The Best Moving Companies - Long Distance Moving Service

 

Ready to get quotes from the best moving companies? Simply provide us with your move details and your contact information to receive a cost estimate as well as quotes from cross country movers. For more information on the different types of movers, as well as the factors that affect a moving estimate, read our guide below.

Why Choose a Moving Company

So why opt for a moving company over a DIY alternative? For starters, hiring a long distance mover saves you from having to do any of the heavy lifting on moving day. This, in and of itself, is the most common reason why people choose to hire professional movers. Moving company pros know how to properly load and unload moving trucks, as well as how to move furniture without scratching the floors. Choosing a reliable and affordable moving company to handle your relocation only ensures that your move will be carried out in the most efficient way possible. It also frees up valuable time and energy that you can spend on other important to-do list items on your moving checklist.

Types of Moves Within the U.S.

Moving companies usually specialize in either local or long distance moves. While many moving companies offer both local and long distance moving services, others may only be licensed to operate locally and may not be able to cross state lines. Here’s more information on what these different moves entail as well as the differences between a long-distance move and an interstate move.

Local Moving Companies

A move that is less than 50 miles away within the same state is considered a local move. Local moves tend to be less expensive than long-distance moves. In most cases, the cost of a local move is based on the number of hours it takes to move, the number of movers it takes to relocate your belongings and any added services performed by the movers (think: packing or furniture assembly). You’ll want to hire a local mover that’s licensed and insured. Reputable local movers typically specialize in an area or city and should be able to move you as efficiently as possible. Make sure the company offers a competitive hourly rate, has good reviews from locals and has all the proper credentials. The best moving companies in your area should meet these criteria.

Long Distance Moving Companies

A move that is more than 50 miles away is typically considered a long-distance move. This is true even if the move is within the same state. So, for instance, a move from San Francisco to Los Angeles would be considered a long-distance move. A long-distance move that is within the same state is often referred to as an “intrastate move” by professional moving companies. A move to a different state (for example, from California to Texas) would also be considered a long-distance move. However, this type of long-distance move, where you’re crossing state lines, is referred to as an "interstate move." When looking to hire a moving company for your upcoming move, make sure to check whether they offer local, statewide, and/or interstate moving. If you’re looking to move long distances within the same state, then you’ll need either a licensed interstate mover or a licensed local mover that has the ability to move statewide.

Interstate Moving Companies

If you are moving across state lines (or if your move involves driving outside your current state), you will need to hire one of the many licensed and insured interstate moving companies available in your area. Remember: not all long distance moving companies are interstate movers. To ensure that a mover is licensed to operate outside your state, you can opt to hire from the pool of national moving companies (i.e. Atlas Van Lines, United Van Lines, Mayflower, etc). For more information about a specific moving company, check the mover’s U.S. DOT number. Here’s how.

Types of Long Distance Moving Companies

Believe it or not, there’s more than just one type of interstate mover to choose from when relocating to a new home. The different types of out of state moving companies include full-service moving companies, self-service moving companies, and specialized moving companies.

Full-service moving company — The most expensive type of mover is the popular full-service moving company. These professionals will do everything from packing your belongings, loading and unloading the truck, and transporting your belongings to the destination.

Self-service moving company — These affordable moving companies are typically less expensive than full-service moving companies and are great for customers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Self-service movers will deliver a truck or container to your doorstep. They’ll also handle the transportation of your belongings. However, the loading and unloading portion of the move is your responsibility. Self-service moving companies include moving container companies and freight trailer companies.

Specialized moving company — Moving a large piano or hot tub? How about a valuable antique? Fortunately, you can hire a moving company that specializes in doing just that. Specialized moving companies are trained in the proper ways to move pianos, hot tubs appliances, art, antiques, and other specialized items.

In addition, moving companies usually specialize in either local, long distance or international moves. Many moving companies offer both local and long distance moving services.