10 best long-distance moving companies in Brentwood, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help alleviate your challenges. That’s why we’ve put together this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Brentwood to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies typically set fees based on the length of time needed for your move. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Brentwood

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Brentwood, 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 types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or other options is a good idea. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Brentwood several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several options to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what other clients say about certain long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to get a moving company. Brentwood 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: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Trustworthy moving companies generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with 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 key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well in advance of your move date. We recommend booking movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, 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 packing a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, medications, and toiletries.

The night before your big move, remember to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less protection. If you choose this option, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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