8 best long-distance moving companies in Delano, CA

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

The right moving company can help alleviate your concerns. We've made this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Delano so you, your family, and your belongings make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers more often charge based on time. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Although local movers may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when 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 Delano

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. See the list below for some tips on picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Delano.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, inquiring about these or similar options is a good idea. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Delano several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing options. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what other customers say about specific long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to get a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. Steer clear of movers with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

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

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend starting a month beforehand. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the California DMV of your new address.

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

Finally, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it has less coverage. With this option, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you 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