10 best long-distance moving companies in Westlake, OH

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about concerns like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving professionals can help lessen your issues. We've put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Westlake so you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in several ways. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers more often set fees based on time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Westlake moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Westlake

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for you. Here are some tips for choosing a reliable long-distance mover in Westlake.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices carried by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Get itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Westlake. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several choices allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other customers have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a mover. Since Westlake is home to so many college students, 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. Reputable moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your moving company well before your move date is key for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, secure your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Pack a bag with necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, medicine, and toothbrushes.

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you less protection. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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