Best Long Distance Moving Companies in the U.S. 2023

Are you planning a long-distance move? If you answered yes, then you most likely have a few questions about conducting the move. What exactly constitutes a long-distance move? Is it a move of 100 miles, 500 miles, or more than 1,000 miles?

For learning about long-distance moving tips, let us assume a long-distance move covers at least 500 miles.

If this is the first time you are moving long distance or you are making a long-distance move for the fifth time, here are a few long-distance moving tips that will make your move a little easier to take.

Be Prepared

The long-standing Boy Scout motto is especially relevant for long-distance moves. After all, a long-distance move represents one of life’s significant events. We recommend deciding on a moving company around three months before you plan to perform your long-distance move. Put together a to-do list that follows a logical sequence. For example, you have to decide on what to take with you, before you pack your stuff for a long-distance move.

Select the Right Long-Distance Mover

Here is a mantra you should follow: Not all movers provide the same quality of services. Some moving companies should be crossed off your list because they have little if any long-distance moving experience. You want to consider movers that specialize in performing long-distance moves. Research into moving companies should include visits to customer review sites such as Yelp and Google. You should also review the Better Business Bureau (BBB) web page dedicated to each of the movers on your shortlist. Only consider movers that have received the highly coveted A+ rating from the BBB.

Useful: Here's a list of top out-of-state moving companies in the U.S.

The Less Stuff, the Better

Moving companies base their cost estimates primarily on the weight of the cargo they are responsible for moving. Before you pack the first suitcase or place your things into a sturdy moving box, you should decide on which items you can afford to leave behind. For a long-distance move, it is an excellent time to determine if you need to buy new appliances, which you can do in the town where you plan to move. Downsizing your stuff can involve holding a yard sale and/or donating some of your stuff to a charitable organization.

Request an In-home Moving Estimate

We offer an online moving cost estimate tool to help you get an idea about how much a long-distance move will cost. You can use the tool as a source for comparing the cost estimate provided by a moving company. An in-house moving estimate involves a representative from the moving company coming to your home to conduct a visual inventory of all of the stuff you want to move. Ask for a non-binding to exceed moving estimate, which sets a fixed rate for a long-distance move that is the price quoted for your in-home moving estimate.

Beware the Fine Print

Before you agree to the price estimate of a long-distance move, the company responsible for the long-distance move will want you to sign a contract. Many moving contracts contain complex language that can lead to additional charges you did not anticipate having to pay. For instance, a long-distance mover might tuck a hidden fee for additional time and travel miles, which can happen because of unforeseen road closures and/or weather-related issues. Take the time necessary to read the entire proposed moving contract to ensure you are not saddled with hidden fees.

Label Every Box

This is probably a no-brainer, but you might be surprised to learn a large number of homeowners that do not label moving boxes. The most effective way to label your stuff is just that: Slapping a label on each box to help you find your things quickly. Simply writing on a box is not an effective method for labeling your stuff, as the ink tends to disappear over time slowly.

Move When It is Not Busy

We are just not talking about road and highway traffic. We are also talking about foot traffic at truck rental stores. Between Memorial Day and Labor is when the most moves are made, especially long-distance movers that require several days off from work. Not only does a move performed in the offseason makes logistical sense, but it also should save you money because of the lower demand for long-distance moving company services.

Protect Your Stuff and Your Rights

Performing a long-distance move is such an important life vent that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established a long list of rules, and responsibilities movers must follow. The comprehensive booklet not only details what long-distance moving companies must do, but the booklet also educates you about your responsibilities when conducting a long-distance move. You will need to assess the value of your stuff to come up with an accurate amount of money for insurance. Under federal law, moving companies must cover the cost of lost or damaged customer possessions.

Plan Your Route

By using the most advanced technology, moving companies can create the ideal route for moving your stuff. However, you should perform the same task by deciding the best way to get to your new home. You have to factor in the time of day you will pass through major cities, as well as detect where the potential backups will occur because of road and highway construction. Many long-distance moves span multiple days, which means you need to plan for lodging and places where you can take a break by grabbing a bite to eat.

Finally, make sure you spend some time in the new city where you will call home. Ride around the neighborhood and even introduce yourself to your new neighbors. If you have children, you will need to enroll them in school. Note the points of interest that make your new city shine. Above all, make sure your new home is move-in ready when the time comes to perform a long-distance move.

Are you planning to move anytime soon? Just fill out a form on our homepage and get quotes from these reputable long-distance moving companies. At www.9kilo.com we offer nothing but the best for our clients.