverage. It offers more protection for your belongings if they are lost, damaged, or destroyed during the move.
With full value protection, the moving company must repair or replace any lost or damaged items or offer a cash settlement for the item’s current market value.
This coverage comes at an additional cost and is calculated based on the declared value of your belongings.
📦 Find a provider that offers storage.
Storage is essential when deciding which company to handle your move.
Storage can provide a convenient and flexible solution for various moving challenges that can arise during a long-distance move.
Working with a reputable moving company that offers storage options ensures that your belongings are safely stored and easily accessible whenever you need them.
📦Check that your cross-country moving company is properly licensed.
Make sure your long-distance movers are properly licensed. It’s essential to choose a mover registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that has been assigned a unique USDOT number.
You can verify their credentials and ensure they have insurance by checking the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database. Simply search for their USDOT number to guarantee peace of mind during your move.
📦Inquire about moving agents.
When choosing a long-distance mover, you must ensure that your chosen company has nationwide coverage. Not having nationwide coverage means that your moving company will subcontract part of the move out to a different party.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with using a third-party service during your move, it’s important to keep in mind that subcontractors are not employees of the moving company. This means they may not be held to the same standards as the original company you hired.
If you’re comfortable with subcontractors, ask about their insurance coverage to ensure that you’re protected from accidents or damages.
📦If possible, get an in-person estimate.
Moving across the country is costly and complex. Because of this, we recommend you get an in-person estimate for the cost of your move, if possible. Regarding cross-country moving, in-home estimates are generally considered more accurate and reliable:
➡️Personalized assessment: In-home estimates allow moving companies to conduct a personalized evaluation of your belongings, which gives them a better idea of the scope of your move. This assessment can help movers provide you with a more accurate estimate.
➡️Identification of potential issues: During an in-home estimate, the moving company can identify any potential issues that could affect the move, such as narrow doorways, staircases, or other obstacles. This knowledge can help them plan and avoid unexpected challenges on moving day.
➡️Clarification of expectations: In-home estimates also allow you to clarify your expectations with the moving company and ask any questions. This ensures that both parties are on the same page.
How We Choose the Best Cross Country Moving Companies
We’ve reviewed more than 150 cross-country movers and analyzed over 220 relocation estimates to find the best professional cross-country movers in the U.S.
In order to get the list of the top cross-country movers, we considered many important factors such as pricing, the company’s location, services offered, customer reviews, and quality of services.
Cross Country Moving Company Reviews
Colonial Van Lines
Looking for the best cross-country movers? Look no further than Colonial Van Lines. With a 50-year history in long-distance moving, this family-run company is our top pick. Colonial handles roughly 12,000 long-distance moves annually, making them a trusted and experienced choice.
Colonial van Lines has locations in 48 states across the continental U.S., and their network of 200 agents means they're well-equipped to handle any cross-country move.
Colonial is a great choice for long-distance moving because they offer a range of convenient and comprehensive moving services, including packing and storage.
And with transparent pricing available through their mobile app, you can rest easy knowing you won't be hit with any unexpected fees or charges.
Services
➡️Packing services
➡️Specialized moving
➡️Vehicle shipping
➡️Long and short-term storage
➡️Moving supplies
➡️Corporate relocation services
Pros
- Free moving estimates
- 24/7 customer support
- Mobile app
- Storage in transit options
- Full-service storage
- Insurance for damaged items
- High level of experience with interstate moves
- Great customer support
Cons
- No shipment tracking
- May subcontract moving jobs
- Colonial charges by weight which can cause discrepancies between quotes and actual pricing
- Not available in Alaska and Hawaii
Why we recommend Colonial Van Lines
The mobile app simplifies the moving process
Colonial Van Lines stands out from other moving companies due to their streamlined booking process.
An experienced agent will then use these visuals to provide you with a comprehensive and transparent estimate. The best part? You can get a quote for moving services at absolutely no charge.
You can also use the app to do the following:
🚚Leave specific directions about how you would like your items to be handled
🚚Order additional moving boxes
🚚View a moving checklist to keep your organized.
Professional packing services
Colonial Van Lines has been in the moving industry for many years and has gained expertise in ensuring your belongings remain safe and secure during long-distance moves. They offer three distinct packing options for their customers:
📦Single-item packing
The single-item packing option is perfect for fragile items such as pianos and entertainment stands that can be difficult to pack.
📦Kitchen packing
The kitchen packing option ensures that all homeware items, including glassware, silverware, and pots and pans, are packed carefully for safe shipping.
📦Full-pack option
Finally, the full-pack option is the most comprehensive option and takes care of every aspect of packing for you, from disassembling and reassembling basic furniture to packing each box.
Wide range of storage options
For those who are dealing with a complicated long-distance move, temporary storage may be necessary while figuring out the logistics.
Colonial provides flexible storage solutions, including full-service storage, storage in transit, and commercial storage, to ensure your belongings are taken care of until you're ready to move them to their final destination.
📦Full-service storage
In case you need to store your belongings for an extended period, such as when relocating internationally, Colonial Van Lines provides a range of storage options.
Colonial will transport your possessions to a secure storage facility for short or long-term storage, and their team of movers will handle the loading and unloading of your items.
📦Storage in transit
Colonial provides a convenient short-term storage solution that offers a secure location for your belongings during the gap between moving out of your old space and into your new one.
This flexible storage option lets you keep your items safe until you can move them into your new home.
📦Commercial storage
Colonial's storage solutions are not limited to personal use, as their business storage space is also available for commercial and office storage needs.
This can include storing office furniture, equipment, documents, or excess inventory. Their flexible storage options can accommodate businesses of all sizes, providing safe and secure asset storage.
VanLines Inc
Van Lines Inc. is a new player in the moving industry, but don't let that fool you. Owner Efraim Balila has been in the game for over 20 years and knows the ins and outs of the moving industry.
Headquartered in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Van Lines Inc. is a nationwide moving broker that can make your move as stress-free as possible.
Van Lines Inc aims to set the standard for moving brokers across the country. You can trust that they'll focus on making your cross-country move smoother, more convenient, and more affordable than ever before.
Services
➡️Packing and unpacking services
➡️Specialized moving
➡️Car shipping
➡️Moving insurance
➡️Short and long-term storage
➡️Moving supplies
➡️Corporate relocation services
Pros
- Free quotes
- Holds its partner carriers to a high standard
- 24/7 customer support chat
- Handle moves to Alaska
- Experience in moving high-value items
- Highly-trained movers
- Moving supplies delivered to your door
Cons
- Third-party movers used so quality can vary
- Deposit required
- No ball-park estimates
- Website is missing key information
Why we recommend Van Lines Inc.
Expertise and resources
Van Lines Inc. boasts a vast network of experienced and skilled movers, coupled with years of experience in the industry.
With their expertise, they can connect you with the perfect cross-country movers based on your unique requirements, including your budget, the distance of your move, and the number and type of items you need to transport.
Also, their extensive range of services guarantees that you will find the right moving solution that fits your specific needs.
Convenience
Choosing Van Lines Inc. as your moving partner can make your long-distance move a stress-free and time-saving experience.
Rather than spending hours researching and contacting different movers, Van Lines Inc. will take care of everything for you. Their team of experts efficiently matches you with the right mover based on your specific needs. Using Van Lines Inc. will save you time, so you can relax and enjoy your move.
Cost savings
By using a broker like Van Lines Inc., you will benefit from better rates when compared to hiring cross-country movers directly.
As a company with a wide network of moving companies, Van Lines Inc. can leverage its connections to negotiate lower rates on your behalf. This can help you save money while still getting quality moving services
Increased protection
When you work with Van Lines Inc., you can rest assured that the moving company they match you with is licensed, insured, and reputable.
Also, it's essential to work with reliable movers with extra insurance protections when it comes to long-distance moves. You will be guided through the claim process by Van Lines Inc. if any damage or loss occurs during your move.
