10 best long-distance moving companies in Nampa, ID

There are several factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

The right moving company can help ease your concerns. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Nampa to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to note. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

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

Local Nampa moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. 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 Nampa

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Nampa, we've put together some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other insurance options. In addition to the insurance choices carried by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Nampa several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can help with cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others think about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a moving company. Nampa also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Reliable movers generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive 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

Hiring your moving company well before your move date is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you plan your move at least three months 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 specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your possessions are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any items 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 movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. This option requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged 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 when you move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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