10 best long-distance moving companies in Iowa City, IA

There are a variety of importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help ease your challenges. We've made this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Iowa City so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to keep in mind. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

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. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so it's important to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Iowa City

Choosing the right long-distance moving company in Iowa City requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. Here are some tips for finding a reliable long-distance mover in Iowa City.

• 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. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices carried by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start collecting estimates several months before your move. Ask for itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Iowa City. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• 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 cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several options to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other clients thought about certain long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Iowa City, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Reputable moving companies generally won't request your complete payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of poor 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 useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you plan your move at least three months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might choose to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Iowa DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medications.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you less protection. With this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of 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