Best Moving & Storage
Best Moving & Storage

Long Distance Movers Across State Lines

Professional long-distance moving services for relocations across the country.

Everything you need to know about long distance moving

A long-distance move is when you are moving more than 100 miles or to another state, while a short-distance move usually stays within the same area and can often be completed in one day.

Over the years, we have helped countless customers move from state to state. Through this experience, we have gained valuable knowledge about what makes a long-distance move successful. We'd like to share that experience with you to help you better understand the process, avoid unnecessary expenses, and make confident decisions.

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What affects the cost
of a long-distance move?

Many customers assume that distance is the biggest factor affecting long-distance moving prices, but that is only part of the equation. The final cost is determined by multiple factors.

Shipment Size

The amount of belongings being moved often has a greater impact on pricing than distance alone. Usually long distance moving companies estimate shipments by weight, volume, or a combination of both.

For example, a customer who needs to move a 1 bedroom apartment from Houston to Chicago may transport 2,000–4,000 pounds of belongings. A four-bedroom home can easily exceed 10,000 pounds. Even if both customers are moving the same distance, the larger shipment will require more truck space, more labor, and higher transportation costs.

In many cases, increasing a shipment from 4,000 pounds to 12,000 pounds affects pricing more than increasing the route from 800 to 1,200 miles.

Storage Services

Storage is one of the most common add-on services for customers planning a moving relocation to a new city or state. As one of the trusted long-distance moving and storage companies, we offer flexible storage solutions for customers who need extra time:

  • Short-term storage between homes
  • Long-term storage solutions
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage during home renovations

These services are particularly useful for customers moving to a new location when the closing date or lease start date does not align with the moving schedule.

Distance Traveled

Distance remains one of the primary factors affecting interstate moving costs. The farther your belongings travel, the more expenses are involved, including fuel, vehicle wear and tear, route planning, driver compensation, insurance, and transportation logistics.

This is why movers that move out of state typically provide estimates based on both shipment size and mileage rather than a simple hourly rate.

Labor Requirements

Labor remains a significant cost factor, but it is usually built into the overall transportation price. Long distance moving and storage companies combine loading labor, unloading labor, transportation costs, fuel expenses, insurance, equipment maintenance, and logistics into a single estimate.

Homes with multiple floors, narrow hallways, long carrying distances, or oversized furniture generally require additional labor and may increase the final cost.

Additional Services

The best interstate moving and storage companies do more than transport boxes from one location to another.

Additional services can significantly increase costs depending on the complexity of the move. At Best Moving & Storage, we offer both full and partial packing services. Whether you want our team to pack your entire home or only your most fragile and valuable items, we can customize the service to fit your needs.

We also specialize in handling items that require extra care. Pianos, antiques, artwork, safes, and other valuable possessions cannot be moved using standard methods.

Accessibility of Both Properties

Costs may increase if movers must:

  • Carry items long distances
  • Use stairs instead of elevators
  • Navigate apartment buildings
  • Work around parking restrictions
  • Use shuttle vehicles because a large truck cannot reach the property

Season and Scheduling

Demand for relocation services is highest during the summer months. Because most families prefer to move between May and September, prices are often higher during peak season.

Greater flexibility with pickup and delivery dates can often lead to more favorable relocation quotes than scheduling a move on a non-negotiable date.

Insurance Coverage

Choosing additional valuation protection or cargo insurance can increase the total cost of a long-distance move.

While basic liability coverage is typically included, many customers transporting high-value furniture, antiques, artwork, or electronics choose enhanced protection for greater peace of mind during transit.

Pricing Ranking

Which Factors AffectPricing the Most?

For most interstate relocations, pricing factors generally rank in this order.

1

Shipment

size

2

Distance

traveled

3

Labor

requirements

4

Storage

needs

5

Accessibility

challenges

6

Season

& scheduling

When comparing long distance moving companies nearby, look beyond the total price. Review what's included in each estimate to compare interstate moving and storage providers more accurately.

Save Money

How to Move to a New State
Without Breaking the Bank?

Most moving costs can be controlled with proper planning. Explore our practical tips for relocating and learn how to make your long-distance move more efficient and cost-effective.

View 30-Day Moving Checklist

Sell your stuff before moving

Since interstate moving prices are heavily influenced by shipment size, fewer belongings usually mean a lower bill.

Before packing, ask yourself: what items are not worth moving? Old furniture, outdated electronics, inexpensive household items, and things you haven't used in years may cost more to transport than to replace.

Get Estimates Early

Waiting until the last minute often limits your options and can result in higher prices. Start researching best long distance moving companies several weeks before your move and compare multiple estimates.

Requesting quotes early also gives you time to compare services, identify hidden fees, and determine whether additional services such as packing or storage are actually necessary.

Plan for Temporary Storage in Advance

Storage can become expensive when arranged at the last minute. If you anticipate a delay between moving out and moving in, ask your moving company about interstate moving and storage options early in the planning process.

Bundled moving and storage services are often more affordable than arranging separate providers after the move is already underway.

Research Your New Location

One of the most overlooked things to consider when moving to a new state is the cost of living in your destination.

Before you move to a new city, research: utility rates, parking regulations, vehicle registration requirements, local taxes, and commuting expenses.

The same principle applies whether you're relocating across state lines or reading reviews of international movers in Chicago before an overseas move: understanding what drives moving costs is the first step toward making a smart decision.

Smarter Moves

Labor-Only Moving:
Save Money the Smart Way

Another common way to reduce moving costs is to choose labor-only moving services instead of a full-service move. At first glance, the savings can seem substantial — you rent the truck yourself and only pay professionals to handle the heavy lifting. But is labor-only moving always the cheaper option?

One of our clients recently faced this exact decision. His experience highlights both the advantages and potential drawbacks of labor-only moving.

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Pros and cons of labor-only moving

Pros

Why people choose it

Lower upfront cost
You control the truck rental
Pay only for loading and unloading

Cons

What you take on

finding, driving and parking the truck,
managing the schedule,
navigating unfamiliar roads,
dealing with any unexpected issues during transit.
Young professional moving from Chicago to Florida

A young professional recently accepted a job opportunity and had just a few weeks to move from Chicago to Florida.

Since he was leaving a small apartment, he assumed it would be easy to move on his own.

He had to balance packing, apartment paperwork, utility transfers, and preparations for a new job.

He underestimated how much time it would take to organize transportation and coordinate his arrival date.

After researching how to move into a new city efficiently, he realized that professional assistance could save both time and stress.

He considered labor-only moving for the cost savings, but realized the drawbacks outweighed the benefits. With a new job starting shortly after the move, he decided the added responsibility was not worth the risk.

Instead of managing everything himself, he chose to work with experienced movers with truck services. This allowed him to focus on settling into his new community rather than worrying about driving a rental vehicle for hundreds of miles. Since he chose the best long distance moving company, everything was completed on schedule, and he was able to start his new job without the delays and exhaustion that often come with DIY relocations.

Moving truck driving on a long-distance route

Even smaller moves can involve more planning than expected. For anyone looking for long distance movers nearby, it is important to evaluate not only the cost but also the time, effort, and responsibilities involved in each moving option. Having the right support from an interstate moving and storage company in place can make the transition to a new city far smoother and less stressful.

Smarter Moves, Lower Costs

Choose the Right Truck.
Pay for What You Need.

Another potential way to reduce moving costs is to avoid paying for more truck space than you actually need. Choosing the right truck size can help keep transportation expenses under control while ensuring there is enough room for all your belongings.

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How Big of a Moving Truck Do You Really Need?

The answer depends not only on the size of your home but also on the amount of furniture, appliances, and personal belongings you plan to transport.

If you're moving across the country, something like from California to Chicago, choosing the right truck size is especially important, as renting a truck that is too small may require additional trips, while an oversized truck can significantly increase costs.

When determining what size moving truck you need, start by creating a detailed inventory of your belongings.

10 – 15 FT
Studio / 1 Bedroom

Studio / 1 Bedroom

Best for studios or small one-bedroom apartments with minimal furniture and boxes.

15 – 20 FT
1 – 2 Bedrooms

1 – 2 Bedrooms

Suitable for larger one-bedroom or two-bedroom homes with standard furniture.

20 – 26 FT
2 – 3 Bedrooms

2 – 3 Bedrooms

Ideal for two to three bedroom homes with more furniture and appliances.

When in doubt, it's usually better to choose slightly more capacity than you think you'll need.

Proper truck sizing can help reduce loading stress, improve safety during transport, and make your move far more efficient.

How to Make
Moving Fun for Kids

Less stress for parents. More fun for kids.

Children having fun during a family move

A positive attitude and a little creativity can turn a big move into an exciting adventure for the whole family!

Special moving day box for a child

Let each child pack a special “moving day” box filled with favorite toys, books, coloring supplies, snacks, comfort items, and a change of clothes for the first night in the new home.

Moving countdown calendar

Create a countdown calendar and cross off each day together to help children visualize progress and feel involved in the move.

Packing game with moving box

Turn packing into a game by setting fun challenges and small rewards, such as who can pack a box the fastest, find the most items of a certain color, or fill a donation box first.

Travel activity kit for children

Prepare a travel activity kit with puzzles, games, audiobooks, and favorite music to keep children entertained throughout the journey.

Still have questions about long-distance moving?

A successful long-distance move starts with good planning and informed decisions. Understanding your options, costs, and service needs can help you save money, avoid surprises, and move with confidence.

Contact Best Moving & Storage today. Our experienced team can help you evaluate your moving needs and create a customized relocation plan that fits your timeline and budget.

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