10 best long-distance moving companies in Portage, IN

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've created this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Portage.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Portage moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. 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 Portage

Choosing the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Portage, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, inquiring about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We suggest asking for quotes several months before your move. Get itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Portage. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several options to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous clients think about particular long-distance movers. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a moving company. Portage also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters 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 quotes. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough in advance. To ensure an easy move, book your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You might choose to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the Indiana DMV of your new address.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as medicine, toiletries, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, remember to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because 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 replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but offers better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. With this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

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

Sources

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