10 best long-distance moving companies in Tallahassee, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help lessen your concerns. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Tallahassee to help you, your family, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so it's key to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Tallahassee moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Tallahassee

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some tips on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Tallahassee.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Tallahassee several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several choices to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to get a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Tallahassee, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your moving company far enough ahead of time is extremely important for a successful 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 moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

Create a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks 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 putting together a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medications.

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

All interstate movers must offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you reduced coverage. With this plan, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

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