10 best long-distance moving companies in Rock Hill, SC

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in many ways. When you're moving between states, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help relieve your issues. That’s why we’ve made this guide to the best long-distance movers in Rock Hill to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in many ways. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be more affordable), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Rock Hill

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for your needs. Here are some tips for finding a reliable long-distance mover in Rock Hill.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar options. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Rock Hill several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might 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 option to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a moving company. Rock Hill also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Reliable moving companies generally shouldn't ask for your complete 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 described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough ahead of time. We advise scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise getting started a month in advance. You probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, write a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the South Carolina DMV of your new address.

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

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has reduced coverage. This insurance requires your moving company 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 typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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