7 best long-distance moving companies in Altoona, PA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the best long-distance movers in Altoona.

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 only operate within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that some moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Altoona movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Altoona

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for your move. See the list below for some recommendations on finding a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Altoona.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, asking about these or similar options is a good idea. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to supply a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Altoona several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise looking into several options to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other customers thought about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to get a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a moving company has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days ahead of time. 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 moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Pennsylvania 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.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you reduced coverage. If you choose this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are lost or damaged.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of 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