10 best long-distance moving companies in Winter Park, FL

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in many ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Ease your worries by choosing the right moving professionals for the job. We've compiled this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Winter Park so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in many ways. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Winter Park moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Winter Park

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Winter Park, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Winter Park several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll need.
• 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 with expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several choices allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other customers say about particular long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to book a moving company. Winter Park also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August 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 quote is a red flag. Trustworthy movers generally won't request your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your moving company well before your move date is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. We suggest planning your move at least 90 days beforehand, or possibly earlier if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Florida DMV.

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

The night before your big move, remember to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement 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 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you reduced coverage. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this typically 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