10 best long-distance moving companies in Mercer Island, WA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about concerns like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Put your mind at ease by picking the best movers for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Mercer Island.

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 offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. 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 charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Mercer Island moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Mercer Island

Choosing the right long-distance moving company in Mercer Island requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. See the list below for some tips on finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Mercer Island.

• 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. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or similar options is a good idea. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We suggest seeking out quotes several months before your move. Get detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Mercer Island. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• 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 cover cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous customers think about particular long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to hire a mover. Mercer Island also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of poor 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

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

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we suggest getting started a month ahead of time. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Putting together 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.

Put together a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medicine.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it provides better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. With this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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