10 best long-distance moving companies in Mount Vernon, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalimportant ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help relieve your concerns. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this overview of the best long-distance movers in Mount Vernon.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in many ways. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

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

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is invaluable. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Mount Vernon

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Mount Vernon, we've compiled some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, ask about the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We recommend seeking out quotes several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to ask for itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Mount Vernon. 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: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you 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 previous customers think about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a mover. Mount Vernon 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: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. Trustworthy movers generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have 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 extra clothes, medications, and toothbrushes.

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 cover the cost if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. If you choose this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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