10 best long-distance moving companies in Mentor, OH

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in severalimportant ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. We've compiled this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Mentor so you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Mentor moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. Hiring 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Mentor

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. Below, we offer some advice on how to find a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Mentor.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. In addition to the insurance coverage carried by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Mentor. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can help with cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several loans to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others think about specific long-distance movers. Friends and family can also provide valuable 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 for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to book a mover. Mentor 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: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Trustworthy movers generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your movers well before your move date is essential when preparing for a long-distance move. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days beforehand. 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 moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

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

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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