10 best long-distance moving companies in Deer Park, TX

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

Hiring the right moving professionals can help relieve your problems. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Deer Park to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these requests at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies more often set fees based on how long a job takes. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. 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 stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Deer Park

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Deer Park, we've compiled some guidance below.

• 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 customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, look into the options provided by your mover. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Deer Park several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing plans. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Deer Park also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reputable moving companies generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a history of poor 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

A valuable piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. To ensure a smooth move, reserve your movers no less than three months before your move date, and possibly even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

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

Creating a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Texas DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Pack essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as medicine, toiletries, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, remember to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your possessions are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides reduced coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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