10 best long-distance moving companies in Dedham, MA

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Alleviate your issues by hiring the right movers for the job. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Dedham to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies typically set fees based on the time needed for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Dedham moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Dedham

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy long-distance moving company in Dedham.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers 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 qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Dedham several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing options to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can cover cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Dedham also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well before of your move date. We suggest scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano or car moving.

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

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

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, medications, and toothbrushes.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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