10 best long-distance moving companies in North Lynnwood, WA

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help ease your problems. We've created this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in North Lynnwood so you, your family, and your possessions get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in many ways. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers more often charge based on time. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local North Lynnwood moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in North Lynnwood

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in North Lynnwood, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in North Lynnwood several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several choices allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous customers thought about particular long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• 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 book a mover. Since North Lynnwood is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. Additionally, legitimate moving companies won't demand the full payment before the move. Steer clear of movers that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your moving company well before your move date is key for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, book your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and possibly even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise starting a month beforehand. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

We also advise making 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 essentials for the first few days of your move, such as extra clothes, medicine, and toothbrushes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has reduced coverage. If you choose this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep 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