10 best long-distance moving companies in Bell Gardens, 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 challenges such as how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help relieve your concerns. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the best long-distance movers in Bell Gardens.

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 keep in mind. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such jobs at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers often charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies commonly charge based on the time needed for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their final cost, so it's necessary to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Bell Gardens moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Bell Gardens

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Bell Gardens, we've gathered some advice 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar options. In addition to the insurance coverage offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Bell Gardens several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and lowest 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 loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Bell Gardens, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable tip for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you book your move at least three months ahead of time. 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 or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the California DMV.

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you less protection. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse 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 keep the same policy after you move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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