10 best long-distance moving companies in Eau Claire, WI

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've created this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Eau Claire.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to consider. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Eau Claire moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, especially when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Eau Claire

Choosing the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Eau Claire, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We suggest seeking out quotes several months before your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Eau Claire. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several options to make sure you get 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 other customers think about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• 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. Eau Claire also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Additionally, trustworthy movers shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. If a mover has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great piece of advice for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

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

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings 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 movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you reduced coverage. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration