10 best long-distance moving companies in San Marcos, TX

There are a variety of importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help ease your challenges. That’s why we’ve compiled this overview of the top long-distance movers in San Marcos to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to consider. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Keep in mind that some moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in San Marcos

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in San Marcos, we've put together some guidance below.

• 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 that don't cross state lines, asking about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed discussion 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 movers on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in San Marcos several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several choices to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to book a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in San Marcos, 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" prices should make you wary. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t ask for the full payment before the move. Steer clear of movers with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, find your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork 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 before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Texas DMV.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has reduced coverage. If you choose this plan, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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