10 best long-distance moving companies in Vancouver, WA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in important ways. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help ease your problems. We've made this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Vancouver so you, your family, and your belongings arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to keep in mind. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

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

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

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide range of options can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Vancouver, we've collected some advice below.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance coverage carried by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Contact several long-distance moving providers in Vancouver and ask for itemized quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several loans to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Friends and relatives 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 get a moving company. Vancouver also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Additionally, trustworthy movers won't request the full payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. We recommend scheduling movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Washington DMV.

Put together a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medications.

The night before your move, make sure you 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.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you reduced coverage. This insurance requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. This usually 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