10 best long-distance moving companies in Rio Rancho, NM

There are several importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving professionals can help ease your problems. We've created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Rio Rancho so you, your family, and your belongings make it to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only do local moves. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's key to check your provider's pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when it comes to moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Rio Rancho

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your move. See the list below for some recommendations on finding a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Rio Rancho.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or similar insurance options. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend seeking out quotes several months ahead of your move. Get in touch with several long-distance moving providers in Rio Rancho and ask for itemized cost breakdowns. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help cover cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest researching several choices to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others think about certain long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to book a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding estimates. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest starting a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the New Mexico DMV of your new address.

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

Lastly, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is critical 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. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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