10 best long-distance moving companies in Charleston, WV

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

Put your mind at ease by picking the best moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Charleston.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only do local moves. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Charleston moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. 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 Charleston

Choosing the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a reliable long-distance mover in Charleston.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance coverage carried by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We suggest looking for quotes several months before your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to get detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Charleston. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several options allows you to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous customers say about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. We suggest booking 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.

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

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

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medicine.

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

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 damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but offers greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less protection. With this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

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

Sources

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