10 best long-distance moving companies in Severn, MD

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. We've put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Severn so you, your family, and your possessions get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Severn moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 Severn

When you're selecting a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a reliable long-distance moving company in Severn.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers 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 reputable company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Severn several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what previous customers say about particular long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to get a moving company. Severn 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: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. Avoid movers with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. 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 four weeks in advance. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the things that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Maryland DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Put together a bag with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of 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