6 best long-distance moving companies in Bismarck, ND

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Selecting the right movers can help ease your problems. That’s why we’ve created this overview of the best long-distance movers in Bismarck to help you, your family, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in a few ways. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Bismarck

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for you. Below, we provide some advice on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Bismarck.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, look into the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Bismarck several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other customers say about particular long-distance movers. Neighbors and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• 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: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Trustworthy moving companies generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies with an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

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, hire your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might choose to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, write a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the North Dakota DMV of your new address.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as toiletries, medications, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. With this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

North Dakota Department of Transportation U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration