10 best long-distance moving companies in Burbank, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the leading long-distance movers in Burbank.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in several ways. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers more often charge based on time. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's necessary to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. 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 Burbank

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices may be overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your needs. Below, we provide some advice on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Burbank.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To better protect your belongings during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Burbank several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others think about specific long-distance movers. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Burbank also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. Trustworthy movers generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. Avoid movers with a 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 valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

We also recommend making 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.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, medications, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Lastly, make sure to get plenty of rest the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it provides greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less protection. With this plan, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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