10 best long-distance moving companies in Livingston, NJ

There are a range of importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help relieve your challenges. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've created this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Livingston.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to note. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such requests at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight. 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 Livingston movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Livingston

Choosing the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Livingston, we've put together some guidance 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. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Livingston several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what previous customers say about specific long-distance movers. You should also ask friends 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 get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Livingston also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. Legitimate moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the New Jersey DMV of your new address.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

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 checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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