5 best long-distance moving companies in Wichita Falls, TX

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in many ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Wichita Falls to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in several ways. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Wichita Falls moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. 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 Wichita Falls

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for you. Below, we have compiled some guidance on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Wichita Falls.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, inquiring about these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. 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. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Wichita Falls several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend looking into several options to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others say about certain long-distance movers. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reliable moving companies won't request the full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your movers far enough in advance is essential when getting ready for a long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

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

Pack a bag with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medicine.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it provides greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are lost or damaged.

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

Sources

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