10 best long-distance moving companies in Penfield, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in several ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Hiring the right movers can help alleviate your issues. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the best long-distance movers in Penfield.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Penfield movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably 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 Penfield

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. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate, reliable long-distance mover in Penfield.

• 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 customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, inquiring about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance coverage carried by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to request itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Penfield. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• 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 pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and costlier to get a mover. Since Penfield is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your movers well before your move date is key for a successful long-distance move. We recommend booking 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 four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the New York DMV of your new address.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as medicine, extra clothes, and toiletries.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damagedin the move.

All interstate movers need to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but gives you more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less protection. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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