10 best long-distance moving companies in Cincinnati, OH

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in important ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with concerns such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the right movers for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've compiled this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Cincinnati.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to consider. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies commonly set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers commonly charge based on the time required for your move. Keep in mind that some moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Cincinnati moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Choosing a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Cincinnati

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. Below, we provide some advice on how to pick a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Cincinnati.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. To better protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Reach out to multiple long-distance moving providers in Cincinnati and get detailed cost breakdowns. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to get a mover. Cincinnati also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Legitimate movers generally won't ask for your complete payment upfront. Avoid movers that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your moving company well before your move date is critical for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, schedule your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend starting a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, write a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the Ohio DMV of your new address.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as toothbrushes, 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

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration