Moving is a nightmare. Honestly, most people would rather get a root canal than pack up their entire life into cardboard boxes and trust a group of strangers to drive it across the country. If you’ve been looking into long-distance movers, you’ve probably seen the name Colonial Moving & Storage (specifically Colonial Van Lines) pop up everywhere.
They aren’t just another local guy with a truck.
They’re a heavy hitter in the interstate moving world. But here’s the thing—the moving industry is notorious for being "sketchy." You hear the horror stories about held-hostage furniture or price quotes that double the moment the ramp hits the pavement. When you look at Colonial Moving & Storage, you’re looking at a company that has spent decades trying to position itself as the tech-forward, reliable alternative to those "fly-by-night" operations.
But do they actually deliver?
What Sets Colonial Moving & Storage Apart from the Pack
Most people assume all moving companies work the same way. They don't. Colonial specializes almost exclusively in long-distance, state-to-state moves. If you’re just moving three blocks down the street in Pompano Beach, they probably aren't your best bet. They’ve built their entire infrastructure around the logistical nightmare of crossing state lines.
One thing they do differently is the "Colonial App."
Usually, an estimator has to walk through your house, sniffing your closets and judging your pile of old magazines to give you a quote. Colonial pushed hard into virtual surveys. You basically walk through your home with your phone, recording your stuff, and their AI-assisted tech calculates the weight. It’s faster. It’s less invasive. But—and this is a big "but"—it only works if you’re honest about how much junk is hiding in your attic.
They are technically a carrier, but they also function with a massive network. This is where people get confused. In the moving world, a "carrier" owns the trucks and employs the drivers. A "broker" just sells your job to the lowest bidder. Colonial is a carrier, meaning they take more direct responsibility for the move, though they sometimes use vetted partners to fill gaps in their logistics chain during the peak summer madness.
The Reality of Pricing and Those "Binding" Estimates
Let's talk money because that’s where moving gets ugly. Colonial Moving & Storage uses what they call "Binding Estimates."
💡 You might also like: How Dare the Sun Rise: The Science and History of Our Love-Hate Relationship with Morning
This is huge.
In a non-binding estimate, the mover gives you a guess, weighs the truck, and then charges you whatever the scale says. If your dresser is made of solid oak instead of IKEA particle board, you’re broke. With a binding estimate, as long as your inventory doesn't change, the price doesn't change.
However, you have to be careful.
If you tell Colonial you have 50 boxes, but on moving day you actually have 75, that binding estimate is legally void. They will "re-rate" you on the spot. This is where most of the negative reviews online come from. People underestimate their own hoarding habits, the driver shows up, sees the extra stuff, and the price jumps.
To get an accurate price from them, you need to be surgical. Count every lamp. Every rug. Every weird garden gnome.
Moving Services That Actually Matter
It’s not just about boxes. Colonial Moving & Storage offers a suite of services that most people don’t realize they need until they’re mid-panic.
📖 Related: Mood Lighting Living Room Mistakes That Kill the Vibe (And How to Fix Them)
- Full-Service Packing: They’ll literally wrap your spoons. It’s expensive, but if you have a high-stress job or kids running around, it’s a lifesaver.
- Corporate Relocation: They handle a lot of "we’re moving the whole office to Texas" jobs. These are handled differently than residential moves, with higher insurance benchmarks.
- Storage Solutions: Sometimes your new house isn't ready. Colonial has climate-controlled storage facilities. Your stuff stays on the truck or goes into a "vault" until you close on the new place.
They also have a dedicated "moving concierge." It sounds fancy, but it’s basically a single point of contact. Instead of calling a general 1-800 number and explaining your life story to five different people, you have one person who knows your move dates and specific requirements.
Navigating the Industry Regulations (FMCSA)
If you take nothing else away from this, remember the FMCSA. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Every legitimate mover, including Colonial Moving & Storage, must have a USDOT number. Colonial’s transparency here is actually a strong point. You can go to the FMCSA "Protect Your Move" website and look up their safety record. You’ll see their fleet size, their inspection history, and any formal complaints.
Expert tip: Always check the "Cargo" insurance field. Colonial carries standard liability, but they also offer Full Value Protection. Standard liability pays pennies on the pound. If they drop your $2,000 MacBook and you only have standard coverage, you might get $5 back. Always, always opt for the Full Value Protection for a long-distance move. It’s not even a question.
The "Secret" to a Successful Move with Colonial
Why do some people love their experience while others post angry rants? It usually comes down to the "Inventory List."
When Colonial sends you the confirmation email with the list of items they are moving, read it like a legal contract. Because it is. If something is missing from that list, it won’t be on the truck—or it’ll cost you extra.
Also, consider the timing.
Moving in July? You’re going to pay a premium and the crews will be exhausted. Moving in November? You’ll likely get a better rate and more attention to detail. Colonial, like every other carrier, struggles with the "summer rush." If you have flexibility, use it to your advantage.
Common Misconceptions About Colonial Moving & Storage
One big myth is that they are the cheapest option. They aren't. If you want the bottom-dollar price, you hire two guys and a rental truck. Colonial is a premium service for people who want to outsource the logistics of an interstate relocation.
Another misconception is that they handle everything "in-house." While they are a registered carrier, the moving industry is a massive web. Sometimes, for a specific route (like Maine to New Mexico), they might utilize a partner agent. The key is that Colonial remains the responsible party for the contract.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you are leaning toward using Colonial Moving & Storage, don't just click "get a quote" and wait. Be proactive to ensure you don't get hit with surprises later.
👉 See also: Why Everyone Needs a Hero and How It Changes Your Brain
- Download the Colonial Van Lines app first. Get familiar with the interface before you do your official walk-through.
- Declutter before the estimate. Don't pay to move things you're just going to throw away in the new state. If it’s in the video survey, it’s in the price.
- Ask for the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet. Federal law requires them to provide this. Read it. It explains exactly what happens if something gets lost or damaged.
- Verify the USDOT Number. Cross-reference it on the government's SAFER system to ensure their registration is active and their safety ratings are "Satisfactory."
- Get a "Customized Moving Plan." Don't accept a generic quote. Ensure it specifies things like "stair carries," "long carries," or "shuttle services" if your new street is too narrow for a massive 18-wheeler.
Moving across the country is inherently risky, but the goal is to minimize that risk. By using a specialized interstate mover like Colonial and being obsessive about your inventory, you can actually make the process relatively painless. It's about being an informed consumer rather than a passive passenger in your own move.