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

There are a variety of factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

The right movers can help relieve your worries. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the top long-distance movers in Fort Pierce.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to consider. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies commonly charge based on the time needed for your move. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Fort Pierce moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when relocating to another state. These 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 stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Fort Pierce

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate, reliable long-distance mover in Fort Pierce.

• 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. For long-distance moves inside one state, inquiring about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance plans 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 mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Fort Pierce several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can help cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other customers have said about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Fort Pierce also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you book 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 four weeks in advance. When it comes to fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics 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, prepare a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the Florida DMV of your new address.

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

Finally, make sure to get enough rest the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less protection. This option requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

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. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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