10 best long-distance moving companies in Blaine, MN

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in many ways. When you're moving between states, you may encounter higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the right movers for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Blaine.

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 movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these requests at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Blaine

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your needs. See the list below for some advice on finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Blaine.

• 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. You can look into these or similar options for long-distance moves within the same state. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Get detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Blaine. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what previous customers have said about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Blaine also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, legitimate movers won't demand the full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of 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 hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, hire your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might choose to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

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

Sources

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration