10 best long-distance moving companies in Bonney Lake, WA

There are factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Alleviate your worries by picking the right movers for the job. We've put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Bonney Lake so you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Bonney Lake moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Bonney Lake

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it challenging to select the right one for your move. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Bonney Lake, we've put together 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar options. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified mover. 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: Start requesting quotes several months ahead of your move. Get itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Bonney Lake. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend researching several loans to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others think about certain long-distance movers. Friends and relatives 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 costlier to get a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Bonney Lake, the beginning and end of the summer 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. Reputable moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend booking your move at least three months in advance, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Put together a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Washington DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a bag with items such as toothbrushes, medications, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll give you money back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it offers more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. If you choose this plan, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

Washington State Department of Licensing U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration