10 best long-distance moving companies in Prior Lake, MN

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in many ways. When you're moving between states, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. We've compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Prior Lake so you, your family, and your possessions make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers more often charge based on how long a job takes. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Prior Lake 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. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Prior Lake

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options can be overwhelming. Below, we provide some advice on how to pick a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Prior Lake.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or other options is a good idea. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion 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 reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Get itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Prior Lake. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several options to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others think about certain long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Prior Lake 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: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. Avoid movers that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days ahead of time. 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.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise getting started a month in advance. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the Minnesota DMV of your new address.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medicine, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll reimburse you if any of your items are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement 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. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it provides more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you 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