10 best long-distance moving companies in Shoreline, WA

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

Put your mind at ease by selecting the right moving professionals for the job. We've created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Shoreline so you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. 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.

Local Shoreline movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. 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 Shoreline

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your move. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Shoreline, we've put together some advice below.

• 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. You can ask about these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend asking for quotes several months before your move. Ask for itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Shoreline. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about particular 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: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to hire a mover. Since Shoreline is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding estimates. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least three months in advance. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the things that need to be done 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.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medications.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

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.

All interstate movers have to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but offers more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. If you choose this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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