10 best long-distance moving companies in Compton, CA

There are factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Picking the right moving professionals can help alleviate your problems. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Compton.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers differ in several ways. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers usually charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies typically charge based on the length of time needed for your move. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Compton moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Compton

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of options can feel overwhelming. Below, we provide some advice on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Compton.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, inquire about the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. 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 publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start getting estimates several months ahead of your move. Get in touch with several long-distance moving providers in Compton and request itemized quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing options to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others think about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• 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 book a moving company. Since Compton is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you plan your move at least three months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need 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 valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the things that need to be done 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.

Pack essentials for the first few days, 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 provide reimbursement if any of your items are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. 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 provides less protection. 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 carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. 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