10 best long-distance moving companies in Wheat Ridge, CO

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help ease your worries. We've compiled this overview of the best long-distance movers in Wheat Ridge so you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Wheat Ridge movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Wheat Ridge

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for you. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Wheat Ridge, we've put together some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, ask about the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to get detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Wheat Ridge. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several loans to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others think about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a mover. Wheat Ridge also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Legitimate moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has a long 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

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

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

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

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

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 since it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but includes greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has reduced coverage. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost during the move.

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 typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration