10 best long-distance moving companies in Johnson City, TN

There are many factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. We've put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Johnson City so you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in several ways. Local movers often only offer services 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 set fees based on the weight they're moving. However, some providers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Johnson City moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress 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 Johnson City

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. Below, we provide some recommendations on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Johnson City.

• 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 clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar options for long-distance moves inside one state. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Johnson City several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing options to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients thought about specific long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for 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 for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to hire a moving company. Johnson City 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: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reliable movers generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment before the move. Avoid movers with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with 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 secure your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you plan your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also advise making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Tennessee 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 a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll give you money back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection is pricier but offers more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. With this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Tennessee Department of Driver's Services U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration