10 best long-distance moving companies in Chillum, MD

There are many importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. 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 alleviate your concerns. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Chillum.

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. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's important to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

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 location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Chillum

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for you. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Chillum, we've compiled some guidance 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. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Chillum several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can 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. Researching several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what other customers have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to get a mover. Chillum also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Trustworthy movers generally won't request your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your movers far enough ahead of time is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Maryland DMV.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medications.

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll give you money back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides reduced coverage. This option requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of 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

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