Depending on what you consider long distances. Moves include: Utah to Germany, Germany to Utah, Utah to Alabama, Alabama to Germany, Germany to Missouri, Missouri to Washington, Washington to Kansas. Each time was by a moving company so all I had to do was watch them pack my stuff, inventory the boxes, watch them unpack and then I got to put it all away.

Things to consider: How much time do you have to do the move yourself? If time's not a consideration and you've got help lifting the heavy stuff, a move by yourself is considerably cheaper. I would invest in decent boxes to pack stuff in, U-Haul used to sell new boxes and I think some are a good investment. Consistent sizes of boxes makes packing a rental vehicle easier.

Factor in driving times, fully loaded rental vans don't climb the mountains on I-70 or I-80 as easily as a car.

Remember moving expenses can be tax deductible - check the rules but some (much,all) of the expense might be able to be written off on your taxes.