10 best movers in South Bend, Indiana

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of Indiana. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the South Bend area.

Long-distance movers in South Bend

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. Hiring a moving company with the necessary federal licensing is especially important if you're moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

The experienced long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

GET ESTIMATE

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

GET ESTIMATE

3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

Moving within or out of South Bend is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in South Bend is above 58.4% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are many factors involved. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Fuel
• Professional labor
• Supplies
• Storage
• Junk removal
• Packing

These extra considerations can cause your total cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, fragile or oversized. These items commonly are more expensive to move:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Safes
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Pianos

When deciding between movers, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s customary if your movers handled your belongings with care or reduced the stress of your move. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as inclement weather, a lack of supplies, transportation emergencies and traffic. These can add to your moving costs and prolong your timeline. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can save you money on moving in South Bend.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting a quote from the movers.

Small items may not be an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, affordable movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to save some money and still get your preferred moving company.

Most people schedule moves between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, consider moving outside of those months, as there may be lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap mover that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

While you can move yourself, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system required for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can cost less, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in South Bend

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers handle every part of the moving process for you. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are usually only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're arranging an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Indiana are also required to have a license from the Indiana Department of Revenue.

How does moving insurance work?

See what insurance policies your movers provide. Every moving company will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving high-worth goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months between May and September is optimal time to move, leading to less availability of movers and boosted costs for moves both sizable and small. Understandably, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to avoid a winter move, too, as Indiana's icy conditions and snowy weather are less than ideal conditions for a move.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Most moving companies place limits on insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, keep those possessions with you.

There are certain goods and materials that moving companies aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

• Fertilizers
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Perishable foods and produce
• Plants
• Batteries
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Fuel sources
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Aerosols

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.