10 best long-distance moving companies in Bailey's Crossroads, VA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in important ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Bailey's Crossroads to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in many ways. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies usually charge based on the length of time required for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their final cost, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Bailey's Crossroads moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably 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 Bailey's Crossroads

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Bailey's Crossroads requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and works within your budget. Below, we provide some guidance on how to find a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Bailey's Crossroads.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Bailey's Crossroads several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several loans to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask friends and loved ones 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 more expensive to hire a mover. Bailey's Crossroads also has a lot of college students living in the area, so 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 provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, reputable movers won't ask for the full payment upfront. If a moving company has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. To ensure a stress-free move, secure your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might choose to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Virginia DMV.

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

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but provides greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. With this plan, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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