10 best long-distance moving companies in Greenwood, SC

There are factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help relieve your problems. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Greenwood.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. 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 Greenwood

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate, reliable long-distance moving company in Greenwood.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, ask about the insurance options provided by your mover. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Greenwood several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help with expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest researching several choices to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous customers say about certain long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and family 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 get a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Greenwood, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• 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 upfront. Avoid moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, secure your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the South Carolina DMV.

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

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll provide reimbursement if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it provides greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. This option requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost 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. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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