10 best long-distance moving companies in Florida Ridge, FL

There are several factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help alleviate your issues. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Florida Ridge.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in several ways. Local movers often only offer services 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 movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. However, some providers use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to talk to 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 location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Florida Ridge

Choosing the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Florida Ridge.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, getting 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: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Florida Ridge several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several loans to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to book a mover. Since Florida Ridge 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: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. Reliable moving companies generally shouldn't demand your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of poor 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

Hiring your moving company far enough ahead of time is extremely important when preparing for a long-distance move. We advise scheduling your move at least 90 days in advance, or possibly earlier if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might choose to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

Put together a bag with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but gives you better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. With this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

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