10 best long-distance moving companies in Centennial, CO

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help alleviate your challenges. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've put together this overview of the top long-distance movers in Centennial.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies commonly charge based on the length of time required for your move. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Centennial

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can be overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Centennial.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Centennial several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help cover cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others say about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to book a mover. Centennial also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't request the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your movers far enough in advance is extremely important when getting ready for a long-distance move. We advise booking movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend getting started a month beforehand. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the Colorado DMV of your new address.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as extra clothes, medicine, and toiletries.

Lastly, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is critical because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you less protection. If you choose this option, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration