10 best long-distance moving companies in Daytona Beach, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in several ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right moving company can help lessen your issues. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've created this list of the top long-distance movers in Daytona Beach.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that some moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Daytona Beach moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Daytona Beach

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices may be overwhelming. Below, we provide some tips on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Daytona Beach.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out quotes several months ahead of your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to get detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Daytona Beach. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several options to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• 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 book a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Daytona Beach, 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 suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has a history of poor 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

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, secure your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and possibly even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest getting started a month ahead of time. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the Florida DMV of your new address.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medications.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This typically 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