10 best long-distance moving companies in Brambleton, VA

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help alleviate your challenges. We've created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Brambleton so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to note. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies typically charge based on the time required for your move. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's important to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Brambleton moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches 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 Brambleton

Choosing the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Brambleton, we've gathered some advice below.

• 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. You can look into these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, 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 companies in Brambleton several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said 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: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to book a mover. Since Brambleton is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of bad 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

Hiring your moving company well before your move date is extremely important when getting ready for a long-distance move. We recommend booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

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

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

The night before your big move, remember to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, 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. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides reduced coverage. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this typically 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