10 best long-distance moving companies in Oshkosh, WI

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalimportant ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Hiring the right movers can help relieve your problems. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Oshkosh.

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 often only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on time. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving between states. Selecting a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Oshkosh

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can be overwhelming. See the list below for some guidance on choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Oshkosh.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices carried by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We recommend seeking out quotes several months ahead of your move. Ask for itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Oshkosh. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. 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 help with your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about specific long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company. Oshkosh also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Reliable moving companies generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure an easy move, secure your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend starting a month beforehand. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Write a list of all the tasks that need to be done 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 toothbrushes, medications, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, remember to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it has less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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