10 best long-distance moving companies in New Brighton, MN

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in several ways. When you're moving between states, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Ease your issues by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. We've made this overview of the leading long-distance movers in New Brighton so you, your family, and your belongings make it to your new home safely.

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 keep in mind. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. 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.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in New Brighton

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in New Brighton, we've put together some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in New Brighton several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include costs 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. 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 help with your move. We recommend researching several options to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other clients think about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. New Brighton also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of negative 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

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well before of your move date. We suggest booking your move at least three months beforehand, or even earlier if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Create a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks 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 putting together a suitcase with items such as medications, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this option, your movers will pay 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. 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