10 best long-distance moving companies in Fairland, MD

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help relieve your issues. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Fairland.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in several ways. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such jobs at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. Using 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 Fairland

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate long-distance moving company in Fairland.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of 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 look into these or similar insurance options. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion 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 qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start asking for quotes several months ahead of your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to get detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Fairland. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing options to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several loans to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others think about certain long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to hire a mover. Fairland also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. Trustworthy moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies with a 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

Reserving your moving company far enough ahead of time is essential for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you plan 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 specific 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 probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is a necessity, as it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but offers more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. With this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. 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