Cheapest Long Distance Movers 2026: 7 Affordable Picks

TL;DR

The average cost of a long-distance move ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on home size, distance, and season. The cheapest quote isn’t always the cheapest move, because hidden fees and bait-and-switch scams can double your final bill. This guide ranks seven affordable long-distance movers with real pricing data, explains how to spot scams, and covers proven strategies to cut costs by 20% to 30%.

Long-distance moving prices have climbed roughly 21% since mid-2026 due to rising fuel costs, according to moveBuddha’s cost data. That means a two-to-three bedroom move of 500 to 1,000 miles now runs $3,060 to $5,280 on the low end, with cross-country relocations easily reaching $10,000 or more.

When people search for the cheapest long-distance movers, they want a real number, not a vague “call for pricing” page. But here’s the tension: the moving industry’s most common fraud pattern is a lowball quote that balloons on delivery day. FMCSA’s Operation Protect Your Move found over 1,000 regulatory violations in 2023 alone, many targeting consumers chasing the lowest price.

This guide ranks the most affordable reputable movers, explains what drives costs, and gives you the tools to get a genuinely cheap move without getting burned.

Get a free long-distance quote to compare against the options below.

At-a-Glance Comparison Table

Company	Best For	Est. Cost (3BR Long Distance)	Deposit Required	Carrier or Broker	Free Storage
AmeriSafe Van Lines	Coordinator-led flexibility	Custom-quoted	Yes (72-hr cancellation window)	Both (Carrier + Broker)	Arranged through partners
International Van Lines	Low average full-service cost	$3,957–$13,000	~35% at booking	Both	30 days free
Colonial Van Lines	Military and seasonal discounts	$4,000–$8,000+	10–40%	Carrier (uses agents)	Extra cost
Safeway Moving	Flat-rate pricing transparency	Varies (binding)	10–18%	Broker with carrier partners	30 days free
Allied Van Lines	No-deposit booking	$7,414+ (960 mi.)	None required	Carrier (agent network)	Extra cost
American Van Lines	Specialty items (pianos, antiques)	$6,214+ (cross-country 3BR)	10–50%	Carrier	Available
U-Pack (DIY)	Maximum savings, hands-on movers	$2,000–$5,000	Varies	Freight carrier	No

How We Evaluated These Movers

Every company on this list was checked against five criteria: active FMCSA registration with a valid USDOT number, transparent estimate practices (binding or binding not-to-exceed), published pricing or verifiable quote data, breadth of services, and real customer sentiment from review platforms and forums. Companies that only operate as unlicensed brokers or lack verifiable authority were excluded.

The 7 Cheapest Long Distance Movers

1. AmeriSafe Van Lines

Best for: Nationwide moves where you want one coordinator managing everything, with flexible carrier/broker pricing

AmeriSafe Van Lines holds dual authority as both a Licensed Interstate Motor Carrier and a Licensed Interstate Moving Broker, with FMCSA authorization for household goods. That dual registration is more than a technicality. It means AmeriSafe can dispatch its own trucks when capacity and routing align, or tap its partner carrier network when that produces a better rate for a given lane. Most companies are one or the other. Being both creates a structural cost advantage that pure carriers and pure brokers simply can’t match.

Key features:

• Nationwide coverage with a single-point-of-contact coordinator from quote through delivery

• Full and partial packing, short-term and long-term storage options, senior moving services, and special item handling

• Published FMCSA arbitration documents and consumer rights brochures on the website

• Separate sales and customer service phone lines, so post-booking support doesn’t get lost in a sales queue

• Clear deposit and refund policy with a 72-hour cancellation window after signing

Pricing:

AmeriSafe provides custom quotes based on inventory, distance, and services. There are no published package tiers, which means your estimate reflects your actual move rather than a one-size-fits-all template.

Tradeoffs:

• No standardized published pricing, so you need to request a quote to compare

• Deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing

• As with any company that brokers some moves, the actual crew on moving day may be a partner carrier

Why it matters for budget movers: The coordinator model reduces the communication breakdowns that lead to surprise charges. Practitioners on Reddit frequently note that broker-arranged moves go sideways when the customer ends up dealing with three or four different entities. A single coordinator who stays with your move from start to finish minimizes that risk.

See all AmeriSafe services to understand what’s included before requesting your estimate.

2. International Van Lines

Best for: The lowest average cost among full-service movers, especially if you need short-term storage

International Van Lines (IVL) consistently shows up as one of the cheapest long-distance movers in industry pricing studies. Research quotes for IVL ranged from $3,957 to $7,700 for long-distance moves, with cross-country three-bedroom relocations falling between $9,000 and $13,000.

Key features:

• Functions as both carrier and broker, similar to AmeriSafe’s dual model

• GPS shipment tracking so you know where your belongings are

• 30 days of free storage included with long-distance moves

• Additional services including vehicle shipping and custom crating

• 5% discount for customers who book over the phone

Pricing:

IVL’s average costs are below those of most full-service competitors. That said, additional fees for specialty items, long carries, or stair access can add up. One industry review noted that “although IVL has lower average rates, its additional fees may end up being costly.”

Tradeoffs:

• Deposit of approximately 35% at booking, which is higher than the industry average of 15% to 25%

• Customer review quality is inconsistent; Forbes excluded IVL from its best movers list partly due to poor customer reviews

• Because IVL sometimes hires third-party movers, service quality varies by route

Real user perspective: Customers who had positive experiences frequently praise that “pricing was very competitive and matched their binding estimate.” The binding estimate part is key. If you book IVL, insist on a binding quote.

3. Colonial Van Lines

Best for: Military families, seasonal movers, and anyone who can stack discounts

Colonial Van Lines might be the cheapest long-distance mover on this list if you qualify for their discount programs. The company offers military personnel discounts, seasonal promotions, and regional discounts that can meaningfully reduce your total.

Key features:

• Price-match guarantee if you find a lower quote from another qualified mover

• Movers train through Colonial Van Lines University, a facility with a fully staged home where crews learn proper handling techniques

• Long-distance pricing typically falls between $4,000 and $8,000+

• Dedicated customer support line for active moves

Pricing:

Base pricing is competitive but not always the lowest before discounts. Where Colonial stands out is the layering effect: combine a military discount with a seasonal promotion and an off-peak booking window, and you can undercut companies with lower sticker prices.

Tradeoffs:

• Deposits can run as high as 40%, which is steep

• No local moving services, so this is strictly for long-distance relocations

• Colonial uses subcontractors on some routes, and experiences vary significantly; one customer reported delivery arriving 17 days late with the subcontractor refusing to unload unless they paid an additional $4,000 beyond the original estimate

Real user perspective: On the positive side, one customer shared that “Colonial Van Lines had the best price. The estimate ended up being exactly what we paid.” The price-match guarantee gives you negotiating power, but make sure any competing quote you bring to them is from a licensed, insured mover.

4. Safeway Moving

Best for: People who want a guaranteed price with no surprises at delivery

Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned company known for flat-rate pricing. If your main anxiety about finding cheap long-distance movers is that the final bill won’t match the quote, Safeway addresses that directly with binding estimates.

Key features:

• Flat-rate pricing locked in at booking

• 30 days of free storage included with all interstate moves

• Dedicated move coordinator assigned to each customer

• 10% to 18% deposit for long-distance moves, which is reasonable for the industry

Pricing:

Safeway’s prices aren’t always the absolute lowest, but the flat-rate structure means what you’re quoted is what you pay. As one company description puts it, “The price may not be the lowest, but it will reflect Safeway’s high standards.” For many budget-conscious movers, a slightly higher binding price beats a lower non-binding estimate that doubles on moving day.

Tradeoffs:

• Safeway charges a 1% to 3% fee for credit card payments, which is unusual and frustrating

• Some customers on forums warn that the company “operates more like a moving broker than an actual moving company,” meaning your actual movers may be a third-party crew

• Not competitive for local or short-distance moves

Real user perspective: Customers frequently praise Safeway’s communication and careful handling. The credit card surcharge, though, catches people off guard. Ask about it upfront and factor it into your comparison.

Understanding the broker vs. carrier distinction is essential when evaluating companies like Safeway.

5. Allied Van Lines

Best for: People who can’t afford a deposit upfront but need a reliable national mover

Allied Van Lines is one of the oldest moving companies in the country, with over 95 years in business. Their standout feature for budget movers is simple: no deposit required to book.

Key features:

• No-deposit booking on most moves

• Allied Express container service as a more affordable alternative to full-service moves

• Basic liability coverage at $0.60 per pound per article included

• Nationwide agent network with local offices handling the details

Pricing:

Allied’s pricing tends to sit higher than smaller competitors. A standard 960-mile move starts around $7,414 for a three-bedroom home. According to Allied’s own cost estimates, a long-distance move averages between $4,500 and $16,900 depending on home size and distance.

Tradeoffs:

• Service quality varies dramatically depending on which local agent handles your move; Allied’s agent-based model means your experience is only as good as the franchisee in your area

• Pricing is generally higher than smaller or hybrid companies

• Storage costs extra, no free storage period included

Real user perspective: Practitioners on moving forums point out that Allied’s no-deposit policy is genuinely rare and helpful for people managing tight cash flow during a move. The tradeoff is that you’re paying a premium for the brand name and the flexibility of no money down.

6. American Van Lines

Best for: Flat-rate pricing and moves involving pianos, antiques, or other specialty items

American Van Lines is a 30-year carrier operating under its own USDOT authority. The company is known for flat-rate pricing and handling specialty items that most budget movers won’t touch.

Key features:

• Flat-rate pricing locked in at booking, starting around $6,214 for a cross-country three-bedroom move

• Specialty handling for pianos, antiques, fine art, and gym equipment

• Operates as a carrier (not a broker), meaning their own crews typically handle the move

• 30 years of operational experience with verified FMCSA registration

If you’re moving a grand piano or valuable antiques, check our guide on piano moving costs for additional context.

Pricing:

American Van Lines’ starting prices are mid-range, not the cheapest long-distance movers by sticker price, but the flat-rate structure prevents the ballooning costs that plague non-binding estimates.

Tradeoffs:

• Deposits can reach 50%, which is the highest on this list by a significant margin

• On PissedConsumer, the company holds a 1.3-star rating from 15 reviews, with complaints about unreliable scheduling and high prices

• The gap between their marketing and some customer experiences is concerning

Real user perspective: A respondent in the 2025 This Old House Moving Survey rated American Van Lines as “very satisfied,” but the negative reviews on consumer complaint sites suggest the experience is inconsistent. Get everything in writing, especially the flat-rate guarantee.

7. U-Pack (DIY Container Option)

Best for: Hands-on movers willing to load and unload themselves for maximum savings

If you truly want the cheapest way to move long distance and you’re physically able to do the work, a self-move option like U-Pack will almost always beat full-service movers on price.

Key features:

• U-Pack delivers a container or trailer to your door; you load it, they drive it

• Combines self-move savings with an established nationwide freight network

• You only pay for the space you use in the trailer

• No packing, loading, or unloading labor included (that’s your job)

Pricing:

For a two-to-four bedroom home, expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on distance and container size. That’s roughly 40% to 60% less than what full-service movers charge.

Tradeoffs:

• You’re responsible for all packing, loading, and unloading, which is physically demanding and time-consuming

• No protection against damage caused by your own loading (only transit damage is typically covered)

• If you have specialty items, fragile antiques, or mobility limitations, this isn’t a realistic option

• No coordinator or customer service support for the physical move itself

Real user perspective: Budget-conscious movers on Reddit consistently recommend U-Pack and similar container services as the gold standard for cheap long-distance moves. The most common advice: “Rent your own labor help from TaskRabbit for loading and unloading, and let U-Pack handle the driving.” It’s a solid hybrid approach.

How Long-Distance Moving Costs Are Calculated

Understanding the formula behind your quote helps you spot inflated prices and negotiate better. Long-distance movers calculate cost based on five main factors:

Weight or volume. Your shipment’s total weight (or cubic footage) is the primary cost driver. Every unnecessary item you ship increases the price.

Distance. Interstate moves are priced per mile, with rates typically decreasing per mile as total distance increases. A 500-mile move costs more per mile than a 2,000-mile move.

Services. Packing, unpacking, disassembly, reassembly, and professional packing services all add to the base cost. Self-packing is the easiest way to trim your bill.

Access and logistics. Stairs, long carries from your door to the truck, elevator-only buildings, narrow streets, and shuttle requirements (when a full-size truck can’t reach your home) all trigger surcharges.

Seasonality. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September. Moving during this window can cost 20% to 30% more than the same move in October through April.

The Three Estimate Types You Need to Know

Binding estimate: A guaranteed price. You pay exactly what was quoted regardless of actual weight. This is the gold standard for budget movers.

Binding not-to-exceed estimate: Sets a ceiling price. If your shipment weighs less than the estimated weight, you pay the lower amount. If it weighs more, you still pay only the quoted price. This is the best deal for consumers.

Non-binding estimate: An approximation. Your final cost depends on actual weight and services, and it can be higher than the quote. The FMCSA’s 110% rule caps what you must pay at delivery to 110% of the non-binding estimate, with any remaining balance due within 30 days. Still, over half of movers in the 2025 This Old House survey received non-binding estimates, leaving them vulnerable to price increases.

If a company won’t provide a binding estimate, treat that as a red flag, not a feature.

7 Ways to Make Your Long-Distance Move Cheaper

These strategies work regardless of which company you choose. Combined, they can reduce your total cost by 20% to 40%.

1. Move off-peak. Late fall and winter (October through April) are the cheapest months. Weekdays beat weekends. Mid-month beats the first or last week of the month.

2. Declutter before the inventory. Every pound costs money. Sell, donate, or trash anything you won’t need at your new home. Practitioners in moving forums report cutting their estimates by 15% to 25% just by downsizing before the in-home survey.

3. Self-pack. Professional packing is convenient but expensive. If you pack your own boxes, you eliminate one of the biggest line items on any moving quote.

4. Get at least three binding quotes. Don’t settle for the first number you hear. Three competing binding estimates give you real data points and negotiating power. Request a quote from AmeriSafe as one of your comparison points.

5. Ask about every discount. Military, senior, AAA, early booking, seasonal, return-customer. Most companies have discounts they don’t advertise unless you ask.

6. Understand broker vs. carrier pricing. Pure carriers price based on their own fleet costs. Pure brokers mark up a partner carrier’s rate. Companies with dual authority can price routes competitively depending on truck availability, potentially saving you money on routes where they have their own capacity.

7. Be flexible on dates. If you can provide your mover with a delivery window rather than an exact date, you may qualify for reduced rates because the company can consolidate shipments more efficiently.

Red Flags: When “Cheap” Means a Scam

The cheapest long-distance movers aren’t always what they seem. FMCSA’s Operation Protect Your Move has been cracking down on fraudulent movers and brokers nationwide, but scams persist because consumers keep chasing impossibly low quotes.

Here are the warning signs to watch for:

• One bid is dramatically lower than others. If three companies quote $5,000 to $6,500 and one quotes $2,800, that outlier is almost certainly a bait-and-switch setup. The low quote gets your belongings on the truck, and then the real price appears at delivery.

• No USDOT number or refusal to provide it. Every legitimate interstate mover has a USDOT number you can verify at ProtectYourMove.gov. Verification takes two minutes.

• Demands for cash or large upfront payment. Legitimate movers accept credit cards and don’t demand full payment before the move.

• Unmarked trucks and generic phone greetings. Professional movers have branded equipment and answer the phone with their company name.

• Blank or incomplete contracts. Never sign anything with blank spaces. Every service, fee, and timeline should be documented.

• Pressure to sign immediately. Any mover who says the price expires today is manufacturing urgency to prevent you from comparison shopping.

For a deeper look at protecting yourself, read this guide on avoiding moving scams.

Broker vs. Carrier: What Budget Movers Need to Know

This distinction matters more for price-conscious movers than for anyone else, because it directly affects who shows up on moving day and what you actually pay.

Carriers own trucks and employ the crews who handle your belongings. When you hire a carrier, the company you booked is the company that moves you. The upside is accountability. The downside is limited route coverage and potentially higher prices on lanes where they don’t have trucks positioned.

Brokers arrange moves through a network of carrier partners. They don’t own trucks or employ movers. The upside is broad coverage and sometimes competitive pricing through carrier bidding. The downside is less direct control over service quality, since the company you paid isn’t the company doing the work.

Dual-authority companies (like AmeriSafe Van Lines) hold both carrier and broker licenses. They can use their own fleet on routes where they have capacity and broker to vetted partners on routes where that makes more financial sense for the customer. This flexibility is a genuine cost advantage that most articles about cheap long-distance movers completely overlook.

When comparing quotes, always ask: “Will your own crew handle my move, or will it be assigned to a partner carrier?” The answer shapes your entire experience.

Learn more about how moving brokers are changing cross-country relocation and what that means for your wallet.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to move long distance?

The cheapest option is almost always a self-move using a container service like U-Pack, where you handle the packing, loading, and unloading yourself. Costs typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a two- to four-bedroom home. If you need full-service movers, look for companies with dual carrier/broker authority, move during off-peak months, and insist on binding estimates.

How much does a long-distance move cost on average?

Based on data from This Old House’s analysis of 4,000 quotes, the average long-distance move costs around $3,124, though the range spans $1,200 to over $15,000 depending on home size, distance, and services. For a standard two-bedroom home moving 1,000 to 2,000 miles, HomeAdvisor estimates around $4,570.

Is it cheaper to hire movers or rent a truck?

Renting a truck and driving it yourself typically costs $2,000 to $4,000 for a long-distance move, compared to $7,000 to $10,000 for full-service professional movers. Moving containers fall between $3,000 and $5,000. The savings with DIY options are real, but you’re trading money for time, physical labor, and risk of damage.

How far in advance should I book to get the best price?

Book four to eight weeks ahead for the best combination of availability and pricing. During peak season (May through September), six to eight weeks is safer. Last-minute bookings almost always cost more because movers have less flexibility to optimize routes and consolidation.

What’s the cheapest time of year to move?

Late fall and winter, roughly October through April, offer the lowest prices. Within any month, mid-month weekdays are cheaper than month-end weekends. Moving during peak season can cost 20% to 30% more for the identical move.

What is the FMCSA 110% rule?

If you receive a non-binding estimate, the mover can only require you to pay up to 110% of the estimated amount at delivery. Any charges above that 110% threshold must be billed separately and are due within 30 days. This federal protection prevents movers from holding your belongings hostage over a massively inflated bill, but it only applies to non-binding estimates.

How do I verify if a moving company is legitimate?

Visit FMCSA’s ProtectYourMove.gov and search for the company’s USDOT number. You can verify their operating authority, insurance status, safety record, and complaint history. Any company that can’t provide a USDOT number should be eliminated immediately.

Should I choose a broker or a carrier for a cheap long-distance move?

Neither is inherently better for saving money. Carriers offer direct accountability, while brokers can sometimes find lower rates through their carrier networks. Companies with both carrier and broker authority offer the most pricing flexibility because they can optimize based on route and capacity. The key is verifying FMCSA registration regardless of which model you choose.

Finding the cheapest long-distance movers requires balancing price against reliability. The lowest quote means nothing if your belongings arrive late, damaged, or held hostage for extra payment. Focus on binding estimates from FMCSA-registered companies, move during off-peak windows, and get at least three competing quotes before making a decision.

Get your free long-distance moving quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines and see how their dual-carrier/broker model can work within your budget.