10 best long-distance moving companies in Oakton, VA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Ease your problems by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Oakton.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies more often charge based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Oakton 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 stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Oakton

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to select the right one for your needs. Below, we have compiled some tips on how to pick a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Oakton.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or similar insurance options. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Oakton several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing options to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other customers think about particular long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a mover. Oakton also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Avoid moving companies with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. We advise hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest getting started a month in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also recommend making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Virginia DMV.

Pack essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as toiletries, medicine, and extra clothes.

Finally, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

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 mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less protection. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. This typically 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