9 Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Lubbock, TX (2024)

There are a range of importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Lessen your concerns by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. We've created this guide to the top long-distance movers in Lubbock so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Lubbock 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. Using a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Lubbock

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate, reliable long-distance moving company in Lubbock.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other insurance options. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers 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 publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Lubbock. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others have said about certain long-distance movers. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. Additionally, reputable moving companies won't demand the full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise scheduling your move at least three months in advance, or possibly earlier if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise starting a month ahead of time. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as electronics 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 before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Texas DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Pack essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medications, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it provides greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this option, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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

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