10 best long-distance moving companies in Ames, IA

Long-distance or interstate moves present unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

The right movers can help alleviate your problems. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this overview of the top long-distance movers in Ames.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. However, some providers use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. 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 Ames

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options may feel overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some advice on how to pick a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Ames.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Ames several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can help with cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several loans to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous customers have said about specific long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to get a mover. Since Ames is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. Additionally, reputable movers won't request the full payment upfront. If a moving company 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

A great tip for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a smooth move, secure your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest starting a month ahead of time. You might choose to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before your big move, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but offers better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less coverage. With this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

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

Sources

Iowa Department of Transportation U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration