10 best long-distance moving companies in Arcadia, CA

There are many importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Hiring the right movers can help lessen your concerns. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the top long-distance movers in Arcadia.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these requests at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Arcadia moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Arcadia

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Arcadia, we've compiled some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Arcadia several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Arcadia 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: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reliable moving companies 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. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure an easy move, find your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and possibly even more if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend getting started a month beforehand. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

Make a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the California DMV.

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

The night before your big move, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

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 that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. With this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically 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