10 best long-distance moving companies in McKinney, TX

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help relieve your concerns. That’s why we’ve put together this overview of the top long-distance movers in McKinney to help you, your family, and your possessions 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. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

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

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the relevant 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 McKinney

Finding the right long-distance mover in McKinney requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and works within your budget. See the list below for some recommendations on choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in McKinney.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or other options is a good idea. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in McKinney and request detailed cost breakdowns. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. 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 help with your move. We recommend researching several choices to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what previous clients think about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. McKinney also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, hire your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include things 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 putting together a suitcase with items such as medicine, extra clothes, and toiletries.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides reduced coverage. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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