10 best long-distance moving companies in Silver Spring, MD

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

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Silver Spring.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to note. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers commonly set fees based on the time needed for your move. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Silver Spring movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Choosing 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 Silver Spring

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for your move. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Silver Spring, we've gathered some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: 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. In addition to the insurance choices carried by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Silver Spring several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others have said about specific long-distance movers. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to book a moving company. Since Silver Spring 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: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies with a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least three months 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.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we advise getting started a month ahead of time. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Maryland DMV.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. While Full Value Protection costs more, it provides more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. With this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this typically 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