10 best long-distance moving companies in Melbourne, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Lessen your problems by picking the right moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've created this guide to the top long-distance movers in Melbourne.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers commonly set fees based on the time needed for your move. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Melbourne moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers 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 Melbourne

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. Below, we provide some guidance on how to find a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Melbourne.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves inside one state. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Melbourne several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several choices to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others think about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you cautious. Reliable moving companies generally shouldn't demand your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. We advise hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular 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 probably have sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the Florida DMV of your new address.

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, medicine, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. If you choose this plan, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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