10 best long-distance moving companies in Concord, CA

There are many factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve created this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Concord to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies commonly charge based on the length of time required for your move. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Concord moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Choosing a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 Concord

Choosing the right long-distance mover in Concord requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and fits your budget. See the list below for some recommendations on choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Concord.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and 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 rules such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We advise looking for quotes several months before your move. Contact several long-distance moving providers in Concord and request detailed quotes. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several loans to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what previous customers say about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to book a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Concord, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has a long 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 useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, reserve 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.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as extra clothes, medicine, and toiletries.

The night before your big move, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to 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. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. 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