10 best long-distance moving companies in Baton Rouge, LA

There are factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Alleviate your issues by picking the best movers for the job. That’s why we’ve compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Baton Rouge to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it safely to your new home.

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 keep in mind. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers commonly set fees based on the time required for your move. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Baton Rouge movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Baton Rouge

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it difficult to select the right one for you. Below, we have compiled some tips on how to find a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Baton Rouge.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, inquire about the insurance options provided by your mover. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend asking for quotes several months before your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Baton Rouge. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can with cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what other clients have said about specific long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors 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 for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Baton Rouge, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Trustworthy movers generally won't demand your complete payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your movers well before your move date is extremely important when getting ready for a long-distance move. We suggest booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a bag with items such as medications, extra clothes, and toiletries.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration