10 best long-distance moving companies in Elkridge, MD

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help relieve your worries. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Elkridge to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ 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 typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Elkridge moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Selecting 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 Elkridge

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Elkridge requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and works within your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Elkridge, we've gathered some guidance below.

• 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. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start requesting estimates several months ahead of your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to ask for itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in Elkridge. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can with cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several loans to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Since Elkridge is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your full payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies with an extensive 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 key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the Maryland DMV of your new address.

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged 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. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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