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

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in many ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Winter Springs to help you, your loved ones, 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. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when it comes to moving from one state to another. 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 Winter Springs

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Winter Springs requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. Below, we provide some tips on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Winter Springs.

• 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. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or other options is a good idea. To better protect your possessions during the move, we recommend getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance plans 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 reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Winter Springs several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing options to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several options allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what other customers say about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Since Winter Springs is home to so many college students, 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 estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reliable moving companies won't request the full payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad 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

Reserving your moving company far enough in advance is extremely important when getting ready for a long-distance move. We recommend scheduling movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Putting together a checklist of all the things 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.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medicine.

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but includes better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has less protection. With this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after 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