10 best long-distance moving companies in Friendswood, TX

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in many ways. 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.

Alleviate your worries by choosing the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Friendswood to help you, your family, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in many ways. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these jobs at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's key to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Friendswood moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Friendswood

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Friendswood.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or similar insurance options. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Friendswood several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients have said about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Friendswood, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. Reputable movers generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your movers far enough ahead of time is critical when preparing for a long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, hire your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend starting a month ahead of time. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Pack necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions 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. While this typically 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