Compare the Best Interstate
Moving Companies of 2023

Relocating to a new state can be an exciting adventure. It can be a daunting process, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare with the right planning and resources. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to a new state is choosing a reputable interstate moving company.

Company Company Name Local and Long Distance Offers
Auto Shipping
Rating Details
Allied Van Lines
Yes
Yes
4.8
North American Van Lines
Yes
Yes
4.7
Bekins Van Lines
Yes
No
4.5
American Van Lines
Yes
No
4.4
Arpin Van Lines
Yes
No
4.2
Author: Helen McKenzie
January 12, 2023

Writer & Researcher

8 Min Read

When choosing an interstate moving company, it’s essential to do your research. Not all companies are created equal, and some may not be reputable or trustworthy. However, don’t worry; we’re here to help. We’ve done the legwork for you and compared the most popular interstate moving companies. But before then, what else do you need to know about interstate moving?

What is Considered an Interstate Move?

An interstate move is defined as a move that crosses state lines. An interstate move is described as a move across state lines. This includes moves between two places in the same state but crossing state lines at some point during the move. Even if you’re only moving a few miles away from the state line, it’s considered an interstate move if you’re crossing into another state.

You may wonder, what’s the big deal with an interstate move? After all, you’re still just moving your belongings from one place to another, right?

Wrong. Interstate moves are regulated by the federal government and are held to different standards than intrastate moves (moves within the same state). Because of this, it’s crucial to choose a reputable and qualified company when planning an interstate move for a smooth and stress-free experience.

How to Find a Good Interstate Moving Company?

If you’re in the process of moving and are looking for a good interstate moving company, you may be feeling overwhelmed by all of your options. How can you be sure that you’re picking the right one with so many companies out there? Here are some tips to help you choose the best interstate moving company.

Licensing

When choosing a good interstate moving company, many people may not think licenses are all that significant. After all, it’s just a piece of paper, right? Wrong. Licensing is an essential factor when it comes to trusting someone with your belongings – especially when the move takes place across state lines.

All interstate moving companies must have a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a branch of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Licensed companies have been vetted by the FMCSA and must meet specific safety standards to operate. So, when choosing an interstate moving company, make sure licensing is one of your top priorities.

Insurance

Another critical factor to consider when choosing an interstate moving company is insurance. All interstate moving companies must have insurance, but the type and amount of coverage can vary from company to company.

When looking at different companies, ask about their insurance coverage. Some companies may only offer basic liability coverage, while others provide complete value protection. It’s important to know what type of coverage you’re getting and ensure that it’s enough to protect your belongings in case of damage or loss.

Reputation

Reputation is another critical factor when looking for a good interstate moving company. After all, you’re trusting this company with your belongings, and you want to ensure they will treat you and your things with respect.

One way to get an idea of a company’s reputation is by reading online reviews. This can give you a good idea of what other people have experienced working with the company. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations. If someone you know has had a good experience with an interstate moving company, they’ll be able to tell you all about it.

Verify Address and Contact Information

Another important tip when choosing an interstate moving company is to verify the address and contact information. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this simple step.

When looking at different companies, check their address and contact information to ensure they’re legitimate. You can also visit the company’s website to get more information about them.

Experience in Long Distance Moving

Experience is an essential factor to consider when looking for a good interstate moving company. You want to find a company that has been in business for a while and has a good track record. The more experience a company has, the better they will be at handling your move. They will know how to pack your belongings and load them onto the truck, so they are safe and secure.

They will also be familiar with the route and can avoid any potential delays or problems. The last thing you want is to move your belongings only to have them damaged or lost in transit. Therefore, when looking for an interstate moving company, ask about their experience.

Check With the Better Business Bureau

Many people don’t realize that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is more than just a place to determine if a business is legitimate. The BBB also keeps track of customer complaints, which can be a valuable resource for finding a good interstate moving company. Visit the BBB’s website and search for moving companies in your area to get started. Then, take a look at the complaints that have been filed against each company. If you see a pattern of negative reviews, it’s best to avoid that company. However, even if a company has a few complaints, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not worth considering. After all, even the best companies will occasionally have an unhappy customer. The key is ensuring the complaints are few and far between.

