10 best long-distance moving companies in Brunswick, OH

There are many factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Picking the right moving professionals can help alleviate your problems. That’s why we’ve made this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Brunswick to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only assist with local moves. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers more often set fees based on how long a job takes. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

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

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to select the right one for you. Below, we offer some recommendations on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Brunswick.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, ask about the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We recommend looking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Brunswick and get detailed quotes. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing options. A moving or relocation loan can help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several loans allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reputable moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has a long history of negative 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 valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the Ohio DMV of your new address.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as medicine, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Lastly, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is a necessity since it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is more expensive but includes greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less coverage. If you choose this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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