10 best long-distance moving companies in Dale City, VA

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

Alleviate your issues by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. We've created this overview of the top long-distance movers in Dale City so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in many ways. Local movers only work within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers more often charge based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Dale City 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. Using a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Dale City

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for you. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Dale City, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, inquire about the options provided by your mover. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We advise looking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Get itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in Dale City. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others think about particular long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• 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 get a moving company. Dale City also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, legitimate movers won't demand the full payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

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

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to have certain items, such as artwork 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 before and after your move. The list should include tasks 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 moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you reduced coverage. This insurance requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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