10 best long-distance moving companies in Canton, OH

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in a variety of ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

The right movers can help lessen your concerns. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Canton to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only do local moves. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such jobs at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Canton moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Canton

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for you. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Canton, we've compiled some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, asking about these or other options is a good idea. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start requesting quotes several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to ask for itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in Canton. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing options to help you pay for your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others say about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to get a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Canton, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment upfront. Avoid movers with an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your movers far enough in advance is extremely important when getting ready for a long-distance move. We suggest booking movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise starting a month beforehand. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the Ohio DMV of your new address.

Put together a bag with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medicine, extra clothes, and toiletries.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. 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. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has reduced coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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