10 best long-distance moving companies in Carson, CA

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

Selecting the right movers can help alleviate your concerns. We've compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Carson so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers 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.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

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 city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Hiring a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical 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 Carson

Picking the right long-distance moving company in Carson requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. Below, we offer some advice on how to choose a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Carson.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other insurance options. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Carson several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• 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 help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise looking into several loans to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other customers have said about specific long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Carson, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Legitimate movers generally won't request your complete payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of bad 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

Booking your moving company well before your move date is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, book your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Put together a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things 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 medications, toiletries, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

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.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this typically 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