10 best long-distance moving companies in Elkhart, IN

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Elkhart.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Some movers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's important to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Elkhart moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when relocating to another state. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Elkhart

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate long-distance mover in Elkhart.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or other options is a good idea. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail 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 movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Elkhart several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several options allows you to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a mover. Since Elkhart is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, legitimate movers shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative 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

Reserving your moving company far enough in advance is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, find your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

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

It's also a good idea 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 Indiana DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, medicine, and toothbrushes.

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you reduced coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration