7 best long-distance moving companies in Alamogordo, NM

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Choosing the right movers can help alleviate your problems. We've created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Alamogordo so you, your family, and your belongings get 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 several key differences to keep in mind. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that area 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 based on how long a job takes. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's necessary to check your provider's pricing structure.

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

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Alamogordo

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Alamogordo, we've collected some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Alamogordo several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans 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 option to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other clients thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. 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 costlier to get a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Legitimate moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a mover has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. We recommend planning your move at least 90 days beforehand, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise starting a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

Finally, on 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. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but includes better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. This option requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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