10 best long-distance moving companies in Allen, TX

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

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Allen to help you, your family, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only do local moves. Local movers 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.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies commonly charge based on the time required for your move. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Allen 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. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Allen

Picking the right long-distance moving company in Allen requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and works within your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Allen, we've gathered some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, inquiring about these or other options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Allen several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several options allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to get a mover. Allen also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. Additionally, reliable movers won't demand the full payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your movers well before your move date is key when getting ready for a long-distance move. It's best if you plan your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, sentimental, or fragile possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Texas DMV.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less protection. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for items 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 during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration