10 best long-distance moving companies in Brandon, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in important ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help ease your problems. That’s why we’ve compiled this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Brandon to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Brandon moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers 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 Brandon

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may be overwhelming. Below, we offer some guidance on how to pick a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Brandon.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, ask about the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Brandon several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others say about specific long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• 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 costlier to get a moving company. Since Brandon 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 "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Trustworthy moving companies generally shouldn't demand your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough in advance. We recommend booking your move at least 90 days in advance, or even earlier if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we recommend starting a month ahead of time. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Write a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, medicine, and extra clothes.

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 pay you back if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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