10 best long-distance moving companies in Clay, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in many ways. 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.

Alleviate your concerns by hiring the right movers for the job. We've put together this list of the leading long-distance movers in Clay so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these requests at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies more often set fees based on how long a job takes. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Clay moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive 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 Clay

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may be overwhelming. Below, we offer some tips on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Clay.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, asking about these or other options is a good idea. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We suggest asking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Get in touch with several long-distance moving providers in Clay and request itemized quotes. Confirm that these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise looking into several options to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others have said about specific long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Clay, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. Avoid movers with an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your movers far enough ahead of time is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. 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 on your own, we recommend getting started a month in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the New York DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medications.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your possessions are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. This option requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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