10 best long-distance moving companies in Spartanburg, SC

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

The right moving professionals can help ease your concerns. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Spartanburg.

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 moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such requests at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies 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 Spartanburg

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate long-distance moving company in Spartanburg.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Spartanburg several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing options. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend looking into several options 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 other platforms to learn what others say about particular long-distance movers. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Spartanburg, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Trustworthy moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise hiring movers at least 90 days 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 suggest getting started a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the South 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 extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medicine.

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 necessary for long-distance moves because it'll reimburse you if any of your items are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection is pricier but gives you better coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides reduced coverage. If you choose this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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