10 best long-distance moving companies in Salt Lake City, UT

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the best movers for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Salt Lake City.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to note. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their final cost, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance 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 less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance movers 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 Salt Lake City

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for you. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Salt Lake City, we've collected some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy 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 estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Salt Lake City several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several options to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what previous clients have said about specific long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Salt Lake City, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive history of negative 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 useful tip for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough in advance. We suggest booking movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest getting started a month ahead of time. You probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before your big move, remember to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is critical because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. With this option, 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 partially cover 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

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