10 best long-distance moving companies in Troy, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in many ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Picking the right moving professionals can help alleviate your concerns. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've compiled this guide to the best long-distance movers in Troy.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to keep in mind. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's important to check your provider's pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. Long-distance movers 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 stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Troy

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices can feel overwhelming. Below, we provide some tips on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Troy.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We advise seeking out quotes several months ahead of your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Troy. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing options. A moving or relocation loan can help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several loans to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others think about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Troy, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reliable movers shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, hire your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks 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 bag with items such as toothbrushes, medications, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll pay you back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less protection. If you choose this plan, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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