Hiring the right long distance movers can make the difference between a stressful experience and a smooth, organized transition. Whether you’re relocating for a job, family, or simply a change of scenery, it’s essential to find movers you can trust. With so many moving companies out there, how do you choose the top rated long distance movers who truly deliver?
Exodus Moving & Storage has been moving families across the United States for over 28 years. We’ve compiled this ultimate guide to help you make an informed, confident choice when hiring long distance movers.
Why Choosing the Right Long Distance Movers Matters
Long distance moves involve more than loading a truck and driving across state lines. These moves require careful planning, licensing, communication, and logistics management. The best-rated long distance movers will:
- Be fully licensed and insured, ensuring you’re protected legally and financially.
- Offer detailed, binding estimates that clearly outline costs and prevent surprises.
- Use in-house crews instead of subcontracting, maintaining consistency and accountability.
- Provide flexible packing, crating, and storage options tailored to your needs.
- Communicate proactively, giving you peace of mind at every stage.
How to Spot and Avoid Moving Brokers
A common pitfall in long distance moving is unknowingly hiring a moving broker instead of a moving carrier. While carriers handle the actual moving process with their own equipment and teams, brokers act as intermediaries—often introducing confusion, delays, and even scams.
Brokers don’t own trucks or hire crews. Instead, they “sell” your job to the lowest bidder, often leading to:
- Lowball quotes that change drastically later
- Large deposit requirements up front
- Unclear communication or confusion over who’s actually moving your stuff
- Belongings held “hostage” unless additional payments are made
Pro Tip: Use the FMCSA Lookup Tool to verify a mover’s USDOT and MC number, and confirm whether they’re a licensed carrier or just a broker.
How to Avoid a Moving Scam – Quick Checklist
- Avoid large up-front deposits. Reputable movers rarely require them.
- Look for a physical address. Use Google Maps to verify the location is a real warehouse—not a PO box or residential home.
- Review licensing details. Ensure DOT numbers are valid and match a legitimate carrier.
- Ask about van line affiliations. Working with a certified Wheaton World Wide agent like Exodus offers added credibility.
- Read online reviews. Look for genuine, recent feedback from actual customers. Here’s what one customer said about a long distance move with Exodus:
“Exodus moved my son from NY to CO and did an amazing job!!! Nothing broke, and everything showed up. Jeff, Michael, Frank and Izzy were absolutely amazing!!! Quick, efficient and the greatest team! Thank you sooo much for making this as easy as possible!” — Bobbie Jo Kinsey, April 2025
Getting Accurate Estimates: What to Expect
A trustworthy long distance mover will offer either a free in-home or virtual walkthrough estimate. Avoid movers who provide quotes over the phone or online without seeing your belongings.
During the walkthrough:
- Show them everything—including basements, attics, storage sheds
- Ask about valuation coverage (protection in case of damage)
- Note how detailed and attentive the estimator is
Understanding Estimate Types
When comparing long distance moving companies, one of the most important things to understand is how pricing works. Not all quotes are created equal, and knowing the difference between estimate types can help you avoid unexpected charges or misunderstandings on moving day. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each estimate really means:
- Non-Binding Estimate – This is just a rough guess. Your final cost could be much higher.
- Binding Estimate – The quoted amount is what you pay—unless services change.
- Not-to-Exceed Estimate – You’ll pay the lower of the estimate or actual cost. This is often the best option.
What Sets the Best Long Distance Movers Apart?
Top rated long distance movers like Exodus offer comprehensive services that reflect their professionalism, including full-service and fragile-only packing, secure transportation, inventory management, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and flexible storage options—which is ideal if your new home isn’t move-in ready. Exodus’ storage facilities are climate-controlled, and we offer both short- and long-term solutions.
Additionally, professional movers should arrive on time, in uniform, and confirm the plan. They should also protect floors, stair rails, and door frames, load items efficiently and safely, and provide you with an inventory sheet and the Bill of Lading.
With Exodus, you’ll get a background-checked, in-house team—never outsourced help. Many of our crew members have been with us for 5+ years.
Timing Tips: When to Book and How to Plan
A successful long distance move starts with smart scheduling and early preparation. The more time you give yourself to plan, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter along the way.
The best time to book your move is 4–6 weeks in advance, especially if you’re planning a relocation during peak season (May–September).
Moving Prep Timeline:
- Research movers & verify credentials
- Schedule walkthrough estimates
- Declutter and sort donation/storage piles
- Begin packing non-essentials
- Clearly label all boxes
- Prepare a “first-night essentials” box
After the Move: Settling In Smoothly
The journey doesn’t end when the truck pulls into your new driveway. A quality long distance moving company will ensure the final stage of your move is just as smooth and stress-free as the first. This means more than just dropping off boxes—it’s about helping you feel at home from the moment you walk in. Once you’re at your new home:
- Items should be unloaded and placed in designated rooms
- Crews should reassemble furniture and confirm item counts
- Movers should assist with basic setup and remove any debris
- Any follow-up questions should be welcomed and answered
Why Trust Exodus Moving & Storage?
Exodus Moving & Storage doesn’t just move boxes; we move lives with care and integrity. Here’s why customers choose us:
- Over 28 years of experience and trusted relationships with real estate professionals
- Received 2020 BBB Torch Award for Ethics, recognized for transparency and trust
- Involved in the Realities for Children Gala, Veterans Life Magazine, Fort Collins Symphony, and 9 Realtor Associations
- No brokers. No surprises!
Get a Free Quote for Your Interstate Move Today
Your journey deserves a team that treats your belongings with care.
Let’s move together. Get your free quote from Exodus Moving & Storage today.
