10 best long-distance moving companies in Brighton, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that set them apart 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.

The right moving company can help alleviate your issues. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best long-distance movers in Brighton to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. Local movers often only offer services 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 moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Brighton moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Brighton

Picking the right long-distance mover in Brighton requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Brighton, we've compiled some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other insurance options. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months in advance to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Request itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in Brighton. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help with cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what previous clients thought about particular long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Brighton also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reputable movers generally won't ask for your complete payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive 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 helpful tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized 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 fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than 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 York DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before your big move, remember to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. With this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, 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