10 best long-distance moving companies in East Point, GA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in important ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

The right moving company can help lessen your challenges. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in East Point.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to note. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies typically set fees based on the time needed for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's important to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local East Point moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. Hiring a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 East Point

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a trustworthy long-distance mover in East Point.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in East Point several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others say about particular long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and costlier to get a moving company. Since East Point is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you book 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 unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also advise making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Georgia DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medications.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll reimburse you if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but offers more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. If you choose this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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