10 best long-distance moving companies in Tumwater, WA

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by picking the right moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the top long-distance movers in Tumwater.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only do local moves. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these requests at all.

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Tumwater moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Tumwater

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy long-distance moving company in Tumwater.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Tumwater several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several choices to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous customers say about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to get a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. Additionally, trustworthy movers shouldn’t ask for the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your movers far enough ahead of time is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, secure your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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