10 best long-distance moving companies in Allentown, PA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in many ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help alleviate your concerns. We've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Allentown so you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only do local moves. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these requests at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Allentown moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Allentown

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices may feel overwhelming. Below, we offer some guidance on how to pick a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Allentown.

• 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 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. To better protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out estimates several months ahead of your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to request detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Allentown. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional 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. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other clients have said about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a mover. Allentown also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you cautious. Additionally, trustworthy movers won't request the full payment upfront. If a mover has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you book 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 specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the Pennsylvania DMV of your new address.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as medications, toiletries, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, remember to 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.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer 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 extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less coverage. This option requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver & Vehicle Services U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration