10 best long-distance moving companies in Muscatine, IA

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right movers can help alleviate your challenges. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Muscatine to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's necessary to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Muscatine moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies 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 Muscatine

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options can be overwhelming. See the list below for some tips on picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Muscatine.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance options offered 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 plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Get detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Muscatine. Confirm that these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can help cover expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• 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 more expensive to book a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you wary. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your moving company well before your move date is extremely important when preparing for a long-distance move. We advise scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest getting started a month in advance. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the Iowa DMV of your new address.

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

The night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides reduced 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 when you move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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