10 best long-distance moving companies in Oak Harbor, WA

Long-distance or interstate moves present unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help relieve your worries. We've made this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Oak Harbor so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers usually set fees based on the length of time required for your move. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's important to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Oak Harbor

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to select the right one for your move. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate, trustworthy long-distance mover in Oak Harbor.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar options. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We recommend looking for quotes several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to ask for detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Oak Harbor. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend looking into several loans to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't demand the full payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure an easy move, find your movers no less than three months 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 yourself, we advise getting started a month ahead of time. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Washington DMV.

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

The night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your possessions are lost or damaged.

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

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your 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