Award-winning Long-Distance Moving Company in San Diego
A long-distance move can be exciting and unsettling at the same time. You’re about to meet new neighbors, explore a new city and settle into a new home. You also have weeks of planning, packing, and coordination ahead. Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. has moved San Diego families across the country since 1925. As full-service long-distance movers, we plan and carry out every step of your cross-country or out-of-state move so you can focus on what’s waiting for you at the other end.
As a family-owned Allied Van Lines agent since 1948, we combine the personal attention of a local San Diego mover with one of the largest moving networks in North America. Call (858) 360-1511 or request a free long-distance moving quote.
Full-Service Long-Distance Moving Services
Every long-distance move with Atlas includes:
- A dedicated Relocation Consultant who handles your move from the first call to delivery day
- An in-home or virtual survey and an itemized inventory of everything you’re moving
- A written estimate based on your actual belongings, not a phone guess. Ask about binding and not-to-exceed options.
- Residence protection. Floor runners, door padding and stretch wrap at both homes.
- Pad-wrapping of all furniture and careful loading by trained crews
- A free moving kit of boxes and packing supplies with every signed order
- Valuation coverage options, explained in plain language (learn about valuation protection)
- Delivery and setup. Furniture is placed room by room and reassembled at your new home.
Optional services: full or partial packing, custom crating for art and antiques, storage, vehicle shipping, unpacking and debris removal.
Cross-Country Movers Who Build the Plan Around You
No two cross-country moves are alike. We customize your moving package to fit your schedule, your household and your budget. Some families want us to handle everything, from packing the kitchen to unpacking at the new house. Others prefer to pack themselves and have us load, transport and deliver. Whatever plan you choose, the same experienced team carries it out.
Nothing Is Too Big or Too Fragile
We take great pride in preparing your belongings for the road. Valuable and fragile items get special attention, and our crews use proven methods to protect even the largest pieces in your home. We handle everything from fine china and artwork to a large armoire, and we build custom crates for items that need extra protection. Atlas was founded in 1925 to move pianos, and that same care goes into every long-distance shipment.
How Our Long-Distance Moving Process Works
- Free consultation and survey. Your Relocation Consultant reviews your home in person or by video and talks through your dates, packing needs and budget.
- Written estimate and moving plan. You receive a written estimate and a moving plan, along with the federally required booklet, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.
- Packing. If you choose professional packing, our crew packs your home a day or more before loading. Your free moving kit helps if you pack some items yourself.
- Loading day. Every item is inventoried, tagged, pad-wrapped and loaded. You review and sign the inventory and the bill of lading.
- Transit. Your shipment travels with a professional Allied driver. Your consultant confirms your delivery window and keeps you updated along the way.
- Delivery and setup. We unload, place furniture where you want it, reassemble beds and tables, and remove packing debris if you request it.
As an Allied Van Lines Agent of the Year in 2013 and 2016, our team stays in contact with you through the entire move
Long-Distance Moving Timeline
Most long-distance moves go smoothest when planning starts 6 to 8 weeks before moving day:
- 8 weeks out: Request your survey and estimate. Compare movers by USDOT number, reviews and estimate type.
- 6 weeks out: Book your dates. Summer, month-end and weekend dates fill first. Start decluttering, since every item you leave behind lowers the cost.
- 4 weeks out: Set up utilities at your new home, file your change of address and arrange vehicle shipping if you need it.
- 2 weeks out: Confirm your packing and loading dates. Set aside documents, medications and valuables to travel with you.
- Moving week: Our crew packs, loads and starts your shipment on its way.
Transit time depends on how far you’re going and the size of your shipment. Moves to nearby states take less time than coast-to-coast moves. We give you a delivery window before loading day, so you can plan your travel and your first nights in the new home.
How Much Does a Long-Distance Move From San Diego Cost?
Long-distance moving costs are calculated differently from local moves. A local move is charged by the hour. A long-distance move is priced mainly by the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels, with packing and other services added to the total. The main factors that set your price:
- Weight and home size. More rooms and more furniture mean more weight. Decluttering before the move is the easiest way to lower the cost.
- Distance. A move to Arizona or Nevada costs less than a cross-country move to the East Coast.
- Time of year. Summer is peak moving season, and dates from May to September cost more and book faster. Mid-month, midweek moves in the fall or winter often cost less.
- Packing services. Full packing, partial packing and packing materials are priced separately from transportation.
- Specialty items. Pianos, pool tables, safes, artwork and antiques may need extra handling or custom crating.
- Access. Stairs, long carries, elevators, or a street a large truck can’t reach (which needs a smaller shuttle truck) can add to the cost.
- Storage. Storage-in-transit is priced separately if your new home isn’t ready on delivery day.
The most accurate way to know your cost is a free in-home or virtual survey. Your estimate will be in writing and itemized, so you’ll see exactly what you’re paying for. For more detail, read how much moving companies charge.
Long-Distance Moving and Storage
A long trip puts more stress on your belongings than a move across town, so how they’re packed matters. Our crews use professional-grade cartons, wardrobe boxes for clothing, and specialty containers for mirrors, artwork, TVs and dishes. You can choose full packing, packing only fragile items, or packing yourself with our free moving kit. For tips if you’re doing some of it on your own, see how to pack for a long-distance move.
If your closing date or lease doesn’t line up with moving day, we’ll keep your shipment in storage-in-transit at our 100,000 sq ft warehouse in Poway. It’s climate-controlled, gated and monitored 24/7, and it meets U.S. military storage specifications. When your new home is ready, we deliver. Learn more about household storage.
Free Boxes and Packing Supplies
Get a FREE moving kit with any signed order of service. The kit includes boxes and packing supplies to help you get ready for moving day. Ask your Relocation Consultant for details.
Moving Out of State From San Diego
We move San Diego County households to every state, from short cross-state moves to Arizona and Nevada to coast-to-coast relocations.
These guides cover some of our most common out-of-state routes:
- San Diego to Phoenix, AZ
- San Diego to Las Vegas, NV
- San Diego to Austin, TX
- San Diego to Fort Worth, TX
- San Diego to Denver, CO
- San Diego to Boise, ID
- San Diego to Seattle, WA
- San Diego to Nashville, TN
- San Diego to Washington, DC
Staying in California? See our California intrastate movers. Moving to Hawaii or overseas? See Hawaii moves and international movers. Military families can learn about our military relocation services.
We also serve long-distance moves starting in Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Get Your Free Long-Distance Moving Quote
Tell us where you’re headed and when. We’ll build a written plan with a clear estimate and include a free moving kit with your signed order. Call (858) 360-1511 or request your free quote online.
Still planning? Read your ultimate guide to a long-distance move from San Diego and our 12 best tips for a stress-free cross-country move.
Long-Distance Moving FAQs
- What is considered a long-distance move?
- How much do long-distance movers cost from San Diego?
- How far in advance should I book long-distance movers
- How long does a long-distance move take?
- What's the difference between a binding and a not-to-exceed estimate?
- Can you store my belongings if my new home isn't ready?
- Are there items movers can't take on a long-distance move?
What is considered a long-distance move?
Moves within about 100 to 150 miles are usually treated as local and charged by the hour. Longer moves within California are intrastate moves, and moves that cross a state line are interstate moves. Both are priced by weight and distance instead of by the hour.
How much do long-distance movers cost from San Diego?
The cost of a long-distance or cross-country move depends mainly on the weight of your shipment and the distance. Packing, specialty items, storage and access at either home also affect the price. We give you a free, itemized written estimate after an in-home or virtual survey, so your price is based on your actual belongings.
How far in advance should I book long-distance movers
Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead if you can, and earlier for summer moves. May through September is peak season, and month-end dates fill first. If your timeline is shorter, call us anyway. We'll tell you what dates are open.
How long does a long-distance move take?
Packing and loading usually take one to a few days, depending on the size of your home. Transit time depends on the distance and the size of your shipment. We confirm your delivery window in writing before loading day and keep you updated while your belongings are on the road.
What's the difference between a binding and a not-to-exceed estimate?
A binding estimate locks your price for the services listed. A not-to-exceed estimate sets a maximum, so if your shipment weighs less than estimated, you pay less. Your Relocation Consultant will explain which option fits your move.
Can you store my belongings if my new home isn't ready?
Yes. We can hold your shipment in our secure, climate-controlled warehouse in Poway and deliver it when you're ready. This is common when closing dates, leases or job start dates don't line up with moving day.
Are there items movers can't take on a long-distance move?
Yes. Movers can't transport hazardous materials such as propane tanks, paint, gasoline and cleaning chemicals. We also recommend you carry perishable food, plants, medications, important documents and valuables like jewelry yourself. Your Relocation Consultant will give you the full list.