10 best long-distance moving companies in Carney, MD

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in a variety of ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Carney to help you, your family, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in many ways. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers often set fees based on the length of time required for your move. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Carney moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Carney

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Carney, we've put together some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to request detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Carney. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several loans allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a mover. Carney also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment upfront. Avoid movers with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the Maryland DMV of your new address.

Put together a bag with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

The night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings 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