4 best long-distance moving companies in Moscow, ID

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Put your mind at ease by picking the right moving professionals for the job. We've compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in Moscow so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home safely.

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 usually only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Moscow moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies 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 Moscow

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for your move. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Moscow, we've put together some recommendations below.

• 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. You can look into these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options 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 qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Moscow several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help with expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several loans to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other customers have said about specific long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Moscow also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a moving company has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, secure your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest starting a month in advance. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs 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 putting together a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, medicine, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you reduced coverage. This option requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

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

Sources

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