10 best long-distance moving companies in Alafaya, FL

There are a variety of factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

The right movers can help relieve your challenges. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Alafaya.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in many ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Alafaya

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. See the list below for some advice on finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Alafaya.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, inquiring about these or other options is a good idea. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Alafaya several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend looking into several loans to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what previous clients think about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends 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 Alafaya is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. Additionally, legitimate movers shouldn’t request the full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your movers far enough ahead of time is extremely important when getting ready for a long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, hire your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

Put together a suitcase with necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, medications, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

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

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.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has reduced coverage. This plan requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration