10 best long-distance moving companies in Ashland, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Picking the right movers can help alleviate your worries. We've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Ashland so you, your loved ones, and your possessions get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. Some 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.

Local Ashland moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. 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 Ashland

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some recommendations on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Ashland.

• 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. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or other options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Ashland several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to book a moving company. Since Ashland is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Trustworthy movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes 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 book your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend getting started a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you 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.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has less protection. If you choose this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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