10 best long-distance moving companies in Bay Point, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Picking the right movers can help relieve your issues. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Bay Point.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to consider. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be more affordable), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when moving from one state to another. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Bay Point

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Bay Point, we've put together some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Bay Point several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing plans. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several options allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients have said about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Bay Point 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: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. Reputable moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good tip for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. When it comes to fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the California DMV of your new address.

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medications, extra clothes, and toiletries.

The night before your big move, remember 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.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings 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. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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