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The Best State to State Movers of 2023

Moving State to State? Moving APT came up with a list of the best state to state movers of 2023, researching customer satisfaction, services, and industry-insider information to bring you the best of the best - and some important moving tips, too.
Best State to State Movers - Moving APT

An out of state move is an exciting new start in a totally new place, but it can be stressful without the right help. Fortunately, Moving APT can connect you with the right movers for the job.

This article is an expert’s look into what state to state movers you can trust, and Moving APT’s experts did the heavy lifting for you. We searched through real customer feedback, and drew from our own 22 years of face-to-face experience in the moving industry to bring you insider info you won’t find anywhere else.

Read on to see our picks for the best state to state movers of 2023, and learn a little more about how you can make your move easier.

Top 3 Recommended State to State Movers

Adams Van Lines - Top 3 Recommended State to State Moving Companies

Adams Van Lines​

4.9
4.7/5
Best State to State Movers - Native Van Lines

Native Van Lines

4.8
4.8/5
Pricing Van Lines - Top 3 Recommended State to State Moving Companies

Pricing Van Lines

4.7
4.7/5

In this article

How Much Does a State to State Move Cost?

On average, the cost to hire state to state movers is about $4,900. This number is based on the average weight of 7,400 pounds and 1,225 miles traveled.

The ultimate cost of your long distance move will depend on three main factors: the weight of your goods, the distance traveled, and the price of labor. There may be some additional costs like shuttle or access fees, but weight, distance, and labor are the big three.

To get an approximate estimate of what your move will cost, check out our table below.

Approximate Prices of a State to State Move

Distance 1 Bedroom 2 – 3 Bedroom 4 – 5 Bedroom
100 miles $1000 – $1500 $1250 – $1700 $1500 – $3400
250 miles $1200 – $2000 $1500 – $3500 $2,000 – $4800
1000 miles+ $1400 – $2900 $2100 – $6900 $5500 – $7900
2500 miles+ $1800 – $3700 $3900 – $7500 $8500+

If you are interested in finding out more about the expenses associated with relocating to another state, the following articles may be of assistance:

What is the Average Delivery Time for a State to State Move?

Moving from one state to another can take anywhere from 1 to a 21 days, but the exact time can depend on factors like the distance of the move, the amount of belongings being transported, the availability of movers, and the chosen route.

Miles Days
0-500 miles 1-7 days
500-1500 miles 3-14 days
1500-2500 miles 5-21 days
2500+ miles 7 -21 days

Most people think that a smaller load means an easier move – but sometimes that means a longer wait. Movers won’t send half-empty trucks across country.

Instead, they’ll wait for the truck to fill up with other people’s stuff to avoid any wasted space. A small load might take more time, but if you can fill a truck by yourself, it may be sent ASAP.

Adams Van Lines - Best State to State Movers in The United States of 2021

Adams Van Lines

4.9
4.7/5

If you’re moving long distance and you need an experienced and affordable mover, Adams Van Lines is the perfect fit. They’re well-known for keeping moves timely and organized, and they put in extra effort to make sure your stuff is protected and safe.

They also boast great customer service and support. Adams Van Lines provides one point of contact for your entire move, keeping the entire process streamlined and ensuring you don’t get bounced around between different departments when you have any questions or concerns.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines

Adams Van Lines understands that a professional move requires plenty of professional experience, and we’re definitely fans of their approach to state to state moving. 

They’re a one-stop shop for packing, loading, transport, and even storage – and they go the extra mile to keep stress to a minimum.

Best State to State Movers - Native Van Lines

Native Van Lines

4.8
4.8/5

Native Van Lines has been in the moving business for decades, which means they have a great reputation to back up their experience. They’re an award-winning company, and a quick look through their customer reviews tells you all you need to know about well they treat each move.

One of Native Van Lines’ strengths is the huge variety of services they offer. They offer packing and storage, but they can also help with corporate relocations and car shipping, too. Have any hard-to-move items? Don’t worry – Native Van Lines provides custom moving options and plans.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend Native Van Lines

If you need a state to state mover, we definitely recommend Native. Their range of services can be tailored to meet your needs, and their reputation and solid reviews means they’re a long distance mover you can trust.

Pricing Van Lines - Best State to State Movers in The United States of 2021

Pricing Van Lines

4.7
4.7/5

If you’re moving state to state, Pricing Van Lines is a great option. They’re professionals who understand the finer points of interstate moving, and they have a whole network of agents all across the US who can help minimize the stress and chaos of moving day.

Pricing Van Lines is known for their commitment to national moving, but they also provide top-notch packing services. As an added bonus, their website is full of helpful tips, tricks, and other information to make your move go as smoothly as possible.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend Pricing Van Lines

We’re huge fans of Pricing Van Lines. They provide great service at a competitive price, and their website is full of helpful info, all free of charge. If you need a state to state mover, Pricing Van Lines’ competitive costs, personalized moves, and industry experience makes them a winner.

iMoving - Best State to State Movers in The United States of 2021

iMoving

4.8
4.8/5

iMoving is one of the best relocation platforms on the market. They’re committed to transparency and reliability between moving companies and their customers, and they make finding movers, planning your move, and getting reliable quotes as easy as possible.

When you use iMoving, you’re actually picking a trusted state to state mover out of a network of hundreds of vetted and certified movers. Their system contains handpicked moving companies that have been screened and checked ahead of time – and you’ll be able to find quotes at the press of a button.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend iMoving

We like to say that iMoving is like the Expedia of the moving world. Their online utility allows you to customize your move, right down to the exact amount and type of furniture. 

From there, you can find a list of qualified movers, their prices, and their availability, all without having to make a single phone call.

United Van Lines - Best State to State Movers in The United States of 2021

United Van Lines

4.5
4.5/5

United Van Lines has been around since 1928. You don’t stay in business for that long without offering quality service. They’re a nationally-available moving company with a track record to back them up, and you can’t go wrong with their online shipment tracking.

United Van Lines is a reliable state to state mover that can call on almost a century of experience and industry know-how to make your move as easy as possible. They also provide a wide variety of additional services such as cleaning and storage.

Pros

Cons

Why We Recommend United Van Lines

If you’re planning a state to state move, United Van Lines can help. We appreciate their nationwide availability, and their broad range of services is a definite plus. 

You never really know how much cleanup you’ll need after a move, so it’s always nice to know the pros at United Van Lines can help you deal with your mess, too.

What to Look for in the Best State to State Movers

There are a lot of moving companies out there, and it can be a challenge to find the perfect fit. Here are a few factors to keep in mind before you commit to a state-to-state mover:

License and Insurance:

Any group of people can call themselves a moving company. However, legitimate movers need to comply with the USDOT’s registration requirements and other licensing laws and regulations. Make sure they have their permits and certifications in order and make sure they offer insurance in case of loss or damage.

Accurate Moving Costs:

We can’t stress this enough: get an estimate as soon as possible. An estimate will give you an idea of your overall budget for your move, and it’ll also give you a chance to check for any suspicious or additional fees before moving day. For accurate info, ask plenty of questions and provide details about how much stuff you have to move, and how far you’ll have to move.

Proven Track Record:

Many state-to-state movers are fairly transparent about their history in the business, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble familiarizing yourself with their track record. It’s best to go with a company that has crossed state lines countless times and has a good reputation with previous customers. Review their website and any social media profiles to learn more.

Online Reviews from Customers:

Making decisions about a big purchase can be challenging, especially when there are so many different options on the market. Luckily online reviews from past customers can help you sort out the good from the bad. Take the time to read about the experiences of previous customers so you know who to trust.

It may seem tedious to research each of the companies you come across, but you’ll be thankful you did. The right state to state movers will make your new start pleasant and stress-free.

What Factors Determine the Cost of a Move?

Distance:

A long distance move is defined as any move that’s over 100 miles, or across state lines. Expect to pay more money with more mileage. The overall distance of your state to state move is one of the most major factors behind your final price, so prepare your wallet accordingly.

Weight:

State to state movers charge by distance traveled, and overall weight of your stuff. A heavier haul is going to cost you more money, so make sure you downsize and get rid of any unwanted furniture before you get a quote from your movers.

Access Fees:

Every move is different, and different challenges mean different fees. Stairs, elevators, and long carries (anything over 75 feet) will cost you extra. Will your movers need to pay a fee for parking, or deal with any gates or added security? These access fees all add up.

Time of Year:

Certain times of the year are more expensive than others when it comes to arranging a state to state move. The summer months are peak moving season, and with higher demand comes a higher price for your move. Avoid summer, avoid holidays, and avoid the beginning and end of each month.

Packing:

If you choose to have the company pack and unpack your belongings for you, you’ll be charged based on the supplies used and the amount of time they spend packing and unpacking your items. These charges may also include any labor costs for the assembly or disassembly of furniture. (Cost: $100-$1,000+)

Liability and Valuation Coverage:

The law requires state to state movers to provide two valuation choices for customers, including Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection.

