10 best long-distance moving companies in Cave Spring, VA

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by picking the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Cave Spring to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to be aware of. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers more often set fees based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Cave Spring moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies 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 Cave Spring

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Cave Spring, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also recommend getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Request itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Cave Spring. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help with expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several options to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others have said about specific long-distance movers. Neighbors and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to get a mover. Since Cave Spring is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. Trustworthy moving companies generally won't request your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of bad 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

An important tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a stress-free move, reserve your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the Virginia DMV of your new address.

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

The night before moving day, remember to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some movers might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less coverage. If you choose this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are lost or damaged.

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

Sources

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