Best Out Of State Movers Near Me
Published by Chris Townsend
Almost 10% of Americans move home each year. That’s over 31 million people, which sounds like a lot but is the lowest number since 1948 the Census Bureau started tracking moves. It’s less than half of the number during the 1960s. Still, over 3 million Americans made an interstate move last year.
Are you considering moving out of state? If so, you might be trying to find "out-of-state movers near me" to assist you with the relocation. A new move might be thrilling, but it can also be stressful, particularly if you have a lot of possessions to pack and move. Out-of-state haulers near you can help in this situation.
Most Popular States For Out Of State Moves
The most popular states to relocate to are these (according to the American Moving and Storage Association):
- Idaho
- Nevada
- Vermont
- Arizona
- Oregon
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Montana
- South Carolina
- Alabama
And the states they are abandoning? The same source points to this list:
- Illinois
- New Jersey
- West Virginia
- New York
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Connecticut
- Kansas
- Michigan
- California
Carrying your home and family can be intimidating if you join the great American migration. You may be moving out of state to a new area or back to a familiar, comfortable environment. Either way, there is much to do to get to that finish line and settle in.
Which Organizations Provide Out-of-State Hauling Services?
There are different types of moving companies. Some operate local shifting assistance, and some statewide and van lines operate interstate, regional, and national moves. Regarding out-of-state moves, you need to work with corporations with a federal license and a presence both in your current nation and the country you are transferring to. Here are the types of firms you can contact when moving out of state:
Long-distance Relocators
Although a long-distance moving services company can operate within a state, it can also undertake interstate shifting as long as they are licensed to operate out of state.
Interstate Haulers
As the name implies, they assist with state-to-state moves. Some global movers only ply some specific routes or operate in some parts of the US. You must first confirm if an international moving firm covers the state you are transferring to.
Cross Country Removalists
Cross-country shifters are the best fit for that kind of move if you make a long-distance move between different parts of the US. They can typically assist with relocating anywhere in the continental US. Some shifters like Three Movers are long-distance carriers and interstate and cross-country movers. These businesses have the experience, resources, and equipment for every interstate move. You can rest assured of a stress-free experience working with such companies.
Are out-of-state movers regulated?
Any interstate move that crosses over a country line (interstate) is subject to regulations made and enforced by the Department of Transportation as cross-country commerce. Within the DOT, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) supervises the industry and publishes guidance for brokers, consumers, and carriers out of state. All carriers must register with the FMCSA and advertise their DOT number. Registered movers near me out of the nation and brokers must provide the consumer with a copy of the FMCSA brochure, which outlines the rights of consumers when engaging a moving vendor. A critical requirement for interstate moves is a written estimate for every customer. If the customer is within 50 miles of the mover's business, the assessment must be based on a physical survey of the items included in the move unless the customer waives that requirement. Pro tip: don’t forgo the visual inspection—it’s essential. The FMCSA recommends that consumers avoid movers or brokers not registered with the FMCSA, refusing to perform the physical survey of the household, or requiring cash payments. FMCSA maintains a database that identifies registered companies and tracks information regarding safety history and customer complaints.
Top 8 Tips For Finding The Right Removalists
Consider your Budget
Before you do anything else, consider your moving budget. If your budget is tighter, you might not have all the options available. A complete shifting company will be the best option, while truck renting is usually the cheapest. A freight enterprise and a storage container agency will fall in the middle of the average price range.
Check the License and Insurance
You can use the FMCSA website protectyourmove.gov to check the U.S. DOT number for any transferring Agency. Any business providing solutions across state lines must have the proper U.S. DOT license and insurance. Make sure they offer what’s necessary and check to see if claims have been filed against the company in the past.
Do Your Research
Now that you have a list of some of the best out-of-state moving companies, it’s time to start digging. Use the to see if the company you are considering is certified. Research the company on Google, Facebook, and directories like Angie’s List and read the reviews to see if other customers were satisfied with the services offered. Make sure that the firms you are considering are licensed and legitimate.
Interstate relocators near you who travel across national lines must have a Department of Transportation number issued to them. You should be able to find this information easily on their website. When you find the number, go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website and check for their license, insurance coverage, safety records, and history of customer complaints.
Check for Public Reputation
Organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredit businesses and award grades representing their confidence that a business operates in a trustworthy manner. These grades show how likely a company is to resolve customer complaints proactively without coercion.
The BBB grade scale is from A+ – F. A+ is the highest score, and F is the lowest. The calculation of the BBB score is primarily based on customer-reported complaints that have been verified and evaluated by BBB. The accreditation and grading of BBB help customers decide on the best companies to work with. There are other sites like Yelp where you can also read reviews about the moving corporations on your list.
Look at the Better Business Bureau Website
The BBB will tell you whether a company has a good reputation. If a business has a solid rating with the BBB, you can trust it will likely provide good hauling solutions.
Know How to Spot Scams
When searching for an out-of-state moving firm, you want to know how to spot scams. While reading reviews and checking the BBB website can help, you should also know that any enterprise asking for a deposit of more than 20% of the total cost is likely a scam. Carrying the corporation out of the country will likely require a deposit, but it will be closer to 10% of the total cost than 20%.
Never pay a cash deposit, either. If you get scammed, it's best to use a credit card to dispute the charges.
Use these tips to ensure you can find the right shifting firm for your needs. There are plenty of options, and you want to ensure you get a company to serve your needs. Whether you want a full-service option ready to help with packing and loading or a corporation to handle the transportation, an out-of-state moving firm is prepared to help you.
Check for Team Profiles
When researching the best interstate carriers, also look at the people that comprise the team. Professional relocators will have members who specialize in different areas associated with moving, including experts in scheduling, insurance, local moves, long-distance moves, overseas moves, business relocations, etc. A company without a robust staff profile is probably just coming up.
Contact a Few Moving Companies
By now, you should have a narrowed list of professional movers you want to work with. The next step is to schedule an appointment with each of them and ask for quotes for your out-of-state move.
Ask for Referrals
Perhaps the easiest way to find a long-distance moving business you can trust is to ask your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors for recommendations. You can also use Facebook groups or forums to ask for recommendations. Be wary of posts that seem to praise a company too much.
If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Business organizations and government agencies also work with locomoting assistance, and they usually follow a strict vetting process before selecting cheap out-of-state relocators near you. If you get referrals from decision-makers in organizations and agencies about any relocating, the chances are high that such a company would be good.
How Do I Choose the Best Out of State Movers Near Me?
Finding a professional moving company for an out-of-state or long-distance move differs from picking a firm for a local move. Chances are you have moved locally, perhaps even more than once. But for a local move, you have more options and more control. You can watch and be there, and the process is shorter. If something gets left behind, it's pretty easy to go back for it. You could make several trips before the "big event," dropping off small items and staging for the final move day. With an out-of-state relocation, you will rely more on your moving company's skill and professionalism for the entire process, making the decision more meaningful.
Qualities of a Reputable Hauler
When looking for reputable out-of-state movers, here are some specific qualities you should look out for.
License and insurance coverage
As earlier mentioned, such companies should be registered with the FMCSA, comply with safety regulations and best practices, and have insurance coverage for their moves.
Standard Practice
Reputable out-of-state movers near you follow standard practices in the moving industry, such as home visitation or surveys, and provide free in-home estimates. They are also not expected to demand large sums of money as a deposit before the move is completed.
Willingness to Provide In-Home Estimates
If one or more companies claim they can give you an accurate estimate without physically examining your belongings first, that's a major red flag. While it's normal for shipment agencies to give you information about their rates via phone, a reputable moving company will provide a quote only after walking through your home and making an inventory of the items you need to move.
Transparent Pricing
Estimates should be based on your moving requirements, and every item and fee on the assessment should be clearly stated. The best out-of-state movers near you must explain and clarify their appraisals until you understand. Any ambiguity in the forecast, hidden fees, or unwillingness to explain can be a red flag.
Recognition and Endorsement
Experienced and reliable carriers would have received recognition or endorsement from organizations like the American Trucking Association and the Better Business Bureau.
Local Presence
While you don't need local movers for your out-of-state moves, you need to be sure that the interstate moving company you want to deal with has a local presence both in your current state and in the state you are repositioning to. With local presence, you can easily walk into their office to lodge complaints, and sometimes, you might need temporary storage before your new home is ready. It's better to get storage close to your new location than to move a long distance again when the home is prepared.
Client Testimonials and Customer Reviews
Check if the mover has a good track record with previous clients and customers. Check websites like Yelp and Nextdoor to see what people say about their service. When checking, don't just look at the ratings. Read the reviews and be discerning in identifying genuine reviews. Read recent and past reviews, and avoid a mover with too many recent bad reviews.
Responsive Customer Service Agents
A reputable mover will provide quality customer service, and one way to be sure about this is by observing how responsive its customer service agents are. Do you wait too long before your phone is answered, or do you have to make frequent phone calls before reaching them?
What Are the Different Kinds of Estimates?
There are three kinds of estimates from which to choose. A binding or not-to-exceed assessment assures the consumer that the moving prices will not increase. In the case of the not-to-exceed estimation, it could go down. In either case, the price could increase if items not on the inventory are presented for shipment or additional services are requested or necessary.
