4 best long-distance moving companies in Missoula, MT

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them 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.

The right moving company can help alleviate your concerns. We've created this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Missoula 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?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to be aware of. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's key to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Missoula moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Selecting 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Missoula

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your needs. Here are some tips for picking a reliable long-distance moving company in Missoula.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance coverage carried 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 coverage 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 publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We recommend seeking out quotes several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to get detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Missoula. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several loans to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. Reputable movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. If a mover has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance of your move date. We suggest hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

We also recommend making a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Montana 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.

Finally, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll reimburse you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you reduced coverage. With this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration