10 best long-distance moving companies in Danville, VA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalimportant ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Choosing the right movers can help ease your concerns. That’s why we’ve made this list of the leading long-distance movers in Danville to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only offer local moves. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Danville

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options may feel overwhelming. Below, we provide some recommendations on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Danville.

• 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. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified company. 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: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Danville. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing options to help you afford your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several choices to make sure you pick 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 neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to book a moving company.
• 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 moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of poor 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

Finding your movers far enough ahead of time is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. We suggest hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we suggest starting a month in advance. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

Make a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Virginia DMV.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medications.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but includes greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less protection. With this option, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

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

Sources

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