To save you the trouble of endless Google searches, we’ve narrowed down the list of nationwide long-distance moving companies to nine, which were determined by assigning weights to essential criteria points such as services provided, types of estimates, tracking functionality, and valuation coverage. Through this research, we singled out the best international moving company, the best car moving company, the best storage service, and more impressive providers.
Best Long-Distance Moving Companies of 2022
Best Overall: Atlas Van Lines Best Interstate Moving Company: North American Van Lines Best International Moving Company: Mayflower Best for Online Quotes: 1-800-Pack-Rat Best for Moving Containers: PODS Best for Packing: Colonial Van Lines Best Moving and Storage Service: Wheaton World Wide Moving Best Car Moving Company: United Van Lines Best Customer Support Score: JK Moving Services
As for the company’s customer portal, it’s much more useful than other moving apps we’ve seen. It acts as a command center, allowing you to track your belongings, make payments, and get in touch with your assigned Atlas representative. Thanks to the video survey function, you can even receive accurate estimates without submitting to an in-home visit. Atlas also provides a special discount for AAA members who are moving between states: They get Full Value Protection at no additional cost, meaning the company will repair, replace, or reimburse any lost or damaged items. North American’s 24/7 shipment tracking system is a particularly useful feature for long-distance moves because it keeps you updated on the location of your belongings at all times. The company is also transparent in the way that it prices its jobs. The written estimate you receive contains a guaranteed or not-to-exceed rate, meaning you’ll pay exactly what’s stated on the quote or less depending on what your move entails. What we like most about Mayflower’s international operations is its attention to detail. Each job is assigned a move manager, who compiles the correct documentation, organizes the services needed, oversees the customs clearance process, and tracks the transportation of your items. The company can also arrange to have your vehicle shipped to your new location. Because you’re renting a portable moving container that you load and unload yourself, 1-800-Pack-Rat’s pricing is pretty transparent since the cost mainly depends on the distance you’re traveling and whether the unit needs to be stored in one of the company’s facilities. Currently, customers who book a long-distance move will get up to 10 percent off the total cost. Once PODS drops off your container, you load it up on your own schedule. The rent cycle is 30 days, so if you need more time to pack your unit, you can simply pay for another month. When you’re ready for the container to be transported, PODS can either move it to your new home or to one of its many storage facilities. To further assist with organization, the company has an app that allows you to create a virtual inventory of your belongings. Not only is this beneficial for tracking purposes, but the photos you upload can also be used by the Colonial team to provide an accurate estimate. This way, you don’t have to schedule an in-home walk-through with one of the company’s representatives. In addition to storage, the company provides the right equipment, packing materials, and manpower for a variety of specialty moves. Cars, appliances, pianos, and pool tables can all be moved on a Wheaton truck, and a range of value protection coverage is offered to accomodate higher-priced items. Interested customers are encouraged to request a quote online, and while the company does not require an initial deposit, ask a Wheaton representative about additional fees that might pop up later. The company has a separate quote request system for customers who are only interested in its car shipping services, and our research team found the process to be quick and straightforward. One analyst described the United representatives as “incredibly patient and knowledgeable” when explaining the various options available. In terms of its traditional moving package, United offers a number of different add-ons to make your long-distance move as painless as possible. These include full-service packing, short- and long-term storage, debris removal, and custom crating for fragile items. The app is particularly useful because it keeps everything in one place, including your service details, valuation coverage documentation, and payment information. You can also contact your dedicated move coordinator and leave notes for your movers, like asking them to take special care of the antique china set you received from your grandmother. To get started, call for a quote or fill out the online request form. Since the initial estimate is non-binding, additional services—like packing and short- or long-term storage—may be factored into the cost at a later date.
How Do You Plan a Long-Distance Move?
Preparations for a long-distance move should start as soon as you know it’s happening. A simple yet thorough approach is to generate a list of every task that needs to be handled before, during, and after the move. Items on the list can be organized by deadline, tasked out to different family members, and checked off as they’re completed. Some moving companies also match you with a move coordinator who’ll help manage the entire process. A successful long-distance moving plan typically involves seeking out multiple estimates, booking a reputable company, purchasing moving insurance, making an inventory list, getting rid of or donating items you no longer need, organizing boxes by category or room, and finalizing a delivery schedule.
When Should I Start Packing to Move Cross Country?
Packing up a home is tricky because if you start too soon, you risk living out of boxes for weeks, and if you wait too long, you may not finish before the movers arrive. Start by packing up objects that aren’t essential to your everyday life; belongings that wouldn’t be missed for a month or more. Then set aside boxes for items that can be packed two or three weeks in advance, followed by week-of boxes. Labeling is key, both for the packing and unpacking stages. If, for instance, you’re waiting to pack up ceramic cereal bowls until a day or two before the move, make sure the correct materials are prepped so that you’re not rushing to properly secure breakables.
How Much Should I Tip a Mover?
Movers are professionals who deserve a gratuity. The recommended amount is 15 to 20 percent of the total bill, and it should be paid in cash. When deciding what to tip, consider the complexity and length of the move as well as the quality of service.
Methodology
In order to compile a list of the best long-distance moving companies, our research team made dozens of customer service calls and enlisted the help of data collectors to fill in the blanks for more than 30 criteria points. These included nationwide availability, storage options, valuation coverage offerings, and customer support channels. Each criteria point was assigned a weight, then grouped into one of six categories:
Customer experience (23 percent) Coverage and types of moves offered (20 percent)Moving services (20 percent)Pricing/price transparency (20 percent)Insurance/protection (10 percent)Reputation (7 percent)
Scores were calculated based on these weights, and companies were ultimately given a rating out of five stars. To ensure that the information presented is accurate, two or more data collectors verified the research. This page will be updated with any changes to the highlighted companies’ offerings.
