10 best long-distance moving companies in Camarillo, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by picking the right moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in Camarillo.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when moving between states. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Camarillo

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Camarillo requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Camarillo, we've collected some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Camarillo several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing options to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several loans allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous clients have said about certain long-distance movers. 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 get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Camarillo also has a lot of college students living in the area, so 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. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, find your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and possibly even more if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than 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 necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toiletries, medications, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers 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 offers more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less protection. This plan requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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