3 best long-distance moving companies in Kearney, NE

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in a variety of ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've put together this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Kearney.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to consider. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic area 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 charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Although local movers 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 movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Kearney

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices may feel overwhelming. Below, we offer some tips on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Kearney.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, ask about the insurance options provided by your mover. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. 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: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Kearney several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several choices to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others have said about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to get a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, legitimate moving companies won't request the full payment before the move. Avoid movers that have a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough in advance. To ensure a smooth move, find your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

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

We also advise making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Nebraska DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a bag with items such as extra clothes, medications, and toothbrushes.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection costs more but provides greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. This option requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

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

Sources

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration