10 best long-distance moving companies in Cudahy, CA

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've compiled this guide to the best long-distance movers in Cudahy.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in a few ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically 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 charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies 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 Cudahy

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can be overwhelming. Below, we provide some tips on how to find a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Cudahy.

• 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 clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other insurance options. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to request itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Cudahy. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others have said about specific long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Cudahy also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. Reputable moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your moving company far enough ahead of time is critical when planning a long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, secure your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

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

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the California DMV of your new address.

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

The night before your big move, don't forget to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll reimburse you if any of your items are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers have to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection costs more but gives you more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you reduced coverage. If you choose this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you 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