4 best long-distance moving companies in Madison, MS

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Picking the right moving professionals can help alleviate your challenges. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Madison.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their final cost, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Madison moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Madison

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate long-distance moving company in Madison.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Madison several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what other clients say about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Madison also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't request the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of negative 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

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough in advance. We suggest scheduling your move at least 90 days beforehand, or even earlier if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Pack a bag with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

Lastly, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has reduced coverage. If you choose this plan, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions 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

Mississippi Department of Public Safety U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration