10 best long-distance moving companies in Bloomingdale, FL

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

Selecting the right moving professionals can help alleviate your challenges. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the best long-distance movers in Bloomingdale.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to keep in mind. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these requests at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies more often charge based on time. However, some providers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Bloomingdale movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. 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 Bloomingdale

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate, reliable long-distance mover in Bloomingdale.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Bloomingdale several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing plans. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend looking into several choices to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and costlier to hire a mover. Since Bloomingdale is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. If a mover has a history of bad 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

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we advise starting a month in advance. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

Put together a bag with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medications, toiletries, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but includes better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it has less protection. With this option, your moving company will compensate 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. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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