10 best long-distance moving companies in Burien, WA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalsignificant ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help relieve your issues. That’s why we’ve created this overview of the best long-distance movers in Burien to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it safely to your new home.

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 be aware of. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Burien moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Burien

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Burien requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Burien, we've compiled some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: 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. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start collecting estimates several months ahead of your move. Get detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Burien. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several options allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Burien, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. Trustworthy movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of negative 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

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

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a suitcase with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. This option requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This typically 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