10 best long-distance moving companies in Apopka, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Alleviate your worries by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. We've made this list of the top long-distance movers in Apopka so you, your family, and your possessions get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these jobs at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Apopka moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Apopka

Choosing the right long-distance moving company in Apopka requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. Below, we provide some tips on how to pick a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Apopka.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or other options is a good idea. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start asking for quotes several months before your move. Ask for itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Apopka. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• 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 take out a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several choices to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Apopka also has a lot of college students living in the area, so 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 wary. Reliable movers generally shouldn't demand your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough in advance. To ensure an easy move, hire your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the Florida DMV of your new address.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

The night before moving day, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less protection. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

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

Sources

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