10 best long-distance moving companies in Parkland, WA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in many ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help relieve your concerns. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Parkland to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in several ways. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. Some movers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their final cost, so it's important to check your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Hiring a long-distance mover 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Parkland

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate, trustworthy long-distance moving company in Parkland.

• 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. You can inquire about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Parkland several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing options to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong option to help with cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several choices to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients have said about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, 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. Parkland also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t ask for the full payment before the move. If a moving company 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 outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise booking your move at least three months in advance, or possibly earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise starting a month beforehand. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Making a checklist of all the things 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.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement 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 moving companies. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after 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