10 best long-distance moving companies in Aspen Hill, MD

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

The right movers can help relieve your challenges. We've compiled this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Aspen Hill so you, your loved ones, and your possessions get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to keep in mind. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight. Keep in mind that some movers might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Aspen Hill moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. These companies 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Aspen Hill

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Aspen Hill, we've compiled some guidance below.

• 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 inquire about these or other insurance options. In addition to the insurance coverage offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Aspen Hill several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest researching several loans to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous customers thought about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a moving company. Aspen Hill also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Trustworthy moving companies generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has a history of bad 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 well before your move date is essential when preparing for a long-distance move. We recommend booking your move at least three months beforehand, or even earlier if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend starting a month beforehand. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

Creating a checklist of all the things that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Maryland DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has less protection. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration