10 best long-distance moving companies in Tualatin, OR

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Tualatin.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Some movers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Tualatin moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, especially when moving between states. 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Tualatin

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some advice on how to pick a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Tualatin.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves within the same state. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Tualatin several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what other clients say about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Tualatin 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: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, legitimate moving companies shouldn’t ask for the full payment before the move. If a mover has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your moving company far enough ahead of time is critical when getting ready for a long-distance move. We recommend hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might choose to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Oregon DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement 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 movers. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides reduced coverage. With this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep 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

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