10 best long-distance moving companies in Prairieville, LA

There are many factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right movers can help lessen your worries. We've put together this overview of the best long-distance movers in Prairieville so you, your family, and your possessions get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only do local moves. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies usually charge based on the length of time needed for your move. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when establishing their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when it comes to moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Prairieville

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Prairieville, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or similar insurance options. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, 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. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Prairieville several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about specific long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to get a moving company. Prairieville also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, book your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend getting started a month beforehand. When it comes to fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's 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 Louisiana DMV.

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

The night before your big move, don't forget to get a full 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.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide 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. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but offers more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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