10 best long-distance moving companies in West Milford, NJ

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in several ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Choosing the right movers can help ease your problems. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've created this guide to the top long-distance movers in West Milford.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these jobs at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their final cost, so it's key to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local West Milford moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when relocating to another state. These companies are more likely to have the proper 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 West Milford

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a reliable long-distance mover in West Milford.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in West Milford several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several choices allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to get a moving company. West Milford also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding estimates. Reliable movers generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend scheduling your move at least 90 days in advance, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include items 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 suitcase with items such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medicine.

Lastly, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll pay you back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings 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. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has less protection. With this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

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