10 best long-distance moving companies in Provo, UT

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in severalimportant ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. We've put together this list of the leading long-distance movers in Provo so you, your loved ones, and your possessions get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to consider. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate 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. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Provo moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Hiring a long-distance moving company 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Provo

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Provo, we've collected some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, ask about the insurance options provided by your mover. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices 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 complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Provo several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others say about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Provo also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reputable moving companies generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. Avoid movers that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, secure your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

To stay organized, write a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the Utah DMV of your new address.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

Utah Division of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration