10 best long-distance moving companies in Renton, WA

There are many factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've created this overview of the top long-distance movers in Renton.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these requests 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 are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies 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 Renton

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of options can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate long-distance mover in Renton.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Get itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Renton. Ensure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several loans to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what other clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Since Renton is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year 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 prices. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. 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 described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's 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.

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

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is key, as it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

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. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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