10 best long-distance moving companies in Nashville, TN

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in important ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the best moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this overview of the top long-distance movers in Nashville.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when it comes to moving between states. Using a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Nashville

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for your move. Below, we offer some advice on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Nashville.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, ask about the options provided by your mover. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, 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. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Nashville several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend looking into several options to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Since Nashville is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reputable movers won't request the full payment upfront. If a moving company has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance 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.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Making a checklist of all the things that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Tennessee DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Pack necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medications, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll pay you back if any of your items are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it provides greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has less protection. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. 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