10 best long-distance moving companies in Janesville, WI

There are many importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with concerns like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help alleviate your worries. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Janesville.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to be aware of. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies usually set fees based on the length of time required for your move. Some movers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their final cost, so it's key to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Janesville moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. 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 Janesville

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to select the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Janesville, we've compiled some advice 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 similar options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To better protect your possessions during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We recommend seeking out quotes several months ahead of your move. Get detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Janesville. Confirm that these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong option to help with cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other customers have said about particular long-distance movers. Friends and family 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 get 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 estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reliable movers won't demand the full payment before the move. Avoid movers that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your moving company well before your move date is critical for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise getting started a month beforehand. You might choose to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

We also advise making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, 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 packing a bag with items such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medications.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is vital, as 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. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. With this plan, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, 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