10 best long-distance moving companies in Laplace, LA

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help ease your concerns. We've compiled this guide to the best long-distance movers in Laplace so you, your loved ones, and your belongings 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 a few key differences to note. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these requests at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Keep in mind that some moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate 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 knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves can't be beaten. Hiring a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Laplace

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your needs. Below, we have compiled some tips on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Laplace.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Ask for itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Laplace. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several options to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other customers say about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a moving company has a long 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 key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. We recommend booking your move at least three months ahead of time, or even earlier if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we advise getting started a month in advance. You might choose to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has reduced coverage. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration