10 best long-distance moving companies in Boca Raton, 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 higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the right movers for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Boca Raton.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in several ways. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's necessary to check your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is indispensable. Choosing 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Boca Raton

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Boca Raton, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: 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 insurance options. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed discussion 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 company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Boca Raton several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend looking into several loans to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other customers thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Boca Raton also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you wary. Additionally, reliable movers shouldn’t demand the full payment upfront. Steer clear of movers with an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough in advance. We advise planning your move at least three months beforehand, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, medications, and toothbrushes.

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 a necessity, as it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers are required to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it provides reduced coverage. With this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

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