10 best long-distance moving companies in New Smyrna Beach, FL

There are a variety of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help alleviate your challenges. That’s why we’ve created this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in New Smyrna Beach to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to consider. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it 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 set fees based on the weight they're moving. Some movers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's key to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local New Smyrna Beach moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location 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 New Smyrna Beach

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some tips on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in New Smyrna Beach.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other options. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in New Smyrna Beach several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing options. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other clients have said about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a moving company. Since New Smyrna Beach is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days beforehand. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

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

Put together a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. This insurance requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you move. 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