10 best long-distance moving companies in Christiansburg, VA

Long-distance or interstate moves present unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving professionals can help alleviate your challenges. We've put together this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Christiansburg 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 different in many ways. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

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

Local Christiansburg moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when relocating to another state. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches 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 Christiansburg

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options can be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some recommendations on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Christiansburg.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar insurance options. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start asking for estimates several months before your move. Request itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Christiansburg. 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 plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help cover cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend looking into several choices to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous customers think about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Christiansburg also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a moving company has a long 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

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, book your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

Pack essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as medicine, extra clothes, and toiletries.

Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it provides better coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has reduced coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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