10 best long-distance moving companies in Birmingham, AL

There are factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving company can help relieve your challenges. That’s why we’ve made this list of the leading long-distance movers in Birmingham to help you, your family, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in many ways. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these jobs at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Birmingham moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Birmingham

Choosing the right long-distance moving company in Birmingham requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Birmingham, we've compiled some guidance 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. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to request itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Birmingham. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several loans to select 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 other online review websites. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• 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 more expensive to get a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Birmingham, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure an easy move, find your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before your big move, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less protection. With this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

Alabama Division of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration