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Updated: Apr 11, 2025, 10:15am
Reviewed By
| EditorA long-distance move shares many of the same challenges of any move to a new location, except everything takes longer, is typically more stressful and expensive. So it’s all the more important to pick a good long-distance moving company.
Forbes Home ran a Consumer Sentiment Index analysis of nearly 40,000 customer reviews and comments and found that consumers are generally satisfied with the level of service they received from the larger national companies, such as our top pick, JK Moving Services. There were more general complaints, however, about unreliable price quotes or unexpected fees, with more than 50% of comments expressing negative sentiment for pricing and transparency. Since long-distance trips tend to be the most expensive moves, it’s a good idea to make sure you pay close attention to your quoted price and ask questions about any additional fees or potential overages.
To help prospective movers find the best moving company for their needs, we’ve carefully researched 65 long-distance moving companies, compared them against dozens of attributes, gathered and analyzed quotes, and studied the reputations and consumer feedback of every provider.
While we’ve found that JK Moving Services is the best overall company for long-distance moves, we also found plenty of other movers who can reliably get the job done and are worth considering.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. We’ve evaluated 65 competitors, narrowing it down to the top 10 based on 89 attributes and our own in-depth research, including services, availability, first-hand quotes, deposits, insurance, licensing and customer ratings and scored each company against strict criteria. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. Read more about our editorial guidelines and the long-distance moving companies methodology for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
International Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
2
American Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
3
Blvd Moving
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
4
Mayzlin Relocation
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
Key Takeaways
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.8   | Best Overall | $6,750 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.7  | Best Customer Support Options | $3,900 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.6 | Best for Storage | $2,650 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best for Accurate Pricing | N/A | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.4 | Best Full-Service Move Experience | $9,000 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.4 | Best for Custom Options | N/A | ||
| 4.2  | Best Value | $5,543 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.2 | Best for GPS Tracking | $4,500 | ||
| 3.9 | Best for Military Discount | $2,800 | From Participating Partners | |
| 3.8 | Best for Specialty Moves | $3,450 | From Participating Partners |
Best Overall
Best Overall
JK Moving Services
JK Moving is known for its sustainable and eco-friendly packing and moving options, making it an enticing choice for environmentally conscious customers looking for a full-service provider for their long-distance move. It also has some other enticing features like GPS tracking.
Learn more: JK Moving review
JK Moving earned a top spot on our list for many reasons, including its full array of moving services, including vehicle shipping, oversized hauling and full-service packing and unpacking.
Why We Like It
Besides its unique practices and full catalog of services, we like the fact that JK Moving offers binding quotes and a delivery window guarantee, which can help alleviate some of its customers’ worries. Additionally, the company has nice extras like GPS tracking, a mobile app and a virtual assessment option.
What We Don’t Like
While it offers some great services, we discovered during our research that JK Moving has some of the highest rates on this list. This isn’t ideal for budget-minded consumers. Additionally, we don’t like the $250 deposit required to book a move.
Who It’s Best For
JK Moving is suited for those hoping to prioritize eco-friendly practices while moving long distances and aren’t afraid to pay a higher price for it. However, those with a tight budget should look elsewhere.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
JK Moving received generally satisfactory sentiment from its customers, who noted its professional service, efficiency and care in handling personal belongings. However, some customers reported negative experiences with insurance claims and pricing deviations, as well as broken items and inadequate communication from customer service.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $5,000, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $6,750. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best Customer Support Options
Best Customer Support Options
Mayflower Transit
Mayflower Transit made the list of the best long-distance moving companies for a few reasons, the biggest being its effort to minimize uncertainty for its customers. The company does this by providing GPS tracking so that customers will always know the status of their stuff. Additionally, Mayflower has binding quotes and price matching, further giving clients peace of mind.
Learn more: Mayflower Transit review
Mayflower Transit sets itself apart with its helpful customer experience tools, like the aforementioned GPS tracking. Additionally, the company offers live chat, phone services and an app to its customers.
Why We Like It
Besides GPS tracking, customer service tools and binding quotes, we like that Mayflower also offers a variety of specialty moving services. The company can move just about anything, from pianos to pool tables.
What We Don’t Like
Mayflower’s prices tend to be on the higher side, which may deter budget-conscious clients. While the company has gotten lots of positive feedback in the past, some negative reviews were present during our search, mostly pertaining to a lengthy quote process and inconsistent service throughout certain locations.
