10 best long-distance moving companies in Maplewood, MN

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own 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 higher costs and complicated logistics.

Put your mind at ease by picking the right moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Maplewood.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in a few ways. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies more often charge based on how long a job takes. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Maplewood moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance movers 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 Maplewood

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options can be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some advice on how to pick a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Maplewood.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other insurance options. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Maplewood several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few 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 with cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a moving company. Since Maplewood is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. Additionally, legitimate movers shouldn’t request the full payment before the move. Steer clear of movers with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough in advance. We advise scheduling movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Making 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.

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 toiletries.

The night before your big move, remember to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. 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