10 best long-distance moving companies in Olive Branch, MS

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Choosing the right movers can help ease your challenges. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Olive Branch.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Olive Branch moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Olive Branch

Finding the right long-distance mover in Olive Branch requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Olive Branch, we've gathered some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar options. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Get in touch with several long-distance moving providers in Olive Branch and ask for detailed cost breakdowns. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others think about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Since Olive Branch is home to so many college students, 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 "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of poor 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

Securing your movers well before your move date is critical when preparing for a long-distance move. We recommend booking your move at least 90 days beforehand, or possibly earlier if you need more specialized 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. You might choose to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the Mississippi DMV of your new address.

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. 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