Written by


Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice.

Our Top Pick

Are you looking for a moving experience that’s a cut above the rest? Look no further than Midland Van Lines—our pick for the best national moving company.

From start to finish, their highly trained and experienced professionals provide nothing but the best. Midland Van Lines will handle your belongings with white-glove care to ensure safe and secure transportation. In the unlikely event of loss or damage, Midland Van Lines is licensed, bonded, and insured for up to $200,000.

Midland Van Lines stands out as a leading national moving company by utilizing innovative technology to offer customers the most straightforward and effective process for interstate moving.

While they may not be the cheapest option, the extra cost is worth it. When it comes to long-distance moving, Midland Van Lines’s expert coordination and execution will safely deliver your belongings to your new home, no matter the distance.

Get a quote today for a consistent, seamless, stress-free moving experience with Midland Van Lines.

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Top National Moving Companies Compared

Our TakePriceRatingMinimum Shipment SizeStorageBooking DepositCancellation PolicyQuoting OptionsDiscounts
Highest Quality Service
GET QUOTE
4.5
4.9
No Minimum
30 days Free

 

Free Up to 7 Days
OnSite Estimate
Same Day Booking
Most Professional Outstanding
GET QUOTE
2
4.9
2+bedroom
30 days Free

30%

72 Hours

Phone / Text
 
Professional and Transparent
GET QUOTE
3.1
4.8
No Minimum
30 days Free

 

72 Hours

Phone / Text

 
Trusted Moving Company
GET QUOTE
3.1
4.8
No Minimum
30 days Free
30% 72 Hours Phone / Text
Military / Senior

How to Choose and Hire the Right National Moving Company

national moving companies animated image

➡️ Experience matters

Reputation matters when it comes to finding the right national moving companies. After all, you are trusting them to move your belongings over long distances. Choosing the cheaper local mover who just got into nationwide moves may be tempting, but in this game, experience is everything. 

Moving clients across the country or just one state away requires considerable knowledge, so finding a company with a good reputation and more than five years of experience in national moves is essential. 

Additionally, an experienced moving company with a good reputation is more likely to provide high-quality service due to its industry knowledge, which can help reduce stress and anxiety during the moving process. 

Choosing a reputable moving company can also help you avoid falling prey to scams that exploit unsuspecting customers. 

➡️ Personal referrals

While online customer reviews are valuable when searching for the best national moving companies, nothing beats word-of-mouth advertising, especially from someone you trust.

Before relying solely on online reviews, take the time to pick the brains of friends and family members about their experience with moving companies. 

By gathering personal referrals in addition to online reviews, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a national moving company.

➡️ Speaking of reviews

Don’t worry if you can’t find anyone to give you a thumbs up for a nationwide moving company. Platforms like Yelp and Google are useful in helping you choose the right national mover.

When reading reviews, look for common themes like customers praising a mover for friendly customer service or exceeding their expectations. These patterns can give you an idea of the overall quality of service provided by the moving company. 

Also keep in mind that in the moving industry, not all reviews are genuine, so it’s essential to read a variety of reviews and consider the overall picture before making a decision.

➡️ Ensure your national moving company is licensed and insured

When choosing national moving services, it’s crucial to ensure they are properly licensed and insured. 

Look for a mover registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and assigned a unique USDOT number. 

You can verify their credentials and insurance by checking the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. To do this, search for the mover’s USDOT number, and if you find it you can rest assured that you are working with a licensed and insured company. 

Checking the database can provide peace of mind and help ensure a smooth and stress-free move.

➡️ Leading national moving companies offer in-home estimates

A long-distance move is a complex and expensive process, so we recommend finding moving services that provide in-person estimates for your move. In-home estimates are more accurate and reliable.

Firstly, an in-home estimate allows the moving company to conduct a personalized evaluation of your belongings, giving them a better understanding of the scope of your move. 

This customized assessment can help you avoid unpleasant surprises on moving day by giving you a more accurate estimate.

