10 best long-distance moving companies in Leesburg, VA

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. 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 moving professionals can help relieve your worries. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in Leesburg.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly 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 significant fee to do so.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Leesburg moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Leesburg

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for your move. Below, we offer some recommendations on how to find a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Leesburg.

• 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. You can look into these or similar options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Leesburg several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have 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 cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to book a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your movers well before your move date is key when getting ready for a long-distance move. We recommend scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized 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. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

Making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Virginia DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

The night before moving day, remember to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection costs more but includes better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. With this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of 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