10 best long-distance moving companies in Oak Ridge, TN

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

Put your mind at ease by choosing the right movers for the job. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've compiled this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Oak Ridge.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to be aware of. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

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

Local Oak Ridge moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Oak Ridge

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of options can be overwhelming. Below, we provide some guidance on how to pick a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Oak Ridge.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, ask about the options provided by your mover. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Oak Ridge several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to find 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 have said about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't request the full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough in advance. To ensure an easy move, schedule 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.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the things that need to be done 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.

Put together necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is vital because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. With this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

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