10 best long-distance moving companies in Medford, MA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in several ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help relieve your problems. We've compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Medford so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in many ways. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies more often set fees based on time. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when moving from one state to another. 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 Medford

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Medford requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Medford, we've compiled some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other insurance options. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Medford several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about specific long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Medford also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Reliable movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your moving company well before your move date is essential for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise getting started a month beforehand. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

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

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll reimburse you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers are required to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but offers more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you less protection. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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