10 best long-distance moving companies in Douglasville, GA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Hiring the right movers can help alleviate your problems. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've created this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Douglasville.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that some movers might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Douglasville movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. 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 Douglasville

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your move. Below, we have compiled some guidance on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Douglasville.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or similar options for long-distance moves inside one state. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. 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 give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Douglasville several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend researching several loans to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about particular long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies 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

Scheduling your moving company well before your move date is critical when planning a long-distance move. We advise booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise starting a month beforehand. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Georgia DMV.

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

The night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. While Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. With this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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