10 best long-distance moving companies in Severna Park, MD

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

Ease your issues by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. We've compiled this overview of the best long-distance movers in Severna Park so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers usually set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies typically set fees based on the length of time required for your move. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Severna Park

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Severna Park, we've put together some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: 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 insurance options. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Severna Park several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• 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 book a moving company. Severna Park also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months beforehand. 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.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

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

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

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it has less protection. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

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