10 best long-distance moving companies in Plainfield, IN

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

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this guide to the top long-distance movers in Plainfield.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers 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 moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Plainfield movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city 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 proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Plainfield

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices may be overwhelming. See the list below for some tips on choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Plainfield.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other insurance options. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Plainfield several months before your move and get 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, many moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can help with expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several choices to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what other customers think about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a moving company. Plainfield also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment upfront. If a mover 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

Securing your movers far enough in advance is key for a successful long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, secure 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.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than 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 Indiana DMV.

Pack a suitcase with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll give you money back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it has less coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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