10 best long-distance moving companies in Suitland, MD

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help relieve your issues. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Suitland.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in several ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's necessary to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Suitland

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Suitland, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We suggest looking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Get detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Suitland. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing options to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest researching several loans to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others say about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a moving company. Suitland 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: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. Trustworthy moving companies generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great tip for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough in advance. We advise scheduling movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we recommend starting a month beforehand. You might prefer to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Maryland DMV.

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

The night before your big move, remember to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has reduced coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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