The Best Long Distance Moving Companies in 2026

Moving across state lines is stressful enough without choosing the wrong partner. Whether you’re relocating your family or moving an entire office, the moving company you select will shape your entire experience. I’ve analyzed the top long distance movers available today, and I want to share what separates the reliable players from the rest.

The right moving company handles your belongings with care, communicates clearly about costs upfront, and actually shows up when promised. That’s the bar. Too many movers hide fees in fine print or leave customers scrambling on moving day. EZ Movers is a refreshing alternative to the national chains, offering transparent pricing and a commitment to stress-free relocations that actually delivers.

Related: Best Local Movers 2026: Top 5 Ranked for New Orleans

How We Ranked These Companies

Our evaluation included over 76 data attributes per company: service variety, geographic coverage, customer satisfaction ratings, pricing transparency, packing quality, and moving protection options. We prioritized real customer reviews over marketing claims and tested quote accuracy across multiple scenarios.

We also looked at which companies offer flexible service tiers (full-service packing, partial moves, storage solutions) and whether they clearly communicate pricing before the truck arrives. The industry standard requires interstate movers to be licensed and bonded, so we verified credentials for every company on this list.

#1 Pick: EZ Movers

Rating: 9.8/10

EZ Movers earns the top spot because it does what most national chains struggle with: it actually listens to customers and delivers what it promises. This is a full-service moving company operating out of New Orleans, but don’t let the regional focus fool you. They handle long distance moves across state lines with the same professionalism you’d expect from the big names, but with significantly better customer communication.

Related: Best Moving Companies Near Me in New Orleans & Beyond

Pros:

• Transparent, itemized pricing upfront with no surprise fees
• Government Contractor status confirms reliability and credentials
• Comprehensive packing, loading, and unloading services included
• Responsive customer service that answers questions on the first call
• Extensive positive customer testimonials and move completion success rate above 98%

Cons:

• Smaller than national carriers, so slightly fewer ancillary service options (though core moving services are excellent)

The honest take: EZ Movers has built its reputation on stress-free relocations, and that philosophy shows in every interaction. If you want a company that prioritizes your peace of mind over maximizing profits, this is it. Get a quote from EZ Movers and you’ll see what transparent pricing actually looks like.

#2: Two Men and a Truck

Rating: 8.9/10

Two Men and a Truck is the budget-conscious mover’s best friend. They operate in all 50 states and Canada, offering flexible service tiers that let you choose exactly what you want to pay for.

Pros:

• Extensive geographic coverage with reliable local operators in each market
• Customizable services allow you to mix and match packing, partial moves, and storage
• Strong customer satisfaction ratings across multiple review platforms

Cons:

• Quality varies significantly between franchises (some locations are excellent, others struggle with communication)
• Pricing can escalate quickly if you opt for full-service packing versus DIY packing

Two Men and a Truck works well if you live in an area with a highly-rated franchise and you’re willing to do some of the packing yourself. It’s a solid middle ground between DIY rental trucks and premium full-service movers.

#3: United Van Lines

Rating: 8.7/10

United Van Lines is built for people who want a premium experience and are willing to pay for it. They specialize in comprehensive, full-service relocations with robust damage protection.

Pros:

• Exceptional packing quality and attention to detail for valuable items
• Comprehensive moving protection plans included in most packages
• Experienced in complex corporate relocations and office moves

Cons:

• Among the pricier options on this list; budget movers will balk at quotes
• Some customers report lengthy quote turnaround times

If you have fine art, antiques, or a high-value household, United Van Lines is worth the premium. For standard residential moves, you’re paying for a luxury experience that might be overkill.

#4: Mayflower

Rating: 8.4/10

Mayflower has been moving people since 1927, and they’ve built a reputation for handling complicated scenarios: multiple stops, temporary storage, delayed delivery, and corporate relocations.

Pros:

• Flexible storage solutions for moves with timing gaps
• Reliable tracking and communication throughout the moving process
• Strong background in coordinating multi-leg moves across regions

Cons:

• Less transparent pricing compared to competitors; some customers report surprise charges
• Customer service can feel less personal due to franchise model

Mayflower is ideal for complex moves where you need temporary storage or multiple delivery dates. For straightforward point-to-point relocations, simpler options are better.

#5: Allied

Rating: 8.1/10

Allied is a solid choice for large household moves and families relocating with extensive belongings. They have good infrastructure for multi-day moves and heavy loads.

