6 best long-distance moving companies in Texarkana, AR

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Ease your worries by choosing the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve put together this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Texarkana to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies commonly charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers typically set fees based on the length of time required for your move. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Texarkana

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Texarkana, we've collected some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We suggest seeking out quotes several months ahead of your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Texarkana. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing options to help you afford your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what previous clients think about particular long-distance movers. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, trustworthy movers won't demand the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your moving company far enough ahead of time is extremely important when getting ready for a long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, schedule your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

Creating a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Arkansas DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a bag with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medications.

The night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. While Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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