10 best long-distance moving companies in South Bend, IN

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

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve made this guide to the best long-distance movers in South Bend 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 movers only offer services within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these requests at all.

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

When faced with a long-distance 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 location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in South Bend

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. See the list below for some tips on picking a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in South Bend.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar insurance options. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We suggest looking for quotes several months before your move. Request itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in South Bend. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise looking into several options to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others have said about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a mover. South Bend 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: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Reliable movers generally won't request your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has a long history of negative 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

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days 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 more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the things that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Indiana DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Put together a bag with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medications.

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 vital because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to 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 movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. With this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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