10 best long-distance moving companies in Cedar Hill, TX

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

Ease your problems by picking the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve made this guide to the top long-distance movers in Cedar Hill to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to be aware of. Local movers typically 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.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Cedar Hill movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Cedar Hill

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for your needs. Below, we have compiled some recommendations on how to find a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Cedar Hill.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, inquiring about these or other options is a good idea. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Cedar Hill 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 additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to get a mover. Cedar Hill 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: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a moving company has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key tip for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough ahead of time. We recommend booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano or car moving.

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

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

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

The night before your big move, don't forget to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. With this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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