10 best long-distance moving companies in Ceres, CA

There are a variety of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help lessen your challenges. We've made this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Ceres so you, your family, and your belongings arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only do local moves. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such requests at all.

Local movers are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Ceres moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Ceres

Finding the right long-distance moving company in Ceres requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. Below, we have compiled some advice on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Ceres.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, ask about the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance options provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Ask for detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Ceres. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help with cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several choices to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what other clients have said about particular long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to hire a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Ceres, June and August 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 movers shouldn’t ask for the full payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days beforehand. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

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

Creating 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, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medicine, extra clothes, and toiletries.

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it has less coverage. With this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this typically 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