9 best long-distance moving companies in Clinton, IA

There are several factors that distinguish 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 like how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help ease your issues. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've compiled this list of the top long-distance movers in Clinton.

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 be aware of. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

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

Local Clinton moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress 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 Clinton

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for your move. Here are some tips for choosing a reliable long-distance mover in Clinton.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: 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. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance options 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 publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Clinton several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what previous customers have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your moving company far enough ahead of time is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, find your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the Iowa DMV of your new address.

Pack a bag with necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medicine, extra clothes, and toiletries.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is a necessity since it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection is more expensive but offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you reduced coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings 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. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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