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

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help ease your problems. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Miami Gardens.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. However, some providers use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Miami Gardens movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Miami Gardens

Finding the right long-distance mover in Miami Gardens requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. Below, we provide some recommendations on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Miami Gardens.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Request detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Miami Gardens. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several options allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what other clients think about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Since Miami Gardens is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, legitimate movers shouldn’t request the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough in advance. We advise planning your move at least three months beforehand, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks 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 suitcase with items such as toiletries, extra clothes, and medications.

The night before your big move, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

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

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, 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