10 best long-distance moving companies in Champlin, MN

There are a range of importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues such as how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Ease your problems by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve made this overview of the best long-distance movers in Champlin to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Champlin moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Champlin

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Champlin.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other options. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Champlin several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that 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. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others say about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Champlin, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your moving company well before your move date is critical for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, reserve your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

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

Putting together a checklist of all the things that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Minnesota DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

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 mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has reduced coverage. If you choose this plan, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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