An interstate move is any move that crosses state lines. Whether you're moving 1 mile or 1,000 miles, if your destination is in a different state then your origin, the move is considered an "interstate" move. The federal government regulates interstate moves more heavily than "intrastate" or moves occurring with the same state.

Interstate moving costs depend on your home size and how far you're moving. Many other factors also influence the cost, including the season, insurance fees, optional services you choose to include, and whether you hire professional movers or rent a moving truck and drive yourself.

• Local moves cost $900 to $2,800 on average for a 2- to 3-bedroom home. The cost for a local move is typically based on an hourly rate and the size and type of things you're moving.
• Hourly moving rates are $50 to $100+ per hour per mover.
• Long-distance movers charge $1,300 to $9,500+, depending on the total mileage and the total weight of your items.

Consider tipping each interstate mover $5 to $10 per hour for small, simple moves or 5% to 20% of the total moving cost for large, full-day or long-distance moves. Be sure to tip each crew member separately and be aware that you may have two separate moving crews—one at the origin and another at the destination.

Before buying moving insurance, confirm whether or not your homeowners' or renters' insurance policy covers your belongings if they are lost or damaged during a move. If you don't have this coverage through your current policy, consider purchasing moving insurance. Most moving companies offer free basic coverage and at least one full-coverage option for an additional fee.

Yes, movers will typically move items into or out of a storage unit. However, moving companies typically charge for extra stops, so if the storage unit is not the only location you're moving from, additional charges may apply. It's also important to note that some storage facilities require you to be present when the movers are accessing your storage unit.

Some moving companies offer packing services. These companies—usually listed as "full-service" moving companies—charge $50 to $80 per hour for packing and/or unpacking, plus the cost of the packing supplies. These fees are separate from the moving cost.

On average, packing service costs $1,000 to $2,500 for a 3- or 4- bedroom house and typically includes:

• All boxes, packing tape, wrapping materials, and padding
• Packing and labeling the boxes by room
• Protecting items that cannot be taken apart, like mirrors, artwork, and TVs with felt padding, bubble wrap, or other protective materials
• Disassembling and reassembling furniture
• Unpacking everything at your new home and placing items in the correct rooms

Some full-service movers also hang mirrors and artwork and install TVs and other appliances.

Interstate movers take 3 to 21 days to transport your belongings from origin to destination, depending on the load size, the distance between the two locations, traffic, weather, and whether the move involves other pickups or deliveries on the same truck.

In general, the further away the destination is, the longer the move will take. Always confirm with the moving company hire to get an accurate timeline for your interstate move.

For an interstate move, U-Haul offers three different options:

• Rent a U-Haul trailer to hold your belongings and two it using your own vehicle.
• Drive a U-Haul truck holding your belongings, towing your own vehicle behind the truck.
• Ship your belongings to the destination using a U-Box container.

PODS moving services cost $3,000 to $8,000+ when moving your belongings from one state to another. The price includes transportation and one month of PODS storage. Your total cost on the season, the size of your home, and the distance between your origin and destination. Packing, loading, and unloading services cost extra.

Moving high quality, valuable furniture to another state typically costs less than replacing it. It may be more cost-effective to replace smaller, less important pieces instead of moving them. When deciding whether to include furniture in your interstate move, consider the item's condition, monetary value, sentimental value, and the potential replacement cost.

For an interstate move—a move that crosses state lines—try to book at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead of your desired move date. Booking the move as far out as possible is ideal, because moving to another state often requires a lot more planning.

Follow these guidelines to avoid potential scammers and help you choose a reputable interstate moving company:

• Search members of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) that are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Ask for their DOT number and verify their credentials on the Federal Moter Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
• Check out the company's business website and reviews from past customers on HomeGuide and Google.
• Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured interstate moving company that has been in business for 5+ years.
• Get a free in-home estimate and ask them for a moving checklist.
• Request a detailed estimate and confirm whether it is binding or non-binding.
• Ask about additional fees that may come up during the move.
• Never pay upfront for the entire move. Most interstate moving companies require a deposit, but no legitimate company will ask you to pay the entire bill before your move is complete.

A qualified, experienced, and trustworthy interstate moving company should be able to answer the following questions:

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• How long have you been doing interstate moves?
• Do you have references I can contact from other moves you've done recently?
• Are you a member of the American Trucking Association or any other organizations?
• What is your U.S. DOT number?
• What is your website address?
• How do you vet your employees?
• Do you offer free in-home estimates for interstate moves?
• Who will be loading and unloading my belongings?
• How long will the move take, and is the delivery date guaranteed?
• Can you give me a detailed breakdown of everything included in the estimate?
• What extra services do you offer, and how much does each one cost?
• Do you offer packing and unpacking services?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• How much deposit is required and when is it due?