10 best long-distance moving companies in Salina, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by picking the best movers for the job. We've created this guide to the top long-distance movers in Salina so you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in a few ways. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such requests at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's key to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Salina moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, especially when moving between states. 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 Salina

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for your move. Below, we offer some tips on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Salina.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better 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: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start requesting quotes several months ahead of your move. Contact multiple long-distance moving providers in Salina and get itemized cost breakdowns. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several loans to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Salina also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reliable moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough in advance. To ensure a smooth move, find your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise getting started a month beforehand. You might choose to keep certain valuable, sentimental, or fragile possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you 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, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

The night before your big move, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but gives you greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. With this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

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