Secondly, during an in-home estimate, the moving company can identify any potential issues that may affect the move—such as narrow doorways or staircases—allowing them to plan ahead and avoid unexpected challenges on moving day.

Finally, an in-home estimate also lets you clarify your expectations with the moving company and ask any questions. This ensures that both parties are on the same page and helps to avoid misunderstandings or complications during the move. 

➡️ Be aware of common red flags.

There are a couple of red flags to watch out for when choosing national moving services. Here are some of the most common ones:

🚚 Lack of licensing and insurance: Legitimate moving companies should have proper licensing and insurance, so be wary of any company that cannot provide proof of these essential credentials.

🚚 Suspiciously low estimates: If the price is low, it’s usually too good to be true. A much lower estimate could indicate a moving company is cutting corners or engaging in shady practices, such as bait-and-switch pricing.

🚚 Lack of transparency: A trustworthy national moving company should be transparent about all aspects of the moving process, including their pricing, services, and policies. Avoid companies that seem evasive or unresponsive when you ask questions.

🚚 Demands for large upfront deposits: Reputable national moving services typically only require a small deposit up front, with the remainder of the payment due after the move has been completed. A company asking for a large deposit upfront could be a sign of a scam.

🚚 Unprofessional behavior: If a moving company behaves unprofessionally, such as showing up late to meetings, being rude, or treating your belongings with disrespect, it’s a red flag. Trustworthy moving companies are respectful to clients and take care of their stuff. 

🚚 No physical address or poor online presence: Be cautious of companies with no physical address or a poor online presence, such as no website or negative reviews. These companies may be fly-by-night operations or scams.

How We Choose the Best National Moving Companies

We’ve reviewed over 150 national movers and analyzed over 220 relocation estimates to find the best professional national movers in the U.S.

To draw up the list of the top national movers, we considered many important factors, such as pricing, the company’s location, services offered, customer reviews, and quality of services.

National Moving Companies: Reviews

Midland Van Lines

Midland Van Lines

4.9
Highest Quality Service
Intro

Intro

Midland Van Lines is a family-owned and operated business in Denver, Colorado. Moving long distances is Midland Van Lines's specialty. Every year they help thousands of families move across the U.S.

Experience and going the extra mile set them apart from other national moving services; Midland Van Lines boasts a highly skilled and knowledgeable team with 15+ years of experience in interstate moving.

Midland Van Lines is ideal if you want to spend a little more to enjoy a seamless moving experience. They offer comprehensive moving services to fit your unique needs. Don’t worry if you don’t have an unlimited budget. If you book early with Midlands, you can receive up to 40% off the price of your move.

They are also well known for their white-glove professional moving services, great customer service, and innovative use of technology; the company has garnered an excellent reputation as one of the best in the business.

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.

Tower Moving Systems

Tower Moving Systems

4.9
Most Professional Outstanding
Intro

Intro

Tower Moving Systems is a moving broker with certified agents specializing in long distance moves servicing all 50 states. Their mission is simple: provide the best service and pricing for interstate moves.

With over 20 years of collective experience, Tower Moving Systems specializes in long-distance and local moves, including residential, corporate, and military moves. They also offer free storage and redelivery, full white glove moving services, and specialized soft crating for fragile items.

To make your long distance move easier, Tower Moving Systems will assign a personal moving assistant to guide you through the process from start to finish.

Tower prides itself on being accurate, customer-focused, and highly rated in the moving industry. They have an A rating, accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, and a 4.5/5 star rating on Yelp and other review sites.

Tower Moving Systems is a top choice for anyone needing a reliable and professional moving company.

Services

  • ➡️ Long distance moving
  • ➡️ Local moves
  • ➡️ White glove moving services
  • ➡️ Moving Insurance
  • ➡️ Vehicle shipping
  • ➡️ Storage

Pros

  • Personal moving assistant
  • Binding quotes
  • Transparent pricing
  • GPS tracking
  • Extra 15% discount for any military personnel and first responders
  • Free storage
  • Accredited with the BBB
  • Binding estimates

Cons

  • No instant quotes
  • Third-party carriers are used, so quality may vary

Why We Recommend Tower Moving Systems

Tower Moving Systems is a top choice for anyone in need of professional moving services.

There are several reasons why they stand out from other moving companies in the industry:

➡️ Binding Estimates

Tower Moving Systems provides binding estimates based on inventory, meaning that customers can be confident that the price they are quoted is the price they will pay, with no surprises or unexpected fees.

➡️ High attention to detail

The Quality Assurance Department at Tower Moving Systems has eliminated 98% of surprise price hikes on pickup, thanks to their thorough inventory process and communication with the customer.

➡️ GPS tracking

Tower Moving Systems have GPS tracking so that you know where your belongings are at all times. Customers can get in touch with their personal moving assistant to get updates and provide personalized attention and support throughout the entire moving process.

➡️ Great Customer Service

Tower Moving Systems’ commitment to customer satisfaction and attention to detail make them a top choice for anyone looking for a stress-free moving experience.

🏆 Customer opinion 

“Tower Moving Systems is a great company to work with. They helped me move from one state to another and the service was excellent. They were on time, efficient, and did such a great job. I would recommend them to anyone who needs assistance with moving or needs help packing or transporting their belongings!” 

Elias Murphy

Mayzlin Relocation

Mayzlin Relocation

4.8
Professional and Transparent
Intro

Intro

Mayzlin Relocation is a family-owned national carrier based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over a decade of industry experience, owner Semen Mayzlin founded the company in 2016 to offer premier national moving services.

Mayzlin Relocation strives to provide exceptional customer service and professionalism.
The company handles local moves within Charlotte, interstate moves, and even overseas relocations to multiple locations.

As a reputable carrier, Mayzlin Relocation is a member of the American Trucking Association and an authorized Consumer Affairs partner. They are certified on Angie’s List and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Services

  • ➡️ Long-distance moving
  • ➡️ Corporate relocation services
  • ➡️ Packing and unpacking
  • ➡️ Storage services
  • ➡️ Nationwide availability
  • ➡️ Government and military moves
  • ➡️ Moving insurance

Pros

  • Free quotes
  • Advanced moving technology
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Lenient cancellation policy
  • A BBB rating
  • Experts in long-distance moves

Cons

  • No instant quotes
  • Deposit required at booking
  • No upfront pricing info online

Why we recommend Mayzlin Relocation

Lenient cancellation policy

Mayzlin relocation understands that life can be unpredictable. Plans can change at a moment's notice. They offer a cancellation policy to give customers flexibility and peace of mind.

Unlike many other carriers, they won't penalize you for changing your moving plans. Their customer-friendly policy lets you cancel your move up to seven days before the scheduled date and provides a full refund with no hidden fees.

Great customer service

Mayzlin Relocation makes getting in touch with them really easy. Customers can reach out via the phone number or email listed on the company's website to receive a free estimate or schedule an appointment. Mayzlin also offers a live chat feature for quick questions or concerns for convenient communication.

There is also a 24/7 emergency phone number to ensure customers can receive assistance outside of regular business hours.

Focusing on providing excellent customer service, Mayzlin Relocation strives to make every step of the moving process as stress-free as possible for their clients.

Specialists in military moves

Mayzlin is a top-rated national moving company equipped to handle military moves. They understand that planning a PCS (permanent change of station) move can be overwhelming and are equipped to help military personnel with every aspect of their relocation.

As a registered Department of Transportation carrier, Mayzlin partners with carriers authorized to work with the military to ensure a smooth and seamless move. They have received General Services Administration approval, guaranteeing that there will be no issues obtaining personally procured move (PPM) reimbursements.

With Mayzlin, military personnel can rest assured that their move will be stress-free and handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.

🏆 Customer opinion 

“They were very responsive, professional and clear about explaining their service and what I could expect. They took care of our furniture very carefully and packed our stuff safe and carefully. They also prep and cover the floor when moving our stuff to the new house. The guys were very nice and also helped us move some stuff in the garage to the second floor. Their price is fair. I would definitely call and hire them again if I need!” 

Keita Eli

Metro Hop Relocation LLC

Metro Hop Relocation LLC

4.8
Trusted Moving Company
Intro

Intro

Metro Hop Relocation is one of the best cheap moving companies.

They are a fully licensed interstate moving broker with a deep understanding of the challenges and stress associated with moving.

Metro Hop Relocation strives to provide customers with a hassle-free and straightforward relocation experience. Their competitive pricing is ideal for budget-conscious customers.

As a professional interstate moving brokerage, Metro Hop Relocation offers comprehensive moving services, and a personal moving consultant will handle every aspect of the process from start to finish. This includes organizing and coordinating the entire move, ensuring that clients can focus on the excitement of their new journey rather than the logistics.

Currently, Metro Hop Relocation specializes in long-distance moves and corporate moving services, catering to the unique needs of individuals and businesses alike.

Services

  • ➡️ Long distance moving
  • ➡️ Commercial moving
  • ➡️ Vehicle shipping

Pros

  • Personal moving assistant
  • Responsive and attentive customer care
  • Affordable rates
  • Established list of vetted nationwide moving partners
  • 5.0 stars on Google Reviews

Cons

  • No instant quotes
  • Third-party carriers are used, so quality may vary
  • Does not do local moves

Why we recommend Metro Hop Relocation

Affordable moving services

Metro Hop Relocation is committed to providing affordable moving solutions without compromising on quality or customer service. Their services come in cheaper than most professional movers.

They understand that relocating can be a significant financial undertaking, so they offer competitive pricing tailored to each client's needs.

By carefully evaluating factors such as the size and distance of the move and the specific services required, Metro Hop Relocation can provide accurate estimates and ensure that customers receive the best value for their money.

Great customer service

Metro Hop Relocation strongly emphasizes delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring that every client receives the personalized attention they deserve.

From the initial consultation to the completion of the move, their friendly and professional staff are available to address any questions or concerns.

By carefully listening to each customer's needs and preferences, they create a customized moving plan that aligns with their client's expectations.

🏆 Customer opinion

“I was extremely grateful for the way Metro Hop Relocation managed my relocation. I'd never seen such devoted workers before. Everything was covered in moving blankets and shrink-wrapped; Daniel was even quick to disassemble and reassemble my bed. I must confess that I didn't have to lift a muscle because they cared for everything.”

Michael Christopher

Long-Distance National Movers – Runners-Up

FlatRate Moving

FlatRate Moving

5
Best For: Transparent Pricing
Intro

Intro

FlatRate Moving is a premier moving company that has been revolutionizing the industry since 1991. With a commitment to innovation and a focus on providing high-end white-glove service, FlatRate has become one of the leading long-distance moving companies trusted by more than 200,000 satisfied customers. 

FlatRate pioneered the flat rate formula pricing model, available in major US and international cities, ensuring that customers receive transparent and guaranteed pricing with no surprise costs or hidden fees. 

Their certification by the US Military, the UN, and the GSA underscores their reputation as a trustworthy, high-end moving company. It is our top pick for our long-distance movers in NYC edition! 

  • ➡️ Long-distance relocation
  • ➡️ Packing services
  • ➡️ White-glove moving services
  • ➡️ Storage solutions
  • ➡️ Custom crating
  • ➡️ Box delivery
  • ➡️ Storage

Pros

  • Local New York experts
  • Mobile app which includes GPS tracking
  • Can create custom crating for fine art and valuables
  • Cross-country express
  • Upcycling program
  • 1 month free storage

Cons

  • No instant quotes
  • No pricing information available on their website

Why we recommend FlatRate Moving

The FlatRate formula 

FlatRate Moving has taken the concept of flat rate pricing to the next level with their innovative "flat rate formula." This formula is as follows:

Volume ✖️ Mileage ✖️ Complexity 🟰 Guaranteed Flat Rate

How FlatRate calculates the cost of your move:

Mileage
The distance between your origin and destination, including any stops along the way.

Volume
To ensure that FlatRate Moving reserves an appropriately-sized truck for a customer's move and provides an accurate quote, they need to know the cubic footage of the items being transported, including furniture and any other belongings.

Complexity
Factors such as the items being moved (e.g. a wooden table from Ikea, glassware, or an antique wingback chair), as well as the presence of elevators or stairs, will impact the cost of your long-distance move. 

By using this formula, FlatRate has turned moving into a science, providing customers with a transparent and predictable pricing structure that considers all the factors that can impact the cost of a move.

With no hidden fees or surprise costs, customers can trust that the price they're quoted is the price they'll pay. This approach to moving has made the process simpler, more streamlined, and more accessible for customers who want to avoid the stress and uncertainty that can come with traditional moving pricing models.

North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines

4.1
Best for Complex Moves
Intro

Intro

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

International Van Lines

International Van Lines

4.8
Best For: Overall
Intro

Intro

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.

What Are The Benefits of Hiring a National Moving Company?

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➡️ Save money

While top national moving companies may seem expensive at first glance, you will save money in the long run. Most long-distance moving companies offer various services to fit your specific needs. If you were to pay for all of these services individually, it would cost way more. 

Another reason national movers are cheaper is that they often move a large volume of items across long distances, which results in discounts from their providers. These discounts can be passed on to customers, leading to lower costs.

➡️ Excellent full-service packing 

National movers have experience with various moves, including long-distance and international moves. They have the expertise to pack and transport your items efficiently, reducing the risk of damage and minimizing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

It’s important to go with a trusted national moving company that has earned a sterling reputation for organizing and packing their clients’ possessions. Nationwide movers will have the resources and the experienced moving team members to get the packing and storage parts of the move done right the first time.

➡️ State-of-the-art tracking systems

Leading national moving companies that operate across the country typically install the most advanced tracking systems to ensure every move remains on track for timely completion.

National moving companies who offer state-of-the-art tracking systems can use tech to provide real-time updates, improved communication, and enhanced security, and they can facilitate better planning, too: 

🚚 Real-time location tracking: With GPS tracking, you can monitor the exact location of your belongings in real-time during the moving process. This can provide peace of mind and help you track the progress of your move.

🚚 Improved communication: GPS tracking allows you to communicate more effectively with the moving company. You can get updates on the status of your move, confirm the delivery time, and provide any necessary instructions.

🚚 Enhanced security: GPS tracking can help prevent theft or loss of your belongings during moving. If a moving truck carrying your items is stolen or goes missing, the GPS tracking system can quickly locate it.

🚚 Better planning: GPS tracking can help you estimate the arrival time more accurately and ensure everything is on schedule.

➡️ Knowledge of the national road and highway system

Let’s assume you want to save money by hiring a local mover to perform an interstate move. Can you be confident that the moving service knows the roads and highways that run through the multiple states your belongings must travel through? 

It is highly doubtful that a local moving company located in, for example Delaware, understands how to navigate Los Angeles roads and highways at the height of rush hour. 

National movers can use their experience and expertise to plan the most efficient routes for transporting your items. This helps reduce costs and cut down delivery times.

➡️ Peace of mind moving insurance

Despite the best intentions of the national moving company you’ve hired, there is a chance one or more of your things may be lost or damaged. It’s part and parcel of long-distance moving. 

Moving is stressful, and having moving insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are protected. That’s why finding a long-distance moving company with good insurance coverage is vital.

Larger long-distance moving companies operating across the nation have the financial resources to provide full protection for your belongings if they are lost, damaged, or destroyed during the move.  

➡️ Great customer service

The best interstate moving companies provide a higher level of service to their customers, thanks to advantages like these:

🚚 Resources: Nationwide movers typically have more staff, better technology, and more efficient processes to handle customer inquiries and concerns.

🚚 Training:  A professional moving company can provide better training for their customer service staff, which means better customer service. Also, national moving companies may have more experienced staff better equipped to handle complex customer issues.

🚚 Availability: Nationwide moving companies may have more flexible hours and be available to assist customers around the clock. This availability is essential for customers moving long distances who may need assistance at odd hours.

Tips to Save Money on Your Moving Expenses

national moving companies coin image

Pack like a pro

Did you know that packing accounts for around 25% of your moving company cost? The cost of packing supplies and full-service packing can eat away a significant part of your moving budget. The best way to save money during long-distance moving is to do your own packing.

To get started, you will need the following moving supplies:

  • 📦 Tissue paper
  • 📦 Packing paper (newspaper works, too)
  • 📦 2″ packing tape
  • 📦 Permanent markers
  • 📦 Professional quality boxes
  • 📦 Utility knife and scissors
💡 Tip: You can usually get moving supplies and high-quality boxes in various sizes from most interstate moving companies. Contact a representative to discuss your options before sourcing boxes elsewhere.

Here are some tips for stress-free packing:

➡️ Create a timetable that gives you enough time to pack.

➡️ Begin by packing your least-needed items in the basement, garage, or attic.

➡️ Stay organized by packing items from one room at a time.

➡️ Assign specific work areas in each room.

➡️ Once a room is finished, categorize the boxes into light, medium, and heavy groups, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds for the heaviest boxes.

➡️ Mark any boxes or objects you do not want to be transported on the moving truck.

Some items may need to be packed by a professional

Some items are best left to your professional movers to pack, such as:

📦 Marble or glass tabletops, heavy wall ornaments, and mirrors 40″ x 60″ or larger

📦 Pool tables

📦 Bulky, fragile items like large trophies, statues, chandeliers, etc.

📦 Large appliances and bulky furniture 

📦 Pianos

What to avoid packing 

Moving long distances can be more complex than local moves, as it may take multiple days to cover the extensive distance. Most professional movers will not move hazardous materials and don’t recommend you put your valuables or sentimental items into a moving truck. 

The following are examples of items that cannot be moved:

⚠️ Nail polish remover

⚠️ Paints and paint thinners

⚠️ Propane cylinders

⚠️ Automotive repair and maintenance chemicals

⚠️ Matches

⚠️ Lighter fluid

⚠️ Gasoline

⚠️ Fireworks

⚠️ Oxygen bottles

Valuables

Nationwide moving companies suggest that customers should keep valuable items or documents with them during cross-country moving. 

Valuables can include: 

💎 Family photos

💎 Jewelry

💎 Heirlooms

💎 Collections (coins, stamps, etc.)

💎 Cash

💎 Important documents (deeds, wills, bonds, stocks, etc.)

💡 Tip: Most companies recommend that you 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 that are safe to pack include boxed or canned items, dried fruits, spices, or cooking oils.

Packing tips from professionals 

Most national moving companies offer excellent full-service packing. Below, we’ll go through some of their packing tips: 

➡️ Keep all parts or pairs of things together—for example, a mirror and its bolts. Be sure to secure the bolts using plastic bags and tape. 

➡️ Wind electrical cords and fasten them to prevent dangling.

➡️ Wrap delicate items individually in clean paper, using tissue paper, paper towels, or facial tissue for fine china and crystal. Use colored wrapping paper for small items that might get lost.

➡️ Use a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of cartons for cushioning.

➡️ Place the heaviest items at the bottom, medium-weight in the middle, and the lightest on top. Fill empty spaces with crushed paper or cardboard dividers.

➡️ Cushion items with crushed paper, towels, or lightweight blankets. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning is needed.

➡️ Pack small, fragile items separately in small boxes, then place those boxes in a larger container filled with crushed paper.

➡️ Avoid overloading cartons and seal them tightly with tape, except for items that require inspection by the moving company.

Need more tips? Check out our top tips on how to prepare for a nationwide relocation

How Much Does It Cost to Hire National Movers?

national moving companies piggy bank image

National moving companies typically charge an average of $2,500 to $7,000—depending on the size of the move, total distance, and other factors, which we will touch on below. 

