10 best long-distance moving companies in Ponca City, OK

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in important ways. When you're moving between states, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Selecting the right movers can help relieve your worries. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Ponca City.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these requests at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving between states. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Ponca City

Finding the right long-distance moving company in Ponca City requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Ponca City, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other insurance options. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to supply clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We advise looking for quotes several months before your move. Contact several long-distance moving providers in Ponca City and ask for itemized quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong option to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what previous clients thought about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to book a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, reputable moving companies shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. Avoid movers that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your moving company far enough in advance is extremely important when preparing for a long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Oklahoma DMV.

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

The night before moving day, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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