10 best long-distance moving companies in Cape Coral, FL

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

Put your mind at ease by picking the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the leading long-distance movers in Cape Coral to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

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

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. 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 handling interstate moves is indispensable. 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 Cape Coral

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Cape Coral, we've put together some advice below.

• 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 clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, asking about these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance coverage offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance plans 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 company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start collecting estimates several months before your move. Request detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Cape Coral. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help cover cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise looking into several choices 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 other platforms to learn what other clients think about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and costlier to book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Cape Coral, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding estimates. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

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

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest getting started a month in advance. You might choose to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, medications, and extra clothes.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

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.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. 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