10 best long-distance moving companies in Towson, MD

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help lessen your worries. That’s why we’ve made this list of the top long-distance movers in Towson to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in many ways. Local moving companies generally provide 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 typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies commonly set fees based on the length of time required for your move. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Towson moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies 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 Towson

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for you. Below, we offer some recommendations on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Towson.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Towson and request detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added 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 eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several loans allows you to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what other customers have said about specific long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors 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 book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Towson, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. Additionally, reputable movers won't demand the full payment before the move. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a smooth move, hire your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend getting started a month beforehand. You might choose to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Putting together 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.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as medicine, extra clothes, and toiletries.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll give you money back if any of your items are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. While Full Value Protection costs more, it offers more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

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