10 best long-distance moving companies in Annandale, VA

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

Hiring the right movers can help ease your concerns. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in Annandale.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. Keep in mind that some movers might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Annandale movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Annandale

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it challenging to select the right one for your move. Below, we have compiled some tips on how to find a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Annandale.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, asking about these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview 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 policies such as mandating that movers provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We advise seeking out quotes several months before your move. Reach out to multiple long-distance moving providers in Annandale and request detailed cost breakdowns. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others think about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Annandale also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reliable movers won't request the full payment upfront. If a mover has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. 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 find your moving company well in advance of your move date. We recommend scheduling your move at least 90 days ahead of time, or possibly earlier if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Put together a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Virginia 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 toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medications.

The night before your big move, remember 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 provide reimbursement if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is pricier but offers better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. If you choose this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

If you keep 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 typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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