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

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

Selecting the right moving professionals can help relieve your worries. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in West Orange.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in many ways. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers commonly set fees based on the time required for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local West Orange moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in West Orange

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. Here are some tips for picking a trustworthy long-distance moving company in West Orange.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, ask about the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in West Orange several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong option to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several choices allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other clients think about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a moving company. Since West Orange 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 offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad 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 good tip for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months 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.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done 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 putting together a bag with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medications.

Finally, on 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 all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items 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. 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 gives less protection. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

If you carry over 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 typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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