7 best long-distance moving companies in Owensboro, KY

There are importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help ease your challenges. We've put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Owensboro so you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Owensboro movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Hiring 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Owensboro

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Owensboro, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer 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 look into these or other options. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Owensboro several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can help with cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask friends and family 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 hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Avoid movers with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your movers well before your move date is key when getting ready for a long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least three months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Writing a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Kentucky DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll pay you back if any of your items are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items 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 comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you less protection. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. While this usually 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