Moving to a new home or city can be a thrilling and life-changing experience, but it can also be one of the most stressful and daunting things to take on in your life. If you’re moving across the country or even further, it can be quite the task! There are countless details to consider, from packing up or selling your belongings to finding a new place to call home and transporting your items. Many people end up using a moving company to assist them in their transition. The best long-distance moving companies are fast and efficient, with good rates and staff that can be trusted to handle your household with care.
So what exactly makes moving so stressful? Usually it’s the multiple levels of logistics that need to be handled, as well as packing and unpacking. A survey of 1,000 Americans who had recently moved were asked about the most stressful events in their life. Researchers say moving was selected most often by respondents, with 45% choosing moving over getting divorced, raising a child, or starting a new career. Meanwhile, 94% of Americans who used a moving company for their last big move say it “was worth every penny.”
Despite the cost of moving and the rising cost of inflation, data by Oncue states that the average American moves about 12 times in their lifetime, and the moving industry generates about $86 billion in annual revenue. Some people choose to use a moving company or hire movers, and others choose to rent a vehicle like a U-Haul and move their own belongings. No matter how you choose to handle your move, it will still cost you. The average cost for an interstate move is $4,100, and the average cost for an in-state move is $980.
Wherever your journey takes you, StudyFinds is here to help you find the best long-distance moving company! We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top recommendations across 10 expert websites to help you in your move. If you’ve worked with a company you liked before, let us know which one in the comments below.
The List: Best Long Distance Moving Companies, According to Experts
1. International Van Lines
International Van Lines offers short and long-distance moves and even international services. They provide a full itemized breakdown of everything you will be charged for and offers free cancellation up to 48 hours before with a return of your deposit. Forbes reports “The company, which is both a moving broker and carrier, offers full-service packing and specialty moving for possessions like pianos and cars.”
“International Van Lines is our pick for the #1 long-distance moving company. It offers services across the country, gives seniors a 15% discount, and even throws in 30 days of free storage,” writes Move. Their pricing is transparent – you can call and speak to an agent about specific pricing or look on their website for a quote. International Van Lines can also help get your vehicles shipped to your home.
2. Allied Van Lines
“Allied offers services for a range of different moves including local, interstate, and international. It also specializes in military family moves, which may require unique needs,” says U.S. News. Allied also partners with the Salvation Army to help with donations if you need to declutter or get rid of things you won’t be bringing with you. Customers can choose to pack their belongings themselves or have movers do everything for them.
Allied has a fleet of over 400 agents nationwide and operates in 45 countries, so you should be covered with excellent service no matter where you’re located and where you need to go. Moving explains “Whether it’s packing assistance, loading assistance, auto transport or storage you need, you’ll get these services (and much more) with an Allied mover.”
3. American Van Lines
American Van Lines has transparent pricing and a thorough service list, and also offers flat-rate pricing that will cover all the details of your move. “American Van Lines is a good choice for long-distance moves because it offers expedited services and special discounts for moves between major metropolitan areas,” says House Method.
If you own very heavy or fragile items like a piano or artwork, American Van Lines has specially trained staff to handle your items and make sure they are safely, packed, loaded, and transported. Family Handyman adds “Antiques and fine art can be stored in climate-controlled facilities, and specially-trained piano movers know how to disassemble and reassemble complex musical instruments.”
4. United Van Lines
United gives white-glove service to every customer, with a personalized consultation and an assigned “move manager” to walk you through the process. The Spruce explains “each manager becomes a personal assistant of sorts—collecting and completing the necessary paperwork for customs clearance, tracking your items as they make their way to your new home, and confirming delivery dates.”
United Van Lines is one of the oldest moving companies around, with experience managing shipments in over 150 countries. The company is a one-stop shop for all your moving or shipping needs. “United also offers unique services like cleaning, Wi-Fi network disassembly, and debris removal,” adds Bob Vila.
5. North American Van Lines
North American offers all kinds of local, long-distance, interstate, international, corporate and military moves. They also provide a dedicated agent for every move to ensure the process runs smoothly, no matter what size move you have. Consumer Affairs mentions “The company also offers full-service and fragile packing services for delicate items, furniture disassembly and reassembly, short- and long-term storage, GPS tracking and auto transport.”
This company also offers a very transparent claims process in case of any damages, as well as other resources like a packing cost calculator and other helpful pre-move information. According to This Old House, “The company provides custom full-value release plans on your belongings, meaning you receive coverage and compensation that matches the actual value of your items rather than a predetermined amount.”
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Sources
- Forbes
- Move
- U.S. News
- Moving
- House Method
- Family Handyman
- The Spruce
- Bob Vila
- Consumer Affairs
- This Old House
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