Midland Van Lines
Services
➡️Long-distance moving
➡️Packing service
➡️Specialized moving
➡️Moving insurance
➡️Commercial moves
➡️Nationwide availability
Pros
- No-strings-attached quotes
- Advanced moving technology
- Great customer service
- Discounts of up to 40% for early bookings
- Only hires movers with a minimum of five years' experience
- Experts in long-distance moves
- Experts in moving high-value items
Cons
- No instant quotes
Why we recommend Midland Van Lines
Customizable moving options
A one-size-fits-all approach may not work for everyone, as each individual or family has different requirements when it comes to moving. To go the extra mile for their customers, Midlands Van Lines provides personalized moving solutions. A representative from Midlands Van Lines will create a customized plan to tailor their services to match your specific needs, including packing, storage, or additional services. This level of personalization can make the transition to your new home smoother, as you can trust that everything is being taken care of in a way that fits your lifestyle and budget.White-glove moving services
With Midlands Van Lines; you can expect nothing but the best from start to finish. Their team of highly trained and experienced professionals will handle every aspect of your move with white-glove care, ensuring that your belongings are transported safely and securely. Midland Van Lines can also take on more unique or complex large homes or commercial space relocations. They are well equipped to transport heavy and valuable items like large furniture, antiques, and even priceless art. It doesn’t stop there. They offer secure packaging and complete crating solutions for your high-value items. Also, Midland Van Lines is insured for up to $200,000 in the unlikely event of property loss or damage. Full-service moving option If you're looking for a genuinely luxurious moving experience, Midlands Van Lines provides a full-service moving package. With this comprehensive package, you can expect a team of highly trained professionals to take care of everything, from packing your belongings to unloading them at your new home. Midlands’s experienced movers will care extra for your high-value items if needed. In addition, they offer concierge services such as unpacking and setting up your new home, and arranging for storage solutions for any items you may not want to bring with you. With a full-service package, you can relax and let Midlands Van Lines take care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free relocation.Moving APT
Moving APT Moving APT is a Miami-based moving broker that can handle your cross-country or local move through its network of over 2,500 carefully vetted partner companies across the United States. They're registered as a moving broker with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), so you can trust that they comply with federal regulations.
One of the benefits of using Moving APT is its ability to leverage its vast network to secure competitive rates, which can save you money on your cross-country move.
Plus, they offer a price matching service that guarantees to match or beat any quote you receive. It's an easy way to compare prices from multiple cross-country movers at the same time
Moving APT also provides a wide range of discounts for those on a budget, making their service an attractive option.
Services
➡️Packing and unpacking services
➡️Speciality moving
➡️Vehicle shipping
➡️Moving insurance
➡️Storage services
➡️Moving supplies
➡️Corporate relocation services
Pros
- Price matching
- 24/7 customer support
- Binding estimates
- Flexible moving options
- Discounts for military personnel and senior citizens
- Early reservation discounts
Cons
- Third-party movers used in some moves so quality can vary
- Unhelpful customer service chat
- Numerous customer complaints
- A deposit is required
Why we recommend Moving APT
Broad range of services
Long distance moves can be overwhelming. Still, Moving APT can help simplify the process by offering a comprehensive range of services.
Whether you need help packing, crating valuable items, or shipping your vehicle, Moving APT can connect you with cross-country movers who can care for everything.
Their experienced movers can handle the loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking of your shipment and provide additional services like loading and unloading larger items such as hot tubs and pianos.
With Moving APT, you can rest assured that every aspect of your long-distance move will be taken care of.
Price-matching policy
Moving APT provides a price-matching option, allowing them to offer competitive rates for their cross-country moving services.
This means that if you receive an estimate from a competitor moving company, Moving APT will work to match or even beat their pricing, ensuring that you get the best possible deal for your move.
Binding estimates
Moving APT stands out as one of the top long-distance moving companies due to its binding estimate policy.
Once you provide your moving inventory and request a quote, Moving APT will send you a binding moving estimate. As long as your inventory stays the same, your price won't increase on the day of the move.
It's worth mentioning that additional charges may apply if you have more boxes on the day of the move. Conversely, Moving APT will lower the price if you have fewer boxes. This level of flexibility not only reduces stress but also makes moving more affordable.
Cross-Country Movers – Runners-Up
International Van Lines
As a leading long-distance moving company in the US, International Van Lines is consistently ranked at or near the top of best movers lists by customers and industry analysts alike.
Established in 2000, IVL initially focused on international moves before expanding into domestic services in 2007. Today, they offer a comprehensive range of solutions, including local, interstate, and long-distance moves, primarily focusing on long-distance relocations.
As a broker and carrier, IVL is a full-service moving company that collaborates with over 3,000 partners worldwide and handles an impressive 10,000 relocations annually. Their extensive services make them a one-stop shop for all long-distance moving needs, including full-service packing, automobile shipping, cleaning, online shipment tracking, and specialized services for military and government personnel.
In addition to these offerings, International Van Lines also provides storage options and office relocation services, further solidifying their trusted reputation in the moving industry.
Services
➡️Long-distance moves
➡️Local moves
➡️Packing and unpacking services
➡️Moving insurance
➡️Storage
➡️Moving supplies
➡️Corporate relocation services
➡️International moves
➡️Military moves
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Full-service move across the country
- Offers a wide range of services
- Flexible moving packages
- Excellent customer satisfaction ratings
- 30 days free storage
- Offers a wide variety of discounts
- Nationwide availability
Cons
- Deposit required
- Third-party movers are used in some moves so quality can vary
Why we recommend International Van Lines
Transparent pricing
International Van Lines stands out in the moving industry for its commitment to transparent pricing and going above and beyond to provide clients with an understanding of the costs associated with their move—making it one of the best cheap moving companies.
While it's true that no full-service moving company can instantly offer a binding quote due to the many variables at play, International Van Lines takes the initiative by displaying sample moving prices on its website. This lets customers understand the potential costs involved in their move, which many companies avoid disclosing upfront.
International Van Lines strives to educate customers about their pricing structure, ensuring that clients are well-informed and not caught off guard by any charges. The company is open about common charges not included in moving estimates, such as a $75 surcharge per flight of stairs or a $150 fee for bulky items like treadmills and canoes.
Senior discounts
Another reason we recommend International Van Lines is that they offer great promotions for customers on a budget. Unlike most moving companies who shy away from offering discounts on long-distance moves.
IVL offers a 15% senior discount that can lead to substantial savings—potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars for larger homes. International Van Lines also offers a 15% discount for car shipping services.
Allied
Allied Van Lines is a renowned moving company with a proven track record. They offer various services, including basic and full-service packages, to make relocations as smooth as possible.
Whether you're moving locally, interstate, or internationally, or if you're a military family with unique needs, Allied Van Lines has got you covered.
Customers can pack their belongings themselves or rely on Allied Van Lines' experienced movers for full-service packing, moving, and unpacking.
Pros
- A wide variety of moving services
- Personalized quotes
Cons
- Allied Van Lines does not offer pricing estimates through any self-service options.
- Customers who need full insurance coverage
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines is one of the best moving companies. As a full-service mover since 1933, North American Van Lines offers a comprehensive range of solutions for all types of relocations, including local, long-distance, interstate, international, and state-to-state moves.
North American Van Lines goes above and beyond by offering specialized corporate relocation services, convenient storage solutions, vehicle transportation, and a unique container-moving option called Blue Express.
Pros
- Accurate pricing
- No deposit required
Cons
- No instant quotes
- Limited storage options
How Much Do Cross-Country Movers Cost?
Moving across the country can range from $2,000 to $15,000. This range is wide because there are many factors to consider when moving long distances.
The two most important factors influencing the cost of your move are your home size and the travel distance. Here’s a table that shows average cross-country moving cost by home size, assuming a move of 2,000 miles:
A breakdown of the costs might look like this:
| 1 Bedroom | $2,250 – $4,500 |
| 2 Bedroom | $4,000 – $6,250 |
| 3 Bedroom | $5,000 – $8,500 |
| 4 Bedroom | $6,500 – $12,000 |
| 5 Bedroom | $8,000 – $13,500 |
Factors that affect the cost of moving cross country
➡️The size of your home
The most critical factor in determining the cost of your move is the size of your property.
Professional long-distance moving companies must follow regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that limit the weight they can load onto each vehicle.
If you have a bigger property, your moving company may need additional trucks to transport your belongings, raising costs. As a rule, the bigger your home, the higher the moving expenses.
➡️Distance
The distance you need to travel is also essential to factor in. Traveling further increases the expenses your moving company will need to cover, which increases the total cost of your move.
The cost of your move will also be influenced by:
🚚Toll charges
🚚Gas fees
🚚Labor costs
🚚Overnight accommodation for movers
🚚Any permits or paperwork required for moving certain items across the country
➡️Service requirements
The cost of moving is dependent on the level of assistance you require on your cross-country move.
Additional services will increase the total cost of your move and include the following:
🚚Storage (more on that below)
🚚Specialty-item moving
🚚Full or partial packing assistance
🚚Shuttle service
🚚Moving containers
🚚Packing and moving supplies
➡️Storage
When facing a complex long-distance move, you may opt to have a long-distance moving company temporarily store your belongings before, during, or after the move.
Keep in mind that this service comes at an additional cost. Storage fees can vary among professional cross-country movers, so inquire about the specific details and costs.
➡️Moving dates are important
The moving industry experiences a busy season during spring and summer, resulting in higher rates due to increased demand. On the other hand, the off-season during fall and winter sees a decrease in demand and lower rates.
The day of the week and date can also dramatically affect the price of your move. For example, moving on weekends or during peak season tends to cost much more than a weekday, off-season move.
The cheapest way is to consider moving during the week in winter.
➡️Insurance coverage
The best long-distance moving companies typically provide basic insurance to protect your belongings during the move. Still, this coverage may not be sufficient, especially when moving across the country.
To ensure adequate protection, consider purchasing additional insurance through the moving company. Added cover will, of course, increase the cost of your move.
Calculate the cost of moving cross-country
Do you want to figure out how much your cross-country move will cost? Use our free moving cost calculator to find out.
Let us know where you’re moving from and the destination of your new home. Use the drop-down function to select the number of bedrooms and your contact details. We’ll email you the best quotes from top movers.
Cross-Country Moving Tips
➡️Do your research: You have decided to move cross-country, great! In the months leading up to your move, research the new city. It’s a good idea to check out neighbourhoods, homes, stores, and schools—if you have kids.
➡️Declutter: The less stuff you have, the cheaper it will be to move cross-country. In the months leading up to your move, start to get rid of items you don’t want or need.
➡️Change address: Make sure your mail gets to you by visiting the United States Postal Service website to fill out an official Change of Address form. If possible, try to do this three months before your move.
➡️Set up utilities in your new home: Don’t forget to set up your utilities such as gas, water, trash, phone, cable, and Internet before the move-in day.
➡️Pause subscriptions: If you’re planning to move across the country, remember to update your subscription address and suspend services temporarily to avoid missing a delivery.
➡️Start packing: The first step is gathering supplies and boxes. Make sure your cardboard boxes are sturdy enough to survive a cross-country move. We’ll discuss how to pack your belongings in detail below.
How to properly pack your belongings
📦Create an inventory:
Make a list and photograph all your belongings before packing. If something goes missing, it will provide proof to support your claim.
📦Set up a packing station:
To make packing more efficient, create a designated space in your home. Set up all the supplies you need there and get packing!
📦Set up boxes as needed:
Having too many boxes in your space is stressful. To keep your space as manageable as possible, only set up boxes when you’re ready to fill them. Once a box is filled, take it to the packing station for taping and labeling.
📦Start with nonessentials:
Start packing your nonessentials first. Nonessential items include picture frames, books, knick-knacks, spare pillows, blankets, exercise equipment, and extra dishes.
📦Distribute the weight:
Ensure heavy items are packed in separate boxes to prevent breakage; this avoids overpacking your boxes and suffering damage. It is better to spread out the weight of your items across several boxes than to pack everything heavy into one large box.
📦Use linens and towels as packing materials:
You might be surprised by how many everyday household items can be repurposed for packing!
Protect delicate items such as glasses or perfume bottles by wrapping them in socks for extra padding. Use linens and towels to cushion fragile objects like lamps and vases. Wrap sharp objects like knives in dish towels and secure them with a rubber band.
📦Suitcases aren’t just for clothes:
Suitcases with wheels are a great way to move heavy items. So rather than using your suitcase for your clothes, consider using your suitcase for items like books and heavy dishes.
📦Keep the hardware in a plastic bag:
Label and place small furniture hardware like screws in a sealable bag when disassembling furniture. Tape the bag to the corresponding furniture piece, or keep all bags together in a box.
📦Label everything:
To streamline your packing process, label everything—including boxes—with the corresponding room and assign each room a specific color. You can also put the name of the room the box belongs to or label the contents.
However, if you are using movers, don’t write the contents on the box because it might confuse them.
📦Pack a moving essentials box:
An “essentials box” is a must-have on a moving day. Pack it with everything you need for your first night in your new home, including paper towels, toilet paper, water, paper plates, and plastic utensils.
If you have kids or pets, don’t forget to add their essentials like diapers, clothes, food, and toys. With your essentials box, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new home right away.
📦Pack a moving day bag:
Pack a bag with items you’ll need on moving day, including pajamas, underwear, baby items, a toothbrush, and toilet paper.
📦Pack the packing supplies last:
You will need your packing items right until moving day, so leave them unpacked and at the packing station until the very end.
For more tips and tricks, look at our long-distance moving checklist.
Long Distance Moving FAQs
How long does a cross-country move take?
It’s hard to predict how long cross-country movers will take to arrive at your new location. Times will vary depending on how many belongings you have and the distance to your new home.
Generally, a cross-country move can be between 10 and 14 days, but it can take as long as three weeks or more. We’ve created a table to give you a rough estimate of how long your long-distance move might take:
| Miles | Days |
| 0-200 miles | 1-3 days |
| 200-500 miles | 2-7 days |
| 500-800 miles | 3-10 days |
| 800-1,200 miles | 4-12 days |
| 1,200-1,700 miles | 5-14 days |
| 1,700-2,500 miles | 6-21 days |
| 2,500-3,300 miles | 7-21 days |
Do cross-country moving companies guarantee delivery dates?
No. It’s unlikely that your long-distance moving company can provide an exact delivery date due to various factors affecting the delivery timeframe, including weather conditions, traffic density, and vehicle issues.
Additionally, movers typically consolidate shipments when moving across the country, further complicating the delivery schedule. As a result, professional moving companies provide a delivery window and a range of dates when your belongings are expected to arrive.
For cross-country moves, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for your shipment to arrive, so the delivery window usually ranges from 3 to 14 days.
How far in advance should an out-of-state move be scheduled?
A good rule of thumb is to book your move as soon as you have finalized the details of your cross-country move.
We recommend booking moving services at least six months before your move date.
What items should I not take on my cross-country move?
Long-distance moves are more complicated than local moves, often involving multiple days over long distances. Due to the distance—and applicable transport regulations—there are some items you should avoid packing when moving across the country.
Hazardous materials
Cross-country movers will supply you with a list of hazardous items that can’t go in a moving truck. These items can include, but aren’t limited to:
⚠️Gasoline
⚠️Oxygen bottles
⚠️Lighter fluid
⚠️Matches
⚠️Propane cylinders
⚠️Nail polish remover
⚠️Paints and paint thinners
⚠️Fireworks
Perishable food items
When it comes to moving cross-country its important to remember that your items could spend up to three weeks on a truck. Don’t pack any food that can go off in transit. Also, avoid packing perishable food in glass jars as they can crack, leak, or mold before arrival.
Food items safe to pack include boxed or canned items, dried fruits, spices, or cooking oils.
Valuables
It’s a good idea to keep valuable items or documents with you during your cross-country move. While cross-country movers will reimburse you for missing items, they’re typically sentimental items that can’t truly be replaced.
Valuables can include:
💎Family photos
💎Jewelry
💎Heirlooms
💎Collections (coins, stamps, etc.)
💎Cash
💎Important documents (deeds, wills, bonds, stocks, etc.)
When deciding what items to have movers pack, it’s essential to ask yourself a few key questions:
❓Can this item be easily replaced once we’ve arrived at our new home?
❓Would it be devastating to lose this item during the move?
❓Do I need this item while traveling, such as important documents or passports?
What additional services do out-of-state moving companies offer?
In addition to standard moving services, cross-country moving companies may offer:
➡️Moving containers
➡️Virtual inventory surveys
➡️Storage services (long-term, short-term, storage-in-transit)
➡️Packing and unpacking services
➡️Junk removal
➡️Custom crates and fragile packing
➡️Furniture disassembly and reassembly
➡️Appliance disconnection and reconnection
➡️Vehicle, boat, and RV shipping
➡️Boxes and moving supplies
How can I save money on my out-of-state move?
A few ways to save money during your long-distance move require a little planning beforehand:
➡️Get multiple quotes.
A great way to get a competitive moving rate is to get multiple quotes. You can then compare and contrast different options to get the best estimates.
➡️Downsize your belongings.
The cost of your move is determined by how much weight needs to be hauled. It’s a good idea to spring clean before you move to save on paying a premium for items you don’t need anymore.
➡️Read the fine print.
Reading the fine print is crucial when choosing a cross-country moving company, because it can help you avoid potential issues and unexpected costs that could arise during your move.
Cross-country moving companies may have additional charges not disclosed up front, such as fuel surcharges, packing materials, or long-carry fees. You can identify hidden fees and avoid unexpected costs by reading the fine print.
➡️Get an in-person estimate.
Getting an online quote is easy and convenient, but it’s not as accurate as having a professional come out to survey your belongings. Because cross-country moves are expensive, getting an accurate estimate will help you to stick to your budget.
How 9Kilo Can Help You Choose a Cross-Country Mover
Experience a stress-free and seamless cross-country move with 9Kilo Moving—the premier choice to help you find the right long-distance moving service.
Our unparalleled network of top-rated national movers and long-distance moving companies is designed to provide you with a moving experience tailored to your specific needs and budget.
Our team of expert moving industry veterans is backed by years of experience and knowledge, ensuring a smooth and efficient move—no matter the distance or complexity.
Ready to find a cross-country mover?
