10 best long-distance moving companies in Cambridge, MA

There are a variety of importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about concerns like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right movers can help ease your challenges. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Cambridge.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only do local moves. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on 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.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers 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 Cambridge

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options may be overwhelming. Below, we offer some recommendations on how to choose a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Cambridge.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar options for long-distance moves inside one state. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Cambridge several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other customers thought about specific long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Cambridge, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a moving company has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your moving company well before your move date is essential when planning a long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and possibly even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Pack essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medicine.

Lastly, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less coverage. With this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

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

Sources

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration