10 best long-distance moving companies in Sugar Land, TX

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in important ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've put together this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Sugar Land.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in many ways. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies commonly set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies usually charge based on the time needed for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Sugar Land moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably 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 Sugar Land

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for you. Below, we offer some advice on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Sugar Land.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other options. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to ask for detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Sugar Land. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong option 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: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what other customers have said about certain long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Since Sugar Land is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't request the full payment before the move. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with 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 90 days 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 moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You might choose to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the Texas DMV of your new address.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medicine.

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 necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. This insurance requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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