10 best long-distance moving companies in Somerville, MA

Long-distance or interstate moves present unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in Somerville.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when establishing their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Somerville moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when relocating to another state. Using a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Somerville

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Somerville, we've put together some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Somerville several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several choices allows you to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other customers have said about particular long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a moving company. Somerville also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your full payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. We advise hiring movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

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

We also recommend 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.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions 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. Full Value Protection is pricier but includes more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy during your move. 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