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

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalimportant ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help relieve your problems. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in North Miami Beach.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's key to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in North Miami Beach

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy long-distance mover in North Miami Beach.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in North Miami Beach several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several loans to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others say about particular long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Since North Miami Beach 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: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, reliable moving companies won't ask for the full payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your moving company well before your move date is critical when getting ready for a long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, schedule your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest starting a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks 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 suitcase with items such as toothbrushes, medications, and extra clothes.

Finally, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it provides more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. With this plan, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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