10 best long-distance moving companies in Chamblee, GA

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Ease your concerns by hiring the right movers for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've created this overview of the best long-distance movers in Chamblee.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in many ways. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers commonly set fees based on the length of time needed for your move. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Chamblee moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Chamblee

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a reliable long-distance mover in Chamblee.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start requesting estimates several months ahead of your move. Request detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Chamblee. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several options to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to get a moving company. Chamblee also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. Additionally, legitimate moving companies won't demand the full payment upfront. Avoid movers 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 key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that 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 probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as toiletries, medicine, and extra clothes.

Lastly, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement 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 moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. If you choose this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Georgia Department of Revenue U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration