10 best long-distance moving companies in Leander, TX

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Ease your issues by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. We've made this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Leander so you, your family, and your possessions make it to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only offer local moves. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

When faced with an interstate 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 area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Leander

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy long-distance mover in Leander.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, inquiring about these or other options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Leander several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing options to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several options allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what previous customers have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends 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 for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. Reputable movers generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a mover has a long 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

Booking your moving company far enough in advance is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, hire your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise starting a month in advance. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Texas DMV.

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

The night before moving day, remember to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is a necessity since it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it offers more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you less protection. If you choose this plan, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep 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