10 best long-distance moving companies in Fort Hood, TX

There are many factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves 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 moving professionals can help alleviate your issues. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Fort Hood.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in several ways. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to 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 establishing their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress 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 Fort Hood

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. Below, we have compiled some guidance on how to pick a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Fort Hood.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves within the same state. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Fort Hood several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to 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 previous customers think about certain long-distance movers. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to book a mover. Since Fort Hood is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a smooth move, hire your movers no less than three months before your move date, and possibly even more if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to have certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also advise making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Texas DMV.

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection costs more but offers better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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