3 best long-distance moving companies in Ottumwa, IA

There are a range of factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Choosing the right movers can help alleviate your problems. We've created this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Ottumwa so you, your family, and your possessions make it to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers more often set fees based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Ottumwa moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location 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 relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Ottumwa

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Ottumwa.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Ottumwa several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend looking into several loans to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• 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 between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. Legitimate moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a mover has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, reserve your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Writing a checklist of all the tasks 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 a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medicine, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less protection. With this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. 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