10 best long-distance moving companies in Franklin, WI

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

Put your mind at ease by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in Franklin.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in several ways. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these requests at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's key to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Franklin movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Franklin

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Franklin.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We suggest asking for quotes several months before your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to get itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Franklin. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend researching several choices to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others say about particular long-distance movers. Friends and loved ones 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. Since Franklin is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you cautious. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your movers well before your move date is critical when planning a long-distance move. We suggest planning your move at least three months in advance, or even earlier if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Put together a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Wisconsin DMV.

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide 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. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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