10 best long-distance moving companies in Pembroke Pines, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Choosing the right movers can help ease your challenges. That’s why we’ve compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Pembroke Pines 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 significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local movers 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.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Pembroke Pines moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Choosing 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 Pembroke Pines

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. Here are some tips for picking a trustworthy long-distance mover in Pembroke Pines.

• 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, inquire about the insurance options provided by your mover. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. 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: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Pembroke Pines several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend looking into several loans to get 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 other customers think about particular long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Since Pembroke Pines is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reliable movers won't demand the full payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you plan your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we advise starting a month beforehand. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

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

Pack a suitcase with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as medicine, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. If you choose this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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