10 best long-distance moving companies in Sunrise, FL

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

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. We've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Sunrise so you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies more often charge based on time. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's important to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Sunrise moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Sunrise

Choosing the right long-distance moving company in Sunrise requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. Below, we provide some advice on how to pick a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Sunrise.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, looking into these or other options is a good idea. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out estimates several months ahead of your move. Get itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Sunrise. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing options to help you pay for 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. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what other clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to hire a moving company. Since Sunrise is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you cautious. Additionally, legitimate movers won't demand the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of poor 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

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

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise getting started a month beforehand. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Put together a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

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

Finally, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll reimburse you if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

All interstate movers are required to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. With this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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