10 best long-distance moving companies in Columbia Heights, MN

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help alleviate your issues. We've made this guide to the top long-distance movers in Columbia Heights so you, your family, and your belongings arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to note. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers more often charge based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that some moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Columbia Heights moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. 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 Columbia Heights

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Columbia Heights.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves within the same state. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Columbia Heights several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing plans. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to book a moving company. Since Columbia Heights is home to so many college students, June and August 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. Trustworthy moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well before of your move date. We advise booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You might choose to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Make a list of all the tasks that need 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 medicine, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

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

Sources

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