10 best long-distance moving companies in Kent, WA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Kent.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in several ways. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers usually charge based on the time required for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's important to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Kent movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Hiring a long-distance moving company 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 Kent

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a reliable long-distance mover in Kent.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or similar options is a good idea. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start collecting quotes several months before your move. Ask for detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Kent. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing plans. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend researching several loans to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other customers thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your friends 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 mover. Because there are so many college students living in Kent, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• 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 moving companies won't ask for the full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both 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 bag with items such as extra clothes, medicine, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Lastly, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it has less coverage. With this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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