10 best long-distance moving companies in Willoughby, OH

There are several factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Put your mind at ease by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've created this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Willoughby.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in several ways. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers usually charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers typically set fees based on the length of time needed for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's key to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Willoughby moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Hiring a long-distance moving company 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 stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Willoughby

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices may be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some recommendations on how to find a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Willoughby.

• 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 clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, ask about the insurance options provided by your mover. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage 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 movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Get in touch with several long-distance moving providers in Willoughby and get detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise looking into several options to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other clients thought about certain long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a mover. Since Willoughby is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. Additionally, reliable moving companies won't ask for the full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies with a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you plan your move at least three months in advance. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

We also recommend making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Ohio DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a bag with items such as medications, extra clothes, and toothbrushes.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it provides greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. If you choose this plan, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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