10 best long-distance moving companies in Cathedral City, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. We've made this guide to the best long-distance movers in Cathedral City so you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in a few ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. However, some providers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Cathedral City moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies 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 Cathedral City

Choosing the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Cathedral City, we've gathered some guidance 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 clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other insurance options. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers 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 mover. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Cathedral City. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several choices allows you to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients have said about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Cathedral City, June and August 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. Additionally, legitimate moving companies won't request the full payment upfront. Avoid movers with an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a stress-free move, secure your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we recommend starting a month beforehand. You probably have sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medicine, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items 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 greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, 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. 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