10 best long-distance moving companies in Morristown, TN

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in significant ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the right moving professionals for the job. We've made this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Morristown so you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in several ways. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies typically charge based on the length of time needed for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so it's key to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Morristown moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Morristown

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Morristown, we've collected some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, ask about the insurance options provided by your mover. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start requesting quotes several months before your move. Get itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Morristown. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional 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. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several choices to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what other clients have said about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. If a mover has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your movers far enough ahead of time is key when preparing for a long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, find your movers no less than three months before your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the Tennessee DMV of your new address.

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

The night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because 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. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are damaged or lost.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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