10 best long-distance moving companies in Corcoran, CA

There are factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Corcoran to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to keep in mind. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's important to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Corcoran moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when relocating to another state. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Corcoran

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for you. See the list below for some tips on picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Corcoran.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other insurance options. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Corcoran. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several options allows you to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous customers say about specific long-distance movers. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and costlier to hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reliable moving companies won't ask for the full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

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

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

We also recommend making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the California DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medications.

The night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll reimburse you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is more expensive but offers more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will reimburse 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 when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

State of California Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration