10 best long-distance moving companies in Moon, PA

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in several ways. When you're moving between states, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

The right moving company can help relieve your issues. That’s why we’ve made this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Moon to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers usually charge based on the time required for your move. 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.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is invaluable. Choosing a long-distance moving company 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Moon

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Moon, we've collected some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or similar options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Moon several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• 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 expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what previous clients have said about certain long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to book a moving company. Moon also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. Legitimate moving companies generally shouldn't demand your complete payment before the move. Avoid movers with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. We suggest planning your move at least three months in advance, or even earlier if you need more 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, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Pennsylvania DMV.

Put together necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to 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 belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has reduced coverage. If you choose this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are damaged or lost.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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