10 best long-distance moving companies in Kearny, NJ

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in many ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help lessen your challenges. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've created this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Kearny.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to note. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Kearny

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Kearny, we've put together some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to supply a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Kearny several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing options to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several choices to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to book a moving company. Since Kearny is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. Trustworthy moving companies generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your moving company far enough in advance is key for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days 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 specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we recommend starting a month in advance. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the New Jersey DMV of your new address.

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is pricier but offers more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it has less coverage. With this option, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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