10 best long-distance moving companies in Layton, UT

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help alleviate your challenges. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top long-distance movers in Layton to help you, your family, and your possessions make it 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 some key differences to note. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such requests at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies more often set fees based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Layton moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely 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 Layton

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on picking a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Layton.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: 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. To better protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Layton. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have 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 choice to help pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several loans to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others say about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Trustworthy movers generally won't request your complete payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your movers well before your move date is essential when preparing for a long-distance move. It's best if you plan your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend starting a month beforehand. You probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Utah DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medications.

Lastly, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

Utah Division of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration