10 best long-distance moving companies in New Brunswick, NJ

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help alleviate your problems. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've compiled this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in New Brunswick.

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 keep in mind. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic area. 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 mover is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is indispensable. 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 New Brunswick

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your needs. Here are some tips for choosing a reliable long-distance mover in New Brunswick.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, asking about these or similar options is a good idea. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We advise asking for quotes several months before your move. Request detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in New Brunswick. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added 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 options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what previous clients have said about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to book a moving company. New Brunswick also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your moving company far enough in advance is critical for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt 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 packing a bag with items such as extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medications.

Lastly, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back 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 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it has less coverage. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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