6 best long-distance moving companies in Moses Lake, WA

There are several importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help ease your issues. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've compiled this guide to the best long-distance movers in Moses Lake.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers usually set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers commonly charge based on the time needed for your move. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Moses Lake moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Using a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical 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 Moses Lake

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for you. Below, we provide some guidance on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Moses Lake.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, inquire about the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance coverage offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to supply a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend looking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Request itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in Moses Lake. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the 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 pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others say about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• 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 costlier to hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of movers with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. We recommend scheduling your move at least 90 days ahead of time, or possibly earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also a good idea to make 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.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your items are lost or damagedin the move.

All interstate movers need to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection costs more but offers more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. This plan requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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