10 best long-distance moving companies in Claremont, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in significant ways. When you're moving between states, you may encounter complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving company can help ease your worries. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Claremont to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

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

Local Claremont moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, especially when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Claremont

Choosing the right long-distance moving company in Claremont requires research to ensure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. Below, we offer some guidance on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Claremont.

• 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. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves within the same state. In addition to the insurance coverage carried by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start getting quotes several months before your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to request itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Claremont. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help with cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching 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 customers think about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to get a moving company. Since Claremont is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, trustworthy movers won't request the full payment before the move. If a moving company 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

Hiring your movers far enough ahead of time is critical for a successful long-distance move. We suggest scheduling your move at least three months in advance, or possibly earlier if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the things 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 of your move, such as medications, extra clothes, and toothbrushes.

The night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves 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. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This usually 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