10 best long-distance moving companies in Memphis, TN

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

Picking the right movers can help alleviate your problems. We've made this guide to the best long-distance movers in Memphis so you, your loved ones, and your possessions get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to such jobs at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers usually charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers often set fees based on the time needed for your move. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance movers 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 Memphis

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for your move. See the list below for some recommendations on choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Memphis.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, inquiring about these or other options is a good idea. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Memphis several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help with cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest researching several loans to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what previous clients think about particular long-distance moving companies. 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 hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Since Memphis 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” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Reliable movers generally won't request your complete payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. We suggest booking movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, medicine, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of 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.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you reduced coverage. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

Tennessee Department of Driver's Services U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration