10 best long-distance moving companies in Ankeny, IA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalimportant ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in Ankeny to help you, your family, and your possessions arrive 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 some key differences to note. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such requests at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with an interstate 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 city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance movers 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 Ankeny

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Ankeny, we've put together some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: 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 insurance options. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start requesting quotes several months ahead of your move. Reach out to multiple long-distance moving providers in Ankeny and request itemized cost breakdowns. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others think about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Since Ankeny is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• 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 won't request your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of movers with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. We recommend planning your move at least 90 days in advance, or even earlier if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Iowa DMV.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toothbrushes, medicine, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

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 possessions are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it provides greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

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

Sources

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