10 best long-distance moving companies in Garner, NC

There are factors that differentiate 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 hiring the right moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the leading long-distance movers in Garner.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Garner moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Choosing a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Garner

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Garner, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• 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 customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months in advance to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to request itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Garner. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing options to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise looking into several loans to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other customers thought about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company. Since Garner is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. Reliable moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. Avoid moving companies with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well in advance of your move date. We suggest booking movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise starting a month beforehand. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the North Carolina DMV.

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

The night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less protection. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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