10 best long-distance moving companies in West Seneca, NY

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help lessen your concerns. That’s why we’ve created this list of the top long-distance movers in West Seneca to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies more often set fees based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that some moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, 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 movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance movers 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 West Seneca

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in West Seneca, we've put together some guidance below.

• 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. You can ask about these or similar options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We advise looking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Ask for itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in West Seneca. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a mover. Since West Seneca is home to so many college students, 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 quote is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive 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

An important tip for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough ahead of time. We advise scheduling your move at least three months in advance, or even earlier if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have sentimental, valuable, 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.

Make a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the New York DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medicine, extra clothes, and toiletries.

The night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. This option requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This usually 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