10 best long-distance moving companies in Clarkstown, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues such as how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Alleviate your problems by picking the best moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Clarkstown.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only offer local moves. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually 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 how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's important to check your provider's pricing structure.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Clarkstown

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your move. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Clarkstown, we've compiled some recommendations 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. For long-distance moves inside one state, asking about these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices carried by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We advise seeking out quotes several months before your move. Get in touch with multiple long-distance moving providers in Clarkstown and request detailed cost breakdowns. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others think about certain long-distance movers. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a moving company. Clarkstown also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, legitimate movers won't ask for the full payment before the move. Avoid movers that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. We advise scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the New York DMV.

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

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less protection. With this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this usually 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