10 best long-distance moving companies in Carrollwood, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Picking the right moving professionals can help ease your concerns. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've compiled this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Carrollwood.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to consider. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies commonly charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies often charge based on the length of time required for your move. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

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 knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Carrollwood

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of options may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Carrollwood, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other insurance options. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Carrollwood several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest researching several options to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a moving company. Carrollwood also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your moving company far enough ahead of time is key when planning a long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest getting started a month in advance. You probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Write a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a bag with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medicine.

Finally, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers need to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, 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 per pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you less protection. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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