10 best long-distance moving companies in Golden Gate, FL

There are factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Choosing the right movers can help relieve your issues. That’s why we’ve created this overview of the best long-distance movers in Golden Gate to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to note. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies commonly set fees based on the length of time required for your move. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Golden Gate moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Golden Gate

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for your needs. See the list below for some advice on choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Golden Gate.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Golden Gate several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing options to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what other customers think about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your moving company far enough in advance is critical when getting ready for a long-distance move. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as medicine, extra clothes, and toothbrushes.

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it provides reduced coverage. This option requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy 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