10 best long-distance moving companies in Panama City, FL

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

Alleviate your issues by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve created this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Panama City to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Keep in mind that some moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when it comes to moving between states. Using a long-distance moving company 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 Panama City

Finding the right long-distance moving company in Panama City requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. See the list below for some recommendations on picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Panama City.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or similar options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable 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 estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Panama City several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing options to help you afford your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Steer clear of movers that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important tip for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a smooth move, schedule your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might choose to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the Florida DMV of your new address.

Pack a bag with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medications.

Lastly, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides reduced coverage. With this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

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, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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