10 best long-distance moving companies in Monroeville, PA

Long-distance or interstate moves present unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Hiring the right movers can help ease your problems. We've compiled this overview of the best long-distance movers in Monroeville so you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in many ways. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers often set fees based on the time required for your move. Some movers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's important to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Monroeville moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, especially when moving between states. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches 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 Monroeville

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for you. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Monroeville, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Monroeville several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure 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 provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several options to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others say about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to book a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Monroeville, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, legitimate moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies with an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your movers far enough ahead of time is key when planning a long-distance move. We suggest booking your move at least three months beforehand, or possibly earlier if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than 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.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a suitcase with items such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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