Moving across state lines is a completely different experience from a local move. More than simply transporting your belongings from one location to another, several additional logistical considerations need to be anticipated and addressed, along with all of the other personal life transitions that the relocation may involve.
Joey’s Movers understands that whether you’re a young professional pursuing a career opportunity, a growing family seeking a different lifestyle, or an individual embarking on a fresh chapter, choosing the right interstate moving company can be the difference between a transition marked by frustration and a smooth, stress-free journey. We’ve put together this helpful guidance to help you choose the right answer for you.
Ready for a smooth move across statelines? Call (847) 674-7779 or request your free personalized quote from Joey’s Movers today!
The Complexity of an Interstate Move: What You Need to Know
An interstate move is significantly more complicated than a local relocation. Though at first glance it may seem like the same process — packing up a truck and then unpacking it at your destination, there are many logistical, legal, and operational challenges involved with crossing state lines, and managing them all requires specialized expertise and careful planning.
Interstate moves present obstacles that don’t exist when you’re moving from one city or suburb to another within the same state. These include:
- Every state has its own regulations and transportation laws</li<a
- The intricacies of transporting items over longer distances
- Increased potential for item damage
- Coordinating complex logistics across different jurisdictions
- Managing potentially significant climate and terrain variations
Why Hiring a Professional Interstate Moving Company Is Essential
Interstate moving requires far more knowledge and experience than a simple move — knowledge and experience that professional interstate companies have. They are equipped to provide a comprehensive suite of services specifically designed to address the complexities of long-distance relocation. These include:
- Expert packing and unpacking services
- Specialized equipment for safe item handling
- Professional loading and unloading protocols
- Secure, climate-controlled transportation
- Flexible storage solutions
- Comprehensive insurance and liability coverage
- Real-time tracking and communication
- Stress reduction and peace of mind
- Experience in moving special items including pianos, artwork, heirlooms
When you work with a professional long-distance moving company, you can rest assured that your belongings will arrive safely and on time, with much less stress and worry on your part.
Understanding What Interstate Moving Companies Do
Defining Interstate Moving Companies and Their Services
Interstate moving companies are specialized transportation services that are certified to move households and businesses across state borders. Unlike local movers, these professional organizations are required to comply with stringent federal requirements including:
- Obtaining valid federal transportation licenses
- Complying with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations
- Maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage
- Providing detailed and transparent estimates
- Following strict consumer protection guidelines
- Maintaining rigorous safety and maintenance standards for their entire fleet
Elite interstate movers typically provide a wide range of services, including:
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Furniture disassembly, transportation, and reassembly
- Specialized handling for fragile, antique, or valuable items
- Climate-controlled, secure storage options
- Advanced shipment tracking technologies
- Customized moving plans
- Professional consultation and move management
- Emergency support and contingency planning
Key Differences Between Local and Interstate Movers
There are many differences between using a local mover and an interstate mover, but the most important comes down to the fact that interstate movers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations while local movers operate under state law, and the significant difference in cost and time. Interstate moves generally take longer and are priced based on mileage and weight rather than the hourly rates charged for a local move.
How Much Should an Interstate Move Cost?
Moving is an expensive proposition, whether you’re traveling around the corner or across the country. Having a solid understanding of what to expect is a good starting point for planning your interstate move. It is crucial for effective planning and budgeting.
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Move Size
Average Costs Based on Home Size:
- Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: $1,500 – $3,000
- 2-bedroom home: $3,000 – $5,500
- 3-bedroom house: $4,000 – $7,500+
- 4-bedroom home: $6,000 – $10,000+
- Large homes (5+ bedrooms): $8,000 – $12,000+
Factors that Affect Pricing
Many different elements influence the total cost of an interstate move. They include:
- The total geographic distance being traveled
- The precise weight and volume of your belongings
- The complexity of the move (stairs, long carries, specialized items)
- Any additional services required (packing, storage, special handling)
- Seasonal demand and timing
- Current fuel prices
- Local and state regulations
- Insurance and liability coverage levels
Identifying and Avoiding Hidden Costs
Movers need to watch out for additional expenses that many out-of-state moving companies may not include in their original quote, and which can significantly add to your total outlay. These include:
- Fuel surcharges and transportation fees
- Stair or elevator access charges
- Long-carry fees for difficult access
- Packing material and supply costs
- Comprehensive insurance premiums
- Short-term and long-term storage fees
- Potential overnight storage or transfer fees
- Expedited or guaranteed delivery charges
Comprehensive Comparison of Top Interstate Moving Companies
There are plenty of interstate moving companies to choose from. Some are big nationally recognized brands and others are smaller, independent operators with decades of moving experience and a more personalized approach. Selecting the right interstate moving company requires thorough research and careful evaluation of your needs and priorities, as well as comparing costs and capabilities.
Best Rated Companies in the Moving Industry
| Moving Company | Strengths | Best For | Unique Offerings |
| Joey’s Movers | Personalized service Competitive pricing | Customers seeking customized moving experiences | Flexible scheduling Comprehensive consultation |
| Mayflower | Extensive nationwide network | Complex, long-distance moves | Advanced tracking Multiple service levels |
| Allied Van Lines | Comprehensive moving solutions | Corporate and residential moves | Global moving capabilities |
| United Van Lines | Consistent high customer satisfaction | Reliability and professional service | Detailed move planning |
| Two Men and a Truck | Budget-friendly options | Smaller moves, local to regional transitions | Flexible pricing models |
- Joey’s Movers – The most referred mover in Chicagoland, Joey’s has more than 40 years of experience of providing local and long distance services for residential and commercial customers.
- Strengths: Personalized service, competitive pricing
- Best for: Customers seeking customized moving experiences
- Unique offerings: Flexible scheduling, comprehensive consultation
- Mayflower – Mayflower is a local and long-distance moving van line that works with its affiliated agents around the country and world to offer moving services of all distances. The co-op operates interstate and international service lines.
- Strengths: Extensive nationwide network
- Best for: Complex, long-distance moves
- Unique offerings: Advanced tracking, multiple service levels
- Allied Van Lines – Allied Van Lines has the largest mover network in the world, offering full-service long-distance and local moves.
- Strengths: Comprehensive moving solutions
- Best for: Corporate and residential moves
- Unique offerings: Global moving capabilities
- United Van Lines – United Van Lines is a moving and relocation company that offerins full-service long-distance moving and storage services including packing, unpacking, and car shipping across the country. It has a large network of agents throughout the nation.
- Strengths: Consistent high customer satisfaction
- Best for: Reliability and professional service
- Unique offerings: Detailed move planning
- Two Men and a Truck – Two Men and a Truck is a national moving company that specializes in small local and long-distance residential and commercial moving services. The company’s slogan is “The Movers Who Care.” Their typical service consists of two movers arriving with a truck to assist with your move. It’s the largest franchised moving company in the United States.
- Strengths: Budget-friendly options
- Best for: Smaller moves, local to regional transitions
- Unique offerings: Flexible pricing models
Critical Selection Criteria
When evaluating interstate moving companies, weigh the following elements:
- Does the company have valid FMCSA licensing and credentials
- Customer reviews
- Better Business Bureau ratings
- Transparent, detailed pricing
- Extensive insurance options
- Customer service responsiveness
- Fleet condition and maintenance
- Specialized moving expertise
What are the Red Flags Warning Against a Long Distance Mover
Non-binding estimates, hidden fees, and low-ball pricing are tactics used by unscrupulous moving companies to deceive customers and inflate final costs. These companies frequently offer no legal price protection, then dramatically increase prices after loading, or add on unexpected charges after services are rendered, without warning. A suspiciously low initial quote is usually an indication of either a scam operation, an inexperienced mover, or an intention to increase prices later, potentially holding your belongings hostage until you provide additional payment.
Reputable interstate moving companies prioritize transparency and provide clear estimates with no hidden surprises.
Interstate Moving Companies vs. PODS: A Detailed Comparison
At-a-Glance Cost Analysis between Full Service Moving Companies and PODS
- Full-Service Movers typically have:
- Higher upfront costs
- Complete service package
- Minimal personal effort required
- Guaranteed delivery timelines
- PODS typically have:
- Lower initial expenses
- Significant personal involvement
- Flexible loading and unloading
- Potential for cost savings
Convenience and Labor Considerations
While professional movers handle the entire moving process from end-to-end, PODS require substantial personal effort and do-it-yourself loading and unloading.
Which Option is Best for Your Budget and Timeline?
There are significant differences between using a professional long-distance mover and using PODS, with the most obvious being that using PODS requires substantial personal effort and coordination versus the comprehensive service offered by professional companies. Your key deciding factors should be:
- Financial Considerations
- Total move distance
- Volume of belongings
- Available personal time
- Logistical Considerations
- Storage requirements
When deciding, start by getting multiple quotes, but also consider the value of your personal time and your physical capabilities and tolerance for stress and anxiety. The more complex your move, the better off you are using a professional.
Expert Strategies for a Seamless Interstate Move
Advanced Money-Saving Techniques
- Schedule moves during off-peak seasons (September-April)
- Obtain and compare multiple detailed quotes
- Demonstrate flexibility with move dates
- Strategically reduce item volume before moving
- Negotiate service packages
- Utilize potential corporate or group discounts
Professional Packing and Organization Strategies
- Invest in high-quality, professional grade packing materials
- Create a comprehensive, detailed box labeling system and inventory management approach
- Pack a personal essentials box with critical items
- Photograph valuable items for insurance purposes
- Consider professional packing services for fragile items
What to Do if You Need Storage Between Moves?
Sometimes your moving timeline doesn’t align perfectly and storing your things becomes an issue. Interstate moving companies offer both short-term and long-term storage to bridge the gap between homes.
- Short-term storage options are generally 1-3 months and are included or discounted by some moving companies. These are lower in cost but may have limited space options and access restrictions. Cost is generally $100-$300 per month.
- Long-term storage options are generally for three months or longer. They provide more room, security, and climate control, and may include professional inventory management, but these features come at a higher cost. Cost is generally $75 -$250 per month because the rental period is longer.
FAQs
1. How far in advance should I book an interstate move?
Ideally, book 8-12 weeks before your desired move date, especially during peak moving seasons.
2. What documents do I need for an interstate move?
Identification including proof of current address, inventory lists, and your moving company contract.
3. How do I protect my belongings during an interstate move?
Purchase comprehensive insurance, take advantage of professional packing services, and only work with a reputable moving company.
4. What should I do with items I don’t want to move?
Consider selling or donating those items before the move. If you don’t want to get rid of them but don’t want to move them, your moving company may offer inexpensive storage solutions.
Final Moving Advice
Choosing the right interstate moving company is more than a logistical or financial decision—it’s an investment in a smooth, worry-free experience. By analyzing costs, services, and strategic considerations, you can turn an overwhelming experience into a manageable one.
To see the difference that a personal approach can make for a complicated long-distance move, contact Joey’s Movers for a custom consultation and comprehensive moving strategy tailored to your unique needs!
