10 best long-distance moving companies in Irondequoit, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in significant ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Irondequoit.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in a few ways. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Irondequoit movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Irondequoit

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. Below, we provide some tips on how to pick a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Irondequoit.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. 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. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Irondequoit and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into 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 have said about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to hire a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Irondequoit, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend hiring movers at least 90 days 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 month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the New York DMV.

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

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 incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but offers better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. This insurance requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost 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 after you 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