10 best long-distance moving companies in Binghamton, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalimportant ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Lessen your issues by picking the best moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've put together this overview of the top long-distance movers in Binghamton.

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 be aware of. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Keep in mind that certain movers 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 tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches 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 Binghamton

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices may feel overwhelming. Below, we offer some advice on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Binghamton.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, ask about the options provided by your mover. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Binghamton several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. 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. We suggest looking into several choices to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others say about specific long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Binghamton also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Avoid movers with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend starting a month ahead of time. You might prefer to have certain items, 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 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 packing a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection costs more but provides better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides reduced coverage. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you 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 York State Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration