10 best long-distance moving companies in The Villages, FL

There are a range of factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Alleviate your worries by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've created this list of the leading long-distance movers in The Villages.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in several ways. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers typically set fees based on the time needed for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's necessary to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local The Villages moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in The Villages

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some recommendations on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in The Villages.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves within the same state. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance coverage in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and 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 provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in The Villages several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Trustworthy movers generally shouldn't demand your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we recommend starting a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the tasks 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.

Pack a bag with necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toiletries, medicine, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less protection. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, 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