10 best long-distance moving companies in Bowling Green, KY

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Alleviate your issues by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve created this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Bowling Green to help you, your family, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in many ways. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers more often set fees based on time. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Bowling Green

Choosing the right long-distance moving company in Bowling Green requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. See the list below for some tips on finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Bowling Green.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Bowling Green several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help with cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous customers have said about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends 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 to move. This can make it harder and costlier to book a mover. Bowling Green also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, trustworthy movers shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important tip for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a stress-free move, find your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

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

We also recommend making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Kentucky DMV.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, medications, 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

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less coverage. If you choose this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

Kentucky Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration