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

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help ease your concerns. We've compiled this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in North Port so you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to keep in mind. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to such jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies more often charge based on time. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in North Port

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in North Port, we've collected some advice below.

• 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 doesn't cross state lines, inquire about the insurance options provided by your mover. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in North Port several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing options. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several loans to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what previous customers say about specific long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to get a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Additionally, trustworthy movers shouldn’t ask for the full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you plan your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise getting started a month ahead of time. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you less protection. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, 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