10 best long-distance moving companies in Bloomfield, NJ

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalsignificant ways. When you're moving between states, you may be dealing with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help alleviate your challenges. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Bloomfield.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in many ways. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. 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 mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's necessary to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Bloomfield moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Bloomfield

Choosing the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Bloomfield, we've compiled some advice 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 clients: 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. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Bloomfield several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong option to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several choices to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Bloomfield 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: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well in advance 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 recommend starting a month beforehand. You might prefer to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Writing a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the New Jersey DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

The night before moving day, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your items are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. 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 moving companies might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides reduced coverage. With this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration