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

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalsignificant ways. When you're moving between states, you may be dealing with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Alleviate your worries by choosing the best moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've put together this overview of the best long-distance movers in North Miami.

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 keep in mind. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local North Miami moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. 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 North Miami

Finding the right long-distance moving company in North Miami requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate, trustworthy long-distance moving company in North Miami.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start collecting estimates several months before your move. Ask for itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in North Miami. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others say about specific long-distance movers. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable 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 during the summer months. North Miami also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise scheduling movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique 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 valuable, fragile, or sentimental 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 before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as medications, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

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.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it has less coverage. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this usually 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