10 best long-distance moving companies in East Orange, NJ

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in East Orange.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in a few ways. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant 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 belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local East Orange moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. 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 East Orange

Picking the right long-distance moving company in East Orange requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate long-distance moving company in East Orange.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, asking about these or other insurance options is a good idea. To better protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, 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 East Orange several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several choices to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about particular long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to book a moving company. Since East Orange 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 provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. Additionally, legitimate movers won't demand the full payment upfront. If a mover has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your moving company far enough ahead of time is essential for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months beforehand. 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 or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the things that need to be done 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.

Put together a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medications.

Finally, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has reduced coverage. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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