10 best long-distance moving companies in Miami Beach, FL

There are a variety of importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help ease your problems. That’s why we’ve made this overview of the best long-distance movers in Miami Beach to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Miami Beach moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Using 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 Miami Beach

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for you. Here are some tips for finding a reliable long-distance mover in Miami Beach.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: 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 insurance options. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start asking for quotes several months before your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to get itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Miami Beach. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what previous clients say about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a moving company. Miami Beach also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you wary. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of poor 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 useful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough ahead of time. We recommend planning your move at least 90 days in advance, or even earlier if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

Pack a bag with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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