10 best long-distance moving companies in Lakewood, OH

There are a variety of importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help ease your issues. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the best long-distance movers in Lakewood to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in several ways. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such requests at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Lakewood movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 Lakewood

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Lakewood, we've compiled some recommendations 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. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Lakewood several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can help with cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several choices to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Neighbors and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to book a mover. Lakewood also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reputable movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. Avoid movers with a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your movers well before your move date is critical for a successful long-distance move. We recommend planning your move at least 90 days beforehand, or possibly earlier if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise getting started a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Ohio DMV.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medications, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically 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