10 best long-distance moving companies in Leland, NC

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalsignificant ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about concerns such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving company can help alleviate your challenges. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top long-distance movers in Leland 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?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that area 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 charge based on the weight they're moving. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their final cost, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Leland

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to select the right one for your needs. See the list below for some tips on choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Leland.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, inquiring about these or similar options is a good idea. To better protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. 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. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to request detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Leland. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several loans to make sure you get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others think about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to get a moving company. Leland also has a lot of college students living in the area, so 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 mover that asks for your full payment before the move. Avoid movers that have a 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 book your moving company well before of your move date. We advise planning your move at least three months ahead of time, or possibly earlier if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

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

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

The night before your big move, don't forget to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll pay you back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it has less protection. This option requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over 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