10 best long-distance moving companies in Stockbridge, GA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help lessen your problems. We've compiled this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Stockbridge so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

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

Local Stockbridge moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Stockbridge

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Stockbridge.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we suggest purchasing 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: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start getting quotes several months before your move. Get in touch with several long-distance moving providers in Stockbridge and ask for itemized quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help cover cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several options to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous clients say about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. We advise hiring movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend getting started a month in advance. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable 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, prepare a detailed list of all the necessary tasks 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 packing a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, medicine, and toiletries.

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get a full 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 possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less coverage. If you choose this option, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are damaged or lost.

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