10 best long-distance moving companies in Wayne, NJ

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

Choosing the right movers can help alleviate your challenges. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Wayne.

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 consider. Local moving companies generally provide 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.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is invaluable. Hiring a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Wayne

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some recommendations on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Wayne.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Wayne several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Wayne, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days 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 moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise getting started a month in advance. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep 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 moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is a necessity since it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less protection. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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