10 best long-distance moving companies in Antelope, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in a variety of ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help lessen your problems. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've compiled this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Antelope.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to consider. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies more often charge based on time. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in tackling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Antelope

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices can be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some tips on how to choose a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Antelope.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, inquire about the options provided by your mover. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Antelope several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing options to help you pay for your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend researching several loans to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Neighbors and loved ones 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 for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Antelope, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. Reputable movers generally won't demand your complete payment before the move. If a mover has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You probably have sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving 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 California DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as toiletries, medications, and extra clothes.

Lastly, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings 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. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

State of California Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration