10 best long-distance moving companies in Riverview, FL

There are many importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Lessen your issues by choosing the best movers for the job. We've created this list of the best long-distance movers in Riverview so you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in several ways. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when it comes to moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the right 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 Riverview

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for your move. Below, we provide some tips on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Riverview.

• 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. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or other insurance options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices carried 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 coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Request itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Riverview. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer 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 cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several loans allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about particular long-distance movers. Friends and family 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 get and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Riverview also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Avoid movers with an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you enough 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.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the things 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, such as medicine, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

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 incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll provide reimbursement if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. This usually 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