10 best long-distance moving companies in Centerville, OH

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in severalsignificant ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Centerville to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions get 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 movers typically only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Centerville

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate, trustworthy long-distance mover in Centerville.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Centerville several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several choices to find 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 think about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a mover. Centerville also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of bad 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

Securing your moving company far enough in advance is extremely important when preparing for a long-distance move. We recommend booking your move at least 90 days ahead of time, or possibly earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest getting started a month ahead of time. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Ohio DMV.

Put together necessities 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

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

All interstate movers are required to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection costs more but provides more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your 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