10 best long-distance moving companies in Malden, MA

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help relieve your challenges. We've created this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Malden so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. Keep in mind that some moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Malden

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Malden, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: 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 coverage offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance options 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 qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Malden several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several loans to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other customers have said about certain long-distance movers. Neighbors and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• 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 more expensive to hire a moving company. Malden also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your movers well before your move date is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, schedule your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise getting started a month in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Pack a bag with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll reimburse you if any of your items are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. 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 gives less protection. If you choose this plan, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

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