10 best long-distance moving companies in Gary, IN

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in many ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve created this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Gary to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get 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 some key differences to consider. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers commonly charge based on the length of time required for your move. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. Hiring a long-distance moving company 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Gary

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your move. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Gary, we've collected some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: 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. In addition to the insurance choices carried by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Gary several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can help with expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Gary also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of poor 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

A valuable tip for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. To ensure a smooth move, hire your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend getting started a month in advance. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, 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 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 of your move, such as toiletries, medicine, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. This plan requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items 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 checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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