Any move that is over 100 miles is classified as a long-distance move. These are also often referred to as cross-country moves, interstate moves, and long-haul moves, depending on where you are moving and the distance of the move. In order to have a successful long-distance move that leaves you stress-free and ready for success in your new location, you will need to hire the right long-distance moving company.
Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or any other reason, hiring the right movers for long-distance moves is imperative. It is important to ensure that the company you are hiring has the proper long-distance, or interstate, insurance policies to help protect your items. The company must also have a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in order to move your items long distance. Trying to hire the best long-distance moving company can be stressful, but following the tips below can help you narrow down your options and choose the right long-distance movers for you.
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While every long-distance moving company will give you a general idea of what they charge online, it is important to get a personalized, in-home quote to avoid surprise fees on your bill at the end of your move.
Most long-distance moving companies will provide an add-on option for packing and unpacking that can help relieve some of your moving stress. If this is a priority for you, research the packing cost and reviews for each long-distance moving company.
If the answer to this question is yes, prioritizing a long-distance mover that offers short-term or long-term storage options may eliminate some of the long-distance moving companies on your list.
If a long-distance moving company is hesitant to provide references from past moves, that can be a major red flag. Look for a company with positive reviews for their past long-distance moves.
Estimating the cost of a long-distance moving company can be tricky. Long-distance moves will cost different amounts depending on the size of the move, the distance that you are traveling, and other factors. A move from New Jersey to New York is going to cost significantly less than moving from Texas to California, so be sure to factor that into your moving budget.
On average, you can expect long-distance moving companies to cost anywhere from $2,400 to $5,600. Like all estimates, this price, of course, can be higher or lower depending on the size of the place you are moving from and how far your long-distance move will be.
Moving costs are going to vary on a case-by-case basis depending on the size of the move, time of year, and various other factors. While there is no exact number to expect a moving company to quote you, there are some great tips to help you save money and make the experience as cost-effective as possible.
One of the best ways to save money on a long-distance move is to downsize. Of course, there are certain essentials that you will want to pack, but think about items that you can sell, donate, or simply just throw away. The less that you take, the less that you will have to pay a long-distance moving company.
Flexibility is a great way to save money on your long-distance move. If you have the ability to avoid moving during the summer or holidays, when prices tend to be more expensive, take advantage of that.
Make sure that you are getting multiple quotes from multiple long-distance moving companies. Hire the right long-distance movers that will do a good job but also give you a fair price.
The earlier that you book your long-distance movers, the cheaper they will be. By planning out your long-distance move early, you can save yourself from higher prices that companies might incur for a last minute booking. Being early also ensures finding a long-distance moving company within your budget that has movers available.
After you’ve found a long-distance moving company that has availability and works within your budget, there are a few final things to look out for before finalizing your long-distance moving contract. Be sure that the company you want to hire does not have a slew of negative reviews online. It should be expected that each long-distance moving company will have a few bad reviews, but if the reviews are overwhelmingly negative, then that should be a huge red flag for your move. You will also want to find out if the long-distance moving company is open to negotiations. This can end up saving you a lot of money, especially if you have two long distance-moving companies competing for your service.
Another tip for your long-distance move is to ensure that the long-distance moving company that you are hiring is capable of handling any specialty items that you might have. If you are moving valuables, it is important that your choice of company is capable of moving those valuables. Finally, proper licensing is paramount when choosing the right movers from a long-distance moving company. Long-distance moving companies that do not have the proper licensing should not even be considered when making your final decision.