10 best long-distance moving companies in Elizabethtown, KY

There are many factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may encounter higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the best movers for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've put together this overview of the best long-distance movers in Elizabethtown.

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

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies usually set fees based on the time required for your move. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Elizabethtown moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Choosing a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 Elizabethtown

Picking the right long-distance moving company in Elizabethtown requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Elizabethtown, we've compiled some advice below.

• 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 ask about these or similar options for long-distance moves inside one state. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend seeking out quotes several months before your move. Ask for itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Elizabethtown. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others have said about particular long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Legitimate moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough in advance. We advise booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to have certain items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Create a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Kentucky DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

The night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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