To get an estimate of how much your move may cost, refer to the chart below:

Distance1 Bedroom2 – 3 Bedroom4 – 5 Bedroom
100 miles$1,100 – $1,400$1,150 – $1,600$1,400 – $3,200
250 miles$1,300 – $1,900$1,400 – $3,400$2,000 – $4,600
1000 miles+$1,500 – $2,900$2,000 – $7,000$5,400 – $7,800
2500 miles+$1,700 – $3,700$3,800 – $7,600$8,600+

Calculate the cost of national moving companies 

Do you want to figure out how much your national 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 supply your contact details. We’ll email you the best quotes from top movers. 

Which factors affect moving costs?

💸 Timing: Moves during peak season or high-demand times, such as summer and weekends, typically incur higher costs than off-peak periods when demand is lower.

💸 Additional services: A full-service national moving company can provide customers with extra services such as packing, storage, and debris removal, which are usually not included in the initial quote. Be sure to ask about any additional services and the costs beforehand.

💸 Special items: Some items, like pianos or bulky furniture, may require extra care and special packaging, resulting in additional fees.

💸 Stairs and elevators: For apartment moves, extra fees may apply if there is a long walk to and from the elevator, or if items need to be moved up multiple flights of stairs.
💸 Long carry: If the movers need to carry items a significant distance from the truck to your front door (or vice versa), an additional fee may apply based on the actual distance covered.

What FAQs Should I Ask a Nationwide Moving Company?

How long does it take to move nationwide?

How long your nationwide move takes depends on the distance you need to travel. Most nationwide (i.e. cross-country) moves will take anywhere from 10 to 14 days, but that can vary. See the table below for an estimate: 

Miles Days 
0-500 miles1-7 days
500-1,500 miles3-14 days
1,500-2,500 miles5-21 days
2,500+ miles7-21 days
💡 Tip: It is important to note that there are certain restrictions and regulations that drivers and movers must comply with in terms of driving hours. Typically, they are limited to driving a maximum of 650 miles each day. These regulations ensure the safety of both the drivers and your belongings, so it is best to plan accordingly and work with a reputable moving company that can provide a realistic timeline for your specific relocation needs.

What makes a good national moving company?

Top-notch moving services will have the following qualities: 

🚚 Experience: Look for a moving company with a proven track record of success. 

🚚 Licensing and insurance: A good moving company should have all the necessary licenses and insurance to operate legally and protect your belongings in case of damage or loss.

🚚 Transparency: The company should be up front about its services, fees, and policies. They should be willing to provide a written estimate and answer any questions you may have.

🚚 Customized services: A good moving company should offer customized services to meet your needs. They should be able to handle different types of moves—such as residential, commercial, and long-distance—and provide additional services such as packing, storage, and furniture assembly.

🚚 Customer service: High-quality moving services offer excellent customer service. They should be responsive, communicative, and available to address any concerns you may have throughout the moving process. 

Is my moving quote binding or nonbinding? 

Always ask your provider for a binding estimate when planning your national move. A binding quote guarantees that your move’s price won’t change once you have received your quote. Unless, of course, you add or remove items from your inventory. 

Does the moving company use third-party carriers? 

When researching moving options, hire a reputable moving company that has established partnerships with cross-country van lines. These van lines typically have a network of carriers and trucks that can handle long-distance moves efficiently and reliably.

One way to ensure that you are working with a legitimate national moving company is to verify that they work as an agent for a van line. 

This means that they are authorized to act on behalf of the van line and have agreed to follow their standards and regulations. It also means they have access to the van line’s network of resources, which can be crucial when coordinating a long-distance move.

By choosing a national moving company that partners with long-distance movers, you can have peace of mind knowing that your move is being handled by professionals dedicated to providing quality service. Plus, you may have access to additional services and resources only available through the van line’s network.

How 9Kilo Can Help You Choose a Nationwide 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 national moving company?