10 best long-distance moving companies in Pascagoula, MS

There are several factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best movers for the job. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Pascagoula 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 be aware of. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, 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 ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Pascagoula movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches 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 Pascagoula

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for you. Below, we provide some advice on how to find a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Pascagoula.

• 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 clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start asking for quotes several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to request itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in Pascagoula. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several choices to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other clients think about particular long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a mover has a long 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 useful tip for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a smooth move, schedule your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also important to make 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.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medicine, toiletries, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, remember to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. With this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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