8 best long-distance moving companies in Richland, WA

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help ease your worries. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Richland.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving between states. Selecting 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 Richland

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Richland.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, inquiring about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. To better protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start getting estimates several months ahead of your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Richland. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing options to help you pay for your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several loans to make sure you get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others say about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Reputable moving companies generally won't request your complete payment before the move. If a mover has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about 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 find your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, find your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

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

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

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

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 reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection costs more but provides more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. This plan requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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