Binding Estimate
You must ensure the inventory is accurate if you have a binding estimate (which the company can charge a fee to provide). Anything not on the list yet included in the move will increase the price beyond the amount. Also, the price will increase if conditions at the destination require additional labor. Due to parking restrictions, such conditions include a steep driveway, unexpected stairs, or a requirement to shuttle the shipment from a distance.
Restraining Not-To-Exceed
Unplanned storage will result in additional labor charges and storage costs. If your estimate is binding and not to exceed, the delivery's weight is less than the forecast, and no services are added, your final price will be reduced. Ask for this estimation if you are downsizing but haven't completed your process at the walk-through.
Non-binding estimate
A non-binding estimate is still based on weight and must include an inventory of all items. The difference is that the long-distance mover providing the assessment offers an assessment based on experience, but you acknowledge that the final price will depend on the actual weight. This situation is where less-than-honest operators can seek advantage. If the lowest estimation attracts you without fully understanding the potential for an increase in the final cost, you may end up with a higher price. Vendor A calculates the weight at 7500 pounds and gives you a non-binding assessmentof $4500 (average cost for an interstate move). Vendor B assesses the weight as 5000 pounds and provides a non-binding estimate of $3000. That sounds like the way to go, but it may not be. Ask both vendors for an estimate based on the competition's weight value to compare apples to apples. That way, you will know what Vendor B will charge if the weight comes in at a higher amount, and it will be a fair comparison.
What Services Do Out-Of-State Shifters Provide?
The service you get from movers is often based on your request. Depending on what you want, movers can take care of the entire process or a part of your move. Here is a highlight of the services you can request when working with an out-of-state mover.
Packing Assistance?
You can ask each moving company to include a quote for packing and unpacking in your estimate. You may decide to add this service, and it's best to have the cost in writing. Also, check with each vendor whether they require you to use their packing services for any expensive or specialty items. You don't want to find out later that the damage isn't covered because you packed something alone.
Temporary Storage
If you are hauling out of state, it may happen that you can't get to your new location ahead of your belongings, or it may be that your new home is not ready yet. In this case, you will have to use temporary storage. Whether you request this service upfront or not, be sure that your long-distance dispatchers can provide temporary storage for eventualities.
Full-Service Carriers
Suppose your home is large or you have so many things to move. In that case, you may want to go for a full-service moving company where professional movers take care of the entire process, which includes the provision of packing and supplies, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading from the truck, and storage if required.
A Couple of Removalists
If you want to cut costs by handling some aspects of the move yourself, you can rent a moving container or truck and handle packing. However, if you need a couple of movers to help with loading and unloading, you can also get that service. You will only pay based on the number of carriers you are using, and you will also pay for their accommodation if the move will require spending the night.
How Do I Get Surveys And Estimates From Out Of State Shippers?
Move industry experts recommend that you have at least three estimates to compare. If you are moving your entire house full of furniture and boxes, the weight can be broad, depending on what you will move. If possible, do some sorting and downsizing before you call the long-distance movers providing full service out of state to give you calculations—there’s no sense in dragging stuff you don’t need. Packaging and unpacking are much easier if you dispose of unwanted items ahead of time. Once you are ready, invite your potential vendors to come and do a walk-through of the house or apartment and look at what is involved. Federal regulations require this step. Some cheap out-of-state relocators may suggest you skip the visual survey, but it’s a bad idea. They can't give you an accurate charge of the shipment's weight unless they look at what you carry. So, spend time reviewing the process, the inventories for thoroughness, and comparing the costs. Double-check that you are comparing apples to apples – binding or nonbinding estimates. As noted above, a nonbinding assessment is not a guaranteed price. If the mover underestimates the weight, you will pay more. If one quote is much lower than the others, you should be wary and ask why the weight is lower and how much of an increase you would pay if they were inaccurate. Also, compare prices for extra assistance like packing. The long-distance movers will quote an hourly rate for packing. They will add a fee for any items that need special preparation, such as furniture disassembly and reassembly at the destination. If you have artwork that requires unique crating or heavy objects like pianos, check that the charges for long-distance moving services are reasonable.
Do I Need Insurance for My Out-of-State?
