10 best long-distance moving companies in West Des Moines, IA

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with concerns such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Hiring the right movers can help lessen your concerns. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in West Des Moines.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers often set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies typically charge based on the length of time required for your move. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when calculating their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local West Des Moines 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. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in West Des Moines

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for picking a trustworthy long-distance moving company in West Des Moines.

• 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. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or other options is a good idea. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance coverage 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 give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in West Des Moines several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several options to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about specific long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. West Des Moines also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. If a moving company has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your moving company well before your move date is essential for a successful long-distance move. We recommend planning your move at least three months in advance, or possibly earlier if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to have certain items, 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 all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the Iowa DMV of your new address.

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

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. This plan requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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