10 best long-distance moving companies in Akron, OH

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Picking the right moving professionals can help lessen your worries. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Akron to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only do local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only operate 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 charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their final cost, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Akron moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Akron

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for your needs. Below, we offer some tips on how to find a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Akron.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar options. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• 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 request itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Akron. Make sure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer 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 option to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several choices allows you 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 other platforms to learn what previous clients have said about particular long-distance movers. Neighbors and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Akron also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, legitimate moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough ahead of time. 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 might choose to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Ohio DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

The night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

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. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration