10 best long-distance moving companies in Winona, MN

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Ease your concerns by hiring the right movers for the job. We've put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in Winona so you, your family, and your possessions 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 generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Winona moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Winona

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Winona, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar options. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out quotes several months before your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to request itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Winona. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can with expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several options to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what other customers have said about particular long-distance moving companies. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to book a mover. Since Winona is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Additionally, reputable movers won't request the full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you book 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 or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the things that need to be done both 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.

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

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. This plan requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when 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