10 best long-distance moving companies in Lehigh Acres, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Ease your problems by picking the best movers for the job. We've made this guide to the best long-distance movers in Lehigh Acres so you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in a few ways. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Lehigh Acres moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. These companies are more likely to have the relevant 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 Lehigh Acres

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices may feel overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some recommendations on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Lehigh Acres.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with 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 similar options. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Get itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Lehigh Acres. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several options to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other customers thought about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to get a moving company. Since Lehigh Acres is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. Additionally, reliable movers shouldn’t ask for the full payment upfront. If a moving company has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

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

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we advise starting a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

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