10 best long-distance moving companies in Lower Paxton, PA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalsignificant ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving professionals can help lessen your issues. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've compiled this overview of the top long-distance movers in Lower Paxton.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to be aware of. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such jobs at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Lower Paxton moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, especially when moving between states. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Lower Paxton

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for you. Below, we offer some recommendations on how to choose a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Lower Paxton.

• 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. You can look into these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves within the same state. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Lower Paxton several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what other customers think about specific 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 more expensive to book a moving company. Lower Paxton 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: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reputable movers won't request the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. We suggest scheduling your move at least 90 days in advance, or possibly earlier 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 without professional help. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medicine, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items 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. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less protection. This plan requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. This usually 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