10 best long-distance moving companies in Ocoee, FL

There are many factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help lessen your problems. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Ocoee.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee 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 moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Ocoee moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Ocoee

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of options can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Ocoee.

• 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 is within the same state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start asking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Ocoee and ask for detailed cost breakdowns. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can with cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others say about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a moving company. Ocoee also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, legitimate movers won't request the full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you book 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 specific services, like piano 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 belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Put together a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medications.

Lastly, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll give you money back if any of your possessions are lost or damagedin the move.

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection is more expensive but offers greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. This plan requires your movers to compensate 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. 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