10 best long-distance moving companies in Fayetteville, AR

There are a variety of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help relieve your worries. We've created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Fayetteville so you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in a few ways. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so it's necessary to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Fayetteville movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Hiring a long-distance mover 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 Fayetteville

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate, reliable long-distance mover in Fayetteville.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or other options is a good idea. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Fayetteville several months before your move and get 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, many moving companies have financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help cover expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other customers thought about certain long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to book a mover. Since Fayetteville is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reliable movers generally won't request your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. We suggest planning your move at least 90 days in advance, or possibly earlier if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Arkansas DMV.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medications, toiletries, and extra clothes.

Finally, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to 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. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but provides more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides less protection. With this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration