10 best long-distance moving companies in Chapel Hill, NC

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Alleviate your worries by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best long-distance movers in Chapel Hill 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?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. Local movers only work within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to such requests at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Chapel Hill moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when relocating to another state. These companies 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Chapel Hill

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some tips on picking a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Chapel Hill.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. To fully protect your possessions 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 explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start getting estimates several months before your move. Get detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Chapel Hill. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest researching several options to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to book a moving company. Since Chapel Hill is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year 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. Trustworthy moving companies 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. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your moving company far enough ahead of time is critical for a successful long-distance move. We suggest scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving 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 probably have sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the North Carolina DMV.

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

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it provides less protection. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

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

Sources

North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration