10 best long-distance moving companies in Ormond Beach, FL

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

Hiring the right movers can help alleviate your challenges. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Ormond Beach.

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 movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

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

Local Ormond Beach movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the relevant 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 Ormond Beach

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it challenging to hire the right one for your move. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate, trustworthy long-distance moving company in Ormond Beach.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar insurance options. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete 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: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Ormond Beach several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous clients say about certain long-distance moving companies. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Ormond Beach, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t request the full payment before the move. Avoid moving companies with an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough in advance. We recommend scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of 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