10 best long-distance moving companies in South Fulton, GA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalsignificant ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right moving professionals can help alleviate your issues. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in South Fulton.

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 consider. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these requests at all.

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their final cost, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies 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 South Fulton

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in South Fulton, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other options. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in South Fulton several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what previous clients think about certain long-distance movers. Neighbors and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Since South Fulton is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Reputable movers generally won't ask for your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

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. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend getting started a month beforehand. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep 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.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, medicine, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is key because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it provides reduced coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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