10 best long-distance moving companies in Tarpon Springs, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the right movers for the job. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best long-distance movers in Tarpon Springs to help you, your family, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Tarpon Springs

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. Below, we offer some recommendations on how to choose a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Tarpon Springs.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or other options for long-distance moves within the same state. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Tarpon Springs several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other clients think about specific long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• 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 book a mover. Tarpon Springs also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. Trustworthy movers generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of movers with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details 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 book your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, secure your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medicine.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has less protection. This insurance requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of 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