10 best long-distance moving companies in Thornton, CO

There are several importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help alleviate your problems. That’s why we’ve made this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Thornton to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Thornton

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for you. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate, trustworthy long-distance mover in Thornton.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other insurance options. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Thornton several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to book a mover. Thornton also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. Legitimate moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your moving company far enough in advance is key for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, find your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we suggest getting started a month beforehand. You might prefer to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before moving day, remember to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. This option requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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