If you’re upping sticks or needing to move your possessions cross country for any length of time, there are a number of interstate moving companies ready to help you.
(Photo: Alan Harder via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Unless you’re on a road trip, few people enjoy the prospect of many hours at the wheel, not least when they’re dealing with all of the stress of moving home. Luckily, for people relocating to another part of the country, there are numerous reputable moving companies that offer reliable transit services that mean all you need to worry about is getting yourself from A to B while they take care of the rest. Based on our own independent research, we’ve picked out 5 of the best.
Safeway Moving
Pledging to cut through the chaos and keep your move simple and affordable, Safeway Moving provide a smart and efficient solution to all your moving needs. Owned by a US military veteran, the company’s philosophy works from a bottom-top approach, utilising modern-day technology and training staff on a weekly basis to be knowledgeable and reliable. No matter how far you’re moving, whether it’s across state lines or across the country, they have long-distance agents to cover every corner of the U.S. They can split items between several locations, whether it’s going to your new home, to storage, or elsewhere. Every move also comes with a dedicated packing service and up to 30 days of free storage. Pricing for your move is quoted at a binding rate, with no hidden surcharges or fees.
PODS
A leader in moving and storage solutions for nearly 25 years, PODS has completed more than 1.4 million long-distance moves across the U.S. and Canada. Portable containers are ideal for long-distance moves, especially for those who have not figured out permanent housing at their destination. PODS provides a level of flexibility that other moving methods lack, including built-in storage, adjustable scheduling, and the ability to load and unload belongings on your own time. PODS offers a comprehensive moving experience, including multiple container sizes, packing supplies, connection to trusted local labour providers, and even auto shipping services, so your long-distance move doesn’t have to mean a long road trip.
International Van Lines
Both a moving broker and a carrier that works with over 3,000 partners worldwide, International Van Line can handle everything from local and interstate to international moves. It also has an impressive line-up of additional services ranging from crane lifting and piano transport to full-service packing and motorcycle hauling, short- and long-term storage options, furniture assembly and disassembly, home cleaning, and trash and debris removal. A helpful online and over-the-phone quote process helps make things smooth and easy, while pricing is simplified by the company spelling out everything that goes into your quote, from the rate for each flight of stairs to the increased cost of bulkier items. One downside is that they require a 25 per cent up-front deposit.
JK Moving Services
A full-service moving company, JK Moving Services can handle out-of-state moves of all sizes and distances. With the help of an assigned moving coordinator, you can customise your move by selecting from an extensive menu of services, such as vehicle shipping, crating of TVs and other electronics, and temporary or long-term storage. For insurance needs, they offer optional full-value protection, which fully compensates you for any damaged or lost items at a cost of 4% of each item’s total value. There’s also a 24/7 customer help service, answered by a live voice, while you can manage your move through a mobile app, where you can access all files and move documentation.
Allied Van Lines
Laying claim to being the largest mover network in the world, Allied Van Lines are specialists in relocating you and your stuff, with their global network ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. As a full-service mover, they handle everything from packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking your belongings to appliance disconnection and reconnection. They also offer each customer a dedicated personal relocation consultation who ensures that you get a personalised and efficient service every step of the way, from the pre-move planning phase to the unpacking and removal of your moving boxes. Other benefits include full pricing transparency and highly responsive customer service representatives.
1-800-PACK-RAT
An alternative to traditional moving companies, 1-800-PACK-RAT is a self-service portable moving container provider that also sources professional drivers for your relocation. The main benefit is that because the containers are loaded, locked and unlocked by the customer, it reduces the risk of lost items and other mix-ups. Containers are rented by the month, so you can take your time loading and unloading, eliminating the chaos of a house full of boxes. They also offer maximum convenience when it comes to the schedule of your move, allowing containers to be stored on your original property for 30 days, and another 30 days for you to unload once you are at your new home. And if your new home isn’t quite ready, they’ll store your belongings in the interim. Pricing is on a pay-as-you-go basis, with no deposits required.