10 best long-distance moving companies in Gresham, OR

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in severalsignificant ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Selecting the right movers can help lessen your concerns. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best long-distance movers in Gresham to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies 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 Gresham

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for you. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate, reliable long-distance mover in Gresham.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other options. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Gresham several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest researching several loans to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what previous customers think about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and relatives for 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 to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a moving company. Gresham also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your moving company far enough in advance is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, schedule your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

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

Make a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Oregon DMV.

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

Lastly, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration