10 best long-distance moving companies in Altamonte Springs, FL

There are importantfactors that distinguish 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 such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help ease your challenges. We've created this list of the top long-distance movers in Altamonte Springs so you, your family, and your belongings arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in many ways. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Altamonte Springs moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Altamonte Springs

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of options can be overwhelming. Below, we provide some advice on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Altamonte Springs.

• 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 customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other options. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail 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 taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Altamonte Springs several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help with cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for 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 other platforms to learn what others say about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a mover. Altamonte Springs also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you wary. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also advise making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

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

The night before your big move, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll provide reimbursement if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, 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 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. This option 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 when you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, 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