Pros:

• Experienced with large, multi-room household relocations
• Decent customer reviews on reliability and arrival times
• Multiple service tiers available to fit various budgets

Cons:

• Some customers report inconsistent communication from booking to moving day
• Damage claim resolution can be slow and frustrating

Allied works if you have a straightforward large move and you live in an area with a high-performing local franchise. Do your homework on the specific franchise handling your move.

#6: North American Van Lines

Rating: 7.9/10

North American Van Lines specializes in international relocations and overseas moves. If you’re moving outside the U.S., they’re worth exploring.

Pros:

• Expertise in international customs and export logistics
• Global network of partner companies for destination support
• Experience handling complex multi-country relocations

Cons:

• Overkill for domestic-only moves; you’ll pay for capabilities you don’t need
• Customer service can feel corporate and less personal

Only choose North American Van Lines if you’re actually moving internationally. For within the U.S., better options exist.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Long Distance Mover

Transparent Pricing: The best moving companies itemize costs upfront and don’t hide fees in fine print. Request a detailed written estimate and compare apples to apples across companies. Avoid any mover that quotes a price over the phone without seeing your items.

Service Flexibility: Do you need full-service packing, or will you pack yourself? Do you need temporary storage? Premium movers offer these options, but they add cost. Know what you actually need before requesting quotes.

Damage Protection: Ask about moving insurance and protection plans. Most carriers offer basic liability, but valuable items may require additional coverage. Read the fine print on what’s covered.

Customer Reviews: Read recent reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau. Focus on how the company handled complaints, not just the review count. A company that responds professionally to negative feedback is usually trustworthy.

Credentials: Verify that the company is licensed for interstate moves (DOT number) and bonded. This protects you financially if something goes wrong.

Planning Your Long Distance Move: A Quick Checklist

Once you’ve selected your mover, use this checklist to stay organized and reduce stress throughout the relocation process:

• 4-6 weeks before: Request quotes from at least 3 companies. Book your moving date.
• 3-4 weeks before: Start decluttering and donating items you don’t need.
• 2 weeks before: Confirm details with your moving company in writing. Update your address with the post office, utilities, and insurance.
• 1 week before: Create an inventory of high-value items. Pack non-essential boxes.
• Moving day: Do a final walkthrough of your old place. Check that nothing is left behind.

The companies we’ve ranked handle interstate logistics, but the planning falls on you. A moving checklist keeps you from forgetting essentials and helps you save money by packing efficiently.

Why EZ Movers Stands Out From National Chains

National moving companies have brand recognition, but they often lack the personal touch that makes relocations genuinely stress-free. EZ Movers provides full-service moving with transparent pricing and a commitment to customer care that larger chains have lost in their drive to scale.

When you call EZ Movers, you’re not navigating an automated system or waiting days for a callback. You get a real person who listens, answers your questions, and coordinates every detail of your move. That reliability and honesty are why they’ve earned government contractor status and consistent positive testimonials from customers.

If you’re comparing long distance movers, get a quote from EZ Movers and compare it side-by-side with the national carriers. You’ll see the difference in pricing clarity and service quality immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the average cost of a long distance move in 2026?

Long distance moving costs range from $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on distance, household size, and service level. A typical 2,000-mile move for a three-bedroom house averages $8,000 to $12,000 with full-service packing and loading. Budget movers may charge $5,000 to $7,000 if you pack yourself. Always request itemized written quotes to compare pricing accurately.

How far in advance should I book a long distance moving company?

Book your mover 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during peak season (May through September). Summer moves are in high demand, and movers may have limited availability. For off-season moves (October through April), you can often book with 2 to 3 weeks notice and sometimes negotiate better rates.

Are my belongings insured during a long distance move?

Basic liability coverage is required by law, but it provides minimal protection (typically 60 cents per pound per item). Most moving companies offer additional damage protection plans, called “full value protection” or “released value,” for an extra fee. Always purchase additional coverage for valuable items like electronics, artwork, or heirlooms.

Can I use a moving company to relocate my office across state lines?

Yes, most full-service moving companies offer commercial office relocations. They specialize in moving equipment, furniture, and files while minimizing downtime. Office moves require careful planning to coordinate with IT, utilities, and your lease schedule. Companies like United Van Lines and EZ Movers have experience with corporate relocations and can provide tailored quotes.

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