10 best long-distance moving companies in Reading, PA

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the right movers for the job. That’s why we’ve made this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Reading to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in several ways. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to such requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers typically charge based on the length of time needed for your move. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Reading moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. 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 Reading

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Reading, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance choices 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 give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We suggest looking for quotes several months before your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Reading. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest researching several loans to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other customers say about certain long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and costlier to get a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your moving company well before your move date is essential when preparing for a long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Put together a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Pennsylvania DMV.

Put together a bag with necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, medicine, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

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

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover 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