Who It’s Best For
Mayflower Transit is a good option if you are looking for a company with transparent pricing and features, like GPS tracking, that prioritizes peace of mind. However, those with an extremely limited budget may want to look elsewhere.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Mayflower Transit received praise as a reputable national moving company with a long history in the industry. Many customers noted its professionalism and reliability, but some customers expressed dissatisfaction with pricing and customer service.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $3,600, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $5,550. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services
Best for Storage
Best for Storage
Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines earned its spot as one of the best movers due in part to its fair prices, customer-focused features and dedication to an aspect of long-distance moving that often becomes vital-–storage.
Learn more: Colonial Van Lines review
We picked Colonial Van Lines for its expertise in long-distance moves and its wide variety of long- and short-term storage solutions. One notable offering is its Colonial Cubes, which are storage containers that are delivered and picked up at your house.
Why We Like It
Colonial has a variety of convenient customer-focused features, like GPS tracking, a mobile app and live chat functions. Its prices are competitive, and the company offers a service guarantee, price matching and special discounts.
What We Don’t Like
One area that Colonial could improve is its deposit policy—currently, customers are required to put down a 25% deposit in order to book a moving date. Additionally, cancellations must be made within three days of signing the contract in order to avoid penalties.
Who It’s Best For
Colonial Van Lines is best for people moving long distances who also need flexible storage options. The mover is ideal for those who are certain of their move date and are willing and able to put money down. Those who require more date flexibility should look elsewhere.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Colonial Van Lines received positive feedback for its professional and careful service. Some customers noted positive interactions with customer service representatives who were able to address their issues. However, negative feedback noted poor communication, unexpected costs, delayed deliveries, and damaged or missing items. Some customers expressed concern that the company’s reliance on subcontractors may contribute to inconsistent service quality.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $2,100, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $2,650. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services
Best for Accurate Pricing
Best for Accurate Pricing
United Van Lines
United Van Lines is a great choice for many, in part because of its commitment to accurate pricing. A virtual or in-home tour is required before you can get a final quote. However, this thoroughness can be good or bad, depending on your timeline.
Learn more: United Van Lines review
We picked United Van Lines for its dedication to accurate pricing, along with its customer-centric policies and services like $0 deposits, a delivery window guarantee and GPS tracking. Serving all 50 states, United Van Lines can make long-distance moves anywhere in the U.S. happen.
Why We Like It
While UVL has several advantageous features, it’s most notable for its commitment to accuracy. Although it does take time to get these accurate quotes, many will find it worth it for the peace of mind and to avoid being surprised down the road. Our phone research team found the representatives to be friendly and helpful. Though not an exact quote, they were also willing to give a ballpark estimate, revealing that general estimates are fairly easy to get without supplying too many details upfront.
What We Don’t Like
Again, accurate pricing comes at the cost of time, and we don’t love that it can take multiple days and a home survey to get a quote. This can be troublesome for those who are price-shopping on a tight deadline.
Who It’s Best For
United Van Lines is best suited for customers who value accurate pricing and transparency more than speed and convenience (at least during the initial phases). If you have the time to wait for a quote, then United Van Lines may be a good option.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
United Van Lines received positive reviews for being a reputable moving company with a strong presence in the industry and offering various services. Negative reviews expressed dissatisfaction with customer service, overall cost and transparency throughout the moving process. Some customers noted pricing discrepancies, delays and damaged or missing items.
We were unable to obtain a local quote from this company due to an in-person home survey requirement; however, we did obtain a ballpark estimate for a 632-mile long-distance move with 1,000 pounds of goods, which came out to $2,250.
Services:
Best Full-Service Move Experience
Best Full-Service Move Experience
Atlas Van Lines
Atlas Van Lines has been around for more than 75 years. In that time, it expanded to cover all 50 states and several moving services, making it a great long-distance moving option.
Learn more: Atlas Van Lines review
We chose Atlas Van Lines for several reasons, including its ability to accommodate a variety of moves, no matter the distance or specialty services needed. This full-service mover gives its clients peace of mind with its several decades of experience and service and delivery guarantees.
Why We Like It
In addition to what we stated above, we also like that Atlas does not require a deposit but does offer extra perks like price matching and AAA discounts. We also like that it provides GPS tracking and access to an app for added convenience and security.
What We Don’t Like
Compared to other companies on this list, Atlas Van Lines doesn’t have the best cancellation policy: Customers are required to cancel within three days of signing their contract in order to avoid penalties. This policy doesn’t allow for a lot of flexibility, which is important to many planning long-distance moves.
Who It’s Best For
Atlas Van Lines is a great option for a wide assortment of moves thanks to its variety of specialty moving services and many years of experience in the industry. However, if you aren’t certain of your moving dates, you might want to consider a different mover with a more flexible cancellation policy.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Many customers praised Atlas Van Lines as a widely recognized and reputable moving company, noting its reliable and professional service. Some customers noted negative experiences, including inaccurate estimates, delivery issues and higher-than-expected costs.
During our research, we were unable to gather a local moving quote for this company due to a pre-move assessment requirement. However, we were able to get a quote for a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, which was $9,000.
Services:
Best for Custom Options
Best for Custom Options
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines has many positive attributes—one of which is its accurate pricing. It also offers several services and customizations, ensuring it can accommodate just about any long-distance move.
Learn more: North American Van Lines review
We picked North American Van Lines for several reasons, including the aforementioned accurate pricing and customizable options. The company also provides its BlueExpress long-distance container moving option, which helps distinguish it from the competition.
Why We Like It
We value North American’s dedication to transparent pricing and quote accuracy. Its customer sentiment also tends to skew positive, especially in areas like reputation, reliability and customer service. Additionally, we appreciate its binding quotes, delivery window and service guarantees.
What We Don’t Like
As flexibility is vital to many customers, we don’t like North American’s rather strict three-day cancellation window. Prices could also be more competitive, with our researchers finding long-distance moving costs especially high when compared to competitors.
Who It’s Best For
North American Van Lines is a good choice for anyone who values transparent pricing and reliability. However, those on a tighter budget or who are unsure of moving dates might want to consider a different mover.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
North American Van Lines is widely recognized as a reputable and reliable moving company, but consumer reviews indicate a mixed experience with the company. Many consumer reviews praise its professionalism, competitive pricing and the ability to handle moves efficiently, while negative reviews center around unexpected costs, damaged items and poor customer service.
We were unable to gather a quote for this company during our mystery shopping research due to an in-home evaluation requirement.
Services:
Best Value
Best Value
International Van Lines
International Van Lines often ranks well among both customers and experts. Its competitive rates and high-quality service help it stand out from the pack.
Learn more: International Van Lines review
NOTE: While International Van Lines offers services almost anywhere, it only directly handles moves in a limited number of locations. It acts as a broker in the other areas, depending entirely on contracting third parties. Our review focuses on the company’s performance as a carrier. Brokering is a common practice within the industry, so it’s important to research the broker and the carrier they choose to work with.
We picked International Van Lines for its high-value services and customer-centric approach in several areas, like its generous free cancellation policy, binding quotes and GPS tracking.
Why We Like It
Along with its cancellation policy, which allows customers to cancel up to 48 hours before their move date penalty-free, we appreciate the company’s four insurance options and widespread domestic and international availability.
What We Don’t Like
One of our biggest grievances with IVL is its 25% deposit requirement, as many other companies on this list don’t even require a deposit to book a move. Customer experience could also be improved as the company skews negatively in nearly every category in our Consumer Sentiment Index survey.
Who It’s Best For
International Van Lines is a great option for those requiring flexibility with their moving date due to its relaxed cancellation policy. However, customers who’d rather not deal with a deposit should check out some of the other options on this list.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 10.
Many reviews about International Van Lines lean negative, focusing on overcharging, inaccurate pricing estimates and poor communication throughout the moving process. Some customers have also noted that the company acts as a broker.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $5,324, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $5,543. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best for GPS Tracking
Best for GPS Tracking
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines excels in providing accurate quotes, which is very important to consumers who need to stick to a budget. Additionally, its long list of full-service moving options can give customers a completely hands-off experience.
Learn more: Allied Van Lines review
We picked Allied Van Lines for multiple reasons, one being its thorough price-quoting process. The company has also received relatively positive customer feedback due in part to its customer-centric policies like no deposits and free cancellation until the move date.
Why We Like It
Besides its dedication to accurate pricing, generous cancellation policy and $0 deposit, we like that Allied has a guaranteed delivery window, something not all companies offer. Additionally, the company provides a wide range of specialty services like piano and pool table shipping, storage and oversized hauling.
What We Don’t Like
Although Allied Van Lines usually receives good reviews, there are some instances of customer dissatisfaction, especially in customer service and communication of moving days. We’d also like to see a live chat function added to the website, as it provides a great alternative for those who multitask on their phones or computers.
Who It’s Best For
Allied Van Lines is a good fit for those who value accurate pricing, flexibility and a wide range of services. Those who want peace of mind with guaranteed prices and delivery dates will likely enjoy Allied’s services. However, those on a tight budget may need to look elsewhere.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 10.
Allied Van Lines is generally considered a reputable and reliable national moving company with decades of experience. Positive reviews centered around professional handling, transparent pricing and overall positive customer experiences. Negative reviews of the company focused on inaccurate estimates, delayed deliveries and, on occasion, poor customer service.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $5,000, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $4,500. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best for Military Discounts
Best for Military Discounts
Solomon & Sons Relocation Services
Solomon & Sons Relocation Services is rather new to the moving industry, with only about a decade of experience. However, it makes up for that with the variety of services it provides at reasonable prices.
Not only does the company have a large catalog of services at fair prices, but Solomon & Sons also includes features like GPS tracking, binding quotes, price matching and a guaranteed delivery window.
Why We Like It
Solomon & Sons Relocation Services already has competitive pricing, but on top of that, it offers discounts such as its $150 discount for military moves. These two factors can give the customer great value and make long-distance moves more achievable.
What We Don’t Like
The 20% deposit required to secure a moving date could be difficult for some as it’s a relatively high upfront cost. We’d also like to see some additional convenience features, such as live chat and a mobile app.
Who It’s Best For
Solomon & Sons is a budget-friendly option for families seeking a long-distance mover. It’s an especially good choice if you are certain of your moving dates and don’t mind putting down a deposit.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
On average, consumer sentiments for Solomon & Sons Relocation Services are more negative than positive. Many reviews cite poor communication, damaged items and customer service, while the most positive reviews were about the company reps’ professional attitudes throughout the moving process.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $1,550, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $2,800. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Best for Specialty Moves
Best for Specialty Moves
Bekins Van Lines
Bekins Van Lines has had over 130 years to tailor its customer experience and moving expertise. Available across the continental U.S., Bekins prides itself on providing good value and services regardless of the type of move or the project size.
Learn more: Bekins Van Lines review
We appreciate Bekins for its unique customer experience offerings. Its dedicated moving manager service particularly stands out, as it provides you with someone to handle all the details of your move, allowing for the easiest experience possible.
Why We Like It
Besides offering a dedicated moving manager, we like the fact that Bekins can accommodate a variety of specialty moves, such as shipping antiques, pianos or pool tables. Additionally, it provides binding quotes and a delivery window guarantee, which detail-oriented customers will likely appreciate.
What We Don’t Like
One of our biggest issues with Bekins is its short cancellation window. Customers can only receive free cancellation if they do so within three days of signing the work order. This policy does not allow for the flexibility you can find with other companies on this list. Additionally, we’d like to see the addition of GPS tracking and a live chat function.
Who It’s Best For
Bekins Van Lines can be a good option for those who are looking for a reputable service and are certain of their moving date. Additionally, with its dedicated moving managers, Bekins can be a good choice for customers wanting a more hands-off experience.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 10.
Bekins Van Lines is recognized as a solid company within the industry, but it has received mixed reviews. Many customers have reported a lack of professionalism, poor communication and damaged items. Some customers said that the claims process and unexpected costs were a major source of dissatisfaction.
During our research, we obtained two quotes to get a better idea of pricing. A local two-bedroom move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ, was estimated to cost $1,500, while a long-distance move from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC, was estimated to cost $3,450. Remember, these are just estimates for two specific moves, so it’s important to reach out to the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
Services:
Taking care to choose the best long-distance moving company for you can help make the experience run more smoothly. Keep the following things in mind:
The number of years in business can be a good indicator of a company’s reliability and experience. If you are choosing a larger national company for your long-distance move, make sure it has experience in your particular location.
When researching the best long-distance moving companies, it’s a good idea to find out if each potential moving company is a broker or a carrier. A reputable company will be upfront with this information, so don’t be afraid to ask.
A carrier directly works on your move. It uses its own staff and trucks to physically transport your belongings. A broker, on the other hand, acts as an intermediary by coordinating the move and matching you up with a carrier. If the company is a broker, it is especially important to research and make sure that it has a reliable process for vetting carriers.
All of the companies listed above are carriers except International Van Lines, which is a broker, and United Van Lines which works as a broker for local moves but a carrier for everything else.
Depending on your particular move, you may be looking for specific services. Many moving companies offer packing and unpacking, furniture assembly and disassembly and local and long-distance moving services. However, less common services include junk removal, vehicle shipping and international moving. If you require a specific service, make sure your chosen company offers it. Companies with a reputation for doing excellent work in a specific service niche might be a good differentiator when it comes time to narrow down your options.
One of the most important things you can do while researching a company is looking at reviews. Be sure to look at reviews from a variety of platforms, like the BBB, Trustpilot and Google Maps. Some larger companies may have hundreds of reviews. Focus on the most recent reviews first and those with two to four stars, as they’ll likely give you the most relevant and holistic view of the company.
Besides reviews, consider the tools and resources each company provides to its customers. Some companies may offer 24/7 live chat, phone services or GPS shipment tracking, for instance.
Transparency is perhaps the most important thing to consider while searching for a moving company. You want to work with companies that are clear, straightforward and willing to answer your questions. Be wary of any company that dodges questions about pricing, licensing, contracts, cancellation or insurance. A quick way to check a company’s legitimacy and test its transparency is to ask for its USDOT number. Any moving company that travels over state lines must have one per federal regulations. From there, you can look it up on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website and view a company’s record.
What are three red flags to look out for in your moving contract?
1. Are there any obvious errors, such as date, customer name and price?
2. Does the contract include any fees or additional charges that you weren’t informed about?
3. Does the contract name a different moving company than the one you hired?
—Matt Graber, Moving Expert and Forbes Home Advisory Board Member
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The cost of a long-distance move depends on several factors, including the total volume of things that need to be transported and the distance of the journey. However, you can expect to pay an average of $3,000 to $4,000 for a 1,000-mile move. However, depending on the specifics of your move, it can be as high as $17,000. Another way to look at it is to expect to pay around $20 to $40 per hour per mover.
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A variety of factors can drastically influence how much you’ll pay for your long-distance move. Below, we’ll highlight the major aspects of calculating a long-distance move quote:
Strategic and thoughtful packing is essential for any move but is especially vital for a long-distance move. Luckily, we have a few tips and tricks to help you optimize your packing.
The more items you have, the more expensive your move will be. If you have things you no longer want or need, now’s a good time to get rid of them. Focus especially on bulky or heavy items like furniture or fragile items that require extra packaging like glassware. If you plan far enough in advance, you can host a garage or moving sale to make a little extra cash. There are also platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist that are great for selling unwanted items. Whatever you don’t sell can be donated or recycled.
While you wouldn’t expect to pay a lot for cardboard and bubble wrap, when buying enough to move a whole house, packing supplies can add up. Before going out to buy boxes, see if you have any family, friends or neighbors who have recently moved or local businesses that might be willing to give you some for free. You can also try to use things like suitcases or laundry baskets for transporting your less breakable objects. Instead of bubble wrap, use towels, linens and old clothes to wrap your fragile items. Alternatively, old newspapers, magazine pages, and paper and plastic grocery bags make great bubble wrap alternatives.
The last thing you want to do after a long day of moving is dig through 12 different boxes to find a towel, a bottle of soap or your favorite cozy blanket. That’s why it’s important to label all of your boxes (on multiple sides). At the very least, label which room the box belongs in, but if you want to save some extra time from digging later, list the main items in each box too.
Packing an essentials bag can be a good idea for any move, but it’s especially important for long-distance moves, which may see you separated from your things for multiple days. At a minimum, the essentials bag should include items like a change of clothes, toiletries, charging cables and any medications. Additionally, consider adding snacks, a towel, a roll of toilet paper and some hand soap.
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To determine the best long-distance moving companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 65 companies across 89 attributes, with each company’s rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including thousands of user insights with our Consumer Sentiment Index analysis.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates moving companies on our detailed methodology page.
One of the best ways to determine a long-distance moving company’s legitimacy is to look at its USDOT number. All moving companies that cross state lines are required to have one. You can check a company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website.
One of the best ways to save money on a long-distance move is to do all the packing yourself. In fact, the more you can do yourself, the better. For instance, if you are comfortable driving, consider renting a truck instead of hiring people to drive it. In the end, this can save you a lot of money. If a DIY approach isn’t for you. Try to move during the off-season to save a little extra cash. Winter is typically the cheapest time to move, while summer and early fall are the most expensive.
Typically, it’s recommended that you book your moving company at least two months before your moving date. However, if you are planning a move during the summer or early fall, you may want to schedule your moving service even earlier.
Cassidy was an updates editor whose main responsibility is to write and edit articles on a range of home improvement topics. Her passion for lifestyle writing began with her editorial apprenticeship at Travel + Leisure magazine. Moving from travel to home, Cassidy now specializes in writing DIY and interior design content.
Kristin is a deputy editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
