10 best long-distance moving companies in South Bradenton, FL

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

Alleviate your issues by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in South Bradenton to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers typically charge based on the length of time needed for your move. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their final cost, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local South Bradenton movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies 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 South Bradenton

Picking the right long-distance mover in South Bradenton requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and works within your budget. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in South Bradenton, we've compiled some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, inquire about the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options 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 company is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in South Bradenton several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several loans to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what other customers say about certain long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. South Bradenton also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment upfront. Avoid movers that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than 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.

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

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 vital, as it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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