10 best long-distance moving companies in Ardmore, OK

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

Hiring the right movers can help ease your concerns. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've compiled this overview of the best long-distance movers in Ardmore.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies more often set fees based on time. Keep in mind that some movers might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Ardmore moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches 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 Ardmore

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. Below, we have compiled some guidance on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Ardmore.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Reach out to multiple long-distance moving providers in Ardmore and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing options to help you afford your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several options allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other clients have said about particular 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 more expensive to hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. Reputable moving companies generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of negative 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 key 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 beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest starting a month beforehand. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Oklahoma DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it provides more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less protection. With this insurance, your moving company 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 carry over the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Oklahoma Department of Public Safety U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration