10 best long-distance moving companies in Hilliard, OH

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in a variety of ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by picking the right moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Hilliard.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in many ways. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when it comes to 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 Hilliard

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices can be overwhelming. Below, we offer some tips on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Hilliard.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more detailed information on 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 publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Hilliard several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several options allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• 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 during the summer months. Hilliard also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year 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. Additionally, legitimate movers won't demand the full payment upfront. Avoid movers that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need 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 might prefer to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Writing 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 suitcase with items such as toothbrushes, medications, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement 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. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less protection. With this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost 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. This usually 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