10 best long-distance moving companies in Elmira, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves present unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Choosing the right movers can help ease your problems. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Elmira.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in several ways. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers usually set fees based on the length of time required for your move. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Elmira moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Choosing a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Elmira

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for your needs. Below, we have compiled some advice on how to pick a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Elmira.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar options. We also recommend 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: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Elmira several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and relatives 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 book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reputable moving companies shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive 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

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, secure your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Make 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 a bag with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as medications, toiletries, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, 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 protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you less protection. This plan requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. 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