10 best long-distance moving companies in Ives Estates, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Choosing the right movers can help relieve your challenges. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Ives Estates.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic area and often 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 set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers typically charge based on the time required for your move. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Ives Estates 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. Long-distance moving 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Ives Estates

Finding the right long-distance moving company in Ives Estates requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Ives Estates, we've put together 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start requesting quotes several months before your move. Contact several long-distance moving providers in Ives Estates and request itemized cost breakdowns. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several loans allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about certain long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Ives Estates also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

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

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to have certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs 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 putting together a bag with items such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medications.

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has less protection. If you choose this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, 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