8 best long-distance moving companies in Terre Haute, IN

Long-distance or interstate moves present unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help ease your problems. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Terre Haute.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only offer 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 an exorbitant rate to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Terre Haute moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Choosing 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 Terre Haute

Finding the right long-distance moving company in Terre Haute requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Terre Haute, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or similar options. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start asking for estimates several months ahead of your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to request detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Terre Haute. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong option to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to get a moving company. Since Terre Haute is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year 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. Reliable movers generally shouldn't demand your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise scheduling your move at least three months in advance, or even earlier if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend getting started a month beforehand. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done 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 extra clothes, medications, and toothbrushes.

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll pay you back if any of your possessions are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but includes more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it provides less protection. If you choose this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you 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