10 best long-distance moving companies in Alexandria, VA

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

Selecting the right movers can help ease your concerns. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've compiled this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Alexandria.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

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

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when moving between states. 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 Alexandria

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide range of options can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Alexandria, we've put together some guidance below.

• 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. For long-distance moves within the same state, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Alexandria several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you select 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 other clients say about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to book a mover. Alexandria also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, reliable moving companies won't ask for the full payment upfront. Avoid movers that have a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well before of your move date. We advise scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we advise getting started a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before your big move, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings 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 it will ultimately get you more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has less protection. With this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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