10 best long-distance moving companies in Belmont, CA

There are a variety of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Ease your problems by picking the best movers for the job. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've compiled this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Belmont.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to note. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Belmont movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Belmont

Finding the right long-distance mover in Belmont requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Belmont, we've collected some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other insurance options. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Belmont several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can cover cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend looking into several options to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous clients say about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Because there are so many college students living in Belmont, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Reliable movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. Avoid movers that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest starting a month ahead of time. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as medications, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, remember to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll pay you back 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 money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. This option requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, 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