10 best long-distance moving companies in Council Bluffs, IA

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. We've put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Council Bluffs so you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to keep in mind. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Council Bluffs movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. 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 Council Bluffs

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate long-distance mover in Council Bluffs.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, inquire about the insurance options provided by your mover. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Council Bluffs several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise looking into several loans to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other clients have said about specific long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Council Bluffs, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

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. We recommend hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we suggest starting a month in advance. When it comes to fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

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

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as toiletries, medications, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less coverage. If you choose this plan, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. 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