10 best long-distance moving companies in Rockledge, FL

There are several 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 obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Alleviate your concerns by picking the best moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Rockledge.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in several ways. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

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

Local Rockledge moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Rockledge

Finding the right long-distance mover in Rockledge requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Rockledge, we've put together some guidance 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 customers: 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 fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend looking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Rockledge. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several options allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what other customers have said about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a mover. Since Rockledge is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

We also suggest making a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medicine.

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep 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 that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. This option requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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