10 best long-distance moving companies in Waukesha, WI

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve put together this overview of the top long-distance movers in Waukesha to help you, your family, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in many ways. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate 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 moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Waukesha

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Waukesha, we've collected some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, ask about the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified mover. 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: Start collecting quotes several months before your move. Request detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Waukesha. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several options to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others think about specific long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Waukesha also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Trustworthy movers generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies with a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. We recommend booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving 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 artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the Wisconsin DMV of your new address.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as medications, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

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. While this usually 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