10 best long-distance moving companies in Macon–Bibb County, GA

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

Picking the right moving professionals can help alleviate your concerns. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in Macon–Bibb County to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to keep in mind. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Macon–Bibb County moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Macon–Bibb County

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of options may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Macon–Bibb County, we've collected some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Macon–Bibb County 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 additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several options allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to book a mover. Macon–Bibb County also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reliable movers won't ask for the full payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, hire your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Putting together a checklist of all the things that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Georgia DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies 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 more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy during your move. This usually 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