10 best long-distance moving companies in Temple, TX

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in severalimportant ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Selecting the right movers can help alleviate your challenges. That’s why we’ve made this guide to the best long-distance movers in Temple to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it 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 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.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. 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.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 Temple

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Temple, we've put together some recommendations below.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other options. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start getting estimates several months before your move. Contact multiple long-distance moving providers in Temple and get itemized quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think 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 able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other customers think about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Temple, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you wary. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, book your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Texas DMV.

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll give you money back if any of your possessions are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have 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. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has less protection. This option requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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