10 best long-distance moving companies in Erie, CO

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalimportant ways. When you're moving between states, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help alleviate your problems. We've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Erie so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in several ways. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these requests at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. However, some movers 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. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. Selecting a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Erie

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options can be overwhelming. Below, we provide some guidance on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Erie.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance options 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 publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start getting quotes several months ahead of your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Erie. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing options to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several options to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others think about particular long-distance moving companies. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Erie, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't demand the full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your movers far enough ahead of time is essential when getting ready for a long-distance move. We advise booking your move at least three months ahead of time, or even earlier if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise starting a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Put together a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Colorado DMV.

Pack a bag with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, medicine, and toothbrushes.

The night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. With this option, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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