10 best long-distance moving companies in Catonsville, MD

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in many ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about concerns such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Picking the right movers can help lessen your challenges. We've made this list of the leading long-distance movers in Catonsville so you, your family, and your belongings make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies typically set fees based on the time required for your move. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. Choosing a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical 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 Catonsville

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for you. See the list below for some advice on picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Catonsville.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start requesting quotes several months ahead of your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to request itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in Catonsville. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can with cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what previous clients have said about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Catonsville 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. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your full payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful tip for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

Put together necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. 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 items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it provides reduced coverage. This insurance requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of 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