10 best long-distance moving companies in Meridian, ID

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

Lessen your worries by choosing the best moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Meridian.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to keep in mind. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers typically set fees based on the time required for your move. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Meridian moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Meridian

Finding the right long-distance moving company in Meridian requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. See the list below for some tips on choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Meridian.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided 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 serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable mover. 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: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to ask for detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Meridian. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you choose 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 certain long-distance moving companies. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Meridian, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. Additionally, legitimate moving companies shouldn’t ask for the full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive 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

Scheduling your moving company well before your move date is critical for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to have certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Idaho DMV.

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection costs more but includes better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. If you choose this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Idaho Transportation Department U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration