10 best long-distance moving companies in Cockeysville, MD

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Picking the right movers can help ease your problems. We've put together this overview of the top long-distance movers in Cockeysville so you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive 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 a few key differences to consider. Local movers typically only offer services 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 set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies often set fees based on the length of time needed for your move. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Cockeysville moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Using a long-distance moving company 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 Cockeysville

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for your move. Here are some tips for picking a trustworthy long-distance mover in Cockeysville.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar options. To better protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start requesting estimates several months ahead of your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to get itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Cockeysville. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing options. 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 cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend researching several loans to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a moving company. Since Cockeysville is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Reliable movers generally won't request your complete payment before the move. Avoid movers that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your moving company well before your move date is key for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days beforehand. This gives you enough 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 on your own. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Maryland DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as extra clothes, medications, and toothbrushes.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less coverage. With this option, your moving company will compensate 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. While this usually 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