10 best long-distance moving companies in Edina, MN

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Alleviate your concerns by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Edina.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to be aware of. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. However, some providers use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Edina movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Choosing a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Edina

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for you. Below, we provide some guidance on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Edina.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or similar options for long-distance moves inside one state. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance 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 complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out quotes several months ahead of your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to get itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Edina. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others say about certain long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Edina also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. Additionally, legitimate movers won't request the full payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you plan your move at least three months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Writing a checklist of all the things that need to be done 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.

Put together a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as medicine, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

Finally, make sure to get enough rest the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you less protection. If you choose this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are lost or damaged.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This usually 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