10 best long-distance moving companies in Chalmette, LA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique 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 concerns such as how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best movers for the job. That’s why we’ve made this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Chalmette to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive 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 some key differences to keep in mind. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such requests at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Chalmette

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for your move. Below, we offer some recommendations on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Chalmette.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar insurance options. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We suggest seeking out quotes several months before your move. Get itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Chalmette. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend researching several loans to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other customers have said about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to book a moving company. Chalmette also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reputable moving companies generally won't request your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of bad 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

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough in advance. We advise scheduling your move at least three months ahead of time, or even earlier if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Put together necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as medicine, toiletries, and extra clothes.

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is critical because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. This option requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

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