10 best long-distance moving companies in Albany, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in Albany.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in a few ways. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Albany moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Albany

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate, reliable long-distance moving company in Albany.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to supply clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Albany several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several options allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others have said about specific long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to book a moving company. Albany also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, reputable moving companies won't demand the full payment before the move. If a mover has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your movers well before your move date is essential when getting ready for a long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, find your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we advise starting a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as toothbrushes, medicine, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it provides more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. With this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration