10 best long-distance moving companies in Galveston, TX

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalimportant ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help lessen your challenges. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Galveston to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in many ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Galveston moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the right 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 Galveston

Picking the right long-distance moving company in Galveston requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and works within your budget. Here are some tips for choosing a trustworthy long-distance mover in Galveston.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Request itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Galveston. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what other clients say about particular long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• 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 book a mover.
• 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 negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months in advance. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

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

We also advise making 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 bag with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to provide 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 items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you 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