8 best long-distance moving companies in La Crosse, WI

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help relieve your worries. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in La Crosse to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in a few ways. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. 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 charge based on the weight they're moving. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is invaluable. 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in La Crosse

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for you. Here are some tips for choosing a trustworthy long-distance moving company in La Crosse.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, looking into these or other options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in La Crosse. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several choices to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about specific long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to book a moving company. Since La Crosse is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has a history of poor 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

Hiring your movers well before your move date is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, secure your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both 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 putting together a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll give you money back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has less protection. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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