10 best long-distance moving companies in Cedar Rapids, IA

There are importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help lessen your issues. That’s why we’ve made this list of the best long-distance movers in Cedar Rapids to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so it's necessary to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Cedar Rapids movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 Cedar Rapids

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some guidance on how to pick a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Cedar Rapids.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar insurance options. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend asking for quotes several months before your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to get detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Cedar Rapids. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing options to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend looking into several choices to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what other customers think about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to book a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. Legitimate movers generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure an easy move, schedule your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially 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 probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Making a checklist of all the things that need to be done 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.

Pack necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, medicine, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your possessions are lost or damagedin the move.

All interstate movers are required to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, 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 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but gives you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less protection. This option requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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