10 best long-distance moving companies in Natick, MA

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve made this guide to the top long-distance movers in Natick to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers 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 Natick

Picking the right long-distance moving company in Natick requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Natick, we've put together some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other insurance options. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Natick and ask for detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices 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 afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Since Natick is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also advise 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, such as medicine, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, don't forget to 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 all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. This plan requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions 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. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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