10 best long-distance moving companies in Lancaster, PA

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with concerns like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Hiring the right movers can help alleviate your worries. That’s why we’ve created this list of the top long-distance movers in Lancaster to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in many ways. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

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

Local Lancaster moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Lancaster

Picking the right long-distance mover in Lancaster requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and works within your budget. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate long-distance mover in Lancaster.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or other options is a good idea. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start asking for estimates several months before your move. Get in touch with multiple long-distance moving providers in Lancaster and get detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing options. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other customers think about certain long-distance moving companies. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to book a mover. Lancaster also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Trustworthy movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. Avoid movers with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your moving company far enough ahead of time is extremely important when getting ready for a long-distance move. We suggest booking 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.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. 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.

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

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, medications, and toothbrushes.

The night before moving day, remember to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll reimburse you if any of your items are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. While Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has reduced coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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