10 best long-distance moving companies in Oak Ridge, FL

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

Hiring the right moving professionals can help relieve your challenges. We've put together this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Oak Ridge so you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in many ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers usually charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies usually set fees based on the time needed for your move. Keep in mind that some moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. Using 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 stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Oak Ridge

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Oak Ridge, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar options. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Oak Ridge several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs 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 have financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others think about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and costlier to book a mover. Oak Ridge also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, reliable movers won't demand the full payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough in advance. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, write a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the Florida DMV of your new address.

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medications, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but includes more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has reduced coverage. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration