10 best long-distance moving companies in Hoover, AL

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in significant ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with concerns such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Alleviate your issues by selecting the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Hoover to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to consider. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Hoover moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, especially when moving between states. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Hoover

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your move. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Hoover, we've collected some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, asking about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies 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 reputable mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start collecting quotes several months ahead of your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to get itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Hoover. Confirm that these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing options. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others think about particular long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Hoover also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you cautious. Additionally, legitimate moving companies won't request the full payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great tip for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days beforehand. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique 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 keep certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Alabama DMV.

Pack necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as medications, extra clothes, and toiletries.

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings 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. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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