Get an In-Home Estimate

Finally, one of the best ways to choose a good interstate moving company is to get an in-home estimate. This will allow you to meet with a representative from the company and discuss your specific needs. They’ll be able to give you a more accurate estimate of the cost of your move, and you’ll get a chance to ask any questions you may have. Get the estimate in writing and read it carefully before making your final decision.

Picking a good interstate moving company doesn’t have to be complicated. Just keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to find a company that you can trust.

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How Much Does an Interstate Move Cost? What Factors Impact Quotes?

As you begin searching for an interstate moving company, you’ll quickly discover that there is a wide range of prices. So, how do you know if you’re getting a good deal? And what factors impact the cost of an interstate move?

The first thing to remember is the lowest price isn’t always the best deal. It’s often a good idea to avoid rock-bottom companies. These companies may cut corners to save money, which could cost you more in the long run.

Instead of focusing on price, look for a company that offers a fair rate for its services. Get quotes from several companies to understand what you should be paying. Ask about hidden fees or surcharges to avoid being surprised by a high final bill. Some of the factors that impact the cost of an interstate move include:

Distance

One of the most critical factors that will impact the cost of your interstate move is the distance you travel. The further you move, the more it will cost to transport your belongings. This is because movers charge by the mile so that a longer move will cost more than a shorter one.

Services Offered

Another factor to consider is the services you need. If you want full-service movers, you can expect to pay more than if you choose a do-it-yourself option. This is because full-service movers will handle everything from packing your belongings to loading them onto the truck. They’ll even transport them to your new home and unload them.

Size of Your Home

The size of your home will also impact the cost of your interstate move. This is because movers charge the amount of stuff they have to move. So, if you have a large home, you can expect to pay more than someone with a smaller one.

Special Requirements

If you have any special requests, such as moving a piano or other large items, you can expect to pay more for this service. Moving these items takes extra time and effort, so movers will charge an additional fee.

Time of the Year

The time of year you move can significantly affect how much your interstate move will cost. Summer is traditionally the busiest moving season, and as a result, prices are typically higher than they are at other times of the year. If you’re looking to save money, winter may be the best time to move. 

Prices are usually lower during this time, as fewer people are moving. However, winter weather can make moving more difficult and even dangerous in some parts of the country. 

Spring and fall may be the best compromise, as prices are typically lower than in summer, but weather conditions are usually more favorable than in winter. Ultimately, the best time to move will depend on your circumstances. If you’re flexible, aim for a time when prices are lower.

Moving Into or Out of a Major City

One factor that can impact the cost of interstate moving is whether you’re moving into or out of a major city. Cities tend to have higher living costs, so movers often charge more to move items into a city than they do to move them out of a city. It can be more expensive to operate in a city, and movers may need to travel further distances to pick up and deliver items. 

Additionally, cities tend to have more traffic and congestion, adding to the time and fuel costs for movers. As a result, if you’re moving into or out of a major city, you may want to budget for higher moving costs.

These are just a few factors that will impact the cost of your interstate move. When getting quotes from moving companies, ask about all of these factors to get an accurate estimate of what your move will cost.

Tips on Preparing for an Interstate Move

Moving to a new state can be an exciting adventure. However, it can also be a daunting task, especially if not adequately prepared. Here are a few tips to help make your interstate move go smoothly.

Start Planning Early

Begin by listing everything you need to do, such as packing, changing your address, and transferring your utilities. Then, create a timeline and stick to it as much as possible. This will help ensure that you don’t forget anything important.

Take Care of the Details

Be sure to research the best route for your move and make reservations for hotels or rental cars if necessary. In addition, notify the post office of your change of address and arrange for any pets you have to be moved.

Pack Wisely

When packing for an interstate move, it’s essential to be strategic. Start by packing the items you won’t need right away in storage containers or at the bottom of boxes. Then, pack your everyday items near the top so they are easy to access. Finally, label all your packages to know what is in each one.

You can help make your interstate move go as smoothly as possible by following these tips. With some planning and preparation, you can settle into your new home in no time. However, hiring a reputable interstate moving company will be the best way to ensure a stress-free move.

Author: Helen McKenzie
January 12, 2023

Writer & Researcher

8 Min Read

Helen McKenzie is a writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has always loved writing and started writing for her school newspaper and eventually became a staff writer for a major metropolitan publication. More recently, Helen has been a member of the iMove Research Team, where she seeks to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about products and services available to consumers. In this role, she has conducted extensive research on topics such as moving companies, storage solutions, and real estate.

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