Yes! The written estimate must also notify the two choices regarding insurance: the default option of the total replacement value of the items in the shipment (which the customer pays for) or the lesser amount of a valuation of $0.60 per pound. The mover provides the $0.60 per pound at no charge to you, but it is a payment of 60 cents per pound for whatever is broken or lost. This option would mean that your brand-new flat screen, which weighs 20 pounds, will be reimbursed at a value of $12.00, even if it is worth $1000. Consider this carefully since moving often results in losses. If you have something worth driving, it is worth insuring. The price of the full-value coverage insurance should be part of your evaluation of the bids. Remember that even with full replacement coverage, movers can limit their liability for items of extraordinary value unless they have been expressly noted in the shipping documents. Possessions valued at more than $100 per pound (jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques, oriental rugs, and similar items) should be highlighted in advance so they will be covered. Consider using a third-party provider for insurance if you have expensive or specialty items in your shipment. Ask your mover or insurance provider if they must be specially packed to protect the coverage.
How Much Does an Out-of-State Carriage Charge?
Out-of-state moves can be expensive and more costly if your home is large and you are moving far away from where you are. Home Advisor says the average cost of an out-of-state move is $4,557. You can budget between $4,000 and $10,000 or more for your move. It could be less if you move to neighboring states with a moderate home size.
Factors That Affect The Expenses
These are some of the factors that will affect the price of out-of-state moves:
Distance
The cost of out-of-state moves is higher because you must travel longer distances.
Impracticable Operations
Conditions that prohibit a moving company from completing loading or delivery with their standard equipment or that require additional labor. These terms are delineated in a moving company's tariff; movers may add them to the final invoice.
High-Value Articles
High-value articles that need extra attention will increase the cost of the move.
Inventory
A list of goods included in the move. This list is the basis for the weight estimate. The inventory should be compiled based on a physical survey of the household items designated to move.
Line-Haul Charges
The transportation portion of the moving bill makes up the total bill, which is also comprised of the accessorial charges. An extra fee is applied when a mover carries goods a long distance from a residence to the moving truck or vice versa. The applicable length and the charge are identified on the tariff.
Peak Season Rates
Quotes for moves requested during high demand times for moving companies are higher. The peak season for moving is during the summer.
Full-Value Protection Insurance
You have to pay extra for full coverage.
Additional Services
Additional services like packing, storage, loading/unloading, and furniture assembly/disassembly will cost extra.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Carry out of State?
When moving out of state, everyone wants to avoid the high costs and look for cheaper alternatives. However, care has to be taken to avoid falling into the hands of inexperienced movers, scammers, or people with shady practices. You can prevent high out-of-state movers costs when dealing with professional haulers. Some of them are highlighted below:
Reduce Loading
The amount of load and distance drive moving costs primarily. While you can't change the distance, you can reduce the loading. The amount of loads you are moving is totally within your control. So, what can you do to reduce your loads?
- Sell off some items for cash.
- Give items to family and friends.
- Donate items to charity.
- Trash irrelevant items
Pack Moving Boxes Yourself
If you have grown kids or other family members who can help, you can handle the packing aspect of the move and save money. Also, rather than purchasing packing supplies such as moving boxes, look for ways to get them for free.
Schedule Your Move Rightly
Don't schedule your long-distance move during peak periods, such as holidays or peak days like weekends. Most movers advise scheduling the move between late September and April, and of course, on weekdays to save cost.
Contact Early Enough
Start talking to movers for an in-home estimate at least two months before your planned move date and strike a deal with a mover four to six weeks before your move. Also, allow the relocators some flexibility about your actual move date; this can earn you discounted rates for your move.
Get Free Estimates From Three Movers
Regarding the cheapest moving company out of state, We are one of the most experienced and trusted relocation companies. We have professional relocators nationwide, and we provide all services that your move may require, including full-service packing and provision of packing supplies, loading and unloading temporary storage, and shifters. Our team is well-trained to handle all your moving requests professionally, and getting the job done nicely and to your satisfaction is our top priority. Contact us online or at (888) 202-0036 for a no-commitment quote or more information about what we do.
What Are the Steps to Move Out of the State?
It can be thrilling and stressful to relocate to a new or out of state. There are different steps to the success of state moves, such as starting a moving plan early, researching your new location, finding a new place to live, notifying relevant parties of your activity, Changing your address, making a list of everything you need to do, pack up your belongings, arrange for transportation, set up utilities and other services, and Take some time to explore your new surroundings and make yourself at home in your new location.
How Long Does it Take to Move Out of the State?
The distance you are relocating, the number of belongings you have, and the amount of support you have with the move all affect how long it takes to relocate out of state. You can relocate in a single day if you move a short distance and only have a few items. The relocation, though, can take several days, maybe even a week or more, if you’re going a long way and have a lot of stuff.
How Do I Find Reliable Out of State Movers Near Me?
There are several ways to find out-of-state movers near you, such as asking for a recommendation, Checking online reviews of moving companies, Requesting estimates for your move, Asking about their experience, Considering the services they offer, and not being afraid to negotiate.