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

There are a range of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help lessen your concerns. That’s why we’ve made this list of the best long-distance movers in Deerfield Beach to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Deerfield Beach movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Deerfield Beach

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Deerfield Beach, we've collected some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, inquiring about these or similar options is a good idea. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Deerfield Beach several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can with expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about specific long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Deerfield Beach, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. Additionally, legitimate movers shouldn’t demand the full payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. We suggest scheduling movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

We also recommend making a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you reduced coverage. If you choose this option, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you 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