10 best long-distance moving companies in Schenectady, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in significant ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best movers for the job. That’s why we’ve created this list of the top long-distance movers in Schenectady to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to consider. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Schenectady

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of options may feel overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Schenectady.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Schenectady. Ensure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several choices to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous clients say about certain long-distance moving companies. Friends and family 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 get and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Schenectady, the beginning and end of the summer 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. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't request the full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well in advance of your move date. We suggest hiring movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Put together a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the New York DMV.

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

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

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. 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