Moving across town and moving across a state line look about the same from the curb. Same boxes, same truck, same crew. But once your belongings cross into another state, the rules shift. A federal agency now oversees your mover. You're billed by the pound instead of the hour. Some of what you own can't legally come along, and your furniture may show up days after you do.
Most long-distance moving tips cover the basics, like declutter, pack early, change your address. The interstate moving tips below focus on what's different when your move crosses a state line, so none of it catches you off guard.
Before You Book
Hire a Mover Licensed for Interstate Work
Any company moving household goods across state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number. Look it up on the FMCSA's website before you sign, and make sure the company name matches your paperwork.
While you're checking, find out whether you're talking to a moving company or a broker. Brokers arrange moves and pass them to other carriers, so the company that quoted you may not be the one that arrives.
Base Your Budget on a Real Survey
Interstate moves are priced by weight and distance, which makes a phone estimate for a full household unreliable. A move consultant who walks through your home (in person or by video) sees what you're actually taking and prices it accordingly. If you're weighing several offers, our guide to comparing cross-state moving quotes shows how to line them up.
Choose Your Valuation Coverage on Purpose
Interstate movers usually offer two levels of liability protection, and the gap between them is significant. Released Value Protection comes at no extra cost but pays only $0.60 per pound per article. Full Value Protection covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at today's value.
At Stewart, Full Value Protection is based on $6.00 per pound of your shipment or $6,000, whichever is greater, with deductible options of $0, $250, or $500. If you own anything valuable and lightweight, like electronics or artwork, Full Value Protection offers much greater coverage if anything is damaged.
Planning the Move Itself
Plan for a Delivery Window, Not a Delivery Date
A local move usually loads and unloads on the same day. An interstate shipment spends days on the road, so movers give you a window of dates in case something goes wrong, like road construction, heavy traffic, or weather delays.
Get your arrival window in writing and plan to cover the gap. Pack a suitcase with clothes, medications, chargers, important documents, and a few kitchen basics. If you're driving, you may beat your furniture by several days, so an air mattress earns its spot in the car.
Know What Can't Cross State Lines With You
Some items stay behind for safety reasons. Others are limited by state law.
- Hazardous materials. Propane tanks, paint, gasoline, cleaning chemicals, aerosols, and fireworks can't go on the truck.
- Perishable food. Plan meals to work through your fridge, freezer, and pantry before moving day.
- Plants. Some states, including California, restrict out-of-state plants to keep pests out. Stewart moves plants on local moves only, so plan to carry yours or find them new homes.
- Alcohol. Movers can transport alcohol in some cases, depending on state rules. Ask your move consultant before you pack a collection.
- Firearms and ammunition. Laws vary widely by state. Check your destination's rules and raise the topic with your move consultant early.
Pack for a Long Haul
A box that survives a 20-minute drive across town may not survive hundreds of highway miles under other boxes. The most useful long-distance move tips on packing come down to three habits: Use sturdy boxes in the right sizes, leave no empty space inside them, and label each one on at least two sides.
Keep cartons under 50 pounds, wrap fragile pieces individually, and mark anything you'll need first at the new place. Our long-distance packing tips go deeper, room by room.
Line Up Storage If Your Dates Don't Match
Closing dates and lease terms rarely line up neatly across two states. If your old home closes before the new one is ready, storage-in-transit lets your mover hold your shipment and deliver it when you're ready. Stewart's storage warehouses are secure, ventilated, and climate-stable, with 24-hour monitoring and electronic inventory tracking, so you always know where everything is.
On Moving Day
Plan to be there from the first box to the last. Before loading, the crew will inventory your belongings and note the condition of each item. Walk through that list with them and speak up if you disagree with a note, since it becomes the reference point if anything is damaged later.
You'll also sign the bill of lading, which serves as both your contract with the mover and your receipt for the shipment. Read it before signing, confirm the delivery window and your contact details at the destination, and keep your copy somewhere you won't pack it. Your mover will also give you the FMCSA booklet "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," which is worth a skim.
After You Arrive
When the truck pulls up, check each item against your inventory as it comes off, and look over furniture and boxes before you sign the delivery receipt. Write down anything missing or damaged on the paperwork right then, even if it seems minor.
Under federal rules, you have nine months from delivery to file a written claim with an interstate mover. Still, damage is far easier to document while the crew is still there. Stewart's claims page explains what to submit.
After your move, turn to the new-state paperwork. Driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and voter registration all come with deadlines, and our guide on how to prepare for an out-of-state move covers them in more detail.
Interstate Moving FAQs
What's the difference between an interstate move and a long-distance move?
An interstate move crosses a state line, no matter the distance. A long-distance move usually covers 100 miles or more and can stay within one state. A 40-mile move from Virginia into Maryland is interstate, while a 300-mile move within Florida is long-distance but not interstate.
How long does an interstate move take?
That depends on distance, shipment size, and season. Shorter routes may deliver within a few days, while coast-to-coast moves can take one to two weeks or longer. Once your move is booked, your move coordinator will give you a delivery window.
Do interstate movers need a special license?
Yes. Movers transporting household goods across state lines must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. You can verify both on the FMCSA's website in a few minutes.
Cross State Lines Prepared
The best tips for moving interstate all center around the fact that the state line changes the rules, the pricing, and the timeline. The more you understand before moving day, the fewer surprises you'll face on the other side.
If you'd like to talk through your plans, Stewart's move consultants can help you map out your
interstate move from start to finish.
