10 best long-distance moving companies in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help alleviate your challenges. That’s why we’ve made this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Fort Lauderdale to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Fort Lauderdale moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when relocating to another state. 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 Fort Lauderdale

Finding the right long-distance moving company in Fort Lauderdale requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. See the list below for some recommendations on choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Fort Lauderdale.

• 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 insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to supply clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Fort Lauderdale several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include 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 plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help with expenses. Ask 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 pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about particular long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, 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 moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Fort Lauderdale, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you wary. Additionally, trustworthy movers shouldn’t ask for the full payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good tip for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Write a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include tasks 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 suitcase with items such as extra clothes, medicine, and toothbrushes.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides less protection. If you choose this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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