10 best long-distance moving companies in Savannah, GA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalimportant ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Ease your worries by choosing the right moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the leading long-distance movers in Savannah.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Savannah 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. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical 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 Savannah

Picking the right long-distance mover in Savannah requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. Below, we provide some recommendations on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Savannah.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or other options for long-distance moves inside one state. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start collecting quotes several months before your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Savannah. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans 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 lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what other clients have said about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Savannah, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reliable movers won't request the full payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your movers far enough in advance is essential when planning a long-distance move. We suggest hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the Georgia DMV of your new address.

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides 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 after you move, it may cover some of your belongings 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