10 best long-distance moving companies in Ruskin, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in several ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help relieve your issues. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've compiled this list of the top long-distance movers in Ruskin.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to consider. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers more often charge based on time. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Choosing a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Ruskin

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Ruskin requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Ruskin, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Ruskin several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing options to help you pay for your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Ruskin also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Legitimate moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your movers well before your move date is extremely important when planning a long-distance move. We suggest hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano or car moving.

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

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

Put together a suitcase with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as toiletries, medicine, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. 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 movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it provides better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. With this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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