10 best long-distance moving companies in Santa Fe, NM

There are many importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help relieve your challenges. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the leading long-distance movers in Santa Fe.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in many ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Santa Fe

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate, reliable long-distance moving company in Santa Fe.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar options. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and 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 give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Santa Fe several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Ensure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest researching several options to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what previous clients think about certain long-distance moving companies. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reputable movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good tip for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise getting started a month ahead of time. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Making a checklist of all the things that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the New Mexico DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but gives you better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides reduced coverage. This insurance requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your 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