With Full Value Protection, moving companies must replace goods or reimburse customers monetarily for their current value should anything be damaged or misplaced during the move. Released Value Protection covers about  $0.60 per pound of the shipment. Although it’s the more budget-friendly option, it also offers the minimum coverage required.

Third-Party Insurance:

If you’re particularly worried about the safety of your belongings, you may want to pay for third-party insurance for additional coverage. In this case, it’s smart to take photos of all your items for proper documentation, which can be provided alongside moving receipts. This may cost around $10 per every $1,000 of valued possessions, with a $250 to $500 deductible.

Storage:

And finally, moves that span long distances sometimes require your household goods to be temporarily put into storage. This means you will encounter additional fees should this be necessary. You can request details about a company’s storage fees ahead of time. (Cost: $0.07 per lbs, min $200.)

How Do I Lower Costs During a State to State Move?

A state to state move doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how you can save a few bucks on your move, straight from the experts at Moving APT:

1. Pack Belongings Yourself

Some moving companies offer a packing service, which comes in handy if you want to spare yourself some time and stress. However, if you’re more concerned with sparing some change, DIY your packing and skip the fees for packing, supplies, and disassembly.

2. Register With AAA

Members of AAA may qualify for discounts on moving and storage. It’s worth looking into if you’re trying to save as much cash as possible before, during, and after the moving process.

3. Get Rid of Items You No Longer Need

Moving is always a reminder of just how much stuff we accumulate over the years. If you’re moving state to state, it’s the perfect time to donate, sell, or just plain throw out all those things you don’t need anymore.

4. Pick the Right Moving Date

Did you know your moving costs can increase based on certain days and certain months? If you’re looking to save money, we recommended moving either mid-month or mid-week and not in the summertime or near national holidays. Because demand is lower during these times, more movers will be available to assist you and they will do so for a lower rate.

5. Look into Less than Truckload Freight

Less than truckload freight (LTL) means your stuff will be shipped with someone else’s stuff to save your mover some money. If you don’t mind being a little more flexible with your move-in date, and you don’t mind your stuff being hauled with someone else’s, ask about less than truckload freight.

Movers can cost you, but you can always find a way to make them cost less. With these tips, you can save every penny – or at least save some much-needed cash for the rest of your move.

What are Some State to State Moving Tips from the Experts?

You know what to expect when hiring state to state movers. You’re clear on what to look for in a reputable company, and you have an idea of what this move may cost you. But there are a few final tips you should keep in mind to make your moving experience as smooth as possible. Here are some state to state moving tips from the experts:

1. Do Your Research

We’ve provided you with five trusted moving companies to check out, but it’s still important to do some of your own research. Look into each of the movers on our list, and consider looking for a few of your own, too. You don’t want to be hasty when making a decision, and a little extra time doing some research now can save you a whole lot of stress in the future.

2. Request an Estimate First

Most state to state moving companies offer free moving quotes beforehand, allowing you to compare prices before committing to one particular mover. For the most accurate estimate, the company will perform an in-home survey to understand how much stuff they will move into the truck and your new home.

Keep in mind that there are three types of moving estimates. Binding estimates can’t be adjusted after they’ve been issued (although it you suddenly add a bunch of furniture to your move, expect a new estimate).

Non-binding estimates can be adjusted up to 10% of the price before, during, and after your move. And non-binding, not to exceed estimates can be adjusted downwards from your initial price.

3. Start Packing Now

Don’t wait until the last minute to pack your belongings. If you’re planning on packing by yourself, start packing items little by little instead of paying your state to state movers to do it. This gives you a chance to get rid of unwanted items and save some extra cash. Set aside the items you’ll need soonest and pack them in a separate bag to make moving day easier.

4. Make Sure to Protect Important Documents

When you’re packing, it’s super important to keep your important documents together in one safe place. You certainly don’t want to lose your passport, birth certificate, or social security card while moving state to state. Consider placing these documents in a locked, fireproof box, or at least in a waterproof plastic folder and inside a clearly-marked box.

5. Get Ahead with Schooling

If you have school-age children, you’ll need to ensure they’re ready to attend school as soon as you’ve completed your move. Figure out which school your children will be districted for and get in touch with the school ahead of time to figure out what’s necessary for enrollment. This will prevent delays in getting your children into school and acclimated to their new environment.

6. Get Ahead with Utilities, Too

Don’t forget your utilities, either. Contact your future utility companies to get the electricity, garbage, water, etc., turned on before you arrive at your new home. Arriving to no lights, heat (or air conditioning,) or running water won’t be good! (Don’t forget to contact your current utility companies and inform them of the date you’ll be moving out so they can cut off your services.)

7. Forward Your Mail to Your New Address

When preparing for your state-to-state move, you’ll need to forward your mail so you don’t miss out on important items like bills and bank statements. Update your contact information with the post office, your bank, your health insurance, and any other institution that sends you mail. It can take some time for these changes to go into effect, so do this ASAP.

8. Be Sure to Keep Your Moving Receipt

Finally, hang onto the receipts you receive throughout the moving process. If you donated items in the process, you might want a receipt to document for tax purposes. Also, if you had to move for a job, you may deduct your moving expenses from your taxes, or your employer may reimburse you. Keep these receipts in a safe space so you don’t lose them, and consider saving a picture of them on your phone.

State to State Moving FAQs

How Do I Select a State to State Mover?

It all starts with research into trusted movers, and a collection of different quotes. Once you see what different state to state movers are willing to offer for certain prices, talk with them to measure up their customer service. Before you book, ask your friends, family, and neighbors about their moving experiences, and check the moving company’s registration and licensing.

What are the Best State to State Movers?

You can’t go wrong with the movers on our list. Moving APT has researched the best state to state movers in the industry, using our insider experience and real customer feedback to bring you the best of the best. Adams, Native, Pricing, iMoving, and United Van Lines are all top-tier state to state moving companies.

What is the Cheapest Way to Move Between States?

DIY is always going to be the cheapest way to move – but sometimes it’s not much cheaper than paying for movers. Unless you own a big enough truck, you’ll have to rent a truck or moving van. Then you’ll have to pay (or coerce) your friends or family into helping. It takes a lot of gas, food, and hotel fees, and at the end of your move, you may be regretting it completely.

When is the Best Time of Year to Move?

Moving is most in-demand during the summer months, and any kind of holiday. Moving prices are also much higher around the first and last days of the month, so avoid those days if you’re trying to save some money. Plan for a mid-week, mid-month move, outside of summer and away from any holidays.

How Long Does it Take to Move State to State?

A state to state move can take anywhere from 1-21 days, and sometimes more, depending on how much stuff you’re moving and how far it’s going. A short move of 0-200 miles may only take 1-3 days, but if you’re traveling across country, expect to wait a few weeks.

How Much Do I Tip State to State Movers?

Unless your moving company explicitly denies tips, tips are customary and not included in your initial quote. Expect to pay between 15% and 20% of the total cost of your move, to be divided across the movers who’ve helped you out. Don’t forget the driver!

How Are Charges Calculated for State to State Movers?

State to state moves are charged based on the weight of your stuff and the distance it all has to travel. Additional charges like access fees and insurance can all make your move a little more expensive, so prepare your wallet accordingly.

What is the Average Cost of Moving from State to State?

The overall cost of moving to another state is set at about $4,500, on a distance of 1,250 miles and a total weight of 7,500 pounds. Of course, your move may be more expensive if you haul more stuff a longer distance, or if your move involves a bunch of complicated steps like disassembly or long carries.

What is the Difference Between Brokers and Movers?

Brokers and movers are both on your side. However, brokers don’t do the actual carrying. Brokers serve as an important filter and go-between, making sure you’re only dealing with qualified, trusted, and fully-licensed movers. Once you get in touch with a broker, they’ll find you the best movers for the job.

What is Full Value Protection?

Full value protection means your state to state movers will have to reimburse you for the complete cost of any damaged goods. Moving companies need to offer some form of liability, insurance, or protection for your move, and full value protection is the highest level.

Should I Get Insurance on a Long Distance Move?

Yes. While the state to state movers on our list are qualified, experienced, and super careful with every move they handle, accidents can always happen. It’s worth paying extra for extra protection, and it’s also important to have insuran

Let Us Help with Your State-to-State Move

A state to state move means excitement, a new start, and more than a little stress. Fortunately, we’re here to help you focus on the fun stuff that matters. Use our moving cost calculator to get a quote, and compare the top state to state movers from across the country.

Harrison Gough

Harrison Gough

Harrison has spent the last three years writing for real estate and moving companies, but his moving experience goes beyond sitting behind a keyboard. He’s had to move more than a dozen times (sometimes with pros, and sometimes DIY) and he’s learned the hard way about what makes a move easy, and what makes a move stressful. When he’s not writing, he’s researching how to make his next move easier.
Green Group

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