10 best long-distance moving companies in St. Louis Park, MN

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in several ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help relieve your problems. We've made this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in St. Louis Park so you, your loved ones, and your possessions get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in a few ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that some movers might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local St. Louis Park moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Choosing a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in St. Louis Park

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for your move. Below, we offer some recommendations on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in St. Louis Park.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in St. Louis Park several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing options. 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. We recommend looking into several choices to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• 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. Because there are so many college students living in St. Louis Park, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. Steer clear of movers that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well in advance of your move date. We recommend booking your move at least 90 days in advance, or possibly earlier if you need more specialized 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 prefer to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable possessions, 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 both before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Minnesota DMV.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has reduced coverage. This plan requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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