10 best long-distance moving companies in Port St. Lucie, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalsignificant ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about concerns like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Put your mind at ease by hiring the right movers for the job. That’s why we’ve created this list of the leading long-distance movers in Port St. Lucie 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 do local moves. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

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 location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Port St. Lucie

Finding the right long-distance moving company in Port St. Lucie requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Port St. Lucie, we've put together some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types 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 inquire about these or other insurance options. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers supply a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Port St. Lucie several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can with expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Port St. Lucie 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: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. Trustworthy moving companies generally won't request your complete payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your moving company far enough ahead of time is key for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, hire your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Florida DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. If you choose this plan, your movers will pay 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 carry over the same policy during your move. 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