10 best long-distance moving companies in Franklin, NJ

There are many importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves 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.

Choosing the right movers can help lessen your problems. We've created this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Franklin so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in a few ways. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies typically set fees based on the length of time needed for your move. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Franklin moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Franklin

Choosing the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can be overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Franklin.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar options. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to request detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Franklin. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can help with cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several options to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about certain long-distance movers. 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 difficult and more expensive to book a mover. Franklin 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: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, trustworthy movers shouldn’t request the full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

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

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the New Jersey DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before your big move, remember to get a good night's sleep.

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.

All interstate movers are required to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This typically 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