10 best long-distance moving companies in Kennesaw, GA

There are a range of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help alleviate your problems. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Kennesaw to help you, your family, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers typically set fees based on the length of time needed for your move. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their final cost, so it's key to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. 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 Kennesaw

When you're selecting a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Kennesaw, we've put together some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other insurance options. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance plans 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 company. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Kennesaw several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others think about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Kennesaw, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Avoid movers that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good tip for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we suggest starting a month beforehand. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Put together essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medicine.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers 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 greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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