10 best long-distance moving companies in Atwater, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalsignificant ways. When you're moving between states, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Atwater to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when calculating their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is invaluable. Using a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Atwater

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some guidance on picking a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Atwater.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To better protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Atwater several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest researching several loans to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a mover. Atwater also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Reputable movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. If a mover 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

A good tip for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough in advance. To ensure a stress-free move, book your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving 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, fragile, or valuable items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Make 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 putting together a bag with items such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll pay you back if any of your possessions are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it has less protection. This option requires your movers